My Workroom Has Exploded

I had a lot of energy last night and just HAD to try out a new crochet stitch pattern inspired by this book.

I just had to use this yarn.


Unfortunately, the box containing the yarn I needed was at the bottom of the overloaded closet. I was too obsessed with wanting to see the stitch pattern worked up to put everything back after the yarn exploded.

So I guess my work is cut out for me this morning.

I guess that explains why I am posting to the blog again, after adding the new FO's to Ravelry. Procrastination, thy name is Yarnartist!

A Couple More FO's

Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket for Luka. I finally made one and it was fast, fun and everything everyone says EXCEPT I don't think this one is the right proportions! The neck opening is too small and the length/width ratio seems incorrect. I am sure this is the fault of my yarn choice (Elann's Filati Sailor) and the needles (US4). I did like the 100% cotton yarn (very much - I bought 2 balls of nearly every color Elann offered) but maybe not for this design. I don't make them, but it seems like it would be good at a very tight gauge for dishcloths.


Here are some more socks for Afghans for Afghans. The yarn is ancient, from my stash, Regia Mini Ringel Color, and the patterns are from my twisted little mind. I can make socks in my sleep. The patterning (like the one in the larger pair) just comes out my fingers and is usually derived from whatever else I have been working on. This one was derived from the Chevron Scarf, only instead of k1,m1's, I did k1, yo's, resulting in lacy chevrons. The short row heels are so much easier and I think more attractive than the flap heels.

I especially like that the stripes match. With yarn this defined, I know I would hate if they didn't.

Stephanie and Luka and Some FO's

Meet my god-daughter's newest creation - Luka Alexandra. Born on Saturday morning with a minimum amount of discomfort, she is precious and tiny. I went to see them on Sunday and brought them some new socks!

The Monkeys and baby socks are made from Rio de la Plata sock yarn. Baby sock pattern was out of my frenzied mind.

Me and Luka! It's so amazing to remember how small they are when they first pop out.

I had enough yarn left over from the Kaffe Fassett yarn to make a little baby pair. I am collecting some socks to send to Afghans for Afghans.

This is the Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I saw it on Ravelry and HAD to make one. I used 2 different colorways of Claudia's Handpainted Sock Yarn and was totally delighted with the way they blended. It's a mindless knit - very good for social knitting and hey Ellen! A wonderful procrastination project!

And speaking of Ravelry! What fun! What a party! I wish everyone could get on it. Because of Ravelry, I have discovered Flickr and Picnik and now my life is (nearly) complete!

If only my own website were as easy to use. I would have uploaded all those PDF versions of my patterns that my sister formatted for me! I would have my new yarnartists.com website up and running! Instead I futz around with blogger and ravelry because it is easy and fun.

And speaking of futzing - I am wondering why I spend so much time knitting other people's patterns while visions of delight run through my mind. I know the answer - it is because knitting other people's designs (even with my own variations) is relaxing and fun. Working on my own is stressful and not fun.

When I designed in fabric, there was no equivalent. I was never tempted to buy ready made patterns because they were not fun. It was stressful and not fun to make my own patterns, but so much faster to see the end result - I think that had something to do with it.

So I continue to buy yarn and dream of the possibilities. I will never show anyone the sum total of my stash. It is too terrifying to even look at all at once myself. I keep finding new pockets of storage so I can still manage to fit into my workroom.

The Chevron Vest

Striped Vest, front
Originally uploaded by mrsw9

From Knitters, Summer, 2007. I changed nearly everything about this pattern - made the neckline deeper, used 2 differnt weight yarns and adjusted the sides, which I knit in garter stitch rather that stockinette. I do like the way it came out and will probably continue to develop the pattern.

4th Wig

4th Wig
Originally uploaded by mrsw9

This is why I haven't had time to write in my blog. although I have been sworn to secrecy regarding my wig making activities, I think I can show you the photo without revealing any secrets.

This is the 4th wig I've made and I must say - it is THE MOST TEDIOUS, INTENSE WORK I HAVE EVER UNDERTAKEN!

