"Doing" vs. Doing

Not too long ago, I was lamenting the fact that I didn't get to "do" anything on my one free weekend in a while.  No movie, no happy hour, no museum visit, no cool flea markets, or parks.

But then I went back through my Instagram feed and realized that I "did" quite a bit.  Maybe I need to re-evaluate my idea of "doing".  Living in a big city like NYC makes me feel like I'm constantly missing out on EVERYTHING.  If I haven't hit every major cultural high point one weekend, I feel like a complete and utter failure.  

There are a lot of other things to DO, though.  Sometimes it take a little reflection to realize how full your days really are.

 Finally installed this mirror.

 Finished some handmade gifts.

 Tested out my grandmother's much-prized pierogi recipe.

Finally got around to putting together (and painting and staining) my new dressers from Ikea.  Inspired by this Ikea Hack.

What about you?  Do you ever feel pressure to "have fun"?  

There's a long weekend ahead of us - what will you be "doing"?

Oh Hey!

I sometimes do other stuff over here besides talk about vegetables.  It's true!  Sometimes I do stuff like this:

Or sometimes I do stuff like this:

Which turns into this:

I've been holding off on sharing these projects because they were (are) gifts for a dear friend's little girl (who still hasn't made an appearance).  Of course I had to wait until I gifted them before I could share.

The sweater was from this etsy shop, which is now closed.  It's a very nice pattern, but it's written from the bottom up, and I have to say I really prefer top down.  The yarn is Spud & Chloe, which is my new favorite yarn for everything.  It feels like cotton, but knits like wool, which is a big deal for someone with wonky gauge like myself.  Superwash.  Awesome.  And the prettiest colors.

The quilt.  I can't even tell you anything about the fabric for the quilt except that it all came from Purl Soho, where the ladies who waited on me were so helpful and so kind.  And yet I still came out with waaaaay too much binding.  How does that always happen?  What I am going to do with it all?  

Anyway, this was my first Log Cabin quilt and I used this tutorial:

It blew my mind!  Did you know that's how you make a Log Cabin square?!  No?  Neither did I!  It's mildly addictive and I am already planning another Log Cabin quilt for the bedroom.  

It was also my first time tying a quilt, which I really loved, because I used a really lofty batting.  The lovely ladies at Purl told me to just use yarn, like Cascade 220, which I did and which totally felted to bits when I washed the quilt!!  So I had to cut all the ties off and re-do them with embroidery thread, which is was Alicia uses.  It turned out so pretty and exactly the way I imagined it.  I love the way the grey tempers the pastel colors and grounds the girl-iness and bit.  

I actually am working on another quilt right now.  And another baby sweater!  I'll share more of that soon. Bye!

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

This is a blurry, blurry picture of my kitchen after buying some bookcases at Ikea and after my Christmas "Not-A-Party", as I am calling it. Cause it wasn't. A party.

Anyway. During Ikea pit stop on the drive home from Thanksgiving in NJ, I picked up two bookcases. I intended to put them against the chalkboard wall and use them as a place to store my cookbooks and growing vintage Pyrex collection.

Since most of my Pyrex is white, I painted the back of the bookcases turquoise with leftover paint from my living room. (Yes, that is really the color of my living room. I know I haven't shared that with you yet, but it's coming.) It was really easy to do, as anyone who has ever put together an Ikea bookcase will know, because the back of it is actually a thin piece of fiber-board that slides in at the very end. So, simply paint and allow to dry before you finish it up!

I'm really pleased. The Pyrex pops against the turquoise and the bookcases are a good height for staging a temporary bar. And my guests actually used the chalkboard, which made me very happy.

I did a little Christmas baking in the form of cupcakes, but only for the Not-A-Party. There are no gingerbread men or sugar cookies in The Works this year. Left over cupcakes make and excellent breakfast, by the way.

I've also been doing a little Christmas knitting. I have no pictures, however, other than this one.

Sad, I know. But it's hard to get decent pictures these days, what with the dark and cold and whatnot.

So, Merry Christmas, y'all! Here's wishing you all the best for your holiday. Be sure to spend it with someone you love and treasure every moment!

See you again in the New Year!

She knits! She sews!

It's true, I do both of those things. I used to write about them on this blog quite a bit, actually.

Above, you can see the latest evidence of my knitting. This is Shaylee, from Rowan Kidsilk Aura Collection book that was published in 2007. Oh, that's right, 2007. I bought it while I was still working at The Point NYC. While The Point was still open, even.

