Penguin Girl

First: I’m sorry it’s so cold in NYC today. I put away my winter clothes this weekend. I’m not responsible for the rain. It’s a Monday, what more do you want?

As I submitted my Project on Friday my other hand was grabbing for needles and yarn.

What was I casting on for?

A Hug for Mum
Weaver’s Wool Mini Shawl by Peggy Pignato
Debbie Bliss Merino Aran (3 balls of steel blue, 1 ball of grey)
6.5mm bamboo circs
CO: 20080509 around 11am
… שׁבּת …
BO: 20080511 @ 1:30am
This is the pattern that has made me like garter! I just wish I had more yarn to make it a bit longer, but mum says it’s ok. Why did I make this? Mum said she gets really cold at her work in the summer and her swallowtail is too delicate. May she wear it in good health and stay warm.

I’ve been chugging away at many other things too.

On the way out to see mum I finished the front of Anouk and started the back. I need to check my stitch count at the top, because no matter how I do it, I end up with 4 stitches for the shoulder straps and that doesn’t sound right. I’ve not taken photos of it because it is so grey and dismal outside and the colours really do need sunlight to look nice.

Speaking of grey I’m nearing the end of the Earl Grey socks. I’m not totally thrilled with the cable definition or my lack of ability to flip the chart but I am chugging on anyway. They make me happy and I have a feeling I’ll make them (or similar) again. I’m not sure what’s up next after them, but do need to decide soon. I hope to finish these soon.

And, in a nod to Maryland last week (yes I bought a lucet (which I’ve only used for about five minutes), my other purchases were some silk (which refuses to be photographed as it’s shyer than I am, which is why my MDSWF experience wasn’t quite as I had wanted so I probably won’t write more about it).

I also bought a new spindle. And wow. I can spin cotton now. It’s all about not trying to do wool-type drafting (aka remembering the staple length is much much shorter) and using a support spindle and something to support it with. I’m using a kitchen prep cup which seems to work quite well as one side is higher than the other so it works well in my lap, but I’m not yet married to this.

Hopefully next week I’ll still have survived to write about some other projects (seraphim, teasing on some stealth projects, the summer of clapotis and socks) and the results of fessing up the full contents of the stash to E (well… almost)

I really want to show you beautiful photos of the Dragon Wrap I completed [finally], but it’s still pretty damp. Why? It’s very dark, grey, and wet outside. I don’t think that the photo I took of the blocked stitch detail is very exciting or good (despite the new camera, I’m blaming the weather), so I’ll wait until next week to share. It took me long enough to knit, waiting an extra week to share the details shouldn’t bother me too much. My goal is to mail it tomorrow if it’s dry and I can find Miss J’s address. A terrible photo of it blocking may be found on flickr.

Next up is finishing Anouk, then onward to knitting for more boys and girls both big and small. Maybe I’ll finish my Veste since I seem to be trying to clear the WIP list.

Last night, as soon I could get to the yarn and a crochet hook, I started making my camera case. At least I tried to start. I’ve now swatched three different attempts and none make me pleased or really represent the case I have perfectly designed in my head. I have a feeling that the hook will be laid aside and needles picked up. Unfortunately, switching hook sizes did not produce the miraculous change I was looking for in the fabric .

A short post so I can devote words to the other Final paper and presentation I must write and give for tomorrow and to leave fodder for the remainder of the week. I must state that I bought the last box of rice chex this afternoon. And it was good.

It always amazes me how time does funny things in the last days, hours, and minutes erev shabbat or yontif and things that you don’t think will come together do.

Book post will come on Thursday, bli neder.

Made:
Summer Shawlette
by Sandi Wiseheart
Interweave Knits, Summer 2006, also published at Knitting Daily
less than 1 skein Lavendersheep Espresso Tencel Sock Yarn [50% Superwash Merino Wool, 50% Tencel, 4oz/112 grams; 400 yards]
CO: Thu 10 April 2008
BO: Wed 16 April 2008 (yes, it really is fast)
Needles: Addi lace© turbo, 24" US 5/3.75mm
Mods: er, a few unintentional ones on the lower lace border. I’m not a huge fan of the arrow-head lace but I didn’t want to tempt my timing by pouring over stitch dictionaries. ;) (back detail) Also none of my photos do justice to the beauty that is this yarn. There is a slight shine, and it softened considerably while I was working with it and even further upon Soak’ing and blocking. I’m not quite sure if I’d want to make a pair of socks out of it, I’ve discovered that I wear socks really really hard, but with my leftovers (once weighed) I will explore the option.

