Knitchique

Helllloooooooo there!

2007-12-28T05:15:00.000-08:00

It's almost a new year , but my life has changed dramatically! We have moved, paid off our car, and my hubby has a new career!! I am still knitting, after a frighteningly long "non-knitting' period. I'm also still teaching at 3 Kittens Needle Arts. They are so good to me there. I hope to get back to this blogging thing, but it takes precious time away from clicking two needles together. I am trying to get up and running on Ravelry. I have a few things loaded up on there, but that takes time to do aw well, and I already mentioned the needle clicking thing. I'm off now to work on a beautiful cardigan, that is turning out so much nicer than I imagined it would. How cool is that??

A Harried Potter Reading

2007-07-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well I finished the book. I picked it up yesterday at 8am, and finished it at 10pm.

I have to say that I loved it, and I did not cry. I thought I might. That's all I'm going to say about the book...I am not a spoiler!!

I wish I were at the Dome watching the Twins at "Stitch n Pitch" but I didn't pick up my tickets...I must have thought they would magically appear or something. Oh well. 3 Kittens and The Yarn Garage booked a bus and a big group all went together. I hope we are winning, and I am sure that all the knitters are having a blast!

My camera is on the fritz...children have a way of using something and somehow as if by magic, things go wrong with it. Of course, by no fault of the child, right?

I started spinning again!! I sent the fleece that I had sitting around for several years off to be washed, carded, and made into roving, and it came back beautiful!! I plied the yarn that I had been spinning over two years ago, and now I have four clean bobbins to start with the Isabelle wool. Isabelle is the little black lamb/sheep that the fleece came off of, it was her first shearing! I am a Beginner spinner with a capital "B"...not sure what I am doing is going to get me the results in a finished yarn or not...I am just winging it, and enjoying the process. I would like to make a cabled sweater for myself out of it if all goes well.

Hmmmmmmm

2007-07-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

Let me see...What am I supposed to be doing? Knit??? What is that???

Well, it is too hot (I can't believe I am saying this) to knit.

It is too hot to cook, clean, exercise, have a weiner dog sit in your lap...

It is too hot to do anything. Thom is re-glazing and painting the windows, and the AC can't be on since the windows are out, and all we have are screens. HOT!

Before it got too hot, I did finish the "Supergirl Capelet" that I started on the riverboat cruise. It is blocking right now, and I believe the pattern is ready to go once it gets a photo. I also believe that I will be teaching a class on the capelet, using self striping yarn (NORO of course.)

There is no good refreshing beverages in the house either. Harumph!

I am very excited (even though it is too hot to be excited) about the upcoming release of the seventh Harry Potter book...ahhhh magic would be a great thing in this heat. I am refusing to read anything Harry Potter related because I do NOT want the book to be ruined like the last one was for me. A People Magazine gave away the ending!!! I want to get the book as soon as it comes out, but I will not stand in line at midnight. I must read it as quick as possible. I think I want to end it quick, like ripping off a bandaid. My friend Jane thinks it should be savored like good chocolate. I am so into the HP world right now that I must know all as quick as I can. OHHHHHH the geek inside is loose and I can't cram it back in...SO BE IT!!!

On a knitting note...I noticed a lot of new knitted items in the latest HP movie, that I am sure could fill yet another Charmed Knits book!!

Well, I'd send you off with a "keep knitting" but that would be hypocritical, since I am not knitting right now...um...

Stay cool...lame, but it's all I've got!

A Three Hour Tour...

2007-06-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

The weather is not supposed to get rough tomorrow, June 30th...I am going on 3 Kittens Needle Arts' Carabella Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi Tomorrow. There will be lots of knitting, a fabulous fashion show, designers, food, drinks, massages, tattoos (temp/henna ones) and an all around splendid time will ge had by all.

I will ...let me say it again... I WILL be knitting on the scarf for Tiffany and the shop's Harry Potter trunk show. I will not...WILL NOT bring anything else with to knit on...so hopefully I will...I WILL get a lot done on it!!

Loveable and fabulous Zoe is going to come with me, she has never been on a riverboat cruise.

Perhaps I will see some of you there.

Baby Steps

2007-06-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

I guess I have to start blogging again in small batches, much like my knitting. I have started knitting up store sample swatches. It is the best thing for me now. Something simple and quick, and I get to use all sorts of different yarn. I am truly hoping that working with yarns I normally wouldn't choose will inspire some new creations.

I also am knitting on a Harry Potter 3rd & 4th year scarf for the "trunk show" that 3 Kittens is having in July...It is very boring to knit, but I am so excited about the new movie and the final book, and I can NOT let Tiffany down.

I made yet another Moebius basket. It is red, white, and blue. The handle and rim is blue with little white star buttons sewn on and the rest is red and white stripes...very "patriotic." I don't have a photo of it, but it is on display at 3 Kittens.

Something unbelievable happened today, but first a little back story. My son was hanging out with friends on the last day of school and they went out on Lake Calhoun in a canoe, it capsized and his new glasses are now at the bottom of that lake. Today, he is biking home from a friends house, and less than a mile from home, a car cuts him off, he makes a sharp turn to avoid being hit, runs into a big planter, flies off his bike, and his make-shift cheap but only pair of glasses flies off of him and...get this...INTO THE GUTTER!! Not to be reached nor retrieved!! It is so unreal...I almost think he threw them away since he disliked them so much, but like I said, they were his only pair of glasses now. GOOD GRIEF!! Kooky loveable klutsy kid!

