Z_Knits

I Know It's Been A While...

2011-05-19T15:38:00.000-04:00

but, I swear I have a good excuse! So, first, I finally released the pattern for Reesh, YAY! You can find it here for download!

Also, I hae a new test right now for an item I'm calling the "Cotton Candy Tank" which I'm hoping will be available in June! As of right now, I'm working on a fall collection which I think you guys are really going to like, I'll keep you updated as I work!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

2011-04-15T18:10:00.000-04:00

So,
I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Kirsten Kapur's Through The Loops and she was celebrating her birthday (Happy Birthday Kirsten, if you read this) and her blogiversary and it hit me that I never really paid much mind to my blogiversary. So, I signed on to the blog and would you believe that I've been here for almost a year and a half! I can't believe it! It feels like it was started yesterday. My first blog post was about sock (my first pair to be exact) and now I'm designing and it feels fantastic to know that I can design my own knitting and I can't wait to get better and better. So, while I missed the last blogiversary, I will make sure not to miss this one and to note the new milestones that I hit at that time.

Cap of a Different Caliper --- New Pattern!

2011-04-01T21:26:00.000-04:00

Hey All,
So, I know I've been away for a while, but it's for a good reason: I've been creating new patterns and I'm happy to introduce you to A Cap of a Different Caliper.
Here's the slouchy version

And the fitted version (thanks for the photo Jennette)

This great cap is worked in the round with a twisted rib brim and lovely caliper cables. A special thanks to all of my test knitters for all of their help and invaluable input, you guys were great! Get this pattern and make your hat today!

Test Knitting!

2011-03-11T16:37:00.000-05:00

I love test knitters! They are so fantastic because they take on your project knowing full well that your pattern might be a mess, but still lovingly knit up your creation. I always get nervous and excited when a pattern is finished and ready to be test knit: nervous, because I always think the pattern makes no sense and excited because, honestly, there's nothing like seeing someone else's fabulous finished object and thinking that you have a successful pattern on your hands. I have two patterns being test knit right now and I have to say a great big thank you to all of my test knitters. You guys are a pleasure to work with and have made pattern writing so much easier! Without you, who knows where all the fabulous independent designers would do!
If anyone reading this post is interested in test knitting, I have one open test knit for my Reesh Pullover that needs two more testers for sizes XS (32") and XL (46"), if you're interested, then pay us a visit in the Free Pattern Testers group on Ravelry

Dad... I love you!

2011-02-24T11:01:00.001-05:00

So, some of you might know that my dad has been having some health issues for the past year. He had bypass surgery in March of 2010 and a few other problems, but on Friday night he gave us the scare of a lifetime. My dad suffered from a stroke on Friday evening, right in front of my eyes. One minute we were speaking and he was fine, and within 10 seconds he stopped being able to speak clearly and his right side froze. Of course, I called 911 and he went straight to the hospital where he was given a very dangerous medication that has plenty of terrible side effects that could show up in the first 24 hours of administering said medication. So, my mother and I sat and waited to see how much damage this sad silent killer would cause. I'm very, very happy to report that my father, who on Friday night, could not speak, move his right side, or recall how to spell his own name, has made a full recovery with no damage done to his speech or limbs. I was almost positive that Friday night would have been the last time I saw my father and I am so thankful to have him back home with us, where he belongs. I know that this has nothing to do with knitting, but I really felt the need to share... :o). However, don't think that while sitting in the room with my father I didn't manage to get some knitting done...lol. You know I did and I even started a new design for a cute hat... look for it soon. Thank you all for reading and I'll talk to you all very soon!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

2011-02-14T11:24:00.000-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, I'm happy to report that the Hugs and Kisses Pattern is now live and available as a free download through Ravelry!

download now
Happy Knitting!!!

Finding Old Favorites

2011-02-12T01:15:00.000-05:00

So, last week I decided to do some late winter cleaning. As I started to clean out my drawers and closets, I was amazed at how much junk one could accumulate. I mean seriously, I took out 7 bags of garbage! CRAZY! But, I also came across something very special that I had forgotten about, the very first hat I ever knit. It was Flicker by Kim Hargraeves (LOVE HER WORK!). See, this hat is especially special because this pattern book was purchased during my very first visit to my LYS (Local Yarn Shop) and it was the first project I decided to undertake, so you can imagine my surprise when I came across it in the bowels of my drawer as I was tossing things away. A lot of things from that drawer didn't make it, but this hat is a definite keeper and perhaps a renewed favorite!

