On a Roll

I'm on a roll with the book signings this week!

Last night I ventured up to Borders again to see Mel Clark and Tracey Ullman talk about their new knitting book Knit 2 Together. The audience was a bit sparse and only a few people had their knitting out, which was odd. I'm used to Yarn Harlot or SnB events I guess. The other odd thing was that the audience seemed to be filled with slightly creepy older men who were just there to see Tracey Ullman. They bought the book to have her sign and everything!

I felt really bad for Mel though. Most of the audience didn't pay her any mind and were a bit rude to her once they went up to get their books signed. The guy in front on me just wanted to talk to Tracey about how his friend is on the PTA with her and blah, blah, blah. Mel was obviously a bit perturbed, not to mention he's holding up the line. So she asked him if he knit. He kept talking to Tracey then answered, "Yes." Blah, blah, blah. Then she asks him, "When did you learn?" Blah, blah, blah, "When I was four." So Rude!!! So if anyone decided to go see them in Union Square B&N tonight at 7pm, make sure you give Mel some love!

Luckily, because of the rude blah blah guy, I was able to chat with Mel a little bit about designing and such. Apparently she had her own line, freelanced for LL Bean, and when she got burnt out from that, decided to open her own yarn store. She was an inspiration to me and I just wish I could have talked to her longer. I think it's time to get that SBA loan application in the works.......

Confession

I feel like I've done a bad thing. I cheated on my SnB group last night.

It all started out innocently enough. I saw that Tracy Ullman is coming to Borders on Thursday night to talk about her new book Knit 2 Together. So I clicked on the link to get some more info and I see that Al Franken is speaking. Al Franken! I love him and his books, so I chose Al Franken over my knitting group. I'm sure they'll forgive me after a proper lashing. :)

It was pretty cool to meet him in person and talk a little about the dire condition in Washington nowadays. Most Americans are so angry, frustrated and distraught and don't know what to do about it and how to make things better. So he offered a solution: send money to the candidates, get involved - volunteer, and most importantly: VOTE! Get out there on Nov. 7th and let them know we aren't going to take it anymore!

If you need some good reading material (that's written in a more serious tone than Franken's books) to get you even more fired up (whether you are a liberal or conservative) I suggest picking up a copy of John Dean's book Conservatives without Conscience. And if you are a conservative - before you say, "hey that title sounds like you're putting us down", just trust me on this one. Dean has been a life long conservative and has been involved in the government for many years dating back to the Nixon administration. He makes some very good points and is very concerned where the "authoritarian conservatives" have taken our country.

Ok, I'm stepping off my soap box now.

I have been knitting, but unfortunately I can't show what's going on. It really puts a damper on this whole knitting blog thing!

Knit Out + Yarn Harlot = Fun!

So I headed down to the Knit Out with Mia and Gwen (both blogless) today. It was an experiment of knitters behavior when tempted with free things very interesting. I've never seen so many people pushing and shoving just to get a goody bag from Red Heart! Let me tell ya, those grannies can be vicious! It's amazing what a bit of free yarn, needles, magazines and literature can do to otherwise sane knitters. Wait, check that, are we ever sane?

Here's a look at the crowd:



The fashion show was cute - at least the dogs and kids. These models were so darn cute! The one in the pink skirt was shakn' those hips like a professional! Absolutely adorable!



The women's clothing was well, kinda scary. There were a few nice pieces, but the majority didn't really strike my fancy. There was a very nice bag and belt made out of Patons and a nice peplum cardigan made out of Lion Brand Cashmere something or other. There was also an awesome coat made out of Koigu, but the Yarn Harlot pointed that out (she was the co-MC) and the announcer didn't really push that too much (I believe this is mainly a Patons, Red Heart, Lion Brand sponsored event). I don't know why I didn't take pics of what I liked, I think I was just too blinded by the fluorescent scarf and shawl.

After the Knit Out, I ventured uptown to meet the Yarn Harlot at Knitty City. It was a fairly small group and was a pretty informal Q&A session instead of the usual reading. She was so nice and very funny. It was nice just knitting away and having a chat as a group.

Afterwards, she graciously signed our books and participated in photographs. Here I am holding the stash weasel and of course Stephanie has the famous traveling sock.



Overall, it was a great day. It was a little hot and I got a bit sunburnt, but it was worth it!

I Love Cables

I have a new found love for cables.



They are just so pretty and so interesting to knit. This is a swatch for one of my upcoming secret deals, so I can't say too much, but it's going to be a fun knit for sure!

