Love Feedback, Hate Spam

I was the recipient of something new today: comment spam!

This being my first time and all, and having posted my first pattern, I initially thought these were legitimate responses. That is, until I read them.

So what does this mean? Well, I'll be a twisted purler if I'm going to let some goober stop the feedback train. What I have done is enable the "human being" verification feature of Blogger comments.

Huh? That just means you'll have to type in whatever letter/number verification code is presented by Blogger before the comments will be posted. Sorry for any inconvenience, but hopefully this is just a short-term thing. The other option of disabling comment altogether is simply not palatable.

What say you? Let me know either via Comments or email.

"Mia" Lives

After much work and last minute tweaking by me and Grumperina, the "Mia" shrug pattern (pdf, 395 KB) is available for your knitting pleasure.

Since this pattern is so customizable, I'd like to feature your take on the finished product in a "Mia" gallery. Drop me a line with your photo or URL, plus any particulars, such as yarn choices or edging highlights.

Naturally, I'd like to know if an instruction is unclear or incorrect, so notifications of errata are encouraged as well.

Just download and go!

Test Knit Complete!

And I've got to say, Grumperina did an outstanding job - both as knitter and editor!

In fact, none of this pattern business would have happened without her. See, I sketch, I measure, I make. But I don't write it down. Couldn't get away with that this time, though. The good news is that the pattern PDF will be available for download very shortly, so "watch this space."

Meanwhile, sashay on over and check out Grumperina's "Mia".

TTU soon.

Test Pattern - Update

(A very gracious) Grumperina and I have been working on tweaking the shrug pattern at a fast and furious pace. In fact, as you probably know, she's already started on her version of what I've decided to call the "Mia" Shrug. Why "Mia" (or "My" in 4 out of 5 Romance languages)? Simply because the measurements in the first part of the pattern instructions make it fitted for your body only.

I know some of you have had questions about the variations between my result and G's. First of all, we're using different yarn. My cheapo TLC drapes differently than Grumperina's cashmerino. Next, I used 10.5 US needles for a large, but tight stitch. Lastly, the biggest difference in appearance? I twist my stitches.

I've decided (and G agreed) to feature both versions in the published pattern. That way, you can see variations in yarn, technique, and edging that may spur you to produce what is truly your own "Mia".

Kryptonite

kryp'-to-nite (noun):

1. Any surviving fragment of the exploded mythological planet Krypton, home of Superman; something against which the Man of Steel becomes completely powerless.

2. Yarn.

While I am no superhero, I am completely powerless against the pull of thousands of square feet of fiber.

This was my first Stitches experience and it was fantastic - and a bit overwhelming. I took two classes and learned some new techniques, as well as a twist on the basics. Apparently, I've been wrapping my purl stitches clockwise all my life, resulting in twisted stitches. Who knew? Turns out this is the reason my cables lie flat, but my lacework is not as "open" as it should be.

But I digress. Before and after classes Friday and Saturday, I entered the Market Floor (cue chorus of angels)! Booth after booth of vendors beckoning me (and my credit card) with ever-increasing colorways, fibers, and "touch me" softness. Before going to the convention, I'd set a mental upper limit on spending. This worked the first day, but was completely blown away by day two.

But was this not worth it?! From the top, Brooks Farm Fibers, both laceweight kid mohair "Primero" and worsted weight kid mohair / merino "Duet"; twenty skeins of cranberry-colored Debbie Bliss merino, at $32 per 10-pack; a 10-pack of Filatura di Crosa 501 for $26. And we cannot forget the call of the books: "Knitting on the Edge", "The Knitter's Handbook", "Hot Knits", "scarfStyle" and (not pictured) "Lavish Lace".

My plastic was smokin'! And I've already started the Falling Leaves shawl, which I'm knitting from a CHART! New to me, but I totally like it.

Oh, boy. I better start saving up for next year. Or next weekend, because I may be headed to the Michigan Fiber Festival. Sheesh!

Since You Asked So Nicely...

OK, I set up the tripod and self-timer to take a shot at, well, myself. Wearing the shrug that started in my head and ended up on my back. No, there's no pattern as yet, but a heart-felt thank you to those of you who've asked for one. Give me some time to work one out.

And since Miss Grumperina made this sudden noteriety possible, I think she should have a crack at being the first test knitter if she thinks this little item might work for her (sound of gauntlet being laid gently down).

The only reason I made this was to have something to wear to the Stitches Midwest convention. Turns out it was a big hit. Even as I stood in line to buy my lunch, people would come up to me and ask about the shrug and where they could find the pattern.

This all totally blows me away. All I could do is smile sheepishly and say thanks.

Shrug Your Shoulders

As promised, here are the pictures of my rather Victorianesque shrug.

Materials: 2 skeins of TLC Cotton Plus in Spruce

Gauge: approximately 6-7 stitches per inch using 10.5(US) needles

Time to complete: 2 weeks, off and on

I thought a shrug would look oddly out of proportion on a more (ahem) endowed frame, but (shut my mouth!) it works.

Almost There

It has been one busy week of knitting. OK, some minor purchases too.

I stayed up late last night and arose early this morning to finish the spruce colored shrug. Been working on it all day and it's pinned to the blocking board as I blog. I even made little rosettes for the front, just so I'd know bottom from top. With all the knit blogs I read, I noted that the tube shrug has issues with right side up. Promise to provide pictures tomorrow once I stitch up the sleeves and sew on the flowers. Squishy Judy (my dressmaker's dummy) should look loverly!

The other headline? I bought some stuff, but not what you think. This time, it was the mention of some fine, rare needles that sent me on the hunt: Holz & Stein aka Noble Needles. So scouring the globe (alright, the Internet), I found two pair - one in ebony and the other in rosewood. Can't wait for these lovelies to arrive. From what I read about them, knitting with these well-crafted needles is like playing a fine violin, though I suppose the quality of the result is heavily dependent on the skill of the wielder.

Fab needles = fab knits? I still believe in magic.