Ebony Purls Knitting Circle Project

Do you remember me telling you about me being busy with a lot of mini projects? Well here is one of those projects. Nicole from Ebony Purls Knitting Circle in Los Angeles contacted me and asked me to do a logo for her. I was all too happy.
The first one I did was based on a a knitted swatch with "ebony purls" knitted within. The second logo was based on a sketch of one of the members. It is a play off the string of pearls concept. They were so pleased that they actually purchased both of them ... and I am doing cartwheels. Which one do you like?

You can check out the Ebony Purls Knitting Circle at their myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/EbonyPurls

Back To Me - Happy 2007

Well, It's back to basics for me. The last couple of weeks have merged into one big "day" ... which has left little time for me to do anything "creative". My free time has been spent veggin' out in front of the big screen. I got a chance to see the blockbusters of the season, The Pursuit of Happyness { What an EMOTIONAL story! Even the Mal-Man teared up at the end, declaring that it deserved top honors as a major tear jerker. Will Smith and his son Jaden are dynamic together on screen. If you haven't seen it ... run. NOW!} and Dreamgirls {Everyone I know has been blown away by Jennifer Hudson. Even Simon Cowl sang her praises...after he declared she was too fat and her voice was to "gospel-like" to be an American Idol. Well, she sure did prove him wrong 'cause America loves her. I saw the movie twice in one day! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT! Excuse me while I adjust my feather boa}

I have also been burning up my dvd's at home. Idlewild, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Something New, Akeelah and the Bee, The Devil Wears Prada (for my inner fashionista) and Claudine (Y'all know y'all love Diahann Carol and James Earl Jones!). I have been having a grand time doing absolutely nothing and appreciationg the little things in life. I even went old-school and popped me some popcorn the way we used to back in the day. I pulled a 5 quart pot out and melted some butter. Then I poured a 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and waited for the popping to begin. About ten minutes later I had a pot full of the fluffiest popcorn I have had in a LOOONG time (I always seem to burn the microwave stuff). I sprinkled some salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper over it and tossed it good. Needless to say, I was in heaven all afternoon. Just me, my dvd's and a gigantic bowl of popcorn.

Which leads me to the realization that there is no need to make any New Year's Resolutions. I mean, how many times have you made resolutions only to be broken by February? For me, it is more like a New Year's Realizations ... like, it's the simple things that matter because we tend to take them for granted and you have to live everyday to the fullest and always, always take time out for yourself because only YOU can take care of YOU.

Well, I am off to watch another dvd. I think I will watch Practical Magic. I love Sandra Bullock in that movie. Lata!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays Everyone! I know I have been missing in action ... again, but I haven't been doing much lately in terms of creating in th last couple of weeks. I have been busy playing catch up with work and when I get home, I can't even look at my computer. I am bordering on neglect. I did manage to to slip in some new projects for my store though. Hopefully, I will get the chance to show you in January... once things slow up a bit.

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas. Was Santa good to you? I am lovin' him right now. Wait until you see my new baby!

4 Wool Drive

Lauren is a final year graduate in the School of Art and Design at Bath Spa University.

For her Graduate Exhibition she presented a full scale knitted version of a Ferrari, a hairy combination of a Testa Rossa and a 355 - complete with windscreen wipers, wing mirrors, low profile tyres and the famous prancing horse logo, all knitted in glorious Ferrari red (wool generously supplied by Sirdar).

Lauren's Ferrari is not just a car that happens to be made of wool. This is a carefully considered object that questions the relationship between male symbols and feminine craft to suggest the relationship is more complex than first thought. The car also cleverly plays on the hard smooth object being transformed into a soft textured one. The result is visually stunning.

Lauren's Ferrari also gives a new meaning to the knitted sweater. How many proud owners of cosy red pullovers - yes some with the legend emblazoned on the front - would love to immerse themselves in this giant item. Are cars themselves forms of clothing?

The School of Art and Design at Bath Spa University is one of the leading schools of art and design in the country.

Lauren's achievement, which took many months to complete was made possible by the School's excellent technical support and Lauren's own imagination - which is precisely what the School tries to nurture.

One word . . . WOW!