The yarn you're seeing is Manos Silk Blend, which I bought when it was still a new product. I can't even remember when that was.

What you're looking at, is my 4th attempt to knit the left side. It's seems that I just can't get it right. When I follow the directions as I believe they are written, the shaping doesn't match the diagram of the finished knit. When I tried to wing it, it came out really, really wrong. So I'm back to following the directions. The worst case scenario is that the spacing on the belt loops are a little off. I can live with that.

In other news, I made my Halloween costume this year. Or, rather, I cobbled it together from items that I already owned, made and bought on the cheap.

I was inspired by Tim Burton's much anticipated, Alice in Wonderland, and dressed as Alice. The are no current photographs of me because I just wasn't myself in that blind wig. I felt obvious and silly. (Though I secretly LOVED my costume and thought it was incredible.) I think I'll recycle it for next year, since it took a bit of work. Perhaps then there'll be photos.

A little FYI for all your knitters: My two most popular designs (according to Ravelry favorites) are now available for download on Ravelry!

The Last Hurrah scarf is a free download that was previously on The Point's blog. Now that The Point is (sadly) no more, I've moved it over to Ravelry.

The Fiona Wrap Jacket is for sale for $5.00 - the same price The Point was selling it for, which seemed fair to me.

My Ravelry and Etsy shop are now pretty much complete with all of my patterns. It's kind of amazing for me to look at them all in one place like that. It made me realize what a productive knitter I was when I was working at the yarn shop. Hopefully I will continue to be inspired and add to my shop.

Thank you to all of you who put a little heart next to one of my designs!!! It makes me incredible happy!!! Thank you so much!

I'm letting you guys in on a little secret. This is my craft drawer at work.

Some people have secret snack drawers. I have this.

Sometimes my job is very, very slow. Instead of falling prey to online shopping, (OK, that's a bit of a stretch, 'cause I do plenty of online shopping.) I keep a supply of crafty stuff to keep me busy.

Currently: booties for a pregnant co-worker, scraps of fabric and button making kits, tissue paper, ribbon, tape measure, Altoid boxes that I'm keeping for god knows what reason, and embroidery needles.

Work has been picking up lately so there's not much crafting going on, but it's there. Just in case I need it.

So I've been slogging along with my knitting and not really sharing it with you all, because, let's face it, Tuscany is a whole lot cooler.

I haven't bought any new yarn this year and I've been devoted to working through my (modest) stash and finishing projects that I've had on the back burner for far too long. It's been a (somewhat) successful experiment.

Until now. This is Brights 1, from Rowan Studio 9. It's been hibernating for almost a year and when I picked it up, I had no idea where I left off. Not even what size I was making because nothing was adding up. I had even put it on a stitch holder because I obviously needed the needle for something else and I didn't know what size needle I was using!!

I ended up having to do a new gauge swatch and ripping it (this s the left front, the back is finished) to a point where I could recognize where I was in the pattern and count the stitches. It's been smooth (if not slow) sailing since then.

I also finished the Christie Bolero, but am a bit stuck, if anyone can offer me advice. The bolero meets (just barely) in front under the bust. When I hold it in place, it's really flattering and the fit that I desired, but when I added my button it pulled horribly. Does anyone have a tried and true method for sewing a button onto knitwear? One that is super sturdy? I'd appreciate the help!!!

These are two pillows that I finished well over a year ago. They were meant to go in my old apartment, which was all 70's fabulous orange, brown and avocado green.

Now they just don't fit in my new place so off to the Etsy shop they go!
(These photos were taken on my new ivory velvet love seat! I absolutely am in love with it! It fits perfectly under the window in the front of the living room. Some people {ahem} think it was a crazy choice, but I don't care).

I still owe you pictures of the Minnow Cardi, but in the meantime, I started a new project. It's the Christie Bolero that I designed for The Point, ages ago.
I always wanted one of my own, so in an attempt to plow through some of my stash, I cast on with some Harmony from Naturally Hand Knit that I've been holding onto forever.
It's a smaller gauge than the original pattern and I'm also planning on making it slightly larger so that it can crossover in the front with a button closure.
I'll keep you updated!

I updated my shop with some vintage finds. Go and visit!

Oh, and I finished my Minnow Merino Cardigan and it's a winner! I'll be sharing that with you soon!