I think my wig-making career might die on the vine!

Okay Then

Okay, I see that no one has anything to say about my thoughts on the meaning of life. So back to knitting content.

But first, a photo of birthday flowers:

This next one is a new sock design I am calling Foot Fetish. Since there are so many excellent sock patterns out there for free, I am probably not going to publish this one for my pattern line, but will maybe just write it up and give it away for free like everyone else.

And this one is made from Regia's new Designer Line by Kaffe Fassett. I bought the entire collection here.
I love Kaffe Fassett's colors and was so excited to see his sock yarn collection and such a great price, too. So of course I ordered the entire collection. No, I won't be publishing photos of all the new yarns I've acquired during my so-called 3 month yarn fast. I have lost 14 pounds, so that proves I am able to show restraint in some areas of my life.

I have been wasting far too much time on Ravelry. It is really fun and very easy to use. If you are already in there, my name is Yarnartist. Give me a holler!

Knitting and the Meaning of Life

Zen Koan: Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.
Knitting Koan: Before enlightenment; knit, rip, knit, rip. After enlightenment; knit, rip, knit, rip.


In life, as in knitting, enthusiasm, patience and persistence lead to mastery.

Although the subtitle of my blog is "musings on fiber, knitting and the meaning of life", I haven't included much about the last.
This got me thinking, on the way to LACMA the other day, "What is the meaning of life?"

Like "Beauty", the "Meaning of Life" is completely subjective. Personal values and beliefs come into play and although religions try to tell us the meaning of life, NO ONE really knows for sure. Minds much greater than my own have spent lifetimes contemplating the answer to The Question, and countless volumes have been written trying to persuade others to what is still a personal choice.

My own answer goes something like this:

The meaning of life is to create beauty.

I believe that each individual chooses his/her own meaning and that is mine.

Beyond that, I believe there is also a purpose for "Life". Not individual life, but Life itself, from the tiniest elemental energy to the universe and beyond, I believe that all of creation is expanding, becoming aware of itself, and creating.

And so each individual adds to the expansion. We, as creatures with free will, choose to create beauty or darkness, order or chaos, love or evil. No matter what we choose, we add indelibly to all that is.

What do you think?

One of my 3rd grade Sunday School students once said that when she wondered whether God exists, she wondered who else could have come up with kitty faces.

Another Heartbeat Sweater

It took a bit longer than a heartbeat to knit. I started it on Saturday and finished last night (Tuesday) I just love this sweater! Here you can see how I put a strap across the back to keep it from falling off the shoulders.

I realize that it would be easy to make the neckline higher in the back but I just love how it looks with the strap.

Pattern: Heartbeat Sweater, Jill Vosburg, Just One More Row
Yarn: Berroco Love It Colors 12 balls color 3293, 58% cotton, 38% acrylic, 4% polyester
Needles: US8
Size: XL

Not for me. I wonder who will end up wearing this beauty and if they will love it as much as I do?

Blood of Flowers

For those of you who enjoy listening to audio books while knitting, I would like to share a wonderful one I just finished - Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani
It is a story of a woman who designs and makes rugs in 17th century Iran. Aside from the thrilling descriptions of the rug making craft - knot tying, wool dying, color selection, design theory (non of it dry and frankly, I would have liked a lot more information) it is a fascinating glimpse into the life of women at that time and place in history, plus romantic parables and some good sex scenes! And it is narrated by a woman with a most charming Iranian accent. I also enjoyed the interview with the author at the end of the book. If you haven't already, give it a listen!

I wish I had a lot more blog readers so I could turn a lot more people on to this book!

Eden is at the Anime Expo in Long Beach today so I am not at the museum. Which is just as well since I am working on a wig assignment and I don't think wig-making is portable. The hair would probably blow away in the breeze. Knitting in public - cool. Ventilating in public - not so much.

Knitting with Sloths (3-toed)

This morning I decided to sit in the park and knit for the hour I need to wait till the museum opens. I am growing tired of shopping and it was a beautiful day. I found a very shady area under some trees, looking out at the sloths.