2007-05-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

I have been absent for a while, but more surprising to me, my knitting has been absent for the same amount of time. Not a stitch. I guess we all need vacations from time to time. I did actually dust off my spinning wheel and spin a little. I may have to work at that for awhile, it is very relaxing.

The fireworks photo is one my son Ben took...it is very cool! Here is another photo-shop thingy he did...

I am very proud of my children!!

I am just going to post a bunch of photos for your viewing pleasure!

And I've saved the best for last...Presenting STAN!

Sheryl and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!

2007-05-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have had a terrible time knitting my latest project. I had been knitting the Shapely Tank by White Lies Designs, and although I have made one before, this one was not going well. I was using Silky Tweed, and went back to the project after over a year. I recently attended a "Finishing for the Finicky" class, and wanted to do my finishing "right", so...I measured my gauge (off of the previously started tank...a good 10" long and 24" wide) and ripped out to start over. I was going to do this correctly! I measured my body, for all the places my short rows needed to go, and charted out the pattern. I was confident that all would go smoothly. Well...it seemed long, but I figured when it stretched over my body, it would shorten up slightly. I kept knitting. Last night, I sewed it together and finished the garter stitch neckline. I tried it on, and...

It is too big, too baggy, and too long!!

I was put into a terrible mood as a result, and it took a whole day to feel better. The only solution I can visualize is to burn it. Yup! Set the whole damn thing on fire and take joy in watching it go up in flames. Now, I most likely won't practice pyromania on a failed knitting project, but it makes me feel better thinking about it. It would be done, gone, and out of my life.

I must find out where I'm missing the boat. After all the careful measurements and checking gauge and planning, you'd think that it would turn out. What went wrong?? Did my gauge change as I went along? Did my yarn relax too much on me? Do I think I am bigger than I am?? I always try to be very honest with my measurements, so as not to make anything to small...couldn't wear it then either. Maybe I needed to make it smaller than my measurements so it would be snug. I just don't know. To make matters worse, I actually kind-of pride myself on being able to figure most everything out that I get involved with. I AM good at just about everything I do. AND... I AM the Knitchique afterall. SIGH!!
Bags and purses and accessoried I can do...fitted garments are something I need to get right, or it/they will consume me!

I want to find the piece to the puzzle! I want to hook up with someone who can shed some light on this for me. I am sure I will find the answer, but darn it, so much knitting with so little results, or satisfying results, and not even learning from it.

Some Inspirational thoughts...

2007-05-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Imagine yourself doing what you Love
and Loving what you do,
Being happy from the inside out,
Experiencing your dreams wide awake,
Being creative,
Being unique,
Being YOU-
Changing things to the way you KNOW they can be-
Living the life you always imagined.

LIFE ISN'T ABOUT
FINDING YOURSELF.
LIFE IS ABOUT
CREATING
YOURSELF.

Checkin' in

2007-04-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Hey! I thought I'd check in with you all. The Yarn Over event went splendidly! I was able to sit and knit the whole day long, visiting with other knitters, and watching people fondle my stuff..not THAT stuff...my bags and designs!! 3 Kitten's sold a boat-load of my patterns and even ran out of one or two of them!! How cool is that?? I met Renee, who left a lovely birthday wish on my last post, she looked like she was enjoying herself as well!!

I recieved a cool message from Heidi, left on my Is Spring On The Way post. She is a fabulous artist! Check out her website!!

Ain't the sheep cute?!? Thom drew it, of course! Smell ya later!

Happy Birthday To Me!

2007-04-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Happy, happy birthday
To every girl and boy,
We hope this very special day
Will bring you lots of joy.
Hope the Birthday Presents
You get from Mom and Dad,
Will make this very special day
The best you've ever had!

Today it's my birthday...if you hadn't guessed, and so far I've had a very nice day! It is beautiful outside. I had a free coffee from Caribou. I had several people call me up just to sing to me, even a dear friend who had a cold! I had the best birthday cake! I am in a great mood, and I am having a delicious steak dinner with my friends and family tonight!

On Saturday, I will be at the Minnesota Knitter's Guilds' Yarn Over event, and 3 Kittens Needle Arts are going to push my patterns, or at the very least, have them available for all the Twin Cities knitters to see and love and purchase!! (Actually, they are already available through their website and at the store.) I am very excited about this, and I can't wait to be surrounded by the market and all those knitters!

Here is my tattoo...

Taa-Daa! It is my beloved Knitchique logo girl...comin' at-cha!
Knitting OUT THERE!
In your face knitting!
Needles without fear!

She is still a bit red, and still healing, but I love her!

I have been branded!

Tattoos and Shoes

2007-04-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

I got a tattoo.

I wanted to post about it before now, BUT...it ain't pretty yet. It took a lot of colors in small spaces and I have very sensitive skin, I bruise easily, and therefore, it is not healed yet. I got it done two weeks ago tomorrow. Up until two days ago, it was super red all around it, and my leg and ankle were swollen. I promise to post a picture of it as soon as she heals.

On a non-knitting note...(the tattoo IS knitting related, could it be anythign else??)

