And West is West – Stephen West, that is.  Don’t know what you may have heard about this talented 22 year old designer, but I find his take on the humble shawl new, simple and fresh.  How someone came fashion stockinette, garter stitch and geometry into flattering shape and movement is [...]]]>

Stephen West at Loopy Yarns

And West is West – Stephen West, that is.  Don’t know what you may have heard about this talented 22 year old designer, but I find his take on the humble shawl new, simple and fresh.  How someone came fashion stockinette, garter stitch and geometry into flattering shape and movement is beyond me.  A bit of hyperbole? Maybe. There is, however, no denying the modern beauty of his designs.

One of West’s first designs, the Boneyard Shawl, was my first of his knits as well.  Of course, I had to wear it to his recent book signing and trunk show at Chicago’s Loopy Yarns.  Lanky, unassuming and a bit shy, West seemed grateful for the welcome home after spending the past few months in Amsterdam.  Somehow between studying dance, he published two collections of designs.  The first book focuses on shawls and scarves, while book two branches into hats and mitts.  I do love a trunk show because you can touch the fabric and see how the choices of color impact the design.  You know where I’m going with this.  It also tempts you to a) buy the patterns and b) buy the yarn to make them.

Fortunately, my yarn stash is deep so the problem of yarn-to-knits ratio is moot.  I did gave in to Book One but just so you know, the patterns can also be purchased individually, either through WestKnits or directly through Ravelry.

These three will make it into my Ravelry queue sometime this year:  Akimbo, Daybreak and Pogona. If you like Daybreak or Akimbo, be aware that they were among West’s first design releases and are therefore NOT included in either of his book collections.

There are still one or two things I want to make before any one of these hit the needles.  February may be nearing an end but we’re still subject to wet and cold in Chicago.

WestKnits: Akimbo, Daybreak, Pogona

I am a serial knitter.  At least I became one in the last month.  I committed to starting AND finishing three pieces to accompany an old (but still unworn) orange, brown and cream tweed cape.  Two you already know about: Malabrigo Arm Thingies (Ravelry) and Malabrigo Neck Thingie (Ravelry).  The newbie is [...]]]>

Red Java Slouchy Beret

I am a serial knitter.  At least I became one in the last month.  I committed to starting AND finishing three pieces to accompany an old (but still unworn) orange, brown and cream tweed cape.  Two you already know about: Malabrigo Arm Thingies (Ravelry) and Malabrigo Neck Thingie (Ravelry).  The newbie is Natalie Larson’s wonderfully slouchy cabled beret, Star-Crossed Slouchy Beret.  The only change I made to this easy, cabled hat was to double the rows of k1, p1 ribbing.

Like they say on the infomercials, “That’s not all!”  I’ve even resurrected a project started almost two years ago.  Despite good intentions (and a cheat),  I’ve never even come close to finishing the beautiful knitted lace Honeybunch (Ravelry).  I picked it up last week and have made it to the 75% mark.  Christmas?  I really, really hope so.  Must. Stay. Focused.

The only thing standing in the way (at least in my sometimes unrealistic head) is a baby gift. It’s getting down to the wire for the baby’s birthday and I need something quick, thick and chunky.  I’ve thrown out the idea of finishing the beautiful vintage baby dress – for now, at least.  I’m trending toward a jumper in some long-discontinued Rowan bulky yarn.  I knit it before so it should be a slam dunk.

I know I promised to get a shot of me wearing the cape and the knits all together.  Monday’s chilly weather and a trip to the courtyard of the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue offered the perfect opportunity.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

First, there was Dark Lord [...]]]> I’ve been trying to wrap up a few things in anticipation of a fast-approaching knit and crochet hiatus.  At the same time, I’ve also been spending some fun time with friends over the past couple of weeks.  Walking, sampling some very fine craft beers, shopping and making new friends along the way.