You can tell by the smile on my face that I'm in love with it!

Cables and Lace

2011-02-09T00:35:00.000-05:00

So, as you all know I've been working on design number 2 and not that I like to toot my own horn, but I'm in love! The Reesh Pullover is definitely turning out to be a winner. Now, I'm not done knitting it, but since I'm so in love I wanted my readers to be in love too; so, I've decided to tease you with a couple of sneak peak photos. Now, these are not of the entire project, but rather just a couple of select photos of some of my favorite elements of this pullover.

Cables:

and Lace:

Look for the test knit of this to pop up in the next couple of weeks and then for the pattern release in April. Also, leave your comments as I always love hearing your opinions. Now, back to knitting... time for sleeves!

Snow!

2011-01-27T22:48:00.000-05:00

Well, here on the East Coast, we've been slammed once more by some major snow. I mean MAJOR snow; 19 inches in NYC to be exact. So, I've gone ahead and taken some lovely pictures for you viewing pleasure.

Now, to the knitting. I know I said I was hoping to attend Vogue Knitting Live, but unfortunately on Sunday, I woke up with a raging case of bronchitis and I'm still not 100%. However, from what I've read, it was a great success and I can't wait to attend next year. I also heard that they'll be having another event in September in L.A. While I was sad that I was unable to attend, I was happy that I managed to get complete some of my knitting. The first is this striped sweater which was just something I knit on a whim.

Now, I know there are knitting needles still present in this photo (look at the neckline), but I promised you that this is now finished and blocked. The second finished object is my mom's coat. I have to admit that I'm happy to be done with this one, not so much because the knitting was difficult, actually the knitting was not that hard at all. The seaming, however, is a different story. It just seemed that there were no clear directions on how this ought to be seamed and then when it came to the sleeves, it was really quite strange. I'm still happy to report that this was a great success and looks beautiful! Here's the Welted Coat from Vogue Knitting's Fall 2010 issue.

I can't quite figure out why all my pictures come out slanted... lol. I alway think I'm holding the camera straight and then I upload them to my computer and they're always slanted. Who knows maybe one day I'll get it right. Oh well. Right now, I'm working on my newest design (finally!) and I have to say I love it! Finally, February is just around the corner, which means Hugs and Kisses will be available as a free download!

HELLLOOOO OUT THERE... DON'T WORRY I'M STILL HERE!

2011-01-20T10:48:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
I know it's been a while, but I've been busy knitting. I really have to figure out how to work that whole knitting and blogging at the same time thing figured out. I've been busy knitting my mom's coat and then there's been the pumpkin pie sweater, and another striped sweater which I finished, oh and let me not forget the socks and the new design I've been working on and cat on yesterday. OMG, I've become one of those people! You know the kind. The one who has 8,000 things on her needles all working at the same time, but not really finishing anything... NOOOOOO! Oh well, I better get used to it. Just to recap where I'm at, the coat is actuall almost done, just a few more seams and we'll have pics. The striped sweater is also done, yay! Pumpkin Pie is being worked on slowly as we have 3/4's of the first sleeve done and in terms of the new design, like I said, I just cast on. Finally, the socks... well, these socks have been a long running project, but I did manage to complete 1 sock and cast on and knit a little of the second sock, but I have to admit that it might take 6 months or so to complete...lol, we'll see what happens. Okay, so now that we've got that all out there I'm hoping I'll have some FO's up here soon. Oh and how could I forget; Vogue Knitting Live is this weekend (I know I'm so excited). I'll be going to the Market Place on Sunday hopefully, I can't wait to see how everything will turn out. FUN FUN!

So Much to Do...