I take pictures of shoes that are laying in the road. Only when it is safe to stop, and only when I have my camera with me (duh!) I haven't stopped for a while, but as the snow melts, I am spotting a lot more laying around. Usually they are on the freeway, and I can't get to them. Every now and then, I'll post a photo of one for you. I have rules...I never touch the shoe. I always leave it where I found it and photograph it there. I have only once brought one home, and it is a planter in my garden. Here ya go...

I found this one in Eau Claire, WI when we went to see Sally Melville. It was in the parking lot between the Hotel and Yellow Dog Knitting yarn shop.

Hey!! I guess this shoe IS knitting related!

The TOO-BIG Sweater part II

2007-03-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd show you a little more of the crazy journey that is my Norweigan sweater.

This is the sweater that started it all. I looked and looked for a pattern to go off of, but there were none to be found that matched it. So...like I said in the last post, I bought the sweater and copied it...

...on graph paper...by hand...x by little x...all night long...It was almost meditative...and very obsessive.

Then I took a class on two colored continental knitting at the 2001 Minnesota Knitter's Guild Yarn Over and learned to carry both colors in my left hand whilst picking the stitches. This was invaluable technique that made knitting my sweater not only sanely possible, it made it much faster than it would have gone had I been throwing the colors one at a time.

Next came the "making it my size" thing. I measured and swatched and measured again. I RE-CHARTED the sweater to my specifications in the new color I chose to go better with my bronze hair. More little x's...there are also charts for the sleeves and button bands and other bits.

Here is part of the chart for the words I knit in. It had to be knit upside-down and backwards on the hem facing.

I love those words, although today I would choose different words, but that is what life does to us, it changes us and moves us to a different place. Different place = different words.

So...Am I changed so much that fixing the sweater size would not satisfy me now? Or am I so changed that I'd prefer a RED sweater now? My hair certainly is. Do I chalk this up to experience? I can look at each item I've knitted as a stop on my journey. Do I want to go back to that harbor and re-live frustration? Or shall I love it as it is, move on to my next destination?

Avoidance Behavior or Everything in it's own Time

2007-03-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is my Norweigan Sweater that took many hours, no...months to make.

First I found a red sweater I liked in a catalog, bought it, realized that I didn't want anyone thinking that I made this with such sloppy workmanship, sat all night copying the intricate pattern onto graph paper with little x's, then proceded to knit a swatch and plan, and sent back the sweater. In the meantime, I totally changed my hair and now a red sweater would not do, it would clash with my new bronze hair color. So... my sweater would be orange, black and white.

I got an idea to put inspirational sayings inside the bottom hem band, (from Elizabeth Zimmerman) and I took time and care picking out the right words to put into my sweater.

Patience is the best way to accomplish things.

It helps if you believe in yourself.

Dare * Dream * Do * Give Thanks *
Love * Laugh

It takes courage to continue.

I need to heed those last words. You see, at the beginning,I measured around my most ample areas to get the circumference, and I knit it with steeks, so it is the same circumference from bottom to top, and now the sweater is TOO BIG. No not now, it has always been too big.

And here comes the avoidance behavior. I know that I must make this sweater right. After everything I went through to make it, truly from scratch, I owe it to myself to fix it.

BUT...(there always is a big but, isn't there.)...at my shoulder area, the size of the circumference causes a very large DROP before the sleeves start. The sleeves are a perfect length, now. If I try to make the sweater fit around me by perhaps *GULP* cutting it and sewing it back together, I would certainly have to totally re-do the sleeves...totally RE-KNIT the sleeves. I know that re-knitting the sleeves is much less than re-knitting the whole sweater. BUT (dang, another one!) I am not sure I'll like the results of CUTTING and sewing.

As to the Everything in it's own Time...

I need to work on my "knitting to fit"...I guess that is why I usually design and make bags, hats, scarves, you know, accessories. SO...perhaps it is not TIME for me to fix this problem. I need to fill my brain with more information and tricks and trial and errors in smaller scale to get that fitting thing right.

On top of all this, I am now very much blonde again, and I look darn good in red.

poopy!

Happy Camper?

2007-03-03T05:33:00.000-08:00

I want to go to Knitting Camp.

I am going to apply to go to Knitting Camp.

I am going to go to Knitting Camp!

There. I've stated my intentions and affirmations...now I will be going to camp and be a happy camper.

I have wanted to go to the camp started by Elizabeth Zimmerman (now run by her daughter Meg Swanson) for many years. I recieved the Knitting Workshop DVD and the Special Techniques DVD for Christmas, and as informative and wonderful as those are, I want up close and personal guidance. I love learning! I feel a need right now to expand my knitting knowledge, and what better place than Camp?!

For inspiration, I started knitting the EZ Baby Surprise Jacket. (EZ is for Elizabeth Zimmerman, not EASY.) It is interesting to say the least. I have no idea how it is going to turn into a jacket. I really wanted to make an adult size version, but the more I looked at the "pattern", the more I thought I had better start out with a small version and get the hang of it first. Here it is in progress...

I'm off to my Kaleidoscope Tote class #2 at 3KNA.

Well, happy knitting to you all, and keep your virtual fingers crossed that I get into camp!

A good day

2007-02-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

I had a great start to my day on Thursday. On my way into work, I decided to stop for a coffee at Urban Bean Coffee House on 33rd and Bryant in South Minneapolis.