The Magazine Aisles II - Martha Stewart Holiday Handmade Gifts

You can't help but LOVE Martha. I think I was the only one spearheading the campaign amongst my friends to free Martha when she went through her court ordeal . . . from free Martha T-shirts to holding night time vigils. Okay, I wasn't that serious (HAH!) but I did feel for her.

Part II of the Magazine Aisles is featuring her Holiday Handmade Gifts Special Edition. Usually I am intrigued by her decorative handmade soaps and cool crafts, but this edition had something more ... CROCHETING & KNITTING!

Simple squares and circles are crocheted with basic stitches to make the most adorable, squeezable stuffed toys (I really wish I knew how to crochet). Handmade dolls can be made from scraps of yarn and fabric from your stash. She gives tips on how to add personal touches to each doll; for example, using alpaca yarn for straight hair or boucle yarn for a curly 'fro. Cozy, warm scarves are made with basic knit and purl stitches. The choice of yarns again are stressed to make the scarves luxurious. There's something about a chunky yarn that entices me to seek out my needles and just knit to my hearts content. To me, the most simplest gift to knit for a gift is a knit pouch (I think I have some Lionbrand Suede in my stash). Every woman needs a pouch to carry "stuff" in. Even if I don't have anything to put in it, I will find something to put in it.
But you know she doesn't stop there. She has a section on embellishing store bought knits to give them a homemade feel, like embroidering snowflakes on store bought mittens to adding bells and pom-poms to store bought scarves and hats. She even demonstrates how to embroider an initial on a child's sweater using a duplicate stitch! Gotta Love Her.
Other projects I like that are highlighted in the magazine are 1) Sock Dogs, 2) Felt Slippers 3) Fringe Wool Scarf and 4) Handmade Soaps.

I need to make a list before I get carried away.

The Magazine Aisles...Part I...Craftzine

So, I'm cruising the magazine aisles at Borders when these two knitted robots caught my eye. Woo Hoo, I thought, knitted toys! So, I purchased the "zine" without checking out the contents. I was in a rush...but giddy with anticipation. As I neatly laid my sandwich and chips out on my desk, I pulled Craft out of the bag and set it away from the Snapple so as not to spill anything on its precious pages. As I began turning the pages, a cloud began to form overhead. This is not the craft magazine that we are used to (ie: Interweave Knits or Vogue Knitting). This takes crafting to a whole other level, dimension, heck, lightyear. The project I searched for, the knitted robots, was actually an article about the world of creepy, cute dolls and the people who make them (but I wanna make one!). Cool, I thought, so I ventured deeper. The projects featured stretch the imagination. I thought about how cool it would be if I wore the Electric Tank Top to a club for New Years or how h-o-t-t it would be to screenprint my own personal logo on a bag or two. However, I was a bit disappointed with the knitting project...knit slouch boots. Uuuhhhhmmmm...why? (*sigh*).
Well, anyway, I have to commend the magazine on its overall layout. The projects are clearly outlined along with the materials needed and questions that one may want to ask. Some of the projects are a bit over the top, but then again, the magazine's purpose is to showcase crafts made by real people. I especially liked the marketplace section from etsy.com and the flickr craft groups (I highlighted the knitting group for y'all). Every craftster needs a bit of inspiration.

