Playing Catchup!!

I hope everyone had a lovely father's day!! Mine was productive. I sang with my band Saturday night, and me and the fi got a lot of yard work done over at my mom's yesterday. She was happy. I don't have any finished projects, but I do have a lot of WIP's. Here are a couple of pictures. I hope to have more up this week. First up is Rusted Root.
Next is a new project. The pinwheel blanket.


I haven't worked on my interweave Knits Nightie in about a week. I'm hoping to have some time this week, if not next week.

In sewing news: It started out like this:


and I finished this last week. I definitely need to iron this.

I love it, and it fits perfectly. I used a discontinued pattern from McCall's #4454. I had it in my stash, and some fabric that I recently purchased from JoAnn's. I will be making more of these, maybe in a different version with jersey fabric. I haven't decided yet. I also want to try my hand at some embroidery to refashion a few tops I have. That's all I have for now.

I hope you like the music.

Toodles!!

Pictures & Stuff

Here is my newest project Rusted Root from ZephyrStyle. The yarn I'm using is Ty-Dy from Knit One Crochet Too. It's 100% cotton and works up nicely. I can't wait to see the full pattern of the yarn. So far I like it.




My Interweave Knits Nightie is coming along.


I'm on ball #2 and have bind-off the back stitches. I haven't decided if I want to wear it as a nightie only, or over t-shirts also. Maybe I'll do both.

Here's my next sewing project, that I just pulled out from my stash. I'm going to try and cut it out during the week. I love the pattern of the fabric. It's so me. Here's a close-up, it's music notes. Gotta love it.



I have to tell you about these stitch markers I got a while ago. They're made by Boye. I love them. The way they are made is that they can open and close. So if you forget to put them on, you don't have to work around to the spot, just slide it right on and snap into place. I also like them because they're big enough to add a charm if you want.

You also might want to check out Amazon. The prices on the knitting books are great right now. The book Knit2Together is only $5.50. Is that not crazy!!! Gotta love it!!

Wardrobe Refashion!!!

I, Andrea Jennifer pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 4 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovated, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings!
Signed: Andrea Jennifer

Birthday Party Still Going Strong!!!

I had a wonderful birthday on Wednesday, and we are still going strong. The festivities are still going strong. Who Knew!! I'd have to say it was one of my best birthdays ever. (P.S. It's also why you have heard from me in the last couple of days. My mother gave me the most beautiful card, and what she wrote was even better. The fi's card was also beautiful. I thought he handcrafted it at first. I got the usual money and jewelry and these.




The first hank I spun on my swift and ball winder. Let me tell you, it's great not having to go to the lys to do this.

More stuff is coming as i placed an order today for books I wanted. So I spent my b-day sewing. I made Simplicity 3742, and wore it that night out to dinner at Casanova Grill. The food is fantastic, and what makes it nicer is that we know the people that own it. So we had a great time, great food, and we supported someone that we actually know. Anyway, here is the dress.


I did my own variation as I liked different things from each view that they gave you on the pattern. I didn't like the idea of cording for the waist and I also didn't feel like spending anymore money, so I used the idea of the belt from view B instead. I also liked the idea of the tie from the top so instead connecting the tie, I made it a little longer and left it open to tie into a bow or knot. This pattern was very easy to work with and to do. I'd definitely make it again. Wardrobe refashion has reopened its doors. I'm contemplating signing up. I'm not seeing anything in the stores I like. The majority of what I've seen can be made and the quality isn't that great especially for the price. It would be a great challenge for me. I just wondering, once I join, can I still buy fabric while on this challenge, my stash isn't that large in the line of fabric.

The Fi took me to see The Brand New Heavies at World Cafe Live Friday night. It was my first time there. It was really nice inside. The band was Great. N'dea Davenport was in top form. She looked fabulous. The band was phenomenal. Loved it!!!!!!!



Yesterday, he and I went to Dorney Park to indulge in the water park. One busted inner lip later from the Aqu Racer, which happened to be the first ride we did that day. Fun was had by all, and I think we conquer just about every water ride they had.

Today, we are just lazing about this morning. A little later we're going to head out and do some window shopping. We both need flower pots, and I want to go to JoAnn Fabrics to see what they have. We might even go to Border's. By the way, here's a picture of what I planted on Tuesday.

Holiday, Celebrate!!!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was pretty quiet and uneventful. I took two extra days off because my birthday is Wednesday, so I'm still home and enjoying it. I mowed the lawn yesterday, and today I'm trimming the hedges and planting my new hydrangea bush and a flower mat that I purchased. I'll take pictures when I'm done. I want to see if this mat really works.