2011-01-07T02:05:00.000-05:00

Since I've decided to take on designing my own pieces, there have been so many knitting project going on. For one, I have testers knitting up the first design, the Hugs and Kisses Cardigan (Rav. Link). There have been a few mistakes in the pattern, but for the first time, nothing too major I hope. Secondly, my mom actually asked me to knit her something. This was a shock to me because generally she hates when I knit in front of her. Not because she thinks I'm doing something unproductive, but she feels that it can be construed as rude when I'm sitting with her and knitting because I'm not giving her complete eye contact. It's not a big deal, but the request for a knit did come as a shock. So, when I asked her what she would like she, of course, picked the biggest garment I've knit to date... lol Go figure! So, what is this mystery knit. It's the #10 Welted Coat by Irina Shabayeva from the Fall 2010 issue of Vogue Knitting.

So, I've been knitting this in Knitpicks Suri Dream in the natural color (her choice). The fabric is definitely lighter than that shown in the picture, but it's looking great and it's almost done! However, I don't think that's because I'm a speed knitter or anything, trust me I'm not, but rather I think it has to do with the fact that it's knit on size US 11 needles, which helps ever so slightly.
Finally, I'm still designing away and will have some sneak peaks of a new pullover design soon. (yay!) Oh, and stay tuned for the Hugs and Kisses pattern to go live soon.

Why, Hello 2011!

2011-01-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

So, 2010 was not a good year for me personally, but I'm not going to dwell it. Nope, not me! Instead, I'm going to say hello to 2011 and stay optimistic that it will be a fantastic year! Here's wishing you all a Very Happy New Year!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2010-12-15T13:42:00.000-05:00

Hello all,
As the Christmas holiday grows nearer and nearer, NYC has decided to celebrate with some very, very cold weather. It's 24 degrees Farenheight outside and all I can say is BRRRRRRRRRR! On a brighter note, it is perfect knitting weather because all I want to do is surround myself with warm wool. Thankfully, that's exactly what I've been doing. Along with knitting up my own designs, I've actually started a project from someone else. I know, I must be crazy, but oh well I couldn't help myself. So, what am I knitting you ask. It's this:

This is Pumpkin Pie which is designed by the lovely Heather Dixon. She created Army of Knitters (I love that name) and has plenty of fabulous designs to choose from. You can visit her site here: Army of Knitters or you can find her on Ravelry. Either way go and check her out! I can't wait to finish my fabulous Pumpkin Pie and wear it because Baby, it's not only cold outside, it's freeeezzzzinnnggg!

Test Knitting!

2010-12-08T10:45:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
So I've finally finished writing the pattern for the Hugs and Kisses Cardigan and I'm happy to report that we have our first test knitter... YAY! Now, design #2 is taking a little longer to complete, but once it's done it's going to look great! Talk to you all soon, and don't forget to like us on Facebook.... :o)

Design # 2

2010-11-22T22:54:00.000-05:00

Well, now that you've seen Hugs and Kisses, I'm happy to report that I'm working on my second design, but this one is going to have to be a surprise; however, I will tell you the name: "Mondo's Skirt"! I'm so happy to be working on these designs and hearing the feedback about them even though the patterns have yet to be released. Also, since Hugs and Kisses is my first pattern, I'm happy to report that it will be Free on Ravelry! Well, back to work for now and we'll talk soon.....

SNEAK PEAK!

2010-11-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

Heres the promised sneak peak of the first cardigan in the collection. It's fresh off the needles, but I couldn't wait so I had to show you all!

This was knit out of 2 strands of Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Iris Heather held together, perfect color for the spring and because it's 100% Alpaca and lace, it's warm enough for a chilly spring night but as light as a cloud!

Hugs and Kisses!

2010-11-16T02:15:00.000-05:00

So,
I've been hard at work on my first design and I'm happy to report that I'm almost done knitting it up and writing up the pattern, YAY! I've decided to call the first design Hugs and Kisses, but I won't tell you why just yet. I'm hoping for a few sunny days this weeks so that I can take a great "sneak peak" picture to perhaps peak your interests. Then, it'll be off to be test knitted and then one step closer to ready for sale on Ravelry.... woohoo! Furthermore, I just want to wish my Muslim brothers and sisters, knitters and non-knitters a Happy Eid! Oh and a special Happy Eid to my friend alajnabiya and a Thank you for the welcome back comment in my last post! So, until next time, here's wishing you all the very best!

