The Knest

I'm Moving...

2009-11-08T14:15:00.000-06:00

Yep. I'm moving. Again. But this time you get to come with me.
I've decided to move the blog over to wordpress. All the old content has been moved over so you won't miss a beat. The new blog has a few more features than this one. I am very interested to get your feedback on the new digs.
The New Address is Http://theknest.wordpress.com
The only thing that has changed for you is ".blogspot" is now ".wordpress"Please update your RSS feeds, bookmarks, etc.

Super Cute Pattern Alert!

2009-11-05T23:11:00.000-06:00

This is Emmery from Jordana Paige.

This super-cute felted sweater is sure to jump to the top of your queue. With its fun ruffle edge and practical full collar, this garment has a perfect of whimsy. It is knit in mostly stockinette with minimal finishing so this project is well within the reach of the average knitter. This sample is shown in Blue Sky Alpacas Sportweight, but I bet it could be knit in SWTC Karaoke or Mountain Meadow Wool Cody!

Shopowners, this pattern is available now so if you are interested please contact me! Knitters, ask your LYS owners to contact me or just leave me a comment telling me what shops you think should carry this pattern.

On the Road Again...

2009-10-26T12:41:00.000-05:00

I was on the road again this past week. I cruised on up to the Twin Cities for a couple of days to visit a few shops. First I visited Adrianne at Be Ya Gi in Little Canada. We had a great time chatting and sipping coffee and ooing and aaaing over yarn and such. That may seem like a strange name for a shop and it took me a little while to really get it, but it is a mash-up up of "BEads, YArn, GIfts". That is exactly what they have there, how clever!

From Be Ya Gi, I had a surprise cancelation, so I had some free time to eat lunch and explore Minneapolis a little bit. I visited Russel + Hazel, a stationary store that I enjoyed just a little too much. They had bunny-shaped paper clips! And customizable planner notebooks! And a "Binder Bar"! I was in 7th heaven!

After R+H, I went to Needlework Unlimited, a very large and established yarn shop. There, I met with Karen, who has been at the helm of this great yarn empire for over a decade. Meeting someone that experienced in this industry is a surprisingly rare treat. I enjoyed my visit immensely and learned a lot.

From NU, I checked into my motel for the night. This was my first "yellow-light" situation with a motel. Meaning: I didn't feel entirely comfortable with the cleanliness or safety of this place, but it was quite enough to make me say "no" and leave. What appeared to be a prostitute was eyeing me from the moment I pulled up. She sat in the newly re-furnished lobby and glared at me as I checked in. I got to my room, a dark cavernous space furnished with cast-off patio furniture and king size bed roughly twice my age covered in cigarette burn holes that smelled of BO. It was early, so rather than hang out in the room, I looked up a shopping district and took off. The prostitute glared at me as I left.

The next day I packed up and hit the highway for Shepherd's Choice in Anoka. When I arrived, I was warmly greeted by Karen, her daughter Nancy, and their friend (whose name I can't remember and I feel really awful about that cause she was lovely!) I was blown away by these ladies' enthusiasm and warmth! I could have stayed for days, I was having that much fun with them. They have just moved the store from a barn out in rural MN to a store-front in a quaint suburb. Despite the stress of moving, these gals were invigorated and inspiring. I am really looking forward to hosting a Fashion Event with them in January!

From Shepherd's Choice, I made one last stop at Knitter's Palette in Lakeville. There I met with Pam. We had a nice little visit before I hit the road for home.

On the way home, I made a very important decision: I have decided that I much, much, MUCH prefer taking I-94 from MN to IL over I-90. 94 cuts through rural WI and drops me off right in the twin cities over the MN border. 90 takes me through 2+ hours of rural MN before I get to the city. Rural MN creeps me out for some reason, but Rural WI does not. I-90, however, does have the grandest crossing of the Mississippi river I have ever seen, so, put that in your pocket and walk with it.

Sights From The Road

2009-10-15T11:16:00.000-05:00

It's been a slow week here at The Knest. I've been doing a lot of cold-calling which means I've actually been doing a lot of message-leaving. That's not really anything to blog about. So, instead of letting the blog languish away, or worse, posting comprehensive list of voicemails I have left, I put together a "director's cut" of road photos if you will. These are photos of things I have seen while on the road. I think they are quirky and fun, but did not fit with other posts.

In Madison, WI

Rural Route in Wisconsin

My trusty steed, Lola, hanging out in
Eau Claire, WI

The View from my hotel window in
Waupaca, WI

Spotted a block away from the Waupaca Arts
Center. Too Cool!

This Just In! JORDANA PAIGE!

2009-10-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

But, Seriously, Folks....

Photo Courtesy of Jordana Paige

I just received my rep kit from the one, the only, Jordana Paige! I was like a bag-a-holic with a box full of beautiful bags! Bad metaphor, but effective. I stayed up half the night just trying to decide which bag to steal and claim as my own. I still can't decide. Decisions, Decisions...

I can't wait to show these puppies off. Shopowners, these bags are the perfect item to have on hand for the inevitable husband who sticks his head in this coming season and says "Um, my wife is a knitter and I don't know what to get her...maybe some yarn...she likes yarn..." and stares around, baffled by the stock on the shelves.

New from SWTC

2009-10-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

Introducing Llama Luxury!
South West Trading Company has introduced a new, very affordable and totally luscious luxury yarn. It is 100% baby llama fiber with a 22.5 micron count. It comes in 8 natural shades ranging from creamy white, through heathered camel and smokey grey to a deep rich charcoal. At MSRP $11 for a 100m skein, it is a bargain! It officially knits up at 5 sts/inch on a 7, but I got a hot insider tip that it is better off at 4 sts/inch on an 8. Either way, I can't wait to swatch this baby up!

Shopowners, if you are looking for an affordable luxury yarn in natural shades, this is a winner! Please e-mail me if you are interested!

Always looking to strike while the iron is hot, SWTC is also introducing a SOLIDS COLLECTION in their perennial hit sock yarn, Tofutsies! There will be 10 solid colors introduced at the end of the month. Solid colors will show off your more complex or delicate stitch work in a way that variegated sock yarns can not.

To celebrate the new yarns, they are also rolling out the two new patterns you see here. Wouldn't that brown sweater look great in my closet?

Llama Luxury and Solid Tofutsies ship at the end of October, so look for it on store shelves soon.

Insert Needle As If To Knit...

2009-10-08T13:06:00.000-05:00

Here a few snapshots from my revolving knitting scrapbook:

A scene from a lovely September day.
Getting my mandatory vitamin D, Doctor's Orders!

Here is a minor knitting calamity on my StitchDiva Endless Cardi Shawl. At 347 stitches per row, my already over crowded circ snapped!

Stitches flew everywhere, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth and sweat and cursing and and and....
But I survived and so has the project.

More photos as it develops and as better photo opportunities present themselves. I'll try not to bore you with project-on-the-needles-scrunched-beyond-recognition-against-the-backdrop-of-a-bedspread-or-the-carpet photos.

Here is my finally completed Misti Alpaca Lace Shawl (seen in progress at the top of this post). I started this project as a stress reliever back in college. I didn't use a pattern, it was just a simple increase at the edges, 2 stitch repeat. I just wanted something luscious that let the colors of the yarn sing. I think I accomplished that in spades. This photo does not do the color or the loft of the fabric any justice. I promise a more satisfying photo soon. I have been wearing the shawl everywhere...I love it.

Introducing Mountain Meadow Wool

2009-10-07T09:03:00.000-05:00

I am proud to announce that I have added Mountain Meadow Wools to my line of manufacturers. This is an awe-inspiring company that I hold near and dear to my heart already. Based out of Wyoming, Val and Heather are dedicated to all that is Good in yarn manufacture. They started the company not because they are passionate about knitting, but because they are passionate about wool as a fine agricultural product of Wyoming. They are committed to doing right by farmers and ranchers, the sheep, the environment, the independent yarn shops, and the knitters. The yarn is naturally grown, humanely shorn, DOMESTICALLY PROCESSED AND SPUN in the most eco-friendly fashion and naturally dyed (or not dyed). 10% of the MSRP goes back to the farmers. In this industry, that is incredible.

The yarn is all natural, springy, and refreshingly home-spun (no pun intended, I mean that literally). I am confident that it is a joy to work with because Cat Bordhi is a devoted fan. The retail prices are far lower than any other yarn of this caliber I have come across. I have not knit with it yet, though I plan to very very soon.

Shopowners, this is not to be missed! Knitters, please, ask your LYS about this yarn!