When Eden was little we used to come to the Tar Pits all the time. For those of you who don't know, the Tar Pits are right next to the museum. He especially loved climbing on the sloths. There are actual tar pits where it is almost required that your child steps in and gets tar on his new sneekers. And it doesn't come off! I don't think they had invented Goo-Gone and Mr. Clean Magic Erasures back in those days.

There is also a separate museum that has skulls of a gazillion mountain lions that were dug out of the pits and a lot of other skeletons (no dinosaurs) but Eden called it the dinosaur museum.




I had the foresight to put a beach chair in the back of the car at the beginning of the week. It was so pleasant to sit in the shade and listen to the birds and knit, knit, knit.




I am working on a new sock design, too, from Blue Moon Fiber Arts' Seduction. It is the same lace pattern as the green part of the sweater.

The new Knitter's Magazine has absolutely nothing to do with the sock. But as an aside - I am totally in love with the new designs from Rick Mondragon. If I weren't so obsessed with getting my own designs out of my head and into reality, I'd make up a few from this issue.

At about 12:30 I packed up my stuff and went up to the museum to use the facilities. Got a little salad and happily knit till Eden was ready to go home.

Where I read my 161 e-mails and went back to knitting.




A mitered square from the Kauni. New idea - inspiration struck while at the museum and I needed to see if the Kauni would be good. I am working it on larger needles with the intention of felting it when finished. I've never been a big fan of felting but it will be a handbag and this yarn is just begging to be felted, as it is so scratchy I can never imagine wearing it. And since I have a big lot of it, I need to do something...

Carol and Her Sweater

I finally saw Carol and was able to give her the sweater I made her last month. This was the second one I made from the Knitter's pattern. I just love the K1C2 Tydy yarn. The sweaters only took a couple of days each, and I would make another one just because I loved making them, but there are too many ideas churning around in my brain to stay stuck on one - that's not even my own.

Don't these colors just look gorgeous on Carol?

Woven in between each stitch are love and prayers for healing.

Knitting at LACMA

Eden's art class at LACMA began this week and I am really enjoying the break in my routine.

His class is from 11 - 2:30, five days a week. The museum is anywhere from 20-45 minutes from our house, depending on the T-Factor (traffic factor). There are WAAYY too many cars on our streets here in LA, sometimes unpredictably more than others, but that rant will be saved for another time, along with the unique way I calm myself as I maneuver it.

Since it would waste an hour or 2 for me to return home (to knit) and then go back and pick him up, I decided I would be knitting at LACMA every day and use that extra time productively.

It is so pleasant there. They don't open until 12, which leaves me an hour to shop at the Grove. I know you don't want to see the 8 shirts and Armani jacket I bought for Reese on Tuesday! (I collect yarn. He collects clothes...and books...and music...and shoes. This is why we need a bigger house...but I digress)

There are several lovely seating areas on a breezy patio where I can sit and knit and eavesdrop on other peoples' conversations.


A very nice cafeteria where I can buy just right the amount of only the ingredients I want from the salad bar, along with an ice tea.


And then I have a lovely couple of hours of working, occasionally stopping to talk to someone who comments on my knitting bag, or my project.


Is it any wonder I am feeling even more inspired than usual?

Stop and have lunch with me if you're in the area. And bring your knitting!

I Am Powerless Before Beautiful Yarn

In this case, I believe I over-reacted. But here it is - my shipment of Kauni from Astrid's Dutch Obsessions. One skein of every color she had of Kauni. Interesting colors - very scratchy - along the lines of Philosopher's Wool. I am probably going to MK it and felt it. What I fell for was the long repeats so the yarn stripes rather than puddles or splotches. Will post photos when something gets knit up to my satisfaction. (don't hold your breath)

But a note about Astrid. She couldn't have been more delightful to order from and the yarn arrived very fast - less than a week and a half from Holland!