M.I.A and New Horizons

2010-11-01T13:35:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!
I know, I know it's been a very long while, but I'm back and hopefully this time for a long time! Things have been super hectic but are finally slowing down a bit and I've had a bit of a revelation. Want to know what it is? Well, it's that I love to design and so with that I'm happy to announce that I'm working on my first knitwear collection for the spring. I will keep you updated with my work and I would love to hear what you all think! I can't wait for you guys to see what I'm working on and to hear your feedback. Okay so it's back to knitting work for now, talk to you all again really soon!

Some of the Things I've Been Working On

2010-07-10T23:33:00.000-04:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted, so I figured it was only fair to give you a sneak peak at some of the knitting I've been working on this summer.
I started off with this Zick Zack Tunic (Ravelry Link), which you may remember because I did speak about it a while back. This lovely tunic with a ribbed bottom and cowl neck comes from the Spring 2009 issue of Interweave Knits and I've knitted it in Gloss Lace from Knitpicks (Oh how I love Knit Picks). So, I've completed the back and I'm almost finished with the front, so hopefully this will move into the Finished Objects pile soon.

Next on the list was a project that I started a long while back. It's the Froot Loop (Ravelry Link) sock from Knitty. I have to say that I really love this sock, it's something calming and relaxing to work on when I get frustrated with a project or with anything actually. I'm knitting it in Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock, which is a dream to work with and the colors are... well, to me they're like sunshine and summer in a sock. What do you guys think?

Finally, there's this bad boy, which I only started a couple of days ago, but have been raving about since, well I think forever. It's the blasted Featherweight Cardigan (Ravelry Link) by Hannah Fettig over at Knitbot. I was going to start off making this in Alpaca Cloud by Knitpicks, but then I had something roaming around in my stash that was calling out for a project. Some Stroll Tonal in the Queen Anne colorway from Knitpicks. So, of course I cast on and now, I'm in love. No, seriously, I'm not kidding, I'm totally in love with the fabric this yarn is making. I cannot wait for this particular cardigan to be finished so that I can wear it. Oh, and don't think I've forgotten about the Alpaca Cloud, I have a very distinct feeling it too will become a Featherweight cardigan. I kid you not, this picture makes me drool!

So you see, I haven't not been knitting. I have been and now hopefully I can blog about it more!

Summer is Here!

2010-06-22T09:58:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,
Now that summer is here, I thought I would give the blog a little bit of a lighter look. It was getting a little dreary with all that black, don't you think? Anyway, I certainly like the new look and I hope everyone who visits the blog will like it too. Also, I would love to hear if you have any other comments or if there are any other changes you would like to see. Can't wait to hear from you, now back to my regularly scheduled knitting.

Will This Ribbing Ever End?

2010-06-16T18:47:00.000-04:00

So, as you all know I'm making the ZickZack Tunic (Ravelry Link) from the Spring 2009 issue of Interweave Knits. This tunic is knit from the bottom up and that means lots and lots of 2x2 ribbing, 5 and 1/2 inches worth to be exact and it took me forever to complete, but I did finally finish.... the ribbing that is! But, you know what the means right... yep, it means I now get to work on the lace which means I'm 1 step closer to having a finised object.... WOOHOO! Well that's it for now, back to the knitting. Talk to you all soon.... :o)

Back in the Game!

2010-06-10T21:29:00.001-04:00

Wow, it's been a long time.... A really long time... Where has it all gone?! Oh wait, I know it's gone by in a hospital, but thankfully things are getting better. On Saturday, my father and I arrived in New York so he can finish his treatment. He's now in the hospital, has had one surgery, and on the road to recovery.. finally, thank God. So, guess what this means for me.... back to my knitting, which I have to be honest makes me a very happy camper. Now, I know there have been a few projects that were started... ahem (Said's Cabled Cardigan) but with this new mood I feel must come a new project. So, what's on the agenda you ask? It would be this:

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the ZickZack Tunic (Ravelry Link) and I absolutely love it! I've loved it since the day I saw it and of course, since I had some Knitpicks Gloss lace in a color they call Ultramarine on hand, I knew it was time to knit it. So far, I've completed the back and now I shall move forward to the front. Hopefully I'll have pictures of a finished object soon. Oh how fun that sounds, can't wait! Now, back to knitting...