Sarah and Zipporah and Lilah

I am not a "religious" person. I tend to be more spiritual than anything. Lately, I have had this fascination with the Bible and finding the hidden truths and meanings written between the words. I remember when I was in the eighth grade my religion teacher (yep, I survived Catholic school) exclaimed that she had read one of the most fascinating books ever written. As 13 year old girls who lived and breathed Right On! Magazine and erected locker shrines to the members of New Edition, we thought either she had lost her mind or could finally understand the greatness of Ralph Tresvant's high pitched vocals as he belted out "Is This the End". What was not to love about him. However, our brief euphoria of the teacher finally understanding our obsession was shattered when she held up the Bible as if she had just won an Oscar; declaring its greatness.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when I am perusing the shelves of Coliseum Books. The name "Zipporah" caught my eye. My interest was peaked, especially since Zipporah is my sister's middle name. Zipporah is the story of Moses' wife. She is a Cushite (black) woman who was adopted by Jethro, the High Priest of Midian. She has a dream of an Egyptian Prince coming to save her at the bottom of the sea. One day, while she and her sisters are at the well drawing water, Zipporah is attacked and Moses, who fled Egypt, comes to her rescue. Although Jethro and Zipporah are afraid she will never find a husband because of her dark skin, Moses does not let this inhibit his love for her...and she becomes his rock when he doubts his abilities to free the Jews from Pharoah's clutches. I finished the book in about 4 days and ran to Barnes and Noble to pick up "Sarah". Sarah is the story of Abraham's wife who was the daughter of one of the most powerful Lords of Ur. When she is twelve, she is pledged to marry a man that she has never met. On her wedding day, she flees into the city and bumps into Abram. He takes care of her through the night, however, in the morning she is dragged back to her father's home. Upon hearing that another marriage has been arranged for her, she flees again to find Abram but his family has moved. So she seeks out a woman that gives her herbs to make her barren and later is made a high priestess of Ishtar, Ur's goddess of war. Six years go by when Ur is about to erupt into war. She is reunited with Abram, her childhood love.

Although both of these stories are fictional accounts, Marek Halter makes these two women and their experiences leap off the page with every word. Sometimes people forget that the novels ARE Historical Fiction and hold the author accountable for misinterpreting the "truth" and introducing sex and passion into the stories. To them I ask, have you really read the Bible?

Lilah is the last installment in Marek Halter's Canaan Trilogy and is based on the book of Ezra. I have not read this book yet. I was side tracked by The Song of Hannah, the story of the mother of the Prophet Samuel.

Perhaps it's the lesser known stories of the women in the Bible that drives me to seek these novels out. Combined with my love for history, my appetite seems insatiable. I sat down and made a list of other Biblical Historical Novels that I want to read. Here are my top 5:

1. Lilah: A Forbidden Love, a People's Destiny
2. Wisdom's Daughter : A Novel of Solomon and Sheba
3. The Gilded Chamber : A Novel of Queen Esther
4. Rebekah (Card, Orson Scott. Women of Genesis.)
5. Rachel and Leah: Women of Genesis

Anyone care to join me?

Fearless

I was enticed by the smoky colors radiating from my computer screen...tempting me to bid...and I won! Woo Hoo, gotta love eBay. I was looking for some sock yarn for a project for my mother. I can't decide whether to make her socks or a shawl. However, I can't stop touching this yarn. It is a whopping 4 ounces (550 yards) of 100% superwash merino in smoky gray with a touch of brown and a dab of pink. Check out the eBay shop. You will not be disappointed. I have my eye on the Superwash Merino sock yarn in the Marrakesh color way. I can't wait. Oh, Deb from Fearless Fibers also has a blog...check her out.

So you are wondering where I have been huh? (Thanks for asking Kelz!) I've been lurking here and there always keeping up with what's happening around the blog scene, but I have started a new job in the concrete jungle (NYC y'all). It's a funny thing. Seven years ago, I gave up the fashion industry because I was just plain burned out. Everytime I turned around, another corporate merger made one more of my friends unemployed and left in the dust. Job security was a thing of my grandparents era and I knew I had to be prepared for the worst. To be honest, when it did happened, I was thrilled. I no longer needed an excuse to be there for every cough, doctor's appointment or much needed mental health day. I kissed the fashion corporate world goodbye, vowing never again to be victim of the clawing, cat scratching, conniving undercurrent that fuels one of the major fashion capitals of the world. So, when I received the call to help design fashion catalogs, I had to really think long and hard about it. I was getting bored with working from home, but I didn't want to give up my independence. But alas, the almighty dollar makes the world go 'round and the Mal Man is getting bigger every second. I bit my tongue, dusted off the power-suit, tightened the laces on my sneakers and hit the concrete at full speed. Things are a little less hectic on the direct-mail end of the fashion industry and I am not stressing as much as I used to. Well, a ride on the NYC Subway will make anyone lose some hair and turn gray, but all is going well so far. =-) ... AND I am in walking distance of School Products. What a perk!

It's Been a Long Time ...

Recalling the lyrics of Rakim (Hip-Hop Heads bob yo' heads) I hadn't realized how long it has been since my last post. Where do I begin?