An FO - a tiny pair of baby socks from the most recent sock kit from Tsarina. Her design didn't 'knock my socks off'. It was this color background with dark brown knitted on lattice work, embroidered green leaves and a row of bright orange pumpkin or tomato things at the top. As much as I loved the Kitri Sock, this one just wasn't my cuppa T. The next one is also a stack of unrelated colors in the concept of a triple decker ice cream cone. I probably won't be making that one, either, but I do love her imagination and give her a lot of kudos for thinking outside of the box.

I am coming to the conclusion that I am too free-spirited to be a sock club member. I haven't used the STR yarn for any of the sock club patterns, either.

It's interesting how many vendors have formed their own clubs, inspired, no doubt, by the astronomical success of Blue Moon (over $400,000 worth of sales for one year in sock club memberships alone) Tina's yarn has got to be among the top 2 I have ever used - the other being Koigu. After that, my favorites include Noro, Collinette, Prism and Malabrigo. And trust me, I am set in case any of them ever go out of business!


I also finished this new pink tote for the November Crafts Show. Sharon and I got our applications in and now are waiting to see if we have been accepted. If not, I will sure have a lot of totes and shawls!

More FO's

Finally, I have a picture of the completed Just One More Row Sweater. I mostly stuck to the pattern, just changed the sleeves and side panels. In order to get the neckline this low, the back is also this low, so it kept falling off my shoulders. I finally solved the problem by crocheting a 1" wide strip and attaching it across the back neck. It worked like a charm and felt really secure when I wore it the other day.


Remember the fairisle sweater I was making after taking the Philosopher's Wool 2-handed fairisle class? Well, it was finished up to the armholes and I was just procrastinating on continuing. Not so much fear of steeking, as reluctance to knit small cuffs and sleeves in the round. Let's be honest - I had just grown bored with the thing! And had also come to the conclusion that a) I would never wear it - too warm for LA. and b) when finished, I would never be able to sell it for the $gazillion$ that would compensate me for the expensive yarn and hundreds of hours of labor.

One day, while working on totes for the California Contemporary Crafts Market (Sharon and I finally got our application finished) I noticed that it was the same width as the totes I usually cover with crochet. And so - after crocheting a nice bottom and adding some embroidery and beads - I now have a fairisle tote - only worth a half a $gazillion$!

Better Late Than Not At All

Here's part of the Memorial Day Barbeque. The roast is having close personal contact with the back end of the chicken. It tasted wonderful!

And I finally got Eden to take a picture of me wearing the pink and green sweater.



And here's what I made with some yarn leftover from the sweater, plus a little bit of this and that.

I have a big laundry basket filled with large plastic bags where I keep the ends of project yarns, sorted by color. This is really convenient when doing freeform or when I need just a little embellishment.

What have I been doing lately? Making one of a kind items for the California Contemporary Crafts Market. My friend, Sharon and I are applying for a booth together. Optimistic of me to be making inventory when I haven't even put in my application yet, let alone been accepted....

I have my 5 photos ready. One of them is the purse above. Here are the others:

Eden Got New Shoes

On the left is my foot. (size 7.5) On the right are Eden's new shoes. I am so glad Eden has no desire for hand made socks!


These are Monkey socks from Knitty by Cookie A. The yarn is Merino Wool hand painted, Flame colorway by Yummee Yarn.
Loved the pattern, loved the yarn, not crazy about the pattern in this yarn. BTW, the 2 socks really are the same size - not sure why they don't look it in the photo.

After weighing it, I didn't think there was enough to make the both socks entirely from this yarn, so I used the contrasting cuff and toe trick. There would have been plenty, as it turned out, so I made a pair of baby socks but the photo is too blurry to share.

The yarn is lovely, soft and spongy, very much like Socks That Rock. It's just that the colors are so busy that the Monkey stitch pattern is lost.

I am making another pair with a nearly solid yarn and am much happier with the result. Will post a photo when completed.

I made 3 new sweaters in the last couple of weeks but am waiting for someone to take my picture wearing them so I can show you.