I had never been there, and I'm not sure what made me decide to stop, but when I walked in the door, two guys were in there and they stopped me and admired my Kaliedoscope MINI ME bag. They just went on and on, oogleing over it. They asked if I sell my patterns, and I told them where they could get them...(at 3 Kittens.) The gal behind the counter loved it as well as said that it reminded her of SARK. She also noticed my handknit head and neck scarves.

This brief encounter really made my day. I LOVE talking about my knitting and I REALLY LOVE having my designs noticed when Im' out and about. Oh yeah, the Vanilla Latte was wonderful!!

p.s. the drawing was just a quick scribble/doodle done by my daughter a few years ago

Non-knitting themed post...

2007-02-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

Life as a Tree

If A tree grew straight,
it would be a stick.

To grow, there must be twists
turns, knots, and blooms.

A tree does not look back and say,
"Oh, if only I had not turned that way..."

For it knows that it must turn
to reach the sun,

To become the tree
it is meant to be.

Not a duplicate of the trees
that came before.

Rejoice every twist, turn,
knot, and bloom,

For it makes the tree stronger,
resilient, and more beautiful.

The actual act of growing thus LIVING,
Creates a maze of interesting unique beauty.

-You are a-maze-ing!!

Sheryl Lange 2005

OH YEAH!

2007-02-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

I have successfully put links onto my blog...everyone cheer now! Three cheers goes out to Tiffany who helped me out and gave a sweet rainbow moebius basket a new home...yay!

**NEWS**NEWS**

The knit and crochet out that took place at the Mall of America this past weekend was another successful showing of my Kaleidoscope Tote AND my Sock Monkey Hat!! They were displayed at the TNNA booth. I am told people wanted to purchase the hat right there and then...but Cis couldn't and wouldn't sell it. Hopefully that brings them into the 3K shop!

psst...I have put together a baby size version of the sock monkey hat...it is soooooo cute!

Tomorrow, my scraptabulous class starts...I need to do some prep work before tomorrow, so...

In case you were hungry...lake a look at this fabulous plate...from Cecil's Deli and Restaurant in St. Paul Minnesota. MMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Now that's a sandwich!!

And now...

2007-02-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

....Introducing....Kaleidoscope MINI ME!!

Ain't she cute? I have the pattern all ready, and she will be such a great mate to the tote. Also, a smaller project may be just what someone needs rather than the full size version. She is about 9x9x1.5 inches.

I have been teaching a lot at 3 Kittens and just finished up with the first Kaleidoscope Tote class...

and my latest class was on the Felted Moebius Baskets out of Cat Bordhi's book A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting.

These are so much fun to knit, and they go so fast.
My favorite so far is the Rainbow basket.

This one is destined to go to Tiff when she comes over to help me out with this crazy computer and blog.

I hadn't posted pics of my daughter's sweater when I finished it, so here-ya-go!

Up coming classes that I'll be teaching at 3KNA...

Sock Monkey Hat

Scraptabulous Bag

Stained Glass Bag
Mitered Head Scarf (on my head, the Mondrian Scarf is shown on my neck)

I'll also be teaching the Kaleisoscope Tote and the Moebius Baskets again in march! There are these sooo cute felted chicks to put into easter baskets or just for springtime decoration. I'm making up one now, and will be teaching a class on them...we are announcing that class as:
KNIT CHICKS WITH KNITCHIQUE!

I really have found that I LOVE to teach knitting. It is my deepest wish that I can design and teach knitting as my one and only job. As far off as that sounds, not too many years ago, I was told that I would be teaching, and I thought that was a bunch of hooey. Now look at me! I am always telling my students that they can do anything, in regards to knitting, but it really is true with anything in life. You just have to decide what it is that you want, and stay focused on that desire, and it will come true, it will happen. All the doubting voices and nay-sayers need to be shut out and turned down so your desire is the only "voice" you hear. If you could only hear the one voice that is calling you, you would always find your way. Staying focused is the key.

Whew!! I need to remind myself of that more often than I do.

Is spring on the way?

2007-02-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

Ahhh! Life seems so much better now. The computer is no longer taunting me, and I am having a great time teaching at Three Kitten's. My patterns will be avialable throught their website and are now available at their store, and YES I finally got the PDF program to load and work!!

In my dreams, i look like her!

QUESTION: How do you approach someone you want to be friends with, someone whom you think is totally cool, brave, talented, successful, and whom you think you could have a lot of fun with, and not come off as a stalker or an obsessed crazy person??

I "discovered" that an author and screenplay writer lives in my burb and I have been reading her blog, and I just so want to meet her. Arrgghhh! I am not a crazy stalker, but every time I talk about wanting to meet her, I come off that way! I loved her book, enjoy her blog, love the "naughty" aspects of her past...see? I do sound obsessed, don't I. Okay! Time to change the subject.

Here are some photos...

Computers...thou art evil!

2007-01-15T05:03:00.000-08:00

Computers are annoying. Computers are frustrating. Computers cost you lots of money, and make you throw more of it away! Computers make you feel stupid...stupid for not knowing how to do something, and stupid for making you have to ask someone to help you.

What could possibly send me into this fit?!?!?

I purchased Adobe Acrobat 8 (not cheap) to turn all of my knitting patterns into PDF files, to make it easier to get them "out there" as well as to make the format that my loving husband put them in readable to everyone. Three Kittend Needle Arts needs my patterns in a PDF file to get them printed. Sounds easy doesn't it? NOT!