In my family, July is the month of birthdays, I kicked it off on the 3rd by turning the big 3-5 while my Mom brought in her birthday with the Macy's fireworks. It was really cool because it was my first time seeing the fireworks in person and not celebrating with the local news broadcast.

While Mali enjoys days of sun and fun provided by the YMCA, I have been chugging away at my Mac trying to perfect this. It was time for a complete overhaul and my programming skills needed some perfecting. However, after the initial shock of throwing myself back into the world of web programming, it became evident why I don't do it anymore . . . it leaves no time for knitting! I am still chugging away making minor tweaks here and there, but it is mostly completed.

That's not to say that I haven't been knitting though. I finished the hat for the Sweet Pea baby gift and I started a hat based on the Irish hiking scarf pattern for Mali. The funny thing about that was I was going to a bar-b-que and stopped by Smiley's (again) and picked up some Bernat yarn in charcoal gray. A couple of double pointed needles and family gossip hours later, I was almost completed. I will have pictures to show once I recharge the camera batteries. I was on Auntie duty last week and the camera just seemed to keep taking pictures of my nephew on it's own. (LOL . . . guilty as charged!)

Babies, Babies Everywhere

My friend, Maris, did not make it back to Toronto in time. Little Sydney wanted to make a New York debut and two weeks early at that. Maris was in New York City visiting family and friends before heading back to Canada. I have to commend her. This is her fourth (1-2-3-4!) girl! Simone, Sinclaire and Sierra will be ecstatic to see the gift their Mom and Dad are bringing them. As much as I wanted to knit her a gift, time was not on my side. So, I put on my design hat and created the announcements for her. I will also mail them for her so that it's one less thing she will have to worry about. We also thought it would be a cute idea to create announcement cards for the girls to give their friends introducing their new baby sister. I think that is a perfect way to get them involved since they were not here for the actual birth. Maris is a fanatic about crafting as well, so I know once she is settled the girls will be in matching outfits in no time.

I have also been setting up shop getting ready to knit a ton of baby gifts.

The Sweet Pea Pattern and the Bobbi Bear pattern arrived from Jimmy Beans Wool last week and I ordered the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino from Yarnbow in color 02. However, I think I need to order one or two more skeins. The skeins that I have now I will use for the garment. If you haven't done so, check out Yarnbow on eBay. She has great prices and SUPER fast shipping. I LOVE it.

Knitting for Two by Erika Knight, the book I found on Amazon from ultimate Discount Book Source for $1 arrived yesterday. I lucked up on this one cause it is in perfect condition. No bent pages and no wear and tear. Woo Hoo!

Lastly, the lavender yarn I picked up on a trip to Smiley's is Filati Cervinia Genova. It was on sale for $1.50 (can't pass up a bargain). I was thinking about knitting the baby hat in the book One Skein, for a gift. However, the yarn is acrylic and not as soft as I would like it to be. Although I love the color, I think a nice cotton would be a better or ... I can always order some more cashmerino. =-)

Summertime

summertime and the living is easy ... fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high - George Gershwin - Porgy and Bess

I've been at it again. Trying to make this blog an extension of me. The last couple of days in NYC has been helluva hot and humid ... and being the summer baby that I am, I LOVE IT.

Work has slowed down some and I have been thinking about the purpose of my blog lately. I toyed with the idea of doing away with it because I haven't been devoting much time to my knitting and sewing as I would like to. However, just when I started to press the delete button, my heart started to palpitate. I just couldn't do it because as much as I hate to admit it, other than me being a closet writer (and incessant dreamer), I have grown quite fond of my blogging friends. So, now that I am here to stay, I made another choice to share not only my knitting and sewing endeavors (when they do happen) but some of my other creative endeavors as well.

On the knitting front, I came across a real bargain. I have been looking for some baby patterns for my cousins. One is expecting in August and another in December / January (see previous post). I have had my eye on Knitting for Two by Erika Knight for awhile. While cruising the internet, I found a seller on Amazon that was selling a copy for $1.00 ! The shipping cost more than the book. The description said the book is new. The seller is trying to liquidate its stock. I can't wait for it to come in. Of course my skepticism started to kick in after the initial high wore off. But for a dollar, I just couldn't pass it up. Woo Hoo!