I have lots of plans for the next two days. Joann Fabrics had a 99 cent sale on patterns so I went a little crazy. These are for my mother.


These are for the Fi. I've never sewed for a guy before. This should be interesting.


These are for me.


I'm starting with these two first, Simplicity 3742, and Simplicity 3807. They look pretty simple, so I hope to have at least one done by the weekend, if not before.




In knitting news, I'm almost done with the baby blanket. I'll be glad when it's done. Then I can get on to more fun projects, and the customer who wanted it can stop calling me. I still can't believe she told the people she was suppose to be knitting it for, that she made it. Supposedly, she's a newbie knitter and she didn't like the yarn, so she asked the owner of my lys to do it for her, and she in turn asked me to do it. It's unreal what some people would do, and then take the credit in the end. I'm not crazy about the yarn, but she picked it out, and I made the best of it. The pattern is hard to see in this picture, but I did blocks of garter and stockinette. I embedded the roman numeral X into the blanket.

I also got a chance to work on the interweave knits lace nightie. This is what I have so far. All I can say is that it's beautiful. It's definitely a pattern you have to concentrate on, or else nothing lines up.



That's it for now. Today I want to leave you all with a little luck. My friends and I found a 5 leaf clover on Sunday, and I want to share it.

Updates & Knitalongs

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I know I did. It was awesome!! I had my first gig with my new band. It went really well. The people didn't want to go home. During the course of the night, one guy pulled me off stage to dance with him. A lot of fun was had by all.

I finished my fitted knits split-neckline tee a week ago Sunday. Here it is.


I did have to make a few adjustments to this piece. I had lost a few pounds while making this garment so, I did a few decreases on the sides. The keyhole ended up being too big for me so I had to do quite a few decrease to make it fit also. I wore it to work yesterday, and received quite a few compliments. The nicest one I received was from a woman in the park I usually sit in for lunch. I was just walking through, going back to work and she stopped me by saying "I saw you making that. I would have never thought that was what you were making. Wow!!" My mom has put her request in for one in green. I picked out the yarns for it, and hopefully will get started on it as soon as next week.


In other news, I'm doing a knitalong with my new knitting buddy Amanda. It's for the Lace Nightie from Interweave Knits. I made the button, which you can find over to your right side of my blog. Amanda set up the Interweave Lace Nightie knitalong at Crafters.org. If you are interested, come join us. I just casted on for it. If you are having trouble with the link, email me and I'll email you the location info.

On other news not knit related, I started working out again Friday night. I bought Turbo Jam, so I'm starting with that. The music is good and they start you out with 20 minute workouts. I got through it with no problem, and felt the workout the next day, so I guess it's working. I can't wait to see what I look like a month from now. Bathing suit weather is coming up, and I want to try and look a little decent this summer. I also picked up the Goddess workout from Yoga Booty at Walmart. I watched it and it looks really good. I'll be working that in to my workout by the end of the week.

I went to the bookstore at lunch today and found 3 books I want desperately. Since my birthday is next week, I'm hoping I get money so I can order them. The books are Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan McGowan-Michael ( I love her her designs)!!! Saturday Night Hat by Eugenia Kim and InStitches by Amy Butler.

That's it for now. Happy knitting!!

I have been "8 Things Meme" tagged!!

I was tagged by new knitting friend Andrea. (Ain't that a riot! She's got my name =) So, loving it.

The rules:

1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Here are my 8 things:

1. I love to try different kinds of food from different countries/places.
2. My ultimate job would be to knit and sing full time making enough money to live off of.
3. I love to eat toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with hot chocolate.
4. I like getting my back scratched. Especially when the fi (fiance) does it.
5. In high school, I was on the Flag Squad with the marching band.
6. I love to dance and do hot yoga.
7. I try to stay away from drinking too much soda. I stick to water, juice and tea. No coffee, it messes up my stomach.
8. I use to play the piano. I was so good, I played for my junior high school choir. I quit after that. I guess I was burned out. Sometimes I feel like playing again.

Here are the 8 people I am tagging:

Amanda
Adrienne
Saun
Ysolda
Sheila
Nik
Ei Knit
Veronica

Happy Mother's Day

I hope all the mothers out there have a wonderful day!!

New Stash & Toys

On Sunday me and the Fi (fiance) went to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival in West Friendship, MD. They came from near and far.



