Thrift store + chemicals = fun!

Take one slip, preferably from the thrift store:



some dye, I used Jacquard acid dye in Russett:


a large pot and some water:


and the result is a slip you can wear as a dress:


Well, maybe once it gets a little warmer.

Proof that it does snow in Seattle

Serene Seattle

photo by eldan goldenberg

Saturday in Seattle

On Saturday morning I met up with my sister for some belated birthday dim sum, her birthday this time, not mine. I wish I knew the names of the food I was eating... but generally if it has shrimp or it's fried I'm willing to try it.



Then she paired off to see the new Bond movie with some friends... I decided to pass on that and went to Uwajimaya instead. I knew this would be dangerous but I'm not sure I had in mind spending over $40. Hmmm, how did that happen?

There's this book on fabulous button jewelry:



Then this knitting book with nary a dud in it:



Lastly this exciting bit of machinery:



ok, it's a craft knife. But heavy duty enough for my shoe making class. Or so I hope. And yes, I am taking a class on making leather shoes. Yes, I am a Luddite.

Well I knew I'd kind of blown my wad for the day. So I thought I would just take a look at what was in Anthropologie. You know, for knitting design inspiration. On my way over I seemed to have wandered into some parade for Chinese Communism. No, I'm not kidding and yes I said for.



I listened to the band for awhile, but was not dissuaded from my capitalist trip to Anthropologie. I should have known it would be dangerous.



I did want a new coat and it was hard to resist 40% off of a sale... sigh.

And that's how I spend a Saturday in Seattle.

Fall Fashion Fete

The Hilltop Yarn fashion show went extremely well despite my aching wrists and general feelings of sick. I did finish the two sweaters intended for the show, thus the aching wrists, even if I did have to cheat a little on the sleeves for one. Which would be this one:



The Simple Knitted Bodice from Stitch Diva. Notice how they're "capped" hmmm well they're meant to be lacy. I'm actually going to go back and finish them off now that I have the lace pattern down, I just had to see it in the show. That's our own lovely Megan modeling.

Here's Karen all snazzily coordinated in the Penelope Vest from Classic Woman.



Shannon working her own mojo in a Nashua Julia vest from Study.



Matching sweaters and glasses! Daphne and I in Cyd from Jaeger.



Lastly but not leastly, the crowd!



Thank you all for coming, especially my friends and family. Being able to make it to the show and see you all there made my birthday a great one.

Because I don't feel so good

You should know:


nataliedee.com

damn straight.

Hilltop Fashion Show

My birthday is happening this year on the exact same date as the Hilltop Fashion Show!

Which, if you're wondering, just happens to be tomorrow. I'm pretty excited to model, not one, but two sweaters I've knit myself. The first is the argyle sweater vest, Cyd which you've seen a fair amount of. The second... well the second refuses to be photographed well while in progress, but here's my latest attempt:



Ok, you can probably see that this sweater isn't exactly, hmmm, what do you call it? Oh, yeah, finished.

All I can say is I've made it past the lace and for me that was no minor feat. The lace and I are not friends so much. This was our first meeting and it took awhile for it to go well. I think we're on our way now, but I'm not hurrying off to cast on a shawl or anything. And I'm probably going to end up cheating on the sleeves a little, just so I can wear it in the show. I'll have pictures of it all I'm sure. As my Mom will be there and what she lacks in quality of photography she makes up for in quantity.

To recap:

Free Fashion Show
Hilltop Yarn West
2224 Queen Anne Ave. N.
206.282.1332

Modelling begins at 6:30pm, but I'd suggest coming earlier for a good spot.

My sister will also be modelling this week. Oh yes, we are fabulous. Her friend Tuan is holding a fashion show of his own designs this Saturday and he has asked her to model. At Arts, etc. I wonder if it had anything to do with her being tall and beautiful? Hmmmm....

Question?