Oh, and before I forget, I want to give everyone a big hug and kiss (**smooches**) for supporting the Knit On! products. Look for more items in the future.
Have a great weekend everyone & stay cool!

Joy Comes in the Morning

Joy comes in the Morning. I remember the pastor belting that out one Sunday when I was younger. To amuse myself, I would try to think all the possible reasons why Deacon Roberts always had a sour look on his face. My mother told me once that he didn't eat enough prunes, but as observant as I was, I knew it had to be his wife's offensive smelling perfume. It was the kind that lingered a long while after she was gone. After service had ended and everyone was gathered outside or in the basement to buy a fish dinner, all you had to do was follow your nose and you knew exactly where she had been during the day. Her perfume was THAT strong. Eeeewww! However, when the Pastor made that statement, for the life of me, I could not understand what he meant by it ... until now.

The past couple of weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for us.

First, we received a call that my husband's aunt was in the hospital. She had a series of strokes after complaining all week of headaches and not feeling well. One proved to be fatal. At first her prognosis looked bleak. She was unconscious but she was breathing on her own. Her church has been putting the prayer line into over-drive and family and friends have been holding a constant vigil by her bedside ... but ... Joy Comes in the Morning! On Thursday she finally opened her eyes. The doctors are not sure how much comprehension she has and they are constantly doing neuropathic tests. Right now, baby steps is all we are asking for and we are taking one day at a time. We just want her to take her time and heal.

The day after we were informed of Aunt Gertrude, my Mother called me to tell me my Great Uncle Henry lost his battle with colon cancer. We were aware of his illness but I guess we didn't realize just how sick he was. When he was diagnosed, he was already in stage four and not given much time. Uncle Henry was the one you would call on when you needed ANYTHING and never complained about doing it either. My mother was devastated and as her oldest, I helped her gather her things and hopped on Jet Blue to Florida. We take solace in knowing that his last days were spent surrounded by his family and grandchildren ... and that he has to suffer no more. ... and ... Joy Comes in the Morning! The day after his death, his daughter, my cousin found out she is pregnant ... AND ... the baby is due on her father's birthday (excuse me while I break out into a Mahalia styled hymn).

After returning home, I've been searching for the perfect baby pattern to knit. Because she lives in Florida, I want to make something in cotton and either in yellow or green. I love this Sweet Pea set from Knitting at Knoon.
You can order it as a kit from Jimmy Beans Wool and it calls for Rowan's RYC CashCotton 4ply. I really like the Limon color and may pair it with white to do a striped blanket. The baby is due after Christmas so I have some time, but I want to start now . . . just to give myself some time. I am going to be patient though. Can't rush this one.

Winds of the Storm

It's all Beverly Jenkins' fault. Who told her to write the most captivating historical romance novels!? Her characters draw you in with their strength and perserverance at a time when the United States were at odds with each other. She enlightens you to the struggles of the race and the accomplishments made to reach the state we are at today. Further more, who can help being intrigued by a handsome, debonair, sophisticated man and a equally matched heroine, whose affairs with each other are often hot and s-t-e-a-m-y.

Winds of the Storm is the latest novel from Beverly Jenkins. Here is the excerpt from Amazon:

Archer Le Veq owes his life to the woman who rescued him from certain death at the height of the Civil War...a woman known only as "the Butterfly." Now, in the dark, waning days of Reconstruction, he needs the courageous and beautiful former spy...in more ways than before!

Zahra Lafayette thinks her days of intrigue are far behind her, until she is asked to go on one more mission. Posing as an infamous madam in New Orleans, Zahra must gather information to ensure the safety of the South's freedmen. The last thing she expected was to see Archer Le Veq again. He is as arrogant as he is handsome, but there is something about this dusky and debonair hotelier that sends her senses singing. Zahra knows she will need to guard her secrets, but no peril awaiting her compares with the treachery of Zahra's own heart -- for, Lord help her, she burns to taste the man and to lose herself in his powerful embrace.

Whew Chile! Can you resist?!? The best thing is her novels are intertwined. So, if you need to add some books to your summer reading list, start with Indigo then move onto Through the Storm and follow up with Winds of the Storm. However, I must caution you, you will get ABSOLUTELY no knitting done.