Beans Beans, the Magical Fruit

2009-10-04T13:05:00.000-05:00

Here on the homestead the nights are turning colder and the leaves are changing colors so that means Harvest Time! Today I harvested the heirloom beans. We have 3 varieties, all from Seed Savers Exchange; Kentucky Wonder Pole, Cranberry, and my favorite, the Christmas Lima Bean. You may recognize the Christmas Lima from the cover of the book Animal Vegetable, Miracle by, my favorite author, Barbara Kingsolver. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend that you put it at the top of your reading list.

An important lesson was learned: if the pod looks beautiful and rich and vibrant then the bean is immature. If the pod looks like cat-yak, there is one sexy bean inside.

I haven't quite decided what to cook with the beans. Right now I am just admiring them in a cobalt bowl on my kitchen table. Truthfully, I find the look of them satisfying enough all on their own.

The Waupaca Fashion Gallery

2009-10-03T21:48:00.000-05:00

I'm working on improving my HTML image formating skills, So please be patient. I'm testing out a new concept where I post alternately text-heavy and image-heavy entries. This way, I am hoping to create a more code-friendly back end for myself and a more reader/viewer friendly blog. Please comment or e-mail me with your opinions!

The Waupaca SuperModels; Doris, Anita, Victoria, and Karen	One Rowdy Crowd!
The Big V Vest Strut	A Peri-Fairy
Waupaca's Answer to Vana White	One Chic Suit
The most lovely Therapi Braided Wrap	The Belle of the Ball

"I Survived Waupaca Wisconsin!"

2009-10-02T10:43:00.015-05:00

And I loved every minute of it!

I just got back from my first roadtrip since my surgery. First, I was at the Sow's Ear in Verona, WI, where I met with the lovely Heather. The Sow's Ear is one of my favorite shops I've visited yet. It is a combination coffee shop/yarn shop and does both beautifully! I am hoping to get back there soon for a Fashion Event (details to follow).

From Fair Verona, I hit the trail northwards to Waupaca, Wisconsin. It was a lovely 3 hour drive through farm country during harvest time. The leaves are starting to change color and the sky, for the most part, was deep and endless blue. I could not have asked for a more beautiful drive.

Once I arrived in Waupaca, I was greeted by the warmest, most welcoming group of artists at the Waupaca Arts Center. The Arts Center is home to a shop run by 5 artists; each with their own specialty. They have Yarn, weaving and knitting supplies(Lamb's Quarters), beads, pottery, baskets, recycled clothing, photography, etc. You can find the Waupaca Arts Center on Facebook at "Waupaca Arts" and the yarn shop portion at www.lambs-quarters.biz

<---Anita, Jane and Victoria from Lamb's Quarters

At the Arts Center we hosted a Fashion Show and we must have been the talk of Central Wisconsin! Women drove in from over 60 miles away to see the show!

Extra-Special Thanks to shopowner Jane, Photographer Byron, and Models Anita, Victoria, Doris, and Karen!

Yaks and Yarns and Yucks (their title, not mine)

2009-09-23T11:36:00.006-05:00

image courtesy of Denver Post

BijouSpun yarn is one of the lines I carry. Eileen over at Bijou Basin Ranch, home of the yak yarn, just sent me this link. The Denver Post did a piece on the Ranch that I really enjoyed. If you have a moment, I highly recommend that you watch this video. The yaks are so sweet and the fiber; so luscious!

Surgery Update (No Photos, I promise)

2009-09-19T10:21:00.005-05:00

Warning

If you do not want to hear about my insides, kindly disregard this post.

The surgery was a success! That being said, I feel like I survived the most punishing ab-bootcamp ever invented by the U.S. armed forces and have nothing to show for it but 4 small stab wounds. They removed my gallbladder laprascopically, through a 2 inch incision in my belly button and made 3 more small incisions around my abs for sport. You can watch a video filmed by my doctor if you dare. Turns out, not only was the duct blocked by a very large gallstone, but I had several more small stones in there too. It was all so infected that it had adhered in a whole bunch of places not only to my liver, but also to my stomach. This stinking gallbladder had actually pulled my stomach out of place! I will not even describe to you what they found inside the thing, but my doctor was pretty shocked. Apparently I really should have been so jaundiced that I glowed in the dark for the last year or two. I guess I am so pale that nobody would have noticed!

I spent one very, very long sleepless night in the hospital. I gave the hospital staff quite a scare when I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia several hours after I woke up. Turns out that because I am such a good girl (I don't smoke, drink, eat a lot of processed food, take medications etc) my body could not process all the chemicals from the surgery. I suddenly couldn't breath, started convulsing, and lost feeling in my arms and legs. They took an emergency EKG that showed a heart arrhythmia. That was petrifying, but it passed. My nurse, who has been in the field for nearly 15 years, said that I was the only time she ever saw anyone have that reaction.

After a day, my mom took me back to her house I spent two days being a lump on her couch. Each day I have been getting a little stronger. Last night I was well enough to come back to Grandma's house and sleep in my own bed and see my bunny-babies. Now I am sitting around, hoping people will visit me. I not supposed to leave the house or get out of bed much until my follow up appointment on Wed.

When all is said and done, I do have the gallstone in a little jar. I think I should make a necklace...

Wish Me Luck

2009-09-14T20:26:00.005-05:00

MYSTERY SOLVED!

After several years of mysterious and debilitating nocturnal pain attacks I have finally gotten a diagnosis. Turns out I have at least 1 inch-wide gallstone lodged in some sort of duct near my liver. Tomorrow I am going to have my Gallbladder removed. I will be in the hospital for only one night (hopefully) and then will be stuck in bed for about a week. Wish me luck.

In the mean time, here is a photo of my bunny-girls discussing important bunny issues.

Gifted Purl Spectacular!

2009-09-12T20:12:00.009-05:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Gifted Purl for the Fashion Event on Friday night! It was so much fun and I felt so welcome there. I would like to extend a very special thank you to Mollie, the shop owner, and my 4 volunteer models; Jeanette, Allie, Casey, and Lindsey. They were total pros and such good sports. Here are some photos of our fun from Friday.

This is called a "Knitter's Handshake".

Here are Mollie, the shopowner and gracious hostess, and Kat, my special guest, the General Manager of Southwest Trading Company.

I have two fashion events planned for October. 1 at Montoya Fiber Studio in Evanston for Thursday, 10/8 and another at Sister Arts in Chicago for Thursday, 10/15.

If you would like to have a fashion show in your area, Please leave a comment or send me an e-mail! I love these shows and they are a great time for everybody!

No Call, No Show

2009-09-09T13:10:00.004-05:00

Currently I am sitting on a bench, outside of a yarn shop in a quaint Chicago Suburb. I will not tell you which suburb or which shop. I am at my first of hopefully very, very few, No call-No Show appointments. I have no cell phone number to contact the shop owner at, no voicemail at the shop itself, no nothing. Luckily it is a lovely day to be out on a bench. And luckily, I did not have to drive terribly far or rent a motel room or any other some-such. This is purely an accident, an oversight I'm sure. However, consider me a little miffed.

That being said, I have further not-so-good news. I picked a very, very bad time to get sick. I have been dealing with an increasingly nasty heart burn problem for the past several years. I haven't seen the need to see a doctor up until recently because things are getting out of control. Well, long story short, I am now seeing a specialist and having a lot of tests done (both invasive and not so invasive). So, to say I'm a little bit stressed is, well, I'll leave it at "I'm stressed".

Sorry for the Negative Nelly post. I'll post something upbeat when something upbeat happens!

A Knit-Night Spectacular

2009-09-04T07:51:00.007-05:00

To begin with, I should have taken photos. I really should have.

That being said, after a brief sales call out in Joliet at The Perfect Touch, I headed into Chicago for a very special Knit Night at Sister Arts Studio. We were celebrating (...and celebrating and celebrating...) Donna's 50th birthday! There was pizza and knitting and wine and great company and a fantastic time was had by all! If anyone has photos please e-mail them to me to post at a later date.

On the repping front, I have good news brewing and will share it when everything is official.

I also have 2 particularly friendly and fabulous yarn shops to recommend.

In Dunlap, IL I went to Knit 4 Together (no site) where I got to hang out with Nancy and Marilyn. Be warned, Nancy has a wicked sense of humor! I had such a good time and am hoping to have a fashion event with them. They are even looking into renting out a church hall for it!

From Dunlap I continued on to Knoxville, IL where I visited Sit'n'Knit (no site), a yarnshop-slash-HAIR SALON (Oh how cool!) I have been to a few cafe-yarn shops, but this was totally new and fabulous. Maureen, the shop owner, was just as sweet as pie and we had such a fun time looking at yarn. However, I did not take any photos, so bad blogger: no cookies.

I don't have much planned as far as appts for next week, so I'm hoping to get a lot of cold calling done, and perhaps even some knitting. (GASP!). Wish me luck!