Did someone try to come to my house last night and didn't make it in? I'm so sorry, but the buzzer goes to Jesse's phone and he was unable to let people in. I didn't think of this when I invited people over. Please let me know if you buzzed and were left outside. I'll find a way to make it up to you, perhaps with yarn?

birds don't have careers

I often wish I was retired.

I like the idea of puttering around the house baking bread from scratch and persuing the many crafts I seem determined to try.

In that vein I have begun sewing.

Well I've puttered with the idea before and I finally signed up for a sewing class. It went well, but my skirt was not completed in the course of the class. I picked out a swingy circle skirt in this fabric:



Wait, can you see my purse on top? Can you tell I like poppies?

I enjoyed how fast sewing is compared to knitting, but it felt fussier as well and the mistakes aren't as easy to fix.

I have an ancient Singer and am trying to decide if I should soup it up or trade it in?



And I actually have begun baking bread, albeit with a thriftscored bread machine. Pretty tasty though.

I knew the bride when...

My best friend, Opie got hitched by the sea on September 30th to sweet, kind John. It was a lovely wedding with a rolicking reception.

This was my third time as a bridesmaid and I was glad to be promoted to Maid of Honor. It was a lot of work, but definitely worth every shopping trip and envelope stamped to see her so proud and happy on her day.



I always wanted to dance with the bride.

A Cyd Tease

Ok, this is most of Cyd, but not all. I have yet to do the ribbing around the neck and arms. So just a partial shot.



That and a very messy kitchen...

Not going to have Cyd done for the Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival... but that's alright. It looks good and the weather is cool.

Next time updates from OFF.

sproogles.

"Frisbee Style"

A snapshot of Jesse in Paris.

Alert!

Saturday September 16th and October 14th
@Stitches
711 E. Pike St.
Seattle

Sunday September 17th and October 15th
@Fuel Coffee
610 19th Ave E
Seattle

I just heard about this local artist sale and would be happy to go if I weren't going to be out of town this weekend.

So who's going to go for me and tell me how cool it is?

I think I can make it the next time. Who wants to go with me?

Spincycle Yarns

I went to Bellingham recently to help my best friend with her wedding invitations. While there
I was sitting at an outdoor cafe having lunch and some people at another table started complimenting me on my argyle sweater. Who doesn't love random knitting attention?! They knew their stuff, even the guy knit. It turned out the woman was Rachel of Spincycle yarns. When she introduced herself an image flashed in my mind, much like this:



And I thought, I know this woman! Or more accurately I know her yarn. Gorgeous handspun, hand-dyed, locally made yarn that she and her partner Kate sell at the Bellingham Farmers Market. Well, at the farmers market they wear more clothes than this:



Rachel offered to show my friends and I her spinning studio. I love seeing artists studios of all kinds, bookbinding, weaving, anything really where handcrafting is going on. We nestled into the small space, fingering the roving, turning the carder, and asking dying questions. She was quite indulgent with all our poking and prodding. (Thanks Rachel)

The only downside was that the yarn was already packed up to go to the farmers market... there wasn't any to be had in the studio. And I had to leave early the next morning so there would be no farmers market for me. But I'm resolved to go the next time I visit Bellingham and meanwhile there is always the internet : Spincycle Yarns

I don't really know the "spinsters" as they call themselves, it was just really great to meet some people who are living the dream of making a living with your own two hands. I thought I'd post about it as a small sign of support. May they have many more years at the farmers market.

Cyd

The argyle is coming along despite the record setting temperatures. Here's the pretty side of Cyd (knit in Rowan Felted Tweed from Jaeger #JB31):



and here's the ugly reality:



It's not so bad, the tangles come out and I do find it easier than undoing bobbins constantly. I'm already dreaming of autumn, finishing this vest will have me itching for pumpkin pies, mulled wine and even a return to school? Hmmm... not so sure about that last one.

Stich N' Pitch 2

The Second annual Stich N' Pitch convened at Safeco field Tuesday night. I wish I'd had more time to look around at all the booths but I was busy working our Hilltop booth. Here's some of the lovely ladies kniting for the crowd.



