tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:44:53 +0000http://www.yarnismymetier.com/noreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)Blogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-6195388618379509931Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:18:00 +00002008-07-19T11:45:28.131-05:00designinspiration2008 There's nothing soft, warm or nurturing in this Coca-Cola can creation displayed on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. But is it creative? Inspired? Of that there is no doubt! From the pull-tab corset to the crimped fan of the aluminum skirt, my mind wanders all about trying to figure out, "What did they do here? How did the artist figure that out? How much ended up on the cutting room floor before thishttp://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/07/michigan-avenue-photo-safari.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-2958325661980558882Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:19:00 +00002008-07-19T02:49:32.644-05:00dysfunctionGeneral2008No, your feed reader isn't on the blink. I haven't posted since late June. If it seems I've fallen off the face of the Earth, perhaps it is because I have. I'm back in the shop for repairs (or something like it). I've scarcely purchased any yarn. The books and magazines that cross my threshold tempt but do not inspire me enough to action. Those projects that do get started sit so long that http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/07/fallen-woman.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-9111882985197528381Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:58:00 +00002008-06-28T08:30:45.033-05:00crochetWIPsshawllace2008 bellamoden kid mohair and silk lace (Pretty In Pink) + Malabrigo lace merino (Floral)The pattern is called Eva's Shawl by milobo. Always fun to see how others have done this project on Ravelry. I've stayed fairly true to the directions, though I've simplified them a bit for my taste, as they are written using UK terms such as treble crochet which in the US is really a double. I've also http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/06/lacy-crochet-shawl.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-5923225121885172671Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:01:00 +00002008-06-26T05:37:48.220-05:00FOcottonblanketcrochetbaby2008How right you are! Ripping is much better than the substandard item gifting. Despite the brief setback, I actually finished my crochet version of Mason-Dixon Knitting's Moderne Baby Blanket a few days ago. I've been busy (which I'll explain momentarily) so no blogging. First, the blanket. The Layout The Results Materials 11 skeins of Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in 6 different colors (Chicory, http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/06/fo-natalias-moderne-baby-blanket.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-8195552102432666031Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:50:00 +00002008-06-20T07:09:26.456-05:00catsblanketcrochetWIPsbaby2008I was just cruising along on the Moderne baby blanket, absolutely determined to hit the finish line this weekend. Sometimes, in a rush to complete a project, you consciously or unconsciously overlook things that are less than quality. "Oh, I can block that into shape. It won't be a problem." You know what they say about denial. It's just that, after nearly 3 inches of this crap, I couldn't let http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/06/speed.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-5413622677267769720Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:19:00 +00002008-06-17T18:34:10.384-05:00giftcrochetbaby2008I had a head-->desk moment when I realized that I should have asked the mother-to-be what she wanted with regard to stitch lines or no stitch lines. She agrees with the majority of your comments: no color block delineation, if you please. And so it is. The blanket looks much better in real life, but hopefully you get the idea: This is a shot of the unblocked crochet version of the Moderne Babyhttp://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/06/momma-sez.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-8675585362225632918Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:39:00 +00002008-06-15T22:14:52.655-05:00KIPgiftbaby2008I hadn't seen Natalia for months. In fact, up until a week ago, I didn't even know she was pregnant. And not just a little either, as evidenced by this photo taken during the World Wide Knit In Public event in downtown Chicago. The young squire is due to make his appearance in July. That's why it became imperative that I come up with a gift and a color palette that suited both the mother-to-be http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/06/baby-blanket-stat.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-1353679515047358084Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:22:00 +00002008-06-09T14:51:55.993-05:00LuyarngiftKenyaThree cakes of hand spun 2-ply wool. That's what the bulging golden envelope with the beautiful stamps and return address of Nairobi, Kenya contained. People talk about being environmentally green these days, even when it comes to yarn. This wonderful gift is the real deal: barely processed, loaded with lanolin and vegetable matter, and definitely spun without the consistency benefits of a wheelhttp://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/06/not-available-in-stores.