My computer has decided to DENY ACESS to installing Acrobat, as well as trying to install Windows Service Pack 2...which we sent away for even though you supposedly can download that. AARRRGGGHHH! I personally do not know how to do any of this, so right away I am handicapped in that way. My dear husband has tried many times, all ending with an episode of throwing something across the room. My computer savy friend has tried, but no luck again...and he was at it for several hours!!

Aside from purchasing a new computer, I am at a loss of what to do! I'm still knitting, though...and still designing and writing patterns. *sigh*

A Sock Monkey Hat class!

2007-01-06T04:07:00.000-08:00

Get this!!

http://www.thegrovesandiego.com/classes/knit/kraft/monkey.html

They are teaching a class on my hat! I think that is cool! I did email them and let them know I'd love photos of the finished hats...but I didn't get a response. Perhaps they will pass that info on to their students.

Where have I been!?!

2006-12-30T05:19:00.000-08:00

Ahh! The Holidays...they sure have gotten in the way of posting for me, what with knitting presents and planning parties, going to parties, and being overwhelmed.

Why is it that there is such a letdown after Christmas?? Oh, I'm sure not everyone feels this, but it is prevelent here in my household. *sigh*

As for knitting...I am working on the finishing touches of Zoe's hoodie...it is looking great, and surprisingly enough, it fits her! She had wanted it big, but it just fits...

I made several mobius baskets, and all turned out cute. The strange thing is the difference in finished size. I started all with the same number of stitches and followed the pattern as written, and they are all so different! That is what happens when you use different yarns.

Starting the first Saturday in January, I begin teaching my Kaleidoscope Tote at Three Kittens Needle Arts! I'm working on a sample/mini version...it's going to be soooo cute! I'm also going to make up and design a clutch to match the tote, using up leftover scraps from the tote. I'm thinking one with an I-cord edge and loop, and a zipper.

I also am continuing leading the "Knitting at TK's" on tuesday evenings. I have met some neat people so far, and I so enjoy doing this.

Somewhere in my future, I will be working on making and designing a giant knitted pencil. I'm not sure if it is going to be a long body pillow, or just a giant pencil. You see, my son loves Dixon Ticonderoga pencils...(they really are the best pencils)...and I had wanted to make one for him for Christmas, but time got in my way. I have all the yarn for it. So, we'll see what happens when I start on that.

That is my update for now...simple, to the point, no pictures to distract...keep on knittin'!

Updates

2006-11-24T06:09:00.000-08:00

My fingers have not had the time to blog lately, due to some fast and furious knitting of store samples. I will be teaching my Kaleidoscope Tote in January at Three Kittens Needle Arts, and that tote is the project I'm working on finishing now. They have my original, and I am desperate without it...soooo...I need to get another one to them to display in the store and to sell my class!!

I'm also teaching the open knitting on Tuesdays for 3 Kittens, and the cool thing is that we set up class at the local coffee shop just three stores down. The coffee shop is called TK's, and it does NOT stand for Three Kittens, as my daughter thought. It stands for the shop owner, Tony K.

As SOON as I get my new Adobe Acrobat 8 to load and work, then my patterns will be available online, most likely through the 3 Kittens' website, at least for now. I may even start to have t-shirts of my power knitchique girl that says, "I'm a friend of Knitchique!" Stay tuned!

Giddy doesn't begin to describe it...

2006-11-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

I can not and will not contain my excitement and the thrilling feeling I have!! In the words of the Pointer Sisters, "I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!" What am I so excited about, you ask? Since four of my designs were displayed at the Quilting and Sewing Expo (Thrusday thru Saturday), I have sold 140 copies of my patterns and I am aware that many more are requested!

These are the patterns that I had displayed there:

Kaleidoscope Tote

Scraptabulous 2

Stained Glass Bag

Mondrian Scarf

This shows both the colorful version and the three color version. My 14 year old son wears the black, grey, and white scarf to school every day, and several students want one...

The Kaleidoscope tote was in the fashion show every few hours, and after each showing, the booth was swarming with people wanting the pattern!!

Vivian Hoxbro (Author of Domino Knitting) was there signing her books and teaching some classes. I heard that she loved my colorful designs, and I attempted to get into her class on Friday. Sadly it was sold out. I did meet her at the end of the day, and she signed my book, and gave wonderful encouragement and inspiration to me. When she heard that I could not get into her class, she responded,"Oh! You could have been my Angel and helped me with the class." HOW COOL IS THAT?!?

I am seeing the realization of my dream to be a designer, and a rockstar status one at that. I can handle it. My designs are even going to be sold in Chicago, and possibly soon in Wisconson. I'm INTER-STATEional!! ROCK ON!

News

2006-11-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

My newest project that I have started is the Menorah Pillow from Melanie Falick's Handknit Holidays. It is going really well, and fairly quickly due to the cables. I love doing cables! It is to be a combination holiday and thank you gift.

I am still working on the shrug. I will refrain from calling it names like shrug from hell or some other nasty thing...I just have to work it through.

Still working on my dear daughter's Skull hoodie that we designed together...

I have been making little wristlettes for my family...we are all branded now.

The best news of all is that I have hooked up with another local yarn shop here in town. They are giddy over my designs, and are going to sell my patterns both in their store and online at their website. This coming weekend, they are going to be at the Quilting and Sewing Expo, and they took samples of my designs to show off. They are not the only ones who are giddy! Once all details are set, I will have the info here on my blog as to where you can get the patterns if you so desire.

