Friday, July 20, 2007

Knitting Lingerie Style

I received "Knitting Lingerie Style" from hubby for my birthday. I want to make so many things in it! I love making little tank tops and this book has some great lacy ones. But so many of the projects' suggested yarns are currently out of my budget.
For instance, the Classic Elite - Interlude which is featured in the "Surplice Bodice Cami", my favorite in the book. The description from Purlsoho, one of my favorite LYS, is as follows:

"Interlude blends silk and linen in a highly detailed 10-ply strand destined for fine stitches and sophisticated patterns. We recommend it for projects that call for refined draping and excellent stitch definition. Regular price is $24.50. On sale at 40% off for $14.70!"

Classic Elite - Interlude

CONTENT: 30% silk, 70% linen

WEIGHT: 50 grams

LENGTH: 82 yards

GAUGE: 4.5 stitches per inch

SUGGESTED NEEDLES: US size 7

Woo Hoo! 82 yards for HOW MUCH?

Or the "Silk and Pearls Cami", made for the book with Classic Elite Temptation. I found it here :
100% Silk, 13 st/4", 5.5mm (US 9), 101m/ 110 yards, 100g (3.5 oz) at approximately $44 per 100 yard skein. I can't even wrap my head around that one...

Another irresistable pattern, the "Corset Bodice Nightgown" is featured beautifully in Louet Euroflax Originals. Once again, the juicy description from Purlsoho says:
"One of our perennial favorites here at Purl, Euroflax is 100% linen and 100% elegant. Linen creates a durable, drapey and beautiful fabric. The more you wash and dry it, the softer and slinkier it becomes."

Euroflax Originals

CONTENT: 100% Linen

WEIGHT: 100 grams

LENGTH: 270 yards

GAUGE: 6 stitches per inch

SUGGESTED NEEDLES: US size 3 to 5

Price: $20.50
Now this last one has 270 yards per skein, but in my size (34) I would need 3 balls for something that isn't going to be worn often. Do I venture down the slippery subbing slope? What is a knitter to do when the picture is oh so beautiful but I just can't "pull the trigger" on buying the yarn? I downloaded Stitch Diva's Simple Knitted Bodice Sweater ages ago. I can't bring myself to knit it in anything other than Tilli Tomas recommended. There's tons of you out there that have subbed on this successfully, but when I see a pic of one done in the Tilli (and oh, that Rockstar), I fall blindly in love. Therefore, I have yet to start it.

Speaking of Rock Stars, Here's some pics that have been waiting in Daughter #1's camera phone. Do you know that on Verizon if you have texting blocked (don't ask) you can't upload your pictures? Texting has been TEMPORARILY unblocked so I can share some of my summer concert fun with you. The Fratellis were fantastic at Roseland last month.
The two opening bands were lots of fun as well.

They were Illinois (listen to them here)

















and Switches.
Daughter #1 had a blast. We were front and almost center, until the encore, when I conviced her that getting closer to the exit would be a good idea. (Years of previous concert exiting experience pays off.)

Not to forget the little diva aka Daughter #2, I entered this contest in the hopes of winning a $250 gift certificate to Gymboree. I'm not much of a contest person, don't even like to play Lotto here in NY, but I figured, what the heck...

BTW, Did you you the article about Ravelry in TechCrunch ?
For some reason, Michael Arrington thinks we're ridiculous...

Monday, July 16, 2007

Zephyr Style Tree Jacket

I've been thinking about making the Zephyr Style Tree Jacket lately. It is a very pretty sweater, although I'd probably wear it with a cami or something underneath . I enjoyed the last Zephyr pattern I received, but my yarn choice and sizing were less than stellar so I never felt the calling to finish it. I'll probably frog it (or throw it out since its mohair) and start with a nice varigated yarn like on the model. I got some money for my birthday from my mom and dad so I could buy the yarn more or less guilt free (although I need bras and new sandals too). I haven't seen anyone's variations yet, but that was just with checking google. I need to go to Ravelry, where it sounds like more and more people are calling this mecca.
Sister is wearing her Swallowtail alot, albeit around her fanny, and already got a pull in it which took my breath away momentarily, but such is life.
Music has been a big part of the scene here. I saw some pretty good bands Friday night at the Mercury Lounge, and saw these guys



yesterday at the Great South Bay Music Festival. I LOVE the Subdudes! Terrific fun, groovin' with the kids as well. When I got home I thought I got more tan, until it ran down the drain in the shower. One of those dusty, dirty, outdoor shows I hate and love. And now on Wednesday it's off to Roseland Ballroom to see the Fratellis with my 16 year old daughter. I guess I didn't get the memo that I have to stop all this and act my age...


Here's more pics of Tommy and the boys...





















The family was front and center...













"Where are the Emo Bands Mom? You know I only like Emo music!"



Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Someone Throw Me a Lifeline

Chart A is done on my Mystery Stole 3. 4000 people signed up! It will be fun to see all the different colors (and abilities - mine is in the few too many/not quite enough YOs category). Beading is a challenge for me because I am a lefty, and holding the crochet hook in my right hand makes me feel awkward. My friends at Knit Night last night helped, and told me my hook is too small (a 13/14), and I could do better with a 12.
Yarn: Jojoland Harmony, C07 Dyelot 101 - subtle changes from pale violet to pale turquoise
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace #3
Beads: Trans Lustered Light Gray AB - size 8 from Beads & Stitches.
BTW, if you're on Ravelry, come over and visit! I'm finally getting my projects loaded in, after being a member for a few months. It is a tremendous time saver, if you can get over the ramp up time of loading in your projects.