The Yarny Yarn Empire Announcements

2009-09-03T11:29:00.004-05:00

To start off with, I have a big announcement. I am now the President and CEO (and secretary and janitor and sole employee) of my VERY OWN CORPORATION! Knest Inc. has been officially registered as a corporation with the Illinois Secretary of State. Very exciting, if only this was a corporation that made $$...

Anyways, I have yet more exciting announcements. Ladies and Gentleman, get out your calenders! I have booked SWTC fashion events that you all truly must attend!

Friday, 9/11 @ 6 PM-Gifted Purl (120 W Main st, West Dundee, IL). A Stitches Celebration with Surprise SWTC Guest!

Thursday, 10/8 @ 5 PM- Montoya Fiber Studio (2566 Prairie ave, Evanston, IL). The Central Street Shopping District, a fabulous destination any day, is having an event called "Retail Therapy". There will be fun stuff happening all over, most notably the SWTC roadshow!

Thursday, 10/15 @ 6:30 PM- Sister Arts Fiber Studio (721 W Wrightwood, Chicago). This store is most near and dear to my heart. Please join the funniest, knittiest, wine-iest group of ladies in Chicago for an evening of, what else, wine, knitting, and SWTC fashion!

I hope to see lots of you there! And remember the SWTC motto: "Expect the Unexpected!"

Fashion Event Updates

2009-08-27T19:20:00.006-05:00

Since being back on my home turf I've been hitting the phones pretty hard. I went on a call to Montoya Fiber Studio in Evanston today. Cathy was already a well stocked shop in terms of SWTC products. I am happy to report that I will be holding a fashion event there on Oct 8. It should be a spectacular night for it because the shopping district there is having a "Retail Therapy" night with all sorts of other events. Everyone who can show up, should show up!

It was a good week for booking fashion events. I also (finally) booked an event during Stitches Midwest. I will be at Gifted Purl in West Dundee! In fact, SWTC's general manager, Kat will be there as well so you can check two SWTCGirlz off your must-see checklist. We are that cool, you know.

It looks like I will be on the road again the week of 9/14-9/18. If you are in or around the Twin Cities and would like to meet with me on the 14 or 15th please leave a note in the comments! If you are in or around Madison, Wi and want to meet on the 16, 17 or 18, again, leave a note in the comments.

Back on Home Soil

2009-08-22T12:34:00.005-05:00

I am back on home soil now. When I last posted I had just pulled off the road somewhere near St. Paul, MN. After hitting the hay (hard!) I woke up to start fresh in a new city. First thing I did was get an oil change on the car (it was flashing and dinging at me back in La Crosse so I figured I better not push it). After that I began systematically visiting every yarn shop in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. To begin with, there are A LOT!! and on top of that, they are all HUGE by my puny, cramped, Chicago standards. I visited 11 shops while I was there. I even made 2 sales. It was not enough to cover the expenses of my trip, but I knew this was an introduction tour, so I would not be pulling in big bucks. So, special kudos to the ladies at Borealis Yarns

And The Fiber Studio!

My day in the Twin Cities was certainly more pleasant than I was anticipating after the night before. The weather was dreary but the people were so kind and warm! I even stayed a night longer than I anticipated and left early Friday morning.

I spent all day Friday on the road. I made a stop in Eau Claire, WI to visit Dixie at Yellow Dog Knitting. We had a nice chat and it was so nice to see her store. After that I had quite a time tracking down Fiber Garden in Black River Falls. My GPS took me off the highway, then off paved roads, and then dumped me at this:

"You Have Arrived at Your Destination." I think not.

Then the bridge back onto the interstate was out, so I spent a good 30 miles circling the highway, looking for a way back on. Then I stopped for gas and saw this:

I am not amused. I found my way back to the interstate and decided to forgo future stops. I will be out there again soon, no worries. I knew I was on the road too long when, upon arriving in IL, just 10 minutes from DC's house, I made a wrong turn while trying to be clever. I ended up in Libertyville. What a clod... I finally figured it out and thank goodness.

So, the Final Stats on this trip

Total # of Shops Visited: 29

# of shops found to be Out of Business:8

# of sales: 2

# of miles put on Lola: 1053.2

Thank You Officer Mark!

2009-08-20T07:18:00.009-05:00

Before I say anything else, this is Officer Mark and he is Awesome!

After my only sales pitch of the day, yesterday, the yarn shop owner was walking me to my car, helping me carry some yarn. We put it in the trunk and began discussing routes to St. Paul... I was so focused on the conversation that when I went to close the trunk I didn't notice that my keys were in there. SO Yes, I locked my keys in my car in front of a client. After trying a few tricks I had up my sleeve, I called non-emergency police. They sent officer Mark who deftly pried open the door, hit the unlock button, and retrieved my keys and saved the day! Yay for Officer Mark!

Now on to the rest of the day. Back in Madison I visited Lakeside Fibers, a combination coffee house and yarn shop. What a simple but brilliant partnership. This shop really is right on a beautiful lake so you can buy everything you need for a new project, order a coffee drink, and then sit out on their back porch overlooking the lake. Wow!

I also visited the Knitting Tree in Madison, who has a fantastic selection of alpaca and noro yarns. Certainly worth a visit if you are ever in Madison.

From Madison I worked my way out to the suburbs. Muriel over at 'Tis the Season Christmas and yarn shop was kind enough to take a look at my full collection of yarns. She was also kind enough to walk me to the car, see "Officer Mark" story above.

In Verona, I visited what might be one of my top 3 favorite yarn shops, The Sow's Ear. It is another combination yarn shop/coffee house. This one just felt so welcoming and had such a phenomenally well edited selection. I had half a mind to rent an apartment right there and ask for a job. I probably should have... the rest of the day was less fun.

I was stunned at how quickly I moved from moderately sized suburbs to true outright rural-ness. Mind you, I am a city girl. I can cope with bad neighborhoods, traffic, pot holes, jay walkers, confusing tangles of city streets. Being in the middle of nowhere terrifies me. All I can think about is "if something happened, nobody would know how to find me. Even if they did, I am so many miles from a hospital..." and those thoughts are really bothering me. Plus the weather was looking less than promising.

When I finally got my foot in the door at "Gone Knitting" in Richland Center, The shop owner turned on The Weather Channel for me. Sure enough, tornado watches and red swirls all the way across my route. Not good news. I decided to venture forth through Viroqua and on to La Crosse. I should have stayed in La Crosse!

I listened to local radio for most of the route to keep an eye on the weather. In La Crosse I decided to skip the rest of the shops on my route and just go straight to St. Paul for the night. I crossed the Mississippi (which I always forget is SO SO SO BIG) once, made a wrong turn, crossed it again, and then crossed back again. I was getting tired of driving. Once firmly on the Minnesota side, the weather really started to trouble me. For one thing, I am not comfortable driving around geography of any kind. This highway wound and turned around rocky hills and cliffs. There was construction funneling the highway down to a single lane with a rocky drop-off on either side. No shoulder, no wiggle room. That is when my radio went crazy with "tornado alert, get under ground" warnings. Then suddenly I was driving through total White-Out Conditions. Truly white knuckle driving ensued. Once out of the storm I saw the whole storm system from behind. It was unlike anything I have ever seen before. Bright blue sky ahead and then charcoal grey wall of storm behind me....I just learned that 12 tornadoes hit my route from that system.

Final trial of the day was my ignorance of just how much nothing was in between St. Paul and La Crosse. I started feeling pretty lonely and scared. I stayed on the phone as much as possible, but about 10 miles out of St. Paul I finally pulled into a Microtel for the night. I was grateful to be off the road.

Cold Call Cruising

2009-08-19T07:44:00.010-05:00

First off, My apologies for my lack of internet presence since the move. At Gma's house I have been leeching Wi-Fi from the neighbors and it has been spotty at best.

That being said, I am currently on a Cold-Call marathon from Chicago to St. Paul by way of I-94. Yesterday I found that the 4 out of 8 shops I tracked down yesterday no longer exist. The other 4 shops I did find, I found after they closed yesterday (but now I know where they are, so not all bad). So, for those of you keeping track at home, Yarn House in Elm Grove, Prairie Junction in Sun Prairie, Off the Beaten Path in Monona, and Knitch in Delafield are all still open to turn your dollars into fiber-y gold! I got to see lots of lovely country here in Wisconsin and visit some beautiful small towns. I put 180 miles on the car yesterday and finally stopped for the night in Madison, WI.

First Stop was in Racine, where I found that both shops I was looking for are nowhere to be found. I did also find this shop, so for what it's worth:

From there I moved on to Milwaukee where I have already visited Knitting Knook and Fiberwood studio. This time I was searching for Knitwit. I found Sparrow in it's place; a hip little recycled fashions storefront with jewlery, clothing, purses, and even a few craft supplies. I wish I had the time and $$ to pick up a little something from here.