Oh...and why Ann Margrock? Why NOT Ann Margrock!

It's not a mistake, it's an opportunity!

2006-11-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

You know when you are knitting along like mad and excited about the outcome, and then...you suspiciously look at what you are making and it looks totally wrong to you? That is what happened to my shrug out of the Shaeffer yarn . It
was supposed to be 21 inches across, after the ribbing. As you can see here in
these photos, it is not 21 inches!

It is sadly 32 inches!!!
I honestly don't know what went wrong, beacuse I did take time to check my gauge!

I contemplated what to do with a little help from my friend Newcastle, and decided to start over...from the very beginning!I revamped the pattern, and I decided to make it all in one piece, rather than seam two together. I also decided to change the stitch for the body section of the shrug...yes I checked gauge...and as a result, I now have 354 stitches on my needle that I need to make 7 inches long with a K2 P2 ribbing...it is taking a while, but I believe that this time it will work out! I know, I know, is a shrug really worth it? Well, this one will be. It WILL be!

I recently added some Noro to my "collection" and here is the proof.

One skein of Noro Silk Mountain in color 2...65% Wool, 25% Silk, 10% Kid Mohair
Two skeins of Noro Sakura, one in color 3, and one in color 5...36% Rayon, 28% Polyester, 18% Nylon, 11% Silk, 7% Lambs Wool
One ball of Noro Kureon in color 182...100% Wool...isn't that a fabulous color?!?

I also purchased a bottle of SOAK woolen wash, and I've only experimented with it once, but I can tell I'm going to like it, there is no need to rinse!

Last Sunday, I traveled to Madison WI to hear Meg Swanson speak, and to view the beautiful sweaters that she, and her mother Elizabeth Zimmerman, as well as several others, have knit. I will show photos later and go into my overall take on the exhibit when I get the CD with photos on it...(I forgot my camera and didn't discover it until we were halfway there, so a disposable camera was purchased) So...stay tuned!

I LOVE NORO

2006-10-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

Yes...I admit it, I am in love with Noro. Noro Yarns. The Noro Colors. All things Noro. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmnoro

Okay, I am back. But really, I love it so much that I would love to open a store called "Just Noro." If any one comes asking for, lets say: Plymouth Yarns? "Nope, Just Noro." Trendetter? "Just Noro." Red Heart? "Get out of my store!"

I have looked, searched, and surfed for information on touring the Noro "plant" in Japan. I have not been successful, though. My son is taking Japanese, and my devious plan is to force him to be my interpreter and travel to Japan, meet Mr. Noro, become great and fast friends, and have permisson to open my store. I may not even want anyone else to buy the yarn from me...It's ALL mine!!!!! My precious!!!

Whew! This subject is taking me places that I didn't know I could go to. This is how much I love Noro...take a look-see at what I have made, and mind you, this is just scratching the surface!

Ahhhh heaven comes in a wide spectum of colors!

Sock Monkey dreams

2006-10-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I'd show you my sock monkey hat, as well as some of the photos people have sent me that they made (that really is a rush, seeing others making one of your designs!) So, without furthur ado...

My Sock Monkey Hat

Here are some that others have made (that I know of)

...and look at this one, a sock monkey hat for a sock monkey!!

On the Knitty blog, I came upon this photo of someone knitting it in New York...this was exciting, because the other photos were emailed to me directly. If you or someone you know has knit or seen my Sock Monkey Hat...send me a photo of it. I think I'll start a gallery of sock monkey hats.

Long live sock monkeys!!

lookie lookie

2006-10-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Look at what my wonderful, dear, and talented husband did for me...HE is so sweet!

I emailed DIY network in response to their call for new "Knitsters" for their show Knitty Gritty...I want to be on the show with my SOK Monkey Hat or one of my other designs. This photo was for the picture of me...fun, huh? Wish me luck!!

UPDATE Knitty Gritty emailed me back, and sadly they have all the designers booked for the upsoming seasons, BUT they said if anything changes "know that I will get in touch with you"...that's cool. I will be on with my hat, I can feel it in my bones....

How many projects...or WIP's?

2006-10-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

Knitting...how do I love thee, let me count the ways...

WIP's:
Circular Shrug Vest out of Schaefer Yarns Marijaana, color Margaret Sanger

Shapely Tank from White Lies Design - Elsebeth Lavold Silky Tweed

Zoe's Skull hoodie- Knit Picks Swish Superwash, colors Black & Red Pepper

Art Yarns Zig Zag Modular Scarf out of Noro Tidiori, colors 1 and 7

Dream Swatch out of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn, color old rose

Sample Square Throw out of Noro Iroha, in many jewel toned colors

Side to side garter stitch gloves out of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn

A beaded purse...somewhere in my knitting room...on size 000 double point needles! Tip: dont stab yourself with one of these babies, it'll go right through you!

That's what WIP's I can easily find, or remember.

I have just finished my Cabled Cardigan from the fall Vogue Knitting which I made out of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino in black...Yummmmmm. It is blocking right now! I can't wait to wear it! It feels so delicious on. When I do wear it, I may be naked underneath!!! I did find a few errors in the pattern that at the time were not listed online in the errata. One is just a typo, the other is the code for the cables. One of them for the left side is printed as the mirror image of what you really want to be doing with that cable.