Made:
Simple Matzoh Cover
by Me
Verdict: Smiles around, so I think that’s positive. It’s a step up from the disposable napkins we use in the past and hopefully less wasteful. I still want to make a fancier version, but may just continue to build upon this one each year.

Supplies:
- 4 cheap 2/99¢ nice-looking-but-hopefully-machine-washable napkins
- embroidery needle
- embroidery hoop (mine is 7", I think)
- 1 spool Gütermann Metallic Effect thread, #41 (Silver)
- regular thread, to match the napkins as close as possible or contrasting, or whatever you grab first
- a source for the lettters, I used both my Complete Guide to Yarmulka Design and a haggadah. I wanted slightly my letters to be seriffed for a “traditional formal” look.
Caveats: It’s been eons since I’ve embroidered. Back when I wanted to be Laura I practiced all the time (I wonder where all those things went). Sure I’ve done a few little things here and there, but nothing that I was sharing! My lack of practice definitely shows.
Step 0: Determine that crochet is not working out. (it was pretty though, proof)
Step 1: Wash & Iron the napkins
Step 2: Find center of nicest looking napkin and put in embroidery hoop.
Step 3: Look at clock and utter numerous profanities.
Step 4: Knot thread and start with the Mem (of Matzoh)
Step 5: Look pleased at the size & shape
Step 6: Decide not to pencil it (b/c you can’t find the disappearing fabric ink pen) and eyeball the Tzadi.
Step 7: Repeat step 3.
Step 8: Lightly sketch the Hei to make the tazdi look like a planned design feature instead of the large monstrosity it became.
Step 9: Be very pleased with results.
Step 10: Pin the four layers together and sew at the hem ⅓ of the way down from the upper left corner along those two sides (top & left). This will create the envelope.
…
Step 17: realize you forgot to make an afikomen pouch. (next year, b’Yerushalayim)
Step 18: spill grape juice and wine all over! :)

Have a great week. I read a TON this shabbat and yontif, so I hope to write up my reviews by Thursday, I’ll get done what I can and try to post something.

I don’t often do this, but a personal request: Please think good thoughts for both me and a classmate between 6-9pm on Wednesday as we do our formal Final project presentation. I can easily help tweak others presentations but not my own. *sigh*

Cranium
by Chloe Nightingale
from Crochet Me
Of course I finish my new pesach hat in time for the weather to finally be warm. It’s perfect for my needs.

I am tempting the knitting gods & goddesses (as well as the master of editing) in stating that I’m attempting to also complete Sandi Wiseheart’s Summer Lace Shawlette in time for Pesach. The shul where we attend services has a very temperamental AC unit in the women’s section. I’m generally either sweating in all my nice clothing or freezing my butt off. This seemed like a nice compromise. I’m at row 54/60 for the “main part” when i hit row 59 I’ll be at 189 stitches per row. This crazy knitter actually worked on it on the train home. It was nice, I got stuck at Jay Street for what felt like an hour and knit a row I didn’t think I’d accomplish. Once I complete the “main section” (through row 60) I have two more rows of stuff before i do the border (8 rows) and edge (another 8). and then bind off.

RIGHT. I’ll make it. I wasn’t going to confess this knit unless I completed it, but it’s zoomed by and has been great bribery knitting this week.

Socks. Socks are progressing quite well and I’m debating if I want to try to make these knee highs or just be sane and start the ribbing shortly. I’m impressed I’ve had the patience to make them this long.

Baby stuff. Another one is iy’h on his way now and I’m ignoring all the knits. That’s not entirely true, I’ve worked a little on the anouk, and I’ve petted the wrap and bought thread to make sure my ends are woven in well. [I’m paranoid].

And last but not least, Happy Anniversary my love. We’ve survived three years and I look forward to the next many many years together.

A quick post (hopefully) as everything has taken me much longer to do today and I’m terribly far behind on my writing and editing deadlines.

Crochet: I’ve decided I’d really like a new hat for pesach. I don’t really have enough yardage (or a colour I like) in the stash so today a $3 of Bernat Satin in Mocha followed me home and jumped onto a hook. I’m not sure it’s selection of my salmon pink H hook was right but I’ll let a few more rounds go before I jump in and intervene. Given time constraints I am not sure how smart this is, but since another pair of socks is misbehaving it might not be too bad.

Spin: I still haven’t taken it off the spindle. To ply or not to ply is the current dilemma.