Look! Look! A Finished Object! I know, I can hardly believe it myself. I started this in November and just finished it last week.

It's the Patsy Swing Cardigan from The Point and I highly recommend this pattern to anyone who wants to knit a first time cable sweater. It was their pattern of the month for November and I bought the recommended yarn, as well. The pattern is a dream and super easy to knit. It's knit from the top down, though, and being a cardigan, the stockinette gets a little tedious towards the end.

I think this may be one of the first sweaters that I've made that I'll really wear. I usually end up so unhappy with the way I look in the finished product that I stuff it in a drawer.

I've been a really impatient knitter up until now, but I think I'm entering a new phase where I can knit from challenging patterns and take my time to undo mistakes and check for fit. I'm less concerned with having a finished item than having an item finished well.

Words to live by.

I just wanted to share a little something with you all before I head back to NJ for Christmas.

These are buttons commissioned by Ms. Blue Garter for her February Lady Sweater. They look huge here, but they're only 1" in diameter. Made from fabric from my grandmother's stash, so I guess it can be considered vintage, 'cause it's probably really old! The fabric is a little sheer so the shine of the button shell comes through.

They should be arriving on your coast any moment now, Sarah! I hope you like them!!!

I've been doing a lot to get into the Holiday Spirit this week. I think it's working.

Tuesday night, the NYC/SNB ladies wrapped presents for Children of the City, a very worthwhile charity. Only a few of us braved the snow that evening, but we were well rewarded with Glad Tidings!

I bought a one pound bar of chocolate at Trader Joe's in Brooklyn. It was supposed to be for candy-makin', but I couldn't resist busting into it right away. Oops.
I also bought a crate of clementines that I've been enjoying all week. They look very festive in a bowl in my dining room.

I've also been having a really grand time selecting items for my etsy favorites, but every time I go to check on them, one more has sold before I had the chance to buy it!!
I like to think that all of my friend who read my blog are buying them up for my Christmas presents. A girl can dream, no?

Leaf count: 58 (64, with these guys here).



There's still time to contribute! Take your leaves to The Point before October 1st!!!!!!

I am knitting and soliciting knit/crochet leaves for an installation I'm creating for The Point for October. I'm going to created a tree with knit/crochet leaves in their window.




I'm making as many as I possibly can and I have everyone at the store working, too. But, with a project like this, more is always better. My favorite part of the whole endeavour is having many different people contribute. It speaks to the sense of community that knitting seems to foster and which we strive for at The Point.

Anyone who would like to contribute can knit from one of the patterns linked below and drop the leaf(ves) off at The Point. If you're not local, put them in the mail! Our deadline is Octber 1st!!

merino stripes leaf pullover

a tree undone

Aw, man. You guys have been great! I mean, just wonderful. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your kind words and encouragement. I never thought, two years ago, when I started this blog, that I would make so many friends through it. I think that's what everyone says at one point or another on their blog, but it's true! How is it possible that there are so many amazing people out there doing this? This, being blogging or knitting or whatever. How have you all found me?

Well, thank you. I'm blushing. I cannot believe that there are so many people out there that are so kind to me. I'm still feeling kind of sad and alone and lost, but I have you all to hoist me up and remind me that I have a very full and wonderful life that is very much my own.

So, here is the knitting I promised you.

The Fiona Wrap Jacket, a.k.a The Point's August Pattern of the Month.

I could hardly believe, during the oppressive heat of July, that I was knitting such a garment. But the last couple of days, with the hint of a chill in the air during the late evenings, Fall doesn't seem so far away, and the thought of getting started on some cooler weather knits isn't so ludicrous.

You can get all of the details for this on Ravelry. I will tell you, however, that this is ridiulously easy to knit. It's one piece, starting from the back edge and separating for the two fronts to be worked, well, separately. I held two strands of Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette together to get a very pleasing tweed effect and a knitted gauge of about 4 stitches to one inch.

I was really sad to send this one off to The Point, but I'm considering knitting another one for myself out of some mohair that I've been holding onto for some time. That would be really warm and super lightweight. It would be equally lovely knit out of a single strand of some bulky Malabrigo or Manos, so that the stockinette can show off the lovely hand-dyed yarn. But I do go on....

P.S. The 5K is this weekend!!! Wish me luck!!! And a super big THANK YOU to those of you who donated (you know who you are) and everyone who offerred words of encourgament! Thanks again. (Can I say thank you enough? Nope.)