I discovered that by doing the right side, all the way, leaving out one of the steps for the cable. I thought it looked a little odd, but the photo wasn't large enough to show the cables in great detail, and it looked alright enough. Then I charted out the left side, and that is when I discovered MY error on the right side. I decided to make up the left side and go back and rip out the right and re-do it. In the process of making up the left side, that's when I discovered the error in the pattern's chart. My cable was wandering off in a direction that was very independent of the orderly manner of the sweater. I fixed that boo-boo, and was then able to do the right side correct. I LOVE it!! I am making the belt right now...OOPS I guess that is another WIP, isn't it?

I have a finished baby sweater out of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, only it is not assembled yet. The pattern came out of Inerweave Knits, from around fall of 2005. It has been sitting in it's bag for well over a year! Why am I waiting??? Well, I am fairly new to the seaming thing. I had been planning most garments to be seamless to avoid making a bad seam. But...BUT...now with the success of my cardigan behind me, I should be able to do a smashing job on the baby sweater!!

I am sure there are many more WIP's that I just cannot locate, or think of, as well as many started projects that really didn't want to be what I started them as, and I may just include them in another post someday. Until then...

Stay happy, keep knitting, and feel your way to joy, one stitch at a time!

A Knittng Genius

2006-10-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well...

I have been in the presence of a brilliant mind-and awsome talent, and someone whom I wish was my best friend! On Saturday I (along with three other cool knitters: Lisa, Emily, & Tiffany) went to Eau Claire, WI to see and hear Sally Melville speak.

First we stopped in at Yellow Dog yarn shop and fondled some wonderful yarns. I purchased some NORO yarn to make a multi-directional scarf. More on that later. Then after a bite to eat, we headed over to the hotel to hear Ms. Melville speak. We got to have photos with her, and I got a big boost...she, along with many, many others LOVED my bag. That was so fun, to have other gush about one of my designs!

Sally's talk covered much more than just knitting. She covered the whole creative process, some science, psychology, and quantum physics!! I was so enthralled with her process of teaching, and all the stories surrounding the recent books, as well as the items that didn't make it into the those books, but will be in the up-coming ones!!

I am so inspired to truly become a full-fledged knitting designer, to be in the same "pool" as Sally Melville, to pass my passion and knowledge and methods of teaching knitting on to others, to tap into the "other universe" of fabulous inspired ideas and create wonderful things that push and influence others to create on their own, and in return, know that the world is a better place because of it.

A knitting lovin' dog

2006-10-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

This is the worlds cutest dog...Stan! He is sporting his new cabled sweater made out of Rowan Cashsoft Aran. It is very soft and he just loves it. It is blue to match his eyes!

Stan is one year and seven months old. He enjoys licking faces, eating treats, snuggling, taking long walks, and making nests out of someone's knitting.

Stan dreams of being able to fly and knit, at the same time.

His turn-ons include yarn, blankets, any and all stuffed animals, Target brand stuffed bears (which he falls asleep on top of whilst chewing upon) any knitted item being knitted upon so he can crawl under the knitting and sleep, pants, and anything squeaky.

His turn offs include, nail clipping (his own), kennels, being alone, and he hates it when anyone is showing affection to anyone else other than him.

Stan is very smart. He once wanted a stuffed toy that was on a counter, too high for him to get. He ran and got one of his teddy bears, and stood upon it...nope, not high enough. He proceded to get three more bears and stacked them upon each other to try to get up to the one toy he desired! Scary, huh?

He did not get at the toy.

What a clinic!

2006-10-09T16:04:00.002-07:00

Well! Yesterday, clinic was very productive and fun. I had four people come with real issues, not difficult , but ones I could help with. It is always so much fun, and such an ego boost, when those I help think I solved world hunger or the equivalent of. Perhaps I should always blog about hoping to get the right mix of "patients" at clinic before going, and then make it come true.

One thing that keeps popping into my head is my desire to make a bag or a sweater with Endora's face on it. You know Endora, she is Samantha's mother on Bewitched...the REAL Bewitched sitcom from the early 70's. I love her power, and her bitchiness. She is just fabulous! Growing up, I always wanted to be either Tabitha, Samantha, Sarina (Samantha's "naughty" sister), or Endora. Now I just want to be Endora...she is so much more powerful and in charge, and FUNNY! What WAS Darrin thinking?!? He could have had it ALL, but his perceived threatened manhood made him squelch the witchcraft that could have rocked his world!

I'm back in the real world now...I have knitted a bag with the likeness of a favorite of mine: Alton Brown from Food Network! Again...when I can upload photos, you'll see the beauty of it right here! taaa daaa

Well...stay happy, keep knitting, and long live the legend of Endora!

Off to Clinic

2006-10-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here I go off to the Yarn Cafe to do Knitting Clinic. I just love it when I have actual problems/mistakes to fix. What does that say about me? Am I wanting to fix averything in life? Am I one who looks for problems? Ahh phoey! I just get jazzed from stretching my knitting abilities by helping others with their knitting "oopsies."

I just finished the Einstein Coat! It is beautiful! I didn't think I'd like it ON me, but it really doesn't look too bad. I only need to sew on buttons. Too bad it will be living at the shop, and not in my closet.

In the beginning...

2006-10-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting constantly for almost nine years now. I honestly can not say why I took to it like I have. Usually I dive into the next neat creative thing and abandon it sometime soon after. I still have bad feelings come up when I mention scrapbooking to my husband. That is one thing I never got into, mostly because arguments always happened...silly, I know, but knitting has stuck. It has stuck hard! It all started with a cute little stuffed bunny.