I'm thinking about going to the Knit Out in Washington Square Park Union Square Park on Sunday. Any other NYC knitters going?

Black Pearl Yarns

I am pleased to announce that I have been selected to be a designer for Black Pearl Yarns!

I have one word for you guys: CASHMERE!

Sorry to say this means I've added more secret knitting to my list. I know no one likes a tease, but you must accept my sincere apologies! :)

Everything has been such a wirlwind around neoknits these last few months! I can't wait til everything is revealed, it's all so exciting!

Remember this?

Remember my finished Butterfly from January?



Remember when I completed Butterfly and promised to show a modeled picture soon, but just needed to get a slip? Well, I finally got one about 3 weeks ago and it's perfect! I need to take it in a little bit in the bust, but other than that, it works well. Plus it didn't cost me an arm and a leg to buy. The key is not to shop in NYC!



Sorry for the bad pic, I didn't intend to go headless for this shot!

Update on Annabelle

Just wanted to let you guys know that Annabelle is now available for purchase outright at Hipknits. I know a few of you were wondering if it would be, since at first it was only offered free with yarn purchase.

Details for Annabelle can be found here.

Did You Know?

I received an email today at work with some "fun" facts about merino wool. The little video is a bit strange though. Do they really think that techno music makes everything better?

They talk about merino being sexy. (They even mention underwear?) The video is on this page, click "see sexy merino."

It's now machine washable. (A chemical is added, but hey, who's checking.)

It's good for sportswear. (Removes unpleasant odors? Ok.)

It's a renewable resource. (No way!)

And last but not least, it's a UV protectant.

If you ask me, they could have done a little bit better on the marketing. "Hey, come make sweaters with merino! It makes you less stinky and more pleasant to be around" just doesn't sound too appealing to me.

Sorry for the somewhat boring post. Not much knitting going on. I've mainly been focused on getting out the pattern for the sweater I teased you guys with the other day. It's been a bit of a nightmare because I've been very tired and there are so many parts. For such an easy sweater, this one has really tested my patience over and over! If or when I make it through, I hope it does well!

Another Secret Done

Another secret done, or at least almost done! I just need to sew in the sleeves and the buttons and I've got another FO! Yay!



As you can see, it's sitting across the room with the sleeve all ready to be sewn on. Crappy pic you say? You want more details? Sorry, not for at least another 2-3 weeks!

And last but not least, here is Valerie, another test knitter for the secret Sundara yarn project! She only has 31 rows to go!

So Did I finish?

Yes! I did finish my pomatomus socks on Friday night - well, technically Saturday morning. I finished weaving in the last end close to 2am. I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep until I finished, so why lie awake in bed thinking about the sock you could have finished by now? There's just no sense in it!



Pomatomus by Cookie A
Size 2: 5" Brittany DPN
2 skeins Koigu KPPPM color P42227

I loved making these socks! I didn't even have to make any adjustments for my tiny feet - they are just tight enough around my leg and foot. Towards the end my wrists started to hurt a little bit from the ribbing, I was knitting a bit tight, but other than that, no problems at all.

Fall is in the air, can't wait to wear them with my Docs!

Must Get This Sock Done + Misc.

Thanks so much for the nice comments about Annabelle! It was also nice to see some new bloggers in the comments too! I love learning about new blogs and I check out every one.

So test knitting has begun for the top secret Sundara Yarn pattern. So far, I know of two blogs you can track their progress on: here and here. If you read Grumperina's blog, you may have recognized the second blog from her post on Wednesday!

Two of my friends have opened up etsy shops for their cute stuff recently. So check out Sulu-design for jewelry and knottybits for cute softies. Both ladies are so talented!

Now onto the sock. I really, really, really want to finish it tonight and I'm so close!

If I don't sleep then I probably could, but I need to get up early to travel back to Jersey tomorrow morning (as if not getting any sleep could really be a solution). The reason why I want to wrap this up is due to another project I am just itching to start. This is the secret I mentioned about 2 or 3 weeks ago - and no, I still can't tell. Sorry! But I can say that the yarn the sock is resting on, well that's what I'll be making the project out of. Isn't it purty!

Secret Project Revealed!

The first pattern that I designed for Hipknits is up! Go check it out here. It's at the very bottom of the page.