P.P.S. I even signed up for another run in two weeks. The Livestrong Challenge in Philly which I'll be running with my cousin.

The dress that I so triumphantly finished this weekend does. not. fit. I should have tried it on as I went. I should have known that I might have this problem. My top half is pretty much a full size smaller than my bottom half (which causes much confusion when buying patterns), so of course the bodice is all loose and gap-py and the bottom is perfect.

So while I'm working out a way to take in the darts some more, I'll leave you with this:

I'm done with the back portion of the August pattern of the month for The Point. I'm really surprised how fast this went. I'm holding two different color strands of yarn together and I *love* the tweed effect that I'm getting.

I may have a photo shoot this weekend of the disastrous dress. Adjusted or otherwise.

What a magical weekend!! I finished the dress and found an amazing source to explain easing in the sleeves. Thanks to all of you who left a comment, but the good ol' World Wide Web saved the day. Again.

I spent Saturday with my favorite customers from The Point, who have adopted me as one of their own. A sweeter, more loving , surrogate family I could not as for.

The hostess extraordinaire was the fabulous (blog-less, and, alas, photo-less) Vere, who invited us to her new home in Jersey City. She has an amazing, charming house. With a garden. How jealous am I? Patty even managed to join us after her machine knitting class at FIT!!

It was a nostalgic Point weekend all around, while today I hosted lunch Chez Needleworks for two former co- workers. Knit Boy and blog-less, but fabulous, Sandy came over and feasted on food that I did not photograph. Sad.

Then, after they left, I stepped out on my balcony (fire escape) and saw this: A rainbow. Can you see it? It was really hard to photograph, but it was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

Do you think there's a pot of gold in that warehouse?

We finally got an air conditioner! Doesn't this little guy just look like he's fearing for his life? That's kind of how I feel about our ConEd bill.

I've got so many things on the burners right now! Should I space them out and make many blog posts? I think I shall.

For now I will share this with you. Some really amazing yarn that I swiped from The Point for August's Pattern/Yarn of the Month.

It's alpaca. And merino. And silk. 'Nuf said.

It's going to become this:

This is just a mock up that I did at work (Of course during my lunch hour! Um, yeah.) and of course the finished product will be a hand-knit. My favorite thing about the design? It's one knitted piece. Well, two, if you count the belt.

Stay tuned!!!

Actual knitting content!



This tank felt like it took forever to make, but, in actuality, it only took 3 weeks.

This is the Pattern of the Month for The Point, for June. They wanted a really simple shell for, oh, say, an advanced beginner. I though that was a brilliant idea because I can't tell you how many times I had a request for one when I worked there!

This was made from -4 skeins of Classic Elite Cotton Bam Boo. Though the yarn was really lovely, it was torture for me. I ended up knitting it on size #1 needles to get 6 stitches to the inch!!! The fabric that was the result of this labor of love was drape-y, with a slight sheen. I can't say it was totally worth it for me, but for those who don't have the crazy tension issues that I do, you should give it a try.

Go to The Point's blog or Ravelry for more info! And, of course, The Point for the pattern!

Back in March, when I posted my survey on what projects to take on my trip to Paris, the Alpaca Super Cowl was one of the chosen. I actually knit quite a bit on the flight over. (The way back was devoted to reading The Yiddish Policemen's Union.) I finished ASC just about a week after we got back. I've only just now been able to photograph it.



Of all the sweaters that I've improvied, this has to be the best fitting and maybe, just maybe, my favorite. I learned a lot about negative ease on this project. Something that's easy to play with when you are knitting from the top down and able to try the garment on as you go. I'm not sure how I would work this into something that I knit in pieces. Or how many knitting pattterns out there account for it. I mean, sweaters stretch, right?! How come I only just realized this?

The cowl is not as super as I envisioned it. This is mostly due to running out of yarn. Aparently Alpaca with a Twist was backordered "forever" on this particular color. I used 1,100 yards of sport-weight (they call it worsted, but it's not) alpaca. Knit on #4 needles for a nice tight fabric with lots of stretch without sagging. For the cowl I just doubled the yarn and used, I think, a #15 needle. More details on ravelry.



Master P has gotten really good at photographing me now. He basically just lets me stand against the wall and fuss around without telling me when he's taking the picture. The result is the natural kind of shot that I like.