By Popular Demand

I want to thank everyone for all the support they have shown for the Knit On! cards and journals. I really appreciate it. (smooches!)

My mother's friend asked me for a tote bag and I received several requests for tees. So, without further ado, you can check them out here and here.

I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised with the totes. I hope you like them too ... and they can be personalized. Woo Hoo ...

I'm A Couch Potato (for this week only)

I can't seem to remove myself from in front of the t.v. This was one H-O-T-T week for television.

Let's start with America's Next Top Model:
I am too psyched that Danielle won. When cycle 7 began, I was rooting for Nnenna and Danielle. When Nnenna was booted off ( I think she was misunderstood) my pom-poms began to cheer for Danielle. I was a little tired of the judges always pointing out her southern girl accent as a hindrance but she worked "it" nonetheless. I have to admit there was a moment there when I thought Joanie would win. I liked her too. I could not stand Jade from the minute she introduced herself to the judges. What really did her in was when the designers from Thailand reviewed her commercial and said the picture was good but looking at her take, they would not buy anything from her. Karma can be a mutha! Guess she didn't know everything.

The one thing my girls have been up in arms about is the merger between UPN and the
WB networks. The new CW network is supposed to be geared for a younger audience but what has a lot of people upset is a lot of "urban" shows would not make the cut. Translated, "Girlfriends" was a big IF, MAYBE, WE'LL SEE. WHHHAAAATTT! I can't live without the selfish antics of Toni, the bare my soul honesty of Lynn, the been there, done that, and "oh hell yes" attitude of Maya and the so self absorbed and left out in the cold Joan. Sprinkle a little but of William's humor on top and Girlfriends became a staple for Monday nights. Well, The CW just announced their new fall lineup and Girlfriends is here to stay! WOO HOO!. They will be on on Sunday nights along with Everbody Hates Chris.

Smallville has also been renewed (Tom Welling is my guilty pleasure... mmm, mm, mm) but I may have to give him up cause he is competing with the finest man on television. I can't give up Shazaa ( y'all know ya'll loved him in a Different World) Gary Dourdan and his fine self on CSI has me trading in my Mac for beakers and goggles. I can not wait for the season finale tonight. I tried looking at the site and guessing at the clues to determine the outcome of tonight's show. All I can tell is that Warrick is not wearing a wedding ring anymore, Grissom's hand is open and he is looking at Sarah, Nick has a cut (blood) on his neck and the person lying on the counter with a gun shot wound has a police badge hanging out of his pocket. No doubt that is Brass.

After CSI, Withoout a Trace's season finale is coming on. I am just praying that my mother doesn't call me at that time. She always seems to call when my "shows" are on. LOL, Gotta love her.

Well, I have moved my knitting basket full of UFO's to the other table to make way for the popcorn because there will be no knitting going on. Don't get me started on Friday's lineup. :-)

All Work and No Knitting

I haven't knit a stitch all week.
I've been under the gun y'all . . . fo real.
But, I am almost there.
For now, you can check it out ...
here.

Have a Happy Mother's Day!

Spring + Football = A Whole Lot of Knittin'

Yep, it's that time of year again for Mali. Football season has started which means 4 hours of uninterrupted knitting for me (woo hoo) while Mali goes through his tackling drills push ups and sprints. Last year, some other mothers and I formed a little knit / crochet circle. We would sit and knit / crochet while the boys practiced. It was really great sitting on the grass knitting and gossipping. I looked forward to Saturday and Sunday mornings filled with laughter, Arepas (from some of the soccer moms), Jerk Chicken and yarn.
To kick off the season I decided to knit something for myself, which I rarely do. I wanted a lacy sweater to wear over tanks and summer dresses so I opted for Spring Fling from Knitty's '05 Spring edition. I had my eye on it for awhile but always put it off. I have 5 skeins of KnitPicks Shine Worsted in my stash that is perfect. However, I think I will need to order some more since I have already used two skeins to complete the back bottom ribbing. I made it two inches longer, since I am tall and don't want to look like I am wearing my little sister's sweater. I will have pictures soon. Until then, GO SKYHAWKS!