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-6102398668858495630Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:57:00 +00002008-06-06T11:12:17.001-05:00FOscarfGeneralcrochet Pattern: Boteh Scarf by Kathy Merrick from Interweave Crochet, Spring 2007 Yarn: 2+ skeins of allhemp6LUX, color: alioli Hook: 4.5mm (G) Modifications: 11 triangles instead of 16 called for in pattern yielded a 68" scarf, unblocked. This is my first foray into working with hemp and it won't be the last. As mentioned, I did not block the scarf because it seems to have maintained its rounded, http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/06/fo-boteh-scarf.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-5048223661667767229Sat, 31 May 2008 15:29:00 +00002008-05-31T15:02:05.852-05:00yarnhaikucontestbirthdayflowersWhat I've got you've got to give it to your momma What I've got you've got to give it to your papa What I've got you've got to give it to your daughter You do a little dance and then you drink a little water ~ Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Give It Away" ~ The band claims their Grammy award winning song was their frenetic, musical take on love and the proverb, "It's better to give than to receive." http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/05/give-it-away.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-8095180353888840979Tue, 27 May 2008 19:55:00 +00002008-05-27T16:07:13.069-05:00scarfyarnhaikucrochet2008I tried knitting a little bit. You know, just to test the shoulder stamina. Bad idea. I can't keep my hands still though, so I found an attractive, simple pattern and some surprisingly soft hemp yarn and kicked things off with a 15-stitch chain. Shake your Boteh! Although the pattern calls for a skosh over 400 yards fingering weight yarn, I'll have to make do with 280 yarns of DK weight http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/05/crochet-in-progress.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-4829038654092482471Thu, 22 May 2008 13:32:00 +00002008-05-24T21:29:22.689-05:00dysfunctionhaikuwordsGeneralSaw: Today I grew a new person Says: Today I, the new person, Saw: Gifts of contemptuous jewelry Says: Gifts of contemporary jewelry Saw: Light was in the glitter guild meeting Says: Last night was the knitters guild meeting Saw: Plenty of time to execute the guy thoroughly. Says: Plenty of time to evaluate the guy thoroughly. Could it be that I have some wires crossed in the cerebral cortex http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/05/say-what.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-2486917070648080907Wed, 14 May 2008 20:59:00 +00002008-05-14T17:13:26.335-05:00Generalflowers2008I'm sorry if my last post gave the impression that I'd dislocated my shoulder. I did not. Instead, I suspect I aggravated the already torn ligament that keeps the ball joint in the socket. I thought I was doing myself a favor by sticking to small projects, however the intensity applied to completing them proved counterproductive. Time for a good, long rest of the right arm. There must be http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/05/meanwhile.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-4959634437152338438Fri, 09 May 2008 16:54:00 +00002008-05-09T16:31:08.302-05:00FOmothersknittingbeading2008It's a disconcerting sound and feeling, that "Oh, crap!" popping twinge of something anatomically out of place. When you're this|close to finishing another little doodad, you just suck it up and deal with the consequences later. I might have been pushing a bit too hard but I think this headband was worth it. Specs: 10 grams each of light blue (2137) and navy blue (2625) Cascade Fixation http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/05/pop-goes-shoulder.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-4118799851373845865Tue, 06 May 2008 21:36:00 +00002008-05-06T17:11:03.258-05:00FOcatsHail, hallelujah and a chorus of angels! I have finally finished something after a what? Three, four month drought? It's a good thing you don't stop by here for the finished items as a good friend recently said because you'd be darn thirsty. In any event, I thought I'd start small and achievable as I mentioned in late April. Here we have my version of the purl bee's Pom Pom Peds; not on my feet http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/05/something-is-afoot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-2293415616271936022Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:45:00 +00002008-04-27T10:23:31.669-05:00SundayrandombeadingDid you know that the last Sunday in April is World Pinhole Camera Day? Basically you eschew the glass lens in favor of a light-tight tube with a tiny hole in a piece of cardboard, a Quaker Oats box or a Pringle's potato chip can. Although this is the most primitive possible camera (at least I think it is), the pinhole camera, with its potential for infinite depth of field, produces images that http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/04/any-random-sunday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-964724475644877614Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:34:00 +00002008-04-25T16:48:21.848-05:00nailsWIPsbeadingYes, I am well aware that my projects-in-progress bags and basket overfloweth. After reading your advice on how to best manage that situation, in the end I decided to not view it as a problem in need of resolution. Call it the chumps way out, but I can't let the very thing that brought me joy become a burden. That would make me want to avoid it altogether which, to my mind, is most undesirable. http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/04/something-new.