Stash: I am very very slowly owning up to the full contents of my stash. Constant grey gloomy skies make for terrible photography, especially with my poor skills. So please, as I add to flickr don’t think I bought all of it recently. I try to put the date in the description. I recently rediscovered my cache of Berocco Love-it for example…

Knit: On Sunday I bound off for the main portion of the dragon wrap, mostly as per my goal. I still have an extensive punch list before this can be blocked and sent off to it’s growing recipient but I’ve accomplished the big part. Immediately upon snipping the thread for the dragon wrap, I cast on for Anouk. After dusting C’s blanket I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m not in a blanket mood. I’m knitting the 12mo size and hoping that C stays little like her mum and aunts. I’m stash busting so we’ll see how creative the pockets become, and when reality sets in and I remember that I have to knit both the front, AND the back. ;) Many many thanks to knitter-E for inspiring me to try an Anouk of my own. (ps a belated Happy Birthday! I’m a dork and forgot.) The simple socks are progressing as long as we ignore a little bit of oddness in one heel and that I am able to have a stern talking to them and successfully untangle the mess that occurred on the train this morning. It was so terrible that I didn’t knit on the way home. I outlined this post. I have another pesach deadline which may or may not involve this ball of yarn. I’ve had grand plans for it for a while. We’ll see what happens.

Apology: Dear NYC, I’m sorry that it’s been really cold these past few days. I know that I was sad that I might not have a chance to wear the River Wrap until the autumn, but this isn’t acceptable weather. It is supposed to be Spring. Yes, rain is ok, I understand the need for it. Unfortunately I actually felt the need to mutter the s-word in my description of how the weather felt late this afternoon. That’s not ok. I’ve happily worn the wrap the past two days and have been very warm but I’d be just as happy if it were folded with some cedar for the next seven or so months.

Moving on, this afternoon I took advantage of my husband’s corporate discount perks to visit two amazing exhibits at MoMA: Color Chart and Design and the Elastic Mind.

I’ll start with Color Chart (sorry, site is in Flash). Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time at Knitty City not creating, but wandering around the store complaining to everyone that I was looking for inspiration. I should have stopped by MoMA instead.. the Color Chart exhibit wasn’t as inspiring as I hoped, but something about the white walls and the squares of colour by artists such as Frank Stella, Gerhard Richter, François Morellet, Sherrie Levine, and Sol LeWitt among others has left me thinking beyond my normal limited colour choices…

Yet Design and the Elastic Mind was exactly the push toward inspiration I was desperately seeking. Some of the items I had seen before (one example), however, many I had not. Tomas Gabzdil Libertiny’s “Honeycomb Vase” is stunning. A NYT review of the exhibit may be found here.

If you have the opportunity I urge you to visit both exhibits. Yes, you can see much of it online, but the experience of seeing all of this innovation organized together left my senses excited.

As a last minute decision, last night I decided to stop by Stephanie’s talk as it really was on my way home. I missed her talk [I’m trying to convince E to drive me up to Webs on the 27th] but arrived in time to get my book signed and see some people, but not everyone I was looking for. I wasn’t really with it as I had a long day and didn’t really /talk/ at all with her when it was actually my turn. Spot kept jumping out of my bag at every opportunity and was constantly muttering something about sock yarn and lace, even though he and I have discussed the contents of my stash and my time commitments for the next few weeks. Sometimes I don’t know what gets into him. I think it’s PG being a bad influence. In any case, I really love these types of events because the community of knitters always inspires me and I make new friends (and push at least ONE person to write a public journal. Last year it was A, this year it’s (hopefully) E. I’m very happy to see both on wordpress). I was sitting in a chair introducing myself to E and hopefully not leaving the impression that I’m completely insane and waiting so I didn’t jump the entire line when a woman and her friend walked by and stopped to compliment the Wrap (Actually, everyone did; I’ve never had so many compliments on a piece of knitting before. Thank you everyone!). I spoke a bit about it and she suddenly asks, “Are you Penny?”. To which I replied at the same time she said, “Melanie!”. It was so wonderful to meet her in real space.. she was there with her friend T who has been her penpal for many years and they finally met in real person as well. I had a wonderful bit of tea with them after getting my book signed and we actually succeeded in crossing paths at MoMA this afternoon.

Lastly, my mum bought a new car. This pleases me as her Corolla is almost 15 years old and the back doors no longer consistently open (or one no longer did and sometimes the other sticks?). The Corolla was a good car, it drove me (I rarely drove it) all over while I was in high school, making weekly trips across the length of the Island for orchestra rehearsals and at least two trips a summer (more like three or four) up to Oneonta for music “camp”. Please say hello to Snowflake (the car). May they enjoy their time together in health and safety. A has a new white scion too, his is the bigger boxy one and I don’t know if it has been named (helicopter taxi might be appropriate). If the weather is ever not grey hopefully we’ll get a photo of the two together. :)