Only a few more days of school and then summer officially starts!

eBay: Ellene Warren Sexy Black Jersey Dress Back Out size s (item 330120723270 end time May-23-07 14:37:26 PDT)

Every once in a while, my e-bay search comes up with a listing for one of my old designs. This one was a big seller for me back in the day. Here is the story of it's conception:

I was a workaholic - 6 days a week, from early morning till after 7 every night, I would be at the store, doing the work of at least 3 people - designing, making the patterns, cutting and sewing the first samples, buying the fabric, doing every fitting myself, managing the production staff, and whatever else needed to be done. I never took a day off - in fact, in the entire 18 and a half years I had a store (or stores), I only took 2 two week vacations.

But on this one particular day, I couldn't get myself going and decided to stay home. I can't remember why, but it probably had to do with heartbreak over the romance (that's another story - a book in fact)

While watching an old movie - can't remember what - I had the idea for this dress with a contoured collar and a low v in front and a v to the waist in the back. I got up, got dressed, hopped in my black Corvette, and tooled down Benedict Canyon to West Hollywood. And this dress was born - made from matte jersey, slinky, sexy, and I knew it was a winner before anyone ever tried it on. It had a matching belt that closed with a rhinestone frog - must have been lost on this one here, but it cinched in the waist and the jersey draped beautifully above and below. Nothing drapes as nicely as matte jersey. I went through bolts and bolts of it. In fact, I probably still have part of a bolt in my storage.

I also made this design as a top in matte jersey with individually applied sequins with a plain skirt, belt and neckband.


eBay: Ellene Warren Sexy Black Jersey Dress Back Out size s (item 330120723270 end time May-23-07 14:37:26 PDT)

All Knitting, All the Time

This last week I didn't have to drive one single person to one single doctor's appointment. (Reese did go to the dentist but he took himself) so I got a lot of work done!

Violetta is finished! It didn't take 2 1/2 weeks to crochet the violets, after all. But it did take a LOT of time - didn't time myself but I would estimate 15 - 20 hours? I plan to make a swingy little tank tunic to go under it. Am trying to figure out the pattern in my head as I work on other things. Maybe will try a mock-up this afternoon after my chauffeur duties are over.

Here is the pattern for the violet edging:
On base of sc sts, multiple of 7.
*Ch6, skip next 4 sts, sc in next st, ch4, skip next st, sc in next st; turn. [Ch4, sc in ch-4 lp] 3 times, sl st in last ch-6 lp, [sc, hdc, dc, trc, remove hook, insert from front to back in 2nd trc of last petal of last flower made, return hook and pull thru, trc, dc, hdc, sc] in first ch-4 lp, [sc, hdc, dc, 5trc, dc, hdc, sc] in next ch-4 lp, [sc, hdc, dc, 2trdc, dc, hdc, sc] on next ch-4 lp; rep from * around.

I decided to make myself a couple of stress-free summer sweaters from other people's patterns. This one is by Jill Vosburg and I just love her patterns! It is called Heartbeat Sweater and I would have finished it but I ran out of yarn and had to order more. This much knitting took less than 8 hours! Of course, I couldn't just order more of one yarn, so I had to order enough to get the discount! The BIG discount! (those clever yarn retailers)

So while waiting for the yarn to come, I started another sweater for myself from the newest Knitter's. I so loved the yarn the sample was shown in that I had already ordered it and am planning on finishing it this weekend.
This yarn is very nice to work with on the Addi's, which I had all but abandoned, much preferring the Knitpicks Options. But the duller tip is better, since the yarn splits very easily. It seems pricey, but the balls are bigger, and the long repeats are really nice for modules.

I am too ashamed to show you pictures of all the yarn and books I bought to get me through the Fake Brain Tumor Crisis, but I will just mention that I am still expecting 5 more shipments next week! My workroom, which had been reorganized several months ago with a lot of yarn moved down to the storeroom behind the garage, is once again bulging. I'm knitting as fast as I can! But my imagination works much faster than my fingers can ever hope to keep up. At least there are no calories in yarn!