Then I moved on to Yarn House in Elm Grove. It was an adorable little throw-back yarn shop with antique furniture and plants on a wrap-around front porch. I was dissapointed to miss their shop hours and look forward to a return trip.

While searching Delafield for The Knitting Ark, I found only a seemingly vacant building. I inquired around and was directed to a gem of a shop that was not on my list; Knitche, only 2 blocks away! I can't wait to go there again when they are open. The whole town was so quaint.

When I turned off the interstate onto the two-lane road that lead me to Sun Prairie I was stunned. Miles of rolling corn fields and red barns, just before sunset... it was a lovely drive. I could not drive safely and take a decent photograph, however, so you will just have to trust me. I pulled into town to find the Prairie Junction Yarn Shop (closed), and some other interesting spots for my next visit.

Today I am visiting shops from Madison to the Minnesota border. Stay tuned for more photos and (fingers crossed) and stories from INSIDE yarn shops.

So what are you knitting, knitter!?

2009-08-12T15:00:00.003-05:00

For what was originally intended to be a knitting blog, I have not been talking much about knitting. That being said, I have been working away on the AMAIZing Hug Wrap from SouthWest Trading Co. I'm making it to contribute to my fashion event! I'm making it in AMAIZing, of course. It is a fabulous yarn made entirely of corn (hence the name, get it?). The yarn is completely machine washable and dryable, making it ideal for baby garments or any other project where ease of care is important. The pattern itself would make an EXCELLENT knit night project because is mostly stockinette with a garter border. I can knit away while making phone calls, chatting with my knit friends, watching TV, etc. There is a cute little key-hole tie in the front, adding a pleasant puzzle to make the project more engaging. Photos to follow, I'm working at Sister Arts all week and forgot my camera today.

Moving and and Very Special Bunday!

2009-08-10T08:12:00.007-05:00

After much packing and sorting and arranging and then much more lifting and carrying and negotiating and straining and rearranging and nailbiting, I have completed my move from my condo downtown to my grandmother's house in the north suburbs.

It took me 3 days and nearly all of my sanity (more due to arguing with condo management than actual moving issues). I also went back after most of the moving was completed to fix the place up for my renter. I now have a modern circuit breaker instead of running the entire place on a single 15 amp fuse (that means not having to turn off the TV to run the microwave, or turning off everything to run the AC). I also had brand new carpet installed and painted over all my fun accent walls. Here's the house looking rather quirk-less and empty.

I have set up my bedroom to my liking at grandma's house. I still have a lot of unpacking and rearranging to do before she returns from Ireland this week. I hope she is ok with it, but I have bun-proofed my room such that my girls can run around freely in there when I'm home. Even safer than my condo was for them. I let them run loose a lot this weekend because it was there Very First Birthday!! Happy Birthday Scarf and Sweater! DC and I bought them lots of new toys and fawned over them quite a lot. I even made them a special treat, banana slices and pellets (Yum?)

Here they are exploring our new room.

Sunday (no) Bunday

2009-08-02T22:30:00.004-05:00

So it is Sunday, but I have no bunnies today! I have boarded them at Darling Christopher's while I move. They get crazed when I so much as move a kitchen chair. It would simply be too hard on them to see me pushing around all these boxes and furniture. I let them have one last run around the living room and then I moved them out for good. They put up quite a fight about leaving, I think they almost knew what was going on. I know they are in good hands with DC, probably getting too many raisins, but that's ok. I can't wait to get them all settled in at Grandma's. My mom is coming over tomorrow to help me with a final packing up. So for now, only 2 more nights in my own home.

The Cheddar Curtain

2009-07-31T10:44:00.009-05:00

This week I had my first foray across the state line with my rep kits. I had two appointments up in Milwaukee. Being unfamiliar with Milwaukee I sought out a native guide. Lucky for me, my college buddy Katy stepped up.

Her best friend lives 1/2 mile from my first appointment and her parents live down the block from my second appointment. So along with hitting a couple of sales calls, I got a first class tour of Milwaukee.

While I always miss the sign that says "Welcome to Wisconsin", I never miss this one. I think it's better anyways.

We also bought some Appleby's Gas. And you thought Applebees only did mozzerella sticks and burgers!

We passed Miller Stadium, home of the Brewers.

And here's Katy and her parents after we has a delicious dinner. Katy's mom had her very first Falafel!

When in Milwaukee I visited the Knitting Knook, a charming shop in a converted house. Her selection was beautiful and very high end. They will be expanding soon to gain some much needed space!

I also visited Fiberwood Studio, the first shop I've been to that had actual looms set up in the store. This shop is a fantastic destination for any weaver or multi-fiber arts interested crafter. This shop had a clear and unabashed natural color aesthetic that I just loved.

Dear Long Grove,

2009-07-29T16:21:00.004-05:00

Dear Long Grove,

I have been so close to you for so long, and yet, I had no idea. I drove in, fumbling with my notes and map and other assorted detritus of travel, turned an unassuming corner and was stunned. Quaint shop after general store after art gallery after artisan candy shop... oh I could go on. Well done Long Grove. You are lovely.

Much Admiration,

Emelia

I visited I'd Rather Be Knitting in Long Grove this afternoon. A large, charming shop with an eye on fashion forward knits.

Bunday (mon)day

2009-07-27T18:55:00.003-05:00

Bunny Kisses!

Scrapbook

2009-07-24T08:59:00.008-05:00

My sales calls have been going pretty well. I am already making more money than I was working at "That Certain Ubiquitous Corporate Coffee Retailer". I am trying to get up the guts to make my first venture out of Chicago-land next week. Minneapolis, perhaps? Madison?

I have been trying to take photos in and around the shops I visit. I really need to get someone to drive so I can take photos along the way....

On the home front I have also found a renter for my condo. She already lives in my building so I am rather jealous of how easy her move will be (no truck, no moving fee, no weather concerns...) Next month I will be moving up the Highland Park to live with my grandmother. She is rather lonely living in the house alone since Grandpa passed. I loath the idea of paying through the nose for rent on a place that I won't be spending much time in. This way my bunnies will be cared for while I'm away and won't need to be shuttled around. Also, I will be closer to the rest of my family and my Special Someone. So, as un-glamourous as being 23 and moving in with Grandma may sound, it is the right thing for me to do right now. In the mean time, I still need to move. UGH.

(late) Sunday Bunday

2009-07-21T08:37:00.009-05:00

These buns are just Coo-Coo for Choco-Puffs! Well, not choco-puffs, raisins. Please don't give them choco-puffs.

The red suitcase brigade!

2009-07-17T09:46:00.004-05:00

I have been out on my first sales calls this week with the Red Suitcase Brigade.

First appointment was out in Barrington with Gene Ann's Yarns. It was a lovely shop, absolutely packed floor to ceiling with yarn! Despite my nerves and confusion, Miss Gene Ann ordered quite a bit of yarn and had lots of very helpful feedback for me. She will soon have almost a full color selection of AMaizing yarn, perfect for baby garments or any other project that demands machine washability, durability and non-irritating fibers.

When I got back from Barrington I had yet 2 more LARGE boxes waiting for me. When I opened them I was stunned by the lovely collection of garments Southwest sent me for my marketing event. I will be holding fashion shows at stores all over IL, WI and MN. Stay tuned for exact dates and locations!

I brought the collection to my home store, Sister Arts Studio in Lincoln Park and showed the owner, Donna and we began planning a fashion show and party for October. It's going to be a blast!

I also had a lovely appointment with the ladies of Loopy Yarns, who were kind enough to meet with me and help me practice my pitch with them.

Rep Kit Received Cont'd

2009-07-13T16:50:00.008-05:00

So, after a little head scratching and coffee drinking and label making and other some-such I managed to corral the SWTC kit into looking like this:

It's a yarn party in a suitcase! Color rings neatly labeled and clipped to the top of the suit case and put-ups and kits in the body of the suitcase in corresponding order. Books in the outer pocket. And (drumroll please).....It all closes neatly!

Then I began calling around and leaving lots and lots of voicemails to make appts.

I went to wash my car and check the mail and low and behold, another rep kit! This one from Bijou Basin Yak fiber (talk about luxury!!). This kit was apparently packed by Martha Stewart or those container store people because check it out:

Seriously. I did not do that. All I did was open the box, take off the lids and point a camera at them. No joke. So gorgeous!

Anyways, I'm taking this show on the road tomorrow for the first time so Stay Tuned!

Rep Kit Received!

2009-07-13T08:15:00.005-05:00

So My Southwest Trading Company rep kit just arrived.

Oh My Goodness. I just picked it up from the receiving room, opened it and started to make sense of it all. Then I realized I needed a blog break. Woah, so cool....so scary....