We didn't get a chance to go last year and I could swear, there were more people there this time than the last time. Even though we got on the road a little later than we wanted to, a good time was had by all.

Since we've been to the festival before, we wanted to focus on things we hadn't seen. One of those things was seeing a sheep shorn. Let me tell you, watching this woman handle that sheep was very impressive. She moved him around like he didn't even weight anything.

Now, before I left the house I made a list so that I wouldn't stray. We all know how easy that is to do. I am happy to report that I got everything I went for and I didn't even have to pull out the credit card. Here are all my great buys.

The drop spindle is from Turnstyles, handcrafted by Bill Hardy. The beautiful fiber underneath (the picture does not do it justice. You just have to see it to believe it.) is cashmere & silk from Chameleon Colorworks. My hand carders are from Strauch Fiber Equipment Co. Last but not least, when I buy my fiber, I like to deal with sheep owners directly. A lot of times by doing this you get better prices on your fiber and boy did I get a great bargain. I also do it because all this time we thought I was allergic to wool, but it turns out by learning to spin it wasn't the wool I was allergic to but what they treat the wool with. I still don't wear it next to my skin, but my resistance level is much better than it use to be.

Anyway, here I have 1 pound of Border Leicester Midnight Black and 1 pound of Border Leicester and Cormo combed top in the color called Snow Drift. Both of these rovings are in their natural colors. They feel really nice, especially the one with the Cormo, it's like butter. I can't wait to spin it. I also bought 2 packets of dye from Barneswallow Farm. I'm trying to get up enough nerve to dye my fiber which is something I've never done before.

On another note, here's an update on my split-neckline tee from Fitted Knits. I'm almost done so I'm very happy. I should have been further along, but I was doing some finishing work for my lys.





Last but not least, I updated the layout/format of my page. Hope you like.

Diamond Girl

After two crazy months, I finally did it. Here she is, my very first published pattern, Diamond Girl, which can be found over at MagKnits. Hope you like her. I enjoyed the challenge and creative process of making her.

I would like to thank Courtney, Saun and Amanda, cause they know what it's like, and have been there, or are going through it right now. Mom, Robert, Marie, Lisa, Kathy, Judy, Byron and Jack for their support and guidance.

Fitted Knits Knitalong and New Projects

Ok, so now I'm obsessed with everything topdown. I'm getting ready to start reading Barbara Walker's Knitting From the Top Down. I also joined the Fitted Knits Knitalong, since I love Stefanie Japel's work. I picked as my project the Split-Neckline Cap-sleeved tee.

My first observations are that the knitting goes a lot faster, or it seems that way since I'm working in another direction. I casted on last Friday night. By Sunday I had this much done.

Then I had to rip back to here because I think I might have read the pattern wrong. Anyway,

I worked out the problem, which was pretty easy and now I have this much done.

This project also helped me to destash (because I really need to). I'm using Cascade Sierra, color#16, dyelot 3324 (that's the hot pink) and Skacel Meditation, color# 400, dyelot 067 (the multi). I'm not sure if Skacel makes Meditation still, it's been in my stash for at least a year now.

I'm hoping to do some sewing next weekend if I have time. I need a new handbag to carry all my stuff in including my knitting. I also want a new change purse. Maybe I'll knit and felt one by next weekend. I saw one on Lion Brand that was cute.

I finished my second washcloth. I think I'm going to make a whole bunch of them. I used it this morning and love it. The texture is very nice, and the washcloth is very absorbant. Much nicer than the ones you buy in the store.

Last week I bought this yarn


to make two of these for the summer. Let me know what you think. I know it's a nightie, but I think it will look good as a tank top.

Freak Mishaps & Goodies

I know it's been a while. Let me start off by saying, I never thought this would ever happen, but it can. Please be careful if you have loose knitting hanging around. I was grabbing my knitting with my left hand on Saturday getting ready to get out of the car when the next thing I knew, one of the needles was sticking out of my right hand. Two painful days later, I am doing much better. I can actually close my hand without it hurting. I took one day off knitting. I was working on this washcloth for my mother.



I started one for myself and I'm halfway done. My fiance wants one also, and he's requested a much longer one for a hand towel in the kitchen.