Bush Ice Cream and a Caribbean Breeze

Back in the early 90's, the summer after Hurricane Hugo, my cousin and I spent the summer in Montserrat. After a year of endless exams, monotonous work and the constant rush of New York City, we were in dire need of a break. One of our favorite past times was going into town to run errands for Granny. That gave us time to hang out at the circle and meet with our friends. We would get teased because one of the things we had to have was "Bush" Ice Cream . . . better known as pistachio. Sitting there on the giant tree that was felled by Hugo and eating that homemade ice cream under the endless blue sky was our little taste of heaven ... and New York was light years away. When I initially decided to knit socks for K, I had a hard time choosing yarn. Color really moves me and nothing seemed right, until I saw Artyarn's Supermerino #140. The craving for pistachio ice cream and a Caribbean breeze hit me hard. Still riding on my high of working with the yarn from knitting Thuja, I immediately scooped up 3 hanks. Then, I steered the car towards Utica Avenue to pick up a pint of Pistachio. On the ride home I tried to think of a pattern I would use. I liked Thuja but I wanted to do something different. The Jaywalker was cool but I would have to adjust it for the yarn. This is what I came up with:
I call it the Runway Sock. The chevron and feather pattern reminded me of an airport runway and thus had me thinking about somewhere far, far away. The pattern is very simple and it is a quick knit. The only thing I would probably do over is the cast on. I casted on using a cable cast on. I love the neatness of the edge. I felt the long tailed cast on would be too bulky and I didn't like it too much in doing Thuja. However, it provided the stretch . I won't change the cast on for the partner of this sock but I will make a mental note for next time.

Thuja Love

Project : Thuja from Winter Knitty
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino #130
Needles: Bryspun 5" sz.5 DPN's

I have to admit, I really enjoyed knitting these socks. At first I was a little hesitant because of the weight of the Supermerino, but I have to tell you, when I tried these babies on . . . my feet were in heaven. The softness of the yarn makes for an incredibly plush sock that you would not want to take off. Mama is going to love these.
Part of the enjoyment is due to the needles I used. The pattern called for size 6 double pointed needles. I already had a pair of sz. 6 Lionbrands , but I don't like them. They are just too stiff and too long. So while cruising one of my local yarn haunts I came across Bryspun's five inch double pointed needles. Knitting Nirvana y'all. I have never been so excited about finding the "right" needles before. It may sound a bit crazy but it made all the difference in knitting these socks. I especially like the points. No split strands! Once I cast on, it was a breeze to knit.
Once these were completed, I had planned on making a pair for my cousin. However, I am rethinking that. I don't want to get bored with the pattern. So, I have been working on a spinoff of the Jaywalker sock to use with the Supermerino yarn. I have a few kinks to work out, but I will definitely keep you posted.

Passing in Brooklyn . . .

Time: 2PM'ish
Place: LYS - Roxy Yarns
Scene: Cozy yarn store in Brooklyn advertising 30% off all yarns. Customer 1, a
fantabulously stylish woman (okay, I had on my sweats and looked like I had
been playing tag with a bunch of five year olds) perused through the bins and
Customer 2 walks in and looks around.

Owner: Hello. How are you?
Customer 2: Good, good ... and you?
Owner: Good. Just a reminder, all yarns are 30% off.
Customer 2: Really? That's good to know. I am looking for something to make for a little girl. This poncho is soooooo adorable. Did you make the samples?
Owner: No, I rarely make anything for girls since I have three little boys.
Customer 2: So, who makes your samples?
Owner: They come from the manufacturer to show how the yarn knits up.
Customer 2: Nooooooo
Customer 1: Really . . .
Owner: Yea
Customer 2: Are you serious?
Owner: Yea, why?
Customer 2: I just came from another LYS (she refused to mention the name) and I saw this same sample hanging from the shelf. I asked the woman about it and she told me she knit it herself.
Owner: She could have
Customer 2: At first I believed her but now looking around I see you have the same samples as she has. There's no way she could have knit the same exact samples.
Owner: I doubt it too. Not the same exact samples.
Customer 2: I'm not going there again. Now I know why she said she couldn't remember the pattern.
Customer 1: Wow (head shaking).
Customer 2: Can you believe that.
Customer 1 and Owner: Yea.