Bunday Sunday

2009-07-12T14:40:00.003-05:00

Here are my girls proving one of the eternal laws of gift-giving. Buy them a big fancy expensive toy and they play with the box. We got the Aerogarden Herb kit for my birthday this spring and have been enjoying loads and loads of fresh herbs. I highly recommend these to anyone, really anyone. The buns, however, can't get enough of the box.

Moving and Shakin

2009-07-07T14:30:00.006-05:00

The gears are turning on getting my new career underway! My rep kit from Southwest Trading Co is on its way. My Etsy shop is live and stocked with my new sock stitch markers (Go check it out, I'll wait). I had a lovely phone interview with a gentleman from Lantern Moon this morning so hopefully I'll be bringing their products on the road with me, too.

I received my account list from Southwest yesterday and have started the arduous process of inputting all the stores (300+!) into a GoogleMap. What did people do before google? I'm putting them all on an interactive map so everybody can follow my travels through the blog!

The Next Big Adventure!

2009-06-29T18:34:00.004-05:00

So, the quick and dirty of this post is I am about to become a full time Yarn Sales Representative. I also no longer work at that certain ubiquitous corporate coffee retailer.

The slightly messy, abbreviated explanation:

I spent years and years toiling over starting my career as an Art Teacher. I did everything by the book and was excessively prepared and qualified and it got me nowhere. So, I spent a year searching for jobs, all sorts of jobs, applying like crazy and getting rejected like crazy. Finally, I decided to throw caution to the wind, hop on a plane, and hit the floor at TNNA looking for a job as a Yarn Rep. I don't know much about it and I made that abundantly clear. Nobody really seemed to care, I landed a massive yarn line immediately. I was so stunned to not be rejected outright that I sweated right through my shirt while smiling like a fool. I think I nearly fainted.

And now I'm getting ready to hit the road as a rep in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. I don't know how this is going to work out? If I'll be able to support myself? Where this will lead? Where I will live? All minor details, I suppose. It's a big adventure, this is my Wild West.

If you are a yarn rep and have any advice or answers or tips or really anything to share with a newbie, PLEASE get in touch. All others, WISH ME LUCK!

building a better toe-up sock

2009-05-17T13:06:00.005-05:00

I am on a mission to build a better sock. To be specific, a better toe-up sock. I am using Wisdom Yarns Poem sock yarn in rainbow (because everything is better in technicolor).

My first pattern was the standard free toe-up recipe we hand out at Sister Arts by Southwest Trading Company. I knit all the way up the toe, foot, turned the heel and was several inches up the leg before I admitted to myself that I was completely dissatisfied with the result. It has a fairly standard short row heel with no heel flap or gusset and is simply too tight over the arch of my foot. The heel is wholly insufficient and I refuse to accept such inadequacy from my time and effort. I was sitting on the couch, reluctant to frog so many hours (ok, really just a few days) of hard (ok, really simply mindless) work. My boyfriend shocked me by actually saying something that makes me absolutely positive that he thinks much too much like a knitter for someone who is actually not a knitter; "why don't you just put that sock on a holder, knit the second sock a different way, and then decide which to rip out?"

Stunned by such knitterly logic from a layman, how could I do anything else? Onto a holder went the first sock (heretofore referred to as "Sad Sock") and cast on for the next, new, improved, second sock (heretofore called "Angry Sock" mostly because "Emelia is really quite bad at math and screws numbers up real good, resulting in a total cat-yack excuse for a Sock" is very long).

Stay tuned for the adventures of Angry Sock.

Knit one, teach 16, 17, 18...

2007-10-13T11:12:00.000-05:00

The knitting highlight of the last 2 weeks has certainly been my very first attempt at teaching a knitting lesson. I proposed teaching a lesson on Knit Graffiti a few weeks ago, hoping I could save it for a time when I had a few days with my students. Well, that didn't happen. My professor pushed me into teaching it on a pre-clinical teaching trial. Pre-clinical trials are less like classes and more like guerilla warfare. You get NO information ahead of time about what school you will be at, what age the students will be, what skill levels you will be working with, if they speak english, how many students you will have, what materials will be provided, etc. You get NOTHING ahead of time (my classmates have been stuck with blind students, non-english speakers, extreme cognitive disorder, illiterate 5th graders, the works, all with no time to prepare). You go in, you get roughly 40 minutes to meet your students, teach them, make a project with them, and leave, being evaluated all along by a hovering professor. Well, I got sent to Wells High School in the Ukrainian village (which, by the way, is not ukranian at all). I was greeted by metal detectors and armed police men. wow. I got to my classroom and gave my lesson to small groups of students (8 at a time). I knew I could not teach them to knit, this was really about seeing how receptive high school students would be to learning to knit. The bad news... none of them learned to knit (as was expected). The good news... all of my students all day long were interested and actively trying to learn to knit despite their failures for the entire 40 minute lesson. Take your victories where they come.

Order Up!

2007-09-21T13:07:00.000-05:00

I am still alive. I was not in fact flown off by the hoards of mosquitos the other night. I did, however, flee from my home under cover of weekend and went back to my parent's house. I don't know if it was the cold of the weekend, the lack of food I left here, or divine providence, but when I returned there was not a single squeeter left. Knock on wood.

I have been religiously keeping up with my finishing of UFO's lately. This week I finished the Long Socks from Erika Knight's Classic Style. I started them over the summer because I'm trying to find patterns that I like that will work on my Ultimate Sweater Machine. These socks are worked back and forth on straight needles with only side shaping and are worsted weight wool so they qualify. All in all they were very fast to hand knit and pleasant looking. my only issue is that no matter how I try to seam them (they have a seam along the toe, on either side of the heel and all the way up the inside edge) the seam is less stretchy than the knitting. This is a little annoying at first, especially at the toe. I have been wearing them around the house a little bit and I think that it may just take a little getting used to. I still plan to machine knit them eventually.

Speaking of machine knitting, I am learning a lot in my Machine Knitwear Design class. The machines we use are far more sophisticated than my USM so it's taking a little getting used to. It is totally different from handknitting. The only problem is that now I may be getting too used to the more complicated machine so everytime I go to start something on the USM I just get fed up before the first row is knit. It's like going from broadband back to dial up. In this metaphor handknitting would be the card catalog at the library, a totally different media with a whole other ambiance and purpose etc. My first project was to knit a " stuffed critter" using the different types of increases and decreases. I named mine "Lumpy" for self-evident reasons.

In honor of all the stash busting and 9 month strict yarn diet (or yarn anorexia) I have been on I ordered from Knit Picks last week. I have never actually touched any knitpicks yarn so I was skeptical. It arrived this week and I must say I am very pleased. Everything is of very good quality (and the Alpaca Cloud is beyond good quality).

I plan to use the Merino Style to knit a fair Isle yoke cardigan,

the Wool of the Andes for a possible felted jacket,

the Shine for maybe some gloves,

and the Alpaca cloud for a small lace scarf. Very exciting.

I've also been working an obscene amount on my teaching certification. I will not discuss it much here beyond saying that (some of) my professors are either criminally unorganized morons or sadists. Either way... please kill me.

HELP ME!

2007-09-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

HELP HELP I'M BEING EATEN ALIVE!!! This is a non-knitting crisis but a crisis none the less. It all stems from my lifelong feud with sliding doors. The other day my old shoddy sliding patio door fell off the track. This in itself is not so bad, the weather is quite tolerable and I will figure out how to fix it eventually. The problem is that now my apartment is crawling with mosquitos who have wriggled through what I thought was an insignificant crack in the door. The place is infested. I have been religiously taking out ALL garbage every few hours, not leaving ANY food unsealed and pouring out all standing drinks. I taped over the cracks in the door and actually VACCUMED THE BUGS OFF MY CEILING. I don't know what else to do but bug-bomb the place, which sounds like a really extreme, unpleasant, and unhealthy situation. Do any of you know any other ways to get mosquitos out of an apartment? PLEASE HELP!!!!

Le Camera.... She is back!

2007-09-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

Well, I had a strike of MaGuyver genius this weekend. The problem that was keeping my camera out of operation was a swollen dead battery. As the battery was a flat sided box I could not figure out how to grip it and pull it out. I tried pliers, unbent paper clips... all sorts of things. But this weekend I tried, of all things, good old duct tape. With a lot of shimmying, sticking and unsticking I coaxed out the battery and found that yes, it wa just old and swollen. Popped in a new one and Here we are!
So to start off I want to share with you the entryway to my brand new home. I love coming home to this. These are mostly stash yarns that I can't for the life of me figure out what to knit into but still love dearly. So, I put them on display, now they are not a waste!