That's Megan, Daphne and Betsy.

Here's a happy customer toting Hilltops' felted ball bag purse:



More pics in a bit.

Summer in Seattle

I've been so quiet lately one might think I haven't been up to much. Well let me let you in on the last few weeks happenings, in no particular order, I've:

* been to my first Lyle Lovett concert, at a beautiful winery with hot air ballons lofting overhead. "That's right you don't come from Texas, Texas loves you anyway."

* seen Barry Bonds hit and the Mariners win.

* celebrated the birthday of one of the coolest grandmothers I know. Jesses' grandma Stella had a huge brunch with her closest friends and family. I was proud to be there.

* spent the 4th of July with fireworks, jetskis and hot tubbin'. Thanks Suzy!

* made my first trip to this local spa/hothouse right around the corner from my place. Why didn't I know about this in the winter? More relaxing than a glass of wine and for almost the same price! Thanks to JoAnne and Stacia for leading the way.

* picked up (yet another) Drivers Permit. I think this is the 3rd one, but it could be the 4th. I'm glad Nick came along with me, you know, for the moral support. And the gelatto.

* acquired a deep fat fryer. Oh no! Oh yes! Think of the possibilites, fresh fries, donuts, and tempura whenever I want. There will be a theme party around this.

And just when you think I haven't been knitting anything at all I'll let you in on a secret: I'm knitting my first intarsia. It's an argyle sweater. With 11 bobbins. Eleven has never seemed like a higher number in my life. Here's the goal:



Yep, it's summer so I'm knitting a tweedy wool argyle pullover vest. You wouldn't laugh if you've seen summer in Seattle. I think we might have broke 70 degrees today.

Seriously.

Knitting World Cup

Interesting article on Knitting for the World Cup from the Guardian, UK: http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/worldcup06/2006/06/06/kick_1_purl_1_1.html

teesha moore

Teesha Moore is someone I've been following for about 13 years now. She's one of the most creative people I know. She edits and writes an elaborate zine, owns a rubber stamp company and creates mesmerizing journals and paintings. In addition she hosts a yearly art retreat, Artfest, in Port Townsend. With workshops on bookbinding, painting, photography and exploring creativity in general. She's expanded into a Fiberfest now as well. I was unable to go to the Fiberfest retreat but may try to make it to vendor night, June 23 in Issaquah. Would anyone care to join me?

Here's what she says about it: "Everyone is welcome to come to our Vendor Night at Artfiberfest on friday night June 23. Address is: Trinity Lutheran College - 4221 228th Ave. SE. Issaquah, WA 98029. It's open from 7pm-9pm. Here is our list of vendors: Fabric Frog Designs, Orange Bus Studios, Lisa Engelbrecht, Sassy Art goddess, Paper Squirrel, Darlene Veltman, Mother Rubber, Atlantian Dreams, Shades of Akasha, The Red Door Studio, Marilyn's Nouvelle Collection, Lisa Bias, Denise Marie Doll Art, Suz Simanaitis, Pam Garrison, Kate Lyon, Traci Bautista, Kari Bjorklund, DJ Pettitt, Creative Art Diner, Lampe's Lumps, Barbe St. John, Elise Peeples, Mary Stanley, Zettiology. There will be SO MUCH MORE than fiber related art and supplies...it's a rare opportunity to get to purchase from these vendors. No admisson charged."

(illustration by teesha moore, click on the title to be directed to her webpage: http://www.teeshamoore.com )

shameless plug

Ok, because this has worked for me I'm going to go ahead and promote it. I won an itunes gift certificate through this and would like to win more. This is a search engine just like google (same company) but with this search engine you have the chance to win prizes. And if you win I win too. Sound good? Click her to sign up:

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Next time this'll be about knitting, I promise.

In case...

you were wondering why else I might be so stressed, besides finals I have these guys shouting, literally, outside of my apartment windows.


Yep. That's good for studying, let me tell you.