And here are the details:

Annabelle by Melissa Wehrle





Difficulty Level

Intermediate/Advanced

Materials needed

Hipknits Sock Weight Cashmere: 100% Cashmere; 656yds/600m per 100g skein; 2 [2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4] skeins
1 pair size US 2 (2.75mm) straight needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
1 size US 2 (2.75mm) 24” or longer circular needle
1 size US B (2.25mm) crochet hook
Stitch holders
One button

Sizes

To Fit Bust: 32 [34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44] in / 81 [86, 91, 97, 102, 107, 112] cm
Finished Bust: 30 [32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42] in / 76 [81, 86, 91, 97, 102, 107] cm
Finished Length: 21.5 [22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 25] in / 54.5 [56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 64] cm

Gauge

30 sts to 39 rows measured over 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch
37 sts to 40 rows measured over 10cm (4 inches) in smocking pattern

One Down, One to Go!

Here was the first pomatomus sock last Thursday. My co-workers suggested it looked like a seamonster:



And here is the first sock as of last night:



I'm loving them so far. Or should I say loving it! Off to cast-on for sock two. I am lucky and thankful that I don't suffer from SSS!

Goodies!

Everyone loves goodies and presents, right? When I came back from having lunch in Bryant park, this package was waiting on my chair.

This is a little package I received from Anjo over at the Craftymodster for entering in her August Project Spectrum giveaway. The grand prize was a CD of neutral titled songs, but I have to say, Anjo was very generous with her "runner up" prizes too! Check it out:




Hand stamped birdie card - so cute!



Mmm, chocolate! There's also some neutral colored thread and embroidery floss, some buttons, and a handmade pin. Thanks Anjo! This made my day!

Rockn' Weekend

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Check It Out!

Here are the first two finished Grannie Smiths I've seen posted on the net:

Here

and here

How exciting!

Heat = No Brain

Is this why some people tend to put down their needles during the summer months? (Well, besides the heat of course!)

Sleeve before


Sleeve after


I have no excuse. This is simple stockinette for goodness sake! This time I forgot to change needle size when I started the jersey part of the sleeve. This sweater has been my own personal patience challenge even though it's probably the most simple thing I've knit in months! So now, I officially blame it on the heat cooking my poor brain! (Oh and this is actually the second sleeve. The first one I felt was too small, so I ripped that too.) Basically, I've had to rip so many times, I think I could have made 2 complete ones by now!

Thanks for all the suggestions on site hosting. I've decided to go with dreamhost and hope to have a new site up soon! Or at least when I am not knitting, ripping, and re-knitting this darn sweater anymore!

Suggestions?

I'm thinking about taking the neoknits blog over to an independent site and need some suggestions of reliable, easy to use hosting services. I need something pretty cheap (under $10 a month), fast download speed, very reliable, good tech support, easy blog setup (templates and RSS feed included).

So if you have your own website, please share your experiences - good and bad!

Also, if anyone uses 1&1, please let me know. They are one of my top choices so far.

Thanks!

Finally an Update Picture!

I know I promised twice before, but I mean it this time! Here's an update shot on the second project for Hipknits:



In Hipknits Aran weight cashmere

As you can see, I've made quite a bit of progress in the 2 1/2 or so weeks I've been working on it. I probably could have been to the sleeves already if I didn't have so much pattern writing to do last week!

I feel like my knitting speed has picked up significantly since the beginning of the year. I like to think it was my training for and participation in the knitting olympics, but then there's that little thing called a deadline! It's a tough call.

For All You Girly Hockey Fans

I just read in WWD today that Reebok will be launching a line of women's NHL apparel at the start of the 06-07 season. But that's not the best part, listen to this:

"New Era Caps is also coming out with a line of women's NHL hats this fall. The caps, which will wholesale from $9 - $12, are redesigned to specifically fit a woman's head and to incorporate more fashion elements, like shine and rhinestones."

Now, I'm not exactly a girly girl, but I'm sorry THERE ARE NO RHINESTONES IN HOCKEY!

So now you can get your pink and white Maple Leafs Jersey with a matching pink hat with rhinestones. Does anyone else find this a bit frightening?

It's amazing they are finally getting on the ball with women's NHL apparel, apparently women make up 40% of the fan base. I wonder how many of them are chicks with sticks?

In knitting news, I sent off the finished Sundara yarn and Hipknits patterns this week. It feels so good to have them off my plate and to move on to new and exciting things. The second Hipknits pattern is making good progress and I hope to start the sleeves by next week. I also will have another exciting announcement soon, but I'm not allowed to spill the beans yet! Sorry!