Now, onto my stashbusting projects...
I ran out of yarn on this hat last winter and it was just barely grazing my ears. I had lots of people try it on to see who it would fit comfortably...and no cinderella. So, I pulled it out, added a contrasting seed stitch brim and Ta-Dah, a functioning hat. Into the X-mas pile with it!
Next up was another yarn shortage casualty. I had knit the body and head of this Bobbi Bear when I realized that I didn't have enough pink yarn left to make the arms. So... I found some of the same yarn in yellow in my stash and trimmed off as much pink yarn tails as possible. I knit the first 2 inches of each arm with yellow and used the pink tails to knit the tips or hands. Then I added the yellow sweater body. But Alas, no pink left for ears. Still trying to figure out what to do about that. When I figure out the ears I will also pick a something cool to put on the sweater.
Then I actually got started on (Dun Dun Duuhh....) X-mas Knitting!!! yes, it's September, yes, it's coming, yes, we need to think about it. This is a mohawk hat for my brother. Pretty self explanitory. I still need to add more green hair and then give it a haircut so the mohawk stands up better.
AND NOW.... The prayer shawl/scarf tandem project.
I'm using Dream In Color "Smooshy" sock yarn in Cloud Jungle for Grandpa's scarf. I'm still playing around with designs. I think I may switch over to a gator/muffler deal to get more warmth for the yardage.
This is a closeup shot of Grandma's shawl. It is all Koigu mitred squares, which by the way are much too addicting. I could make mitred squares forever. It looks like stained glass to me and I love it. I think I'm going to get a fancy silver shawl pin to go with it.
This is a wider shot of the same shawl. As you can tell, it's pretty small for a shawl but it is warm and comfy. I added the short row collar to make it stay up around the neck under grandma's coat. It makes more sense when you see it on a person. I will take a picture of her wearing it when I give it to her.

Anyways, see... I do still live in a visual world. Now I'm going back to homework, yet again. Try not to miss me!

Back to School

2007-09-04T19:12:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I have officially begun school and let me tell you... the game has changed. I am in my final semester as a college student (next semester I will be student teaching full time so it doesn't really count) and my professors are really throwing it at us from all angles. I have only been to 2 classes so far and I am already overwhelmed. Normally I am a fairly confident student and also normally the first week or so is just fluff. "Get to know you activities", "What did you do all summer", small essays and fairly painless reading assignments. Not So this year. A project that would have been a final last semester is suddenly a "due second class" assignment. I'm freaking out a little (lot).
But it's ok! Tomorrow I actually have a class with the famous Sharon Shoji (published frequently in Interweave Knits). She is teaching my Machine Knitwear Design class and I am so stoked!!!! I really need to get my camera working to show you all the fun stuff we will be doing in there.
Well, can't post much more...back to the homework hamster wheel.

Stash Busting Weekend

2007-09-01T13:48:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm all moved in to my new apartment. I'm so happy!! I have moved 6 times in the last 3 years and now I am where I plan to stay for AT LEAST the next 3 years, perhaps longer. As soon as I got my mother out of here my friend Katy and I decided to tackle a few home repairs. One of which was the closet light fixture that fell out of my ceiling. Well, after much fuse-box fumbling and such we connected what seemed like all the wires... except that elusive grounding wire.... Well, turns out that's kind of important. The was a Very. Big. Spark. Then all the power in my apartment blew. Fun. So yeah, turns out a BFA does not qualify us to be electricians.
Anyways, once everything was mostly unpacked and put away properly and I was all alone for a while I decided to spread all my stash and WIPS out in my living room and really take a good hard look at it. I put together good portion of my acrylics from when I was first starting out into a bag to donate. organized the rest by fiber type and such. Then I got to work finishing stuff. I mostly finished a Bobbi Bear with a common problem... I had knit the entire head and body and then run out of yarn. Not nearly enough to finish the arms. So... I stuffed it and knit most of each arm with a contrasting color, finished the tips of the arms off in the MC and then used the CC to knit a little sweater body for it... now its a pink bear wearing a little yellow sweater. this would have been perfect but I used up the very tail ends of the pink yarn on the "hands"... not enough for ears. So, she looks like a naked mole rat. I refuse to buy a whole nother ball of pink yarn just for the ears, so I'll have to think of something else...
After I hit the wall on the bear I moved on to a project I've been meaning to do for a long time. I am making a black ribbed earflap hat for my brother and then adding a neon rug-hooked mohawk. I am about halfway done with that too. Doing pretty well for just 24 hours.
The prayer shawl for grandma is all knitted up so now I'm just darning in ends forever and ever. I think I will also be adding a ribbed collar to it so it can be worn comfortably under a coat as it is pretty small for a shawl. I am still playing around with the design for the corresponding grandpa scarf. My camera is still out of commission so I'm afraid I can't show you any pictures... Maybe soon?

Blogger Gone Bad

2007-08-15T12:42:00.000-05:00

Ok. I suck. Like I am the worst blogger ever. I dropped off the face of the earth for an entire 6 months. No real explaination. My grandmother passed away in March and my world got warped and while my family and I have pretty much gotten back to normal, I simply stopped blogging (and checking e-mail, and a lot of things) and didn't get back to it until just now. The upshot of the last 6 months is I've been working 14 hours a day 6 days a week at a restaurant in LB as a Swiss Army Knife (I bartend, then I hostess, then I work the coffee bar then I'm a line cook, then I run food, then I take a few tables, then I answer the phones, then I get back behind the bar...). So, why all the hard work? Well.. I bought a condo. A beautiful, super fabulous little slice of heaven that of course needs to be paid for. My parents are my co-owners and they take the lion's share of the costs but I am working like hell to pay my own way.
So, when I'm not working or rehabbing my condo I have in fact been knitting. My primary project at this point is actually a tandem prayer shawl/scarf for my other grandparents (you know, the ones who aren't dead) because the same week my grandmother died my grandfather on the other side was diagnosed with bone cancer. While he is doing shockingly well for an 85 year old chemo patient, he and my grandmother can use all the love and support they can get. I am knitting a mitred square shawl for her with Koigu and a semi-matching scarf for him with Dream In Color's Smooshy. They are coming along splendidly.
So... In closing, I am back and with a re-newed resolve to keep posting.
P.S. Pictures of both knitting projects and my new home will be up as soon as I can get ahold of a digital camera (mine is just a paperweight right now)

I forgot to title.

2007-03-02T15:20:00.000-06:00

I really should start off by apologizing about dropping off the face of the earth. I really should be back into the swing of the semester and have made time for internet knitting and such. The fact of the matter is that I am begining my Post Graduation Crisis. I know, it seems to early for that because I still have a year before I officially graduate. The thing is that at SAIC to get a degree in education you basically spend your last 2 semesters out of the student side of the classroom and more on the teacher side. This means I have to face the horrors of getting a "Real Job" and build a Resume and Network and all those of other grown-up-py things that scare me and excite me at the same time. I'm also working hard to find somewhere to live, which is harder than it sounds because in order to find somewhere to live it would be helpful to know where I will be working, but alas, I don't. So I have to find somewhere to live that allows easy public transportation to pretty much everywhere. Also, organizing my parents to actually get off their butts and look at places with me is like pulling teeth (I need them there because they have the $$$ and I do not). So anyways, all internet browsing has been directed towards condo shopping and most free time has been directed towards school work. Sorry to bore. Now on to what fiber-y goodness I've been working on.
This is my floor loom. I am taking a class on weaving this semester and it's been tons of fun so far. It is completely different from knitting in just about every way imaginable. For one thing, can you imagine pulling this thing out on the train for just a few rows? For the first project we were supposed to just play around with different patterns for about 4 yards. I got the hang of it pretty quickly, but I have a hard time working on a fiber piece that isn't a garment or useable in some way. In knitting we work primarily towards a goal of a sweater or a dishcloth or a sock. In weaving we make fabric for the sake of making fabric. More advanced weavers can make cloth that will serve a particular purpose but in the class the act of weaving is the art (art school is conceptual like that, it bothers me more in a fiber class than in other studios). Anyways, here are some excerpts from my sampler.

Chilly Chilly

2007-02-12T09:10:00.000-06:00

I'm going to start this off by saying that there is something seriously wrong when I look at my online forecast for the weekend and think to myself "Oh wow! 16 degrees above zero? It's like spring break! I wonder if any of my spring clothes are here!?" In all seriousness, that thought genuinely crossed my mind. It was glorious until the moment that I realized that 16 is still quite cold indeed. Mind you, the weather feels MUCH colder when you walk absolutely everywhere, as I do.

I did knit the Calorimetry pattern from this winter's Knitty, which I must say I enjoyed very much. I knit one and was finished within a day so I started another one out of a thicker yarn the next day. They knit up very quickly, is a wonderful way to use up just about any odd balls of yarn or buttons, look very cute on, and really do keep your ears warm. I highly reccomend them both for yourself, the knitter, or as a gift, especially to any young ladies in your life (good thing my sisters don't read this, they be getting some soon).