I hope I like whoever the new neighbors are because we'll be looking right into each others windows and soon.

(shaking fist) Townhomes!

Knitting in Times of War

The reason I've been so quiet of late is simple: These last few weeks of the quarter comprise 40% of my grade. I should not be knitting. But much like these inspirational French soldiers:


I am knitting, especially in times of stress. With that I bring you pictures of my newest sweater.

Ah, now I feel better.

And yes, my bathroom is that tiny.

On the Needles

What am I knitting you ask?

Well with the warmer weather coming I have, inevitably, abandoned some of my woolier projects for something lighter, shinier and well... blue. You know it's my way.

Actually I am knitting this for the store, but I picked it up to knit in the first place because it's so airy, simple and, yes, that shade of blue.

This is the completed back and half of the front. I know it's not very exciting, why do you think I don't take these kinds of pictures very often? Wait till it's on me... you'll see.



At this rate I'll have this no-button-band-short-sleeves cardigan finished in no time. In the meantime look at the lovely lady at the beach and think of me.

Shop Hop Happening

There is going to be a Shop Hop happening this weekend here in Seattle and surrounding environs from Friday thru Sunday. Village Yarn & Tea is hosting, here's the info on their site:
http://www.villageyarnandtea.com/shophop.html

Someone new to knit for

Her name is Alina Ada, she's Jesse's new cousin/neice. And she's going home in the booties I knit for her!

Debbie Stoller Day

In preparation of Debbie Stoller visiting Hilltop Yarn, my coworkers and I got together and stitched many aprons to wear at her book signing. Daphne designed, organized and cracked the whip when needed. It was a lot of fun, as we so rarely get to spend creative time together. It was also cool to see my coworkers weilding another crafty skill, sewing. I relegated myself to the iron, as my sewing skills could use some help.

Basically I was happy to come home with both my thumbs. (See how I'm just hovering above the sewing machines, afraid to actually touch them?)


And here we are in all our aproned joy. That's from left to right: Betsy, Karen, me, Emily, Shannon, Daphne and Martine.



And it all paid off because Debbie Stoller came, she signed, she conquered!







Don't we look cozy?

Stitchin' Up A Storm

Quoting from the flier:

"The Inaugural Stitchin' Up a Storm Night
Wednesday June 7th 2006 at 7pm
Seattle Storm vs. Chicago Sky
Key Arena Seattle Center

The Seattle Storm welcomes knitters to Key Arena this June to the inaugural Stichin' Up A Storm Night to donate a special project to a local non-profit, meet and mingle with other knitters and enjoy WNBA Basketball.

All knitters are encouraged to bring a homemade item to donate to a local charity. Knitters will be recognized during a half time ceremony."

Tickets are $12 a piece. A number is listed for questions: (206) 272-2532

See you there!

Friday's Paper

That's me in the upper right hand corner! The P-I was doing a story on Debbie Stoller coming to town and how crochet is the hip thing now and I ended up modeling! For the record, I didn't crochet a thing I'm wearing. Monica Welle-Brown designed and crocheted the blue wrap and the hat. I'm working on my crochet skills, but they are still pretty basic.

Being in the paper was a fun surprise and I know it made my grandmas happy. Thanks to everyone who recognized me!

Stitch N' Pitch

There's a warm breeze in the air, open toed shoes are once again acceptable and baseball season is going strong. Yes, it is Spring. Which means it is once again time for Stitch N' Pitch the annual Baseball/Knitting extravaganza in which mine and my boyfriends two greatest loves meet in an orgy of testosterone and fiber. Whew, I'm getting warm just thinking about it. This picture is from last years event.



It turns out I'm also the postergirl for this years event: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/ticketing/stitchnpitch.jsp That's me at the top left. Ok, I'm one of many postergirls, but it still feels good.

Tuesday, July 25th
7:05 p.m.
Safeco Field
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Seattle Mariners

It might be the only baseball game I make it to this year, but it's the only one where they're selling yarn at too... at least as far as I know.