First, there was Dark Lord Day.  Sounds ominous but it’s the one day a year when Three Floyds Russian Imperial Stout is made available to the public. Eight-thousand or so lovers of brew descended on the brewery in Northwest Indiana.  Good times, good times.

Dark Lord Day 2010

Next, my foodie pals from Chicago Bites stopped by the French Market on the day the Mayor of Paris paid a visit.  This prompted a search the for the best croissants in Chicago dubbed CroissantQuest2010.  I have fond memories of my first time on Paris, living on the cheap.  Freshly baked, flaky and buttery croissants along with cheese and a piece of fruit served as a great way to start the day.  I want to relive at least that part of my youth, calories be damned!

Since I had to walk along Michigan Ave on my way to the first bakery, I stopped to take a few pictures of the tulips dressing up the flower beds between the Tribune Building and Water Tower Place.  Aren’t they lovely?

White Tulips

Stacks

In between the outdoor fun, I did manage to finish 24 crochet squares for a baby blanket to be donated to charity.  The squares are laid out and just waiting to be crocheted together in the next few days.  Look for a post detailing that later in the week, at which time I will also show you a DIY project involving neoprene, flowered fabric and Velcro.  You will be wowed at my ingenuity (::tongue -> cheek::).

Just ask the cargo shorts boys, the gray-beards and babies and tattooed ladies who came out en masse for Lollapalooza 2009 in Chicago’s Grant Park.

I had reservations as the date approached. For one, [...]]]> “The blues had a baby, and they named it rock n’ roll,” sang the legendary Muddy Waters, and boy, is that child still wailing!

Just ask the cargo shorts boys, the gray-beards and babies and tattooed ladies who came out en masse for Lollapalooza 2009 in Chicago’s Grant Park.

I had reservations as the date approached. For one, the hellish humid 90′s descended just in time for the 3-day festival. For another, I have this thing about really large crowds.

Thankfully, I went to Lolla with friend B who knows my propensity for panic and was willing to stop and patiently remind me to just b-r-e-a-t-h-e. With that most excellent advice, I was able to watch and listen and really get into the rhythm of the crowd. What did I spy with my camera eye?

People with singular style like Star Child, Tats in Plaid and Cow Man

Veteran punks and rockers reminded me that somewhere within still lurks a thrashing headbanger.

Lou Reed

Perry Farrell

Dave Navarro

And did I mention beer?

Sadly, time and last-minute festival entrance changes squashed our plans to see Neko Case. A half-mile distance between stages meant we also missed The Killers. Jane’s Addiction more than made up for it with their punk-laced hard charging drums (thank you, Mr. Perkins) and sweet guitar licks. The biggest surprise of the night was indie rock group Band of Horses (Flash warning!). They were new to me but they make some mighty fine music.

By nightfall, a steady, cool breeze began to flow across the park. What a perfect note on which to end a rockin’ day.

Thankfully, the sunshine prevailed over the rain clouds allowing for a little exploration of this neighborhood around Montrose and Wolcott.

Section of the mural on the side of a now-shuttered Italian restaurant:

Chalkboard at the cafe inside the Lill Street Art Center. Sadly, no pie was consumed [...]]]> First, it was off to Glenn’s Diner for a leisurely lunch.

Thankfully, the sunshine prevailed over the rain clouds allowing for a little exploration of this neighborhood around Montrose and Wolcott.

Section of the mural on the side of a now-shuttered Italian restaurant:

Chalkboard at the cafe inside the Lill Street Art Center. Sadly, no pie was consumed so I think a return trip may be called for to rectify that.

By the time I was headed south on Lake Shore Drive, you could tell the clouds were returning for rain, round two. I admit that I held the wheel with one hand and the camera in the other. Warning: do not try this at home!

By the way, I’ve made a couple of attempts to knit again but 2 inches of lace hardly rate a show and tell. I know this is a crafting blog but, hey, creativity and vision can come through the eye of the camera, too. One of these days, I vow to play with yarn again!