I've also been working fevereshly on my Bear Claw quilt from InterweaveKnits Fall 2005. I find it is the perfect pattern for my semester, it knits up in small squares which are very portable so I can carry it everywhere, the small mitre squares are very quick so I can feel like I can accomplish something with even the shortest bits of time, and it is repetetive to all get out. I don't have to carry the pattern with me at all. I figure if I get at least one square done a month I will be done by Christmas. Most months I can expect to get more than one square done. I've amped up the size from a baby blanket to an adult afghan. It is very satisfying to see each square come together.
I'd like to extend a warm, yarn-y welcome to my classmates who are visiting me here at the Knest for the first time. I want to scream to the world just how much I am enjoying my Art Ed classmates. To my thrill and joy, all the girls knit. Mind you, there are only 4 of us (and Bill, but he'll come around). I have never really known any other serious knitters who are my own age. We get to obssess over eachother's knitting achievements (like Katie's first sweater last Thursday, so gorgeous and so WAY better than any first sweater I've ever seen!) and covet stash and pow-wow on patterns. Oh, it's fantastic!

Mitten Bitchen and an overabundance of carrots

2007-01-29T22:35:00.000-06:00

I'm back in Chicago starting another semester at SAIC. This is my first official Art Ed semester and it looks like I am going to be reading theories and case studies and writing lesson plans until the end of time. If I get 1 page read for every time I inhale I might stay on top of it. I just snuck away from the mountain of papers on my table to post on the ole' blogaroo. When I'm not reading Paulo Freire interviews I've been trying to get those fair isle mittens finished. They are mostly done but I am rather attached to the idea of them having a bi-color brioche stitch cuff. I knit the mitten parts first because I had left a really good article on Brioche Stitch (from InterweaveKnits Spring 2005) here at the room. I got the hang of the stitch and it looks fantastic... but brioche stitche is much wider than the fair isle mitten body. So, 35 cuff stitches and 52 body stitches is quite a gap to jump in just a row or two without looking to akward. Plus I keep trying to find a way to stitch them up semi-seamlessly while remaining really elastic. So far, not going terribly well. I've tried all sorts of things. Much ripping back, much experimenting. I will get it eventually. For now, I have handknit gloves already so my hands aren't TOO cold (though the mittens will be warmer).
By the way, I also accidently ordered 5 pounds of carrots and I live by myself. I get my groceries through Peapod. If anyone wants to come over for some tea and carrots you're welcome to. Also, any vegan recipes involving carrots are greatly appreciated. I have no idea what to do with them all.

Turning 21

2007-01-23T11:36:00.000-06:00

So Darling Boy Friend celebrated his 21st birthday this weekend. I had a rather festive schmancy day planned but instead we ended up driving around my teenaged sister and her friends. The highlight was when I made him a stack of pancakes and hashbrowns for breakfast, complete with birthday candle. I then gave him his present. I didn't make his present this year because I was still burnt out from the Felt Clogs. Instead, I went out and scoured the internet until I found this guitar/computer gizmo . It took me a while to track this down. I found it online a while ago but it was always out of stock or the retailer would not ship internationally... finally got it though. He seemed rather pleased with it, but unfortunately his computer is down for the count until he upgrades to Windows Vista (insert mac user superior eye roll here).
We then spent the rest of the day taking care of my two little siblings while my parents cavorted around London. As soon as we got one kid squared away the other one would come screaming in demanding, alternately, food/money/a ride. The nice dinner out I had been saving up for ended up being Culvers between picking sister up from her ski trip and dropping her off at a school dance. Not what I had in mind. We were hoping to go out and make up for it with a fancy dinner tonight but I just got my teeth drilled and now I can't talk. Or eat. Better yet I get to go in for more tomorrow. Not. Cool.

Crafting and the Boyfriend: some cautionary tales. Part 2: "Garments"

2007-01-21T14:40:00.000-06:00

Many, Many times I have felt the lure of some incredibly well designed, practical, comfortable, fun-to-knit menswear pattern. I see those tweedy scarves, warm thrummed mittens, fun hats, not to mention sweaters (and no, calling them "jackets" does not fool the curse). I feel my fingers itch to cast on and knit Darling Boyfriend a whole wardrobe. But I know it would all be in vain, for unless I want to knit at uber-micro-gauge stockinette in black and silk screen Led Zeppelin logos onto it and present the most labor intensive rock t-shirt in history to him, he probably won't wear it much. That being said, if we were ever to get to the point wear the curse was not an issue I would surely produce a sweater of epic proportions. It would have cables and bobbles and technicolor fair isle hearts all over it and a giant turtle neck and once it was all knit up and go to pick up the band at the bottom and get a little carried away and knit all the way down till it was a full body jumper, complete with little footies and intarsia elephants on the butt. I would have him try it on before I stitch up the final seam and then pin the poor guy down and stitch the whole thing up so firmly there would be no taking it off. "Oops, forgot the buttons. darn." There would be no rhyme or reason for this knitting catastrophe beyond the fact that I have held the line against my urges for so long.
In the mean time I have knit a few items for DB.
My first major knitting undertaking, just after my first and last quickly abandoned garter stitch scarf, was this cabled lap quilt. I made it during my first semester of college. At this point I was such a new knitter that I knew nothing of what yarn was good yarn for a project. I took the bus to the nearest JoAnn's Craft Store and bought what seemed like a sufficient amount of LionBrand Homespun to make an afghan. I picked out manly shades of blue, green, and brown and cast on with the yarn double stranded on size 13 needles in September. I knitted it in blocks so I could carry it with me everywhere (and I did knit everywhere). I knitted constantly, right up till Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day I was sewing the final squares together. It was much smaller than I had predicted based on the weight of the thing (which was substantial). I wrapped it up in a big box with a huge bow on top and presented it to DB very late in the day on Christmas. He accepted it with amazement and love. It was a very proud moment for me. Today the quilt sits, perfectly folded on the back of his couch. It is always perfectly folded in the exact same place on the back of the couch. While I know DB is a very tidy person, I have come to believe that he does not ever really use said quilt. I understand as it is much too small and much too heavy to be much good. I take it off the couch every once in a while for the dog* to snuggle with, which also makes me very happy.

By the next Christmas I had knit a few sweaters of varying degrees of success. I was getting better with garments and yarn selection, and all those fiddly details like gauge and fiber content. I knit Socks for DB. I chose a cotton/nylon/elastic yarn that would be soft, stretchy, strong, and cool (DB is perpetually warm, it defies logic). I used a very basic pattern in a solid color to suit his tastes. They knit up rather quickly as socks are wont to do. They fit! They looked good! I was once again, very proud of my handiwork. I was expecting the moment of revelation that I always hear about when a person recieves their first pair of hand knit socks. You know, when they declare that they will never again lay foot in a machine knit sock and thereby kidknap the knitter and stow her away in a tower to knit them socks until the end of time. Well, the socks were once again accepted with love and gratitude, but I still almost always find white adidas tube socks on DB. The hand knits are cherished and saved for special occasions.

*With regard to the aforementioned dog, Tink, she is also the unwitting recipient of my knitting. One day, I believe a year or so ago, I was looking for a quick oddball project and I was sick of hats. I pondered if the curse of the love sweater applied to my boyfriend's dog. I decided not, so I cast on to knit pennyfrom Knitty.com for Tink. It knit up rapidly and when next I was home I put it on her. It went on fairly easily the first time. I set her down on the floor and went to get the leash to take her out for a walk to show off her new duds. Tink stood there, stock still, and stared at me. She did not scratch at it, she did not bark or growl. She also didn't run around or wag her tail when I got the leash or follow me around. She just stood there. After a little while of the statue impression I caved and took it off her. Since then it has been much more difficult to get the sweater on her. So it sits in a closet somewhere. Better a dog sweater sitting unworn than a boyfriend sized sweater. I could not get a photo of Tink in the sweater, but this is the face she makes at me when it is mentioned.

Crafting and the Boyfriend: some cautionary tales. Part 1: "Stuffed Stuff"

2007-01-18T11:49:00.000-06:00

It is my Darling Boyfriend's birthday this weekend and in honor of the occassion I want to post a little about what I have made for him over the last couple of years. Well we have all heard about the "Curse of the Love Sweater" (and heard it and heard it and...you know) I have included how they fair on the continuum of cool gifts. Please note that Darling Boy always accepts these gifts with a healthy gratitude and awe, no matter how big a flop they are. I have given him lots of stuff and learned a lot in the proccess so this will probably be an ongoing series.