Not to change the subject of knitting, but I'm on this big kick of listening to music again since I'm going to be gigging again. I love my new band. I'll tell you more soon, but I have to keep it on the low down since they haven't fired their singer I'm replacing yet. My first gig with them is next month. So, to get back to what I was about to say, because I have the need to put this out there. Let's just call it my Hot Music Tip/Review. If any of you remember the show Growing Pains, then you should remember the guy who played the dad, Alan Thicke. Anyway, He has a son who is in the music industry, Robin Thicke. If you haven't heard his second album, you need to. I have been playing it for the past week. I might have to buy a second album because I'm afraid I'm going to wear this one out. And ladies, let me just say, the man is FINE!!! (I hope my fiance doesn't read this.)

On to my book review. I received in the mail last week Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel from Glampyre Knits . This is her first book. I don't think there is anything in this book I don't like. There is even a Fitted Knits knitalong getting ready to start here. I also bought Barbara Walker's Knitting From the Top Down. If you don't have this book, you have to get it. It is a must have for your knitting library.

Anyway, I have a couple of small things on the needles, I hope to have pictures up soon. I'm gearing up for Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Like I need more yarn. I really need to destash. Who am I kidding. Where there is yarn or roving, I will travel. I am definitely putting myself on a budget. I don't want to spend much. I know when I get there, I'll be like a kid in a candy store. My fiance even said the other day, when we do get married, we'll have to move soon after because I'm coming with too much baggage. Oh well, he'll learn.

Feeling Crazed!!!

Well, I finished knitting my design for MagKnits that was accepted for the May issue. It looks great and I can't wait for everyone to see it. I wish I could show it to everyone now, but there are rules I can't break. I'm writing up the pattern now, and that's moving along okay. The hard part is making sure all the math is right (especially at the neckline area). I'm on deadline for this month so it's crunch time, and I'm starting to get a little freaked out.

Andrea

Random Thoughts

I ride the train to work everyday, and that's where I get most of my knitting done. Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking as I sit there knitting away listening to a knitting podcast or bopping my head to The Brand New Heavies, Earth Wind and Fire or Corrine Bailey Rae, etc. Every once in a blue moon I'll look up and catch someone staring at my knitting. They usually smile and carry on with whatever they are doing freaked out that I caught them. I smile back and go back to my knitting. It makes me feel good and at peace. Knitting keeps me calm.

I guess I should bring you up to date. I'm suppose to be working on my dream knit for the I Have a Dream knit-a-long. I almost finished all my pieces except for the sleeves. Here they are.









I had to stop though because I am now working on my first submission piece. I'm pleased with it so far, but need to get it done before the end of this month, so that's why I haven't been blogging much. I'm hoping to get back to my dream knit soon. In the meantime, I snuck in a little bit of time and made myself this reversible blanket to keep me warm on damp nights since we've had so much ice, snow, and rain lately here in South Jersey.




Not to stray off topic but I love watching DIY. As I'm sitting here typing, I've watched/listened to Creative Juice, Knitty Gritty and B. Original. They have great ideas for the person who likes to do it yourself.

Andrea

Designing News & Dream KAL

You don't know how happy I am right now. I finally got my DSL up and running!!!!!!!!

Great News!!! One of my designs, Apple of Our Eye is the pattern of the month over at Rosie's Yarn Cellar!!! Please check it out. For every kit purchased, they are making a donation to the Global Fund for Aids.



I also joined the Dream KAL over at Sistah Friends Knit. I am knitting Design 418 from Gedifra Highlights 023 in Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk.


So far I have the back and the left front done. I casted on the right front last night. I'm hoping to get alot done this weekend, but we'll see. You know how it is, everyday life may interrupt my progress.

Andrea

Happy New Year

2007!! I can't believe it's here already. A new year to me means new beginnings, a clean slate, starting over. That's a challenge I'm definitely up to. I actually already started. I made split pea soup for the first time. It was a keeper. The next thing I want to make is homemade bread. If anyone has a really good recipe, please let me know.

I hope everyone had a pretty good holiday. Mine was't too shabby. Homemade gifts were all the rage, and well received I might add. I made this:
and this:



My fiance gave me Knitting for Dogs and Paul Deen's Kitchen Classics . I can't wait to make matching sweaters for the boys, and I love Ms. Butter (my nickname for Paula). I can't wait till I have a little more time. I am going to be all over these books. I made her corn casserole and pumkin pie for Thanksgiving.

I want to thank Erica B. for giving me the motivation to start sewing again. It's something that I use to do, and I am finding that I still love it. I'm working on a pair of pants right now for this Spring. I'm still knitting, but don't have anything productive to show right now.

I wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year filled with all the things that they hope for and lots of roving, yarn and material.

Blessings to all. Happy New Year!!

Andrea