My former boss is an avid knitter, and back nine years ago, she was knitting cute sweaters for her's and other's teddy bears. I mentioned that I have this cute but naked bunny that would love a sweater...hint...hint. The next day She brought needles and yarn and thrust them in my hands. WHAT!? I wanted YOU to knit one. But she showed me the stitches, and I was doing cables the next day, and looking for my first project to knit.

My experience with knitting growing up was with crappy yarn blankets and other items I had no interest in knitting. No hats or scarves for me, thank you. I am going to knit a sweater! And what sweater did I choose for my first project? An Alice Starmore cabled sweater using the exact yarn called for in the book! Yup! I DOVE in head first!

With some help, I even altered the pattern to knit it in the round to avoid seams! I worked it all the way up to the shoulders, and then, with a sewing machine, sewed where my sleeves would go and CUT the opening. I three needle bound off my shoulders, and then picked up my sleeve stitches and worked down. I learned how to chart out my sweater using graph paper and following where I was using a post-it note. This is a lot of extra work, but so worth it in helping me know my pattern and know in advance if there are any mistakes.

You know how in patterns when it says join in the round being careful not to twist stitches? Well, since it was my decision to knit it in the round, those words were not in my pattern book, and I was not aware how important it is NOT to twist the stitches. I did realize after knitting about 3 inches that, nope, this ain't gonna fix itself when I bind off. So I did the only thing I could do. I ripped out all 3 inches of over 200 stitches of cables! OWCH!

I loved making that sweater! It took me 7 months to complete, and I wore it the following Christmas. It is super warm, and scratchy, and I wear it only when it is freezing cold, along with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath. Now I look for yarns I would wear next to my skin. This tends to be an expencive choice since usually the softest yarns are luxury yarns...but hey...I'm worth it!

Oh! About my cute but naked bunny? I eventually knit him a sweater
...and a cute little fair isle one, by the way.

I am so grateful for having been forced into knitting. It was so worth it!

The 3rd one

2006-10-06T04:45:00.000-07:00

The hardest thing about starting a blog is to remember that I have one.

Today is my 16th wedding anniversary! I am hoping to wander around the lakes looking at all the wonderful houses and then visiting a little cafe I've heard about for lunch. I say hoping because I have the day off and my love has to work part of the day. I really want to show him all the neat places that I now drive by every day as a result of having to drive my son to school in another district. Well...what to do until then? Um...how about knit?

I recently received a big box of Knit Picks superwash wool. I got it to start a hoodie for my dear daughter. She wants it black with a big red skull and crossbones on the back and a little one on the front. I have never knit with this yarn, but what I've read about it sounds good. It is soft, and it can be thrown in the washing machine. I am designing the hoodie, so I need to do up a gauge swatch. I'll let you know my conclusion of the workability of the yarn when I play with it some. In the same package came a book that I find absolutley hysterical. It is the Museum of Kitschy Stitches by Stitchy McYarnpants. I love it and it makes me laught till I cry!

I am going to get a blogging lesson from my dear friend Tiff, and when I do, there will be links and photos and much more for your reading pleasure. I have big plans for the look of this blog...so stay tuned!

Keep knitting and stay happy!

Beginner post #2

2006-10-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

I am extremely new at this. I am learning, and as soon as I can, I'll be uploading all sorts of photos of works in progress as well as completed works. I may even go into the history of knitting, knitchique style.

I guess one just has to start typing out what ever is in one's mind just to get the ball rolling. Right now, I am working on a store sample (for The Yarn Cafe) of the "Einstein Coat" and I am using Noro Silver Thaw in a purple and green and blue colorway.

It is turning out very beautiful. I always wanted to knit that coat out of a Noro yarn. All the garter stitch is very boring, but with all the self striping, it keeps my interest.

Right at this moment, my beloved dog Stan is making a bed out of my newly knit "Mondrian" scarf that I just submitted to Knitty. He loves my knitting, and has claimed several blankets and always sits in my lap UNDER the knitting while I'm knitting. I recently knit him a felted teddy bear based on the "Baby Bobbi Bear" pattern. It even has a squeaky in the paw! Again,
when I know how to upload photos, I'll include the bear.

I'm wanting to submit design ideas to the print magazines, and am not exactly sure how. I know that a description is required as well as a swatch. That always throws me. How big of a swatch? What if the item is already done? What if it is felted, do I send a felted swatch?? Then there is the possibility of getting yarn from the yarn companies to knit the designs for the magazines. How do I get that FREE yarn?? I have been doing all of this on my own for so long, and have purchased all of my yarn...well, except when I'm knitting store samples, but then I can't keep it either. sigh!

Today being Sunday, I was at the Yarn Cafe doing the Open Knitting Clinic. I really, REALLY enjoy fixing knit problems! I get all charged up having the challenge of finding the source of the problem and then finding a solution. It is an added bonus when my "patients" think I'm a miracle worker. It's a great feeling! I also do Clinics on Wednesday evenings. It is so much better than being a regular store employee. It fits so much better with me.

Well...stay happy, keep breathing, and keep on knitting!

I'm up and running

2006-10-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am on Blogger, posting my first post. I am looking forward to posting all my projects and musing about knitting and designing. Stay tuned!