This was the first thing I remember making for Darling Boy. Judging solely by this relic one might think we've been dating since roughly 1968. Wrong. I sewed this little throw pillow for DB right before we went away to (read: separate)colleges. He was headed for Iowa and I was New York bound. I used my favorite vintage T-shirt and Jeans to make something snuggly that wouldn't embarrass him by being to girly. This item is a fantastic illustration of the rule that the crappier it is made, the more he will cherish it. When he came from college that summer and I saw the disgusting srap heap this innocent throw pillow had become I was amazed. He still sleeps with it every night. I want to bleach it. Mind you, it is much ickier in person. P.S. his dog loves it just as much as he does. Figures.

Once DB and I moved back to Illinois after a long year apart I eventually decided to knit him something else stuffed. He was no longer living in a dorm with a roommate or anything of the sort so I was less concerned about the "embarrassing girly" factor. This is a Bobbi Bear by Blue Sky Alpacas knit with Patons Merino (Lovely pattern, I highly reccomend it). The Pro/Con break down:
Pro: it's blue.
Con: it's a teddy bear.
Pro: it has a tattoo on its butt
Con: it's a tattoo of a heart.
The bear is appreciated and sits next to the hole-y throw pillow on the bed, but I have a feeling it is not cherished on the same level. Lesson I learned: You can give stuffed animals, but there is a limit to how much he can take. Discretion is the better part of valor. DB is probably a little relieved that he will probably not be getting another stuffed animal in the forseeable future (I'd say never, but I have a policy against using that word).

So that is Part 1: "Stuffed Stuff". Next installment will be "Does the curse of the love sweater apply to his dog?"

TAG!

2007-01-15T01:02:00.000-06:00

So this is blog tag. I was tagged by Jeremy from Knit-a-Bit
THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog

Here are my weird things:
1. I am a compulsive counter. When I was on a family trip this summer to the Grand Canyon this lead to lots of fun because I counted fanny packs on tourists. I counted an average of 150 per day, and the count would rise rapidly after 5pm, which I suppose makes them evening wear and hence, a far more atrocious fashion disaster. When I'm at the train station downtown I count ties on bussiness men. Counts have been artificially low lately due to scarf-wearing (so I can't see the ties). Despite my obsessive counting, I still hate counting stitches.

2. I'm a vegan who knits with wool and that doesn't bother me

3. I'm bathroom shy

4. In high school I drove a 1991 Chevy Astro van named 'Zippy the Wondervan'. Zippy had her own soundtrack and only 2 out 5 functioning doors. Zippy has recently slipped into a persistant vegetative state in my Grandmother's garage. I refuse to have her carcass removed until I can arrange for a viking funeral (meaning we light her on fire and drive her off the bluff into Lake Michigan).

5. I cannot bake cookies. It really isn't just the vegan-thing, like I just can't do it. I bake them and they look beautiful, like the cover of a cookbook. Perfect color and texture and lovely... but they always taste like baking soda, even when I don't use baking soda. It was like that before I made vegan cookies, I use all different recipes, I can bake other stuff really well but not cookies. It is torture because I bake them and they look so good and I leave them in my kitchen, which is also my front entry-way so I come home and they look at me and say "we're yummy" and I want to eat them but they taste bad and I just can't bring myself to throw them out because maybe they'll taste good tomorrow, but they won't.

6. I hate being wet. I can't swim, I don't like showering. It bugs me and I avoid both at all costs. When I do shower I do it with lightning speed that has baffled everyone and anyone who has ever lived with me.

The Ultimate Sweater Machine

2007-01-13T13:34:00.000-06:00

So, I've been knocked off the series of tubes for a few days for some reason, though it was probably a good thing. I needed a little time away from the blog (I have a lot of momentum right now cause it's new and I'm unemployed). With my time out in the real world I got a bit of knitting done. the Fair Isle Mittens I'm designing/knitting are shaping up pretty well.

I also made a large knitting related purchase. I got an Ultimate Sweater Machine. Now, before you brush me off as a, well, machine knitter, allow me to explain myself. At school we have large, very well attended "Art Sales" at the end of every semester. People see me sitting around and knitting constantly and I frequently get comments from other students, professors, or patrons that they can't wait to see my stuff at the next art sale or could I whip up a few blankets or sweaters for the next fundraiser ("you know, nothing fancy, just a plain flat blanket.. that's easy enough, right?"). Well, as much as I would love to participate in these things, I think you all know that even a "plain old sweater with nothing fancy on it" can take months of mindless, thankless knitting. So I've been looking for a cheap knitting machine. My mom was trying to get me one for X-mas but they were all sold out at the local craft store. The other day she handed me a 50% off coupon and sent me on my way to find one, at her expense. I wasn't going to pass that up. I found one and laid the money down and now I am the proud owner of a Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine. I got the hang of it fairly quickly and knitted up a plain, Stst square. I think this will be just the ticket for my Art Sale knitting.

To Build a Sweater

2007-01-09T10:59:00.000-06:00

Currently I'm toiling away on a sweater design. I design on the needles because I hate myself and love to waste my own time (apparently). This is particularly masochistic because I am not using a conventional sweater construction. I am working entirely on the bias, outward from a center mitre square. So far I have ripped back, frogged, re-knitted, knitted multiple samples, sewn together and re-sewn together pieces, counted stitches, rows, stars in the sky, till my hair is falling out. It is coming along, slowly and not-quite-as-surely-as-I-would-like. Right now I have most of the front done but as I was trying it on and admiring the front my sister came up behind me and uttered the most chilling words I have heard in a long time; "Ohhhh, that can't be right!". I turned around and realized my pseudo-calculations had failed me. Most knitters consider knitting to be an art, well... it's not. It's a science for me right now. The closest thing to science class I get these days is watching Good Eats with Alton Brown on the FoodNetwork (do you watch? well, you really should, but that's beside the point). I am now considering ripping out part or all of the back pieces right now.

Other Christmas Projects

2007-01-07T15:15:00.000-06:00

I didn't just mak felted clogs for Christmas gifts... oh no, that would be far too easy. Here are a few other gifts I made.

This is a iPod nano case I needle felted for my youngest sister. She requested the neon pink and green argyle motif. I thought I was being very clever when I stole one of the cardboard iPod Nano's from a Sharper Image display at the mall. I wanted to get the size exactly right and I thought the cardboard mock up would be a fantastic template. **pats self on back**. I worked and got it sized EXACTLY to the template. Well, as I now know, always double check your template against the actual object you're trying to fit. Yeah, way too small. Way to go genius.

I don't have a final photo of this project. It is a cabled headband for my boyfriend's mom. I made up the cable pattern and knit it up with Filatura di Crosa's Zara (one of my favorite yarns, you should try it). I think it turned out really well. I haven't seen her wear it yet, but that could be because it's been too warm here.

The Felted Clogs that ate my 2006

2007-01-06T12:12:00.000-06:00

This was my first successful felted clog. It is my original design. It was first knitted, then fulled, then needle felted, and then finally a knitted band. It was completed in September for my sister's birthday and a battle royale among my sisters and my mother ensued. They were very loved.

So....I knew what my x-mas gifts would be this year. There were requests from grandmas and friends and long estranged aunts and cousins. I knit over 8 pairs (yes, 16 giant pre-felted convertable cozies). I was really chugging along on these for a few months and there was an impressive pile in my apartment. The first felting batch came out looking something like this...

The second felting batch came out as a much smaller, furrier, tougher breed of clog... It was a nightmare (before christmas). I panicked as my most important pairs were in that load. The pair for my mom and the pair for my other sister. They were just slightly too small to fit even their freakishly short,squat feet. I carried on needle felting them and knitting on ankle bands hoping for a miracle. I searched the internet feverishly for some unfelting spell I could perform when the ladies at Knitter's Review (the best forums on the web, by far) knocked such a brilliantly simple idea into my head. I soaked them in cool water, stretched the offending clogs over some of my mom's old shoes, and ironed them on the highest setting. I also wrapped them in wax paper and ironed over that (it gave a very subtle sheen that I really like). I blow dried and waited and blow dried and waited and finally, at 11pm Christmas eve I pulled them carefully off the shoes and wrapped them ever so elegantly and placed them lovingly under the tree. They were a big hit.

I am hoping to publish the pattern next winter. Keep an eye on Knitty, perhaps?

These are Veronica's.

These are my mom's.

New to this place?

2007-01-05T14:36:00.000-06:00

So, I've finally given in and started a blog. It seems pretty much neccessary as a knitter these days. I guess it should give me something knitting related to do when I run out of yarn (which is almost possible for me, unlike other knitters as I am on a very limited income).
Currently I am rewarding myself with a sweater after months of knitting felted shoes for Christmas gifts. I am a sweater knitter, big time! I'm designing this sweater on the fly. It is comprised of all sorts of shapes knit on the bias. So far I have the center mitre done and two wedges along the bottom. I'm still trying to work out how to change the angle of certain pieces... not to mention boob-coverings (is that really entirely neccessary? I can still wear it to work without them, right?). Photos coming soon.