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-3709915484246480822Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:38:00 +00002008-04-20T17:53:52.593-05:00lifeinspirationGeneral "It's been too long since we took the time No-one's to blame, I know time flies so quickly But when I see you darling It's like we both are falling in love again It'll be just like starting over, starting over" - John Lennon I'm working on rediscovering my love of crafting and the pure pleasure of seeing and feeling beautiful yarn and patterns. Like many things, it's often a course of http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/04/just-like-starting-over.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-543114821486261460Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:11:00 +00002008-04-08T12:39:31.913-05:00needlesreviewsNot too long ago, I needed to make a few swatches of worsted weight yarns. Size 8 US is my usual tool of choice for tasks like this. Although I'm not exactly suffering from a dearth of circular needles, I find the stitch consistency of the straights are key when gauge swatching. If you're dealing with wool or similar fiber, in my opinion aluminum straights seal the deal. Easy-peasy, right? Unziphttp://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/04/smooth-operator.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-8291536486491390611Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:33:00 +00002008-04-06T17:28:01.697-05:00catsinspirationWIPsWhat do a partial Monkey number 2, the beginning of another sock and about 5 inches of a red raglan cropped sweater all have in common? They all spell a weak excuse for at least two weeks worth of knitting. Sure, I started new projects despite my protestations on too many WIPs which, by the way, I totally appreciated your thoughts on getting those under control. Then I decided it was less about http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/04/week-excuse.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-2857239938684362323Sun, 30 Mar 2008 07:08:00 +00002008-03-30T03:05:51.321-05:00yarnGeneral*Picture heavy post* I never really thought about the whole colorful, messy business of dyeing and distributing yarn. I learned a thing or two during the Hyde Park Knitting Guild's behind the scenes glimpse into life at Lorna's Laces. It was exciting for me to see how yarn moves from color concept to realization to a yarn scavenging frenzy. We got our pick of mill-ends, one-of-a-kind and thehttp://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/03/dye-tripper.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-5775085728295856310Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:08:00 +00002008-03-27T11:34:02.127-05:00reviewsyarnI'm always on the lookout for a good blend of quality, luxury and taste - whether it's my coffee, my clothing or my yarn. The two yarns reviewed here are the latest silk / merino offerings from two yarn companies you already know: Cascade and Malabrigo. Because of the slippery silk content and my desire to maintain some control of my stitches, I knit both swatches on a size 8 US bamboo circularhttp://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/03/review-silky-wool-showdown.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-138764087145793931Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:06:00 +00002008-03-26T10:58:39.021-05:00WIPsI know some people who say that any more than two or three works in progress (WIPs) would drive them completely around the bend. Before starting one more item, those things would either be finished or frogged. Would that I were so disciplined. Witness the following items in varying states of incompleteness: There are two single socks, the beginning of a cotton blanket, two sweaters, one hat, http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/03/wanted-will-to-finish-what-i-start.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-7504480921185392004Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:23:00 +00002008-03-21T10:43:13.751-05:00GeneralSpring2008 Can't you just hear the birds sweet songs and feel the warming sunshine upon your face as it beams through crystal blue skies? Welcome to the first storm of Spring '08, where some areas to the north of here expect upwards of 8 inches of snow. While I wait for things to clear up, I'll continue to beaver away at my second Monkey sock. The hand rash has cleared by and large, thanks to a http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/03/ah-spring.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10810256.post-1282753013162021224Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:32:00 +00002008-03-14T13:55:47.961-05:00malabrigoFOscarfWIPshatsAt its most basic, that's all knitting really is, isn't it? Loops over loops. Only when we apply these under-over-through actions to the loops in a consistent, uniform way do we begin to see the loops build upon one another into a cohesive fabric. This is something that has fascinated me of late. Just how differently designing for knitting varies from creating patterns for sewing which you then http://www.yarnismymetier.com/2008/03/loops-over-loops.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (La Cabeza Grande)