All Quiet on the Eastern Front....

2010-04-30T08:37:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's been sooooooo long since I've posted I don't know where to begin. Well, I know I've been away for a long time, but trust me it was not by choice, but rather by emergency. I know I told you all that my dad had a successful open heart surgery; however, at that time what we did not know were all the complications said open heart surgery would cause to other body parts. My father is still in the hospital, still trying to recover though it has not been easy. I don't tell you this to scare you and make you think I take back what I said in my previous post. Quite the contrary, if my dad had gone and gotten regular check ups, if he had taken his insulin and been a good diabetic then he probably wouldn't be in this position. But now, there's not point in saying "if", we simply must roll with the punches.

However, you can imagine what said punches have done to my knitting... they've basically killed it! There's no time to knit, and when I do find a few windows of opportunity here or there I find myself getting sleepy, well because I'm tired! Oh boy, how I long for the days of Finished Objects and knitting while listening to my favorite podcasts. Oh well, what can I do, that's life.

For now, I only ask that my dad gets better and maybe, just maybe, that I have a Finished Object by the end of the year (is that greedy of me.... :op) Oh and one more thing, I said "on the Eastern Front" rather than "on the Western Front", which is the way the saying goes, because well, I'm living in the East right now (yes, it's the Middle East, but it's still East of the West... Okay I just confused myself... lol)

Open Heart...

2010-03-25T12:01:00.000-04:00

Today, my father had open heart surgery. If you're shocked, join the club because if you ever saw my father, you would never guess that there was anything wrong with him. It began on Friday night, when my father had trouble breathing and had broken into a cold sweat. He, being a man, of course refused to go the hospital stating that he was fine. But on Saturday I insisted he go and on Sunday he was admitted. When he did a cath. it revealed what none of us would have at all expected, 5 blocked arteries 3 of which were closed 80% or more. After talking to the doctors, it was revealed to us that my father had been admitted to the hospital with acute heart failure and that he must have had at least 10 silent heart attacks, they were silent because the diabetes made them that way and that his operation was considered High Risk with a 25% chance of failure.

My father had open heart surgery today and it was successful, thank you God! I share my father's recent medical history because I wish that all of you out there take great care of yourselves and don't wait on yourselves. Get checked and make sure you are okay because what's more important than health? May you never be put in a position where you have to hear that you or a loved one may lose his or her life because they didn't take the time to check themselves out.

Cables.

2010-03-19T09:55:00.000-04:00

I promised you pictues of cables from my cable cardigan and I deliver pictures of cables. Hope you like them... :o)

Miles and Miles of Cables (Okay, not really):

Up Close and Personal with the Cables:

Boredom...

2010-03-17T19:33:00.000-04:00

Yes, that's right folks, you heard me correctly! Boredom has begun to set in. Don't you hate it when that happens? Luckily, I have you great folks to share it with. I've been working on my uncle's cable cardi and while the pattern is not difficult, it's ... you guessed it... boring! But nonetheless, it has been promised to someone and so I must push ahead. Hopefully, it won't take me too much longer to knit, as I've completed the left front and back. However, that was 2 days ago and I've stalled on starting the right front... soooo not a good sign...lol! Oh well! I do have pictures of some of the knitting, but I'm too lazy to load them right now, plus it's too late and I wanted to share my boredom with all of you before I went to bed! So, I guess it's goodnight for now and hopefully, pictures tomorrow... :o)

Proper Ettiquette

2010-03-10T16:20:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
I've had such a great time reading everyone's comments and I want to respond to everyone. Yay, you guys make me super happy! But here's my question, what's the best way to respond to someone who posts a comment on your blog? Is it via the comments section or is there some other secret way that I don't know about. Someone let me know via a comment... lol... so this way I let you all know how much I appreciate your reading my blog and commenting on it!

Said's Cabled Cardigan

2010-03-10T04:10:00.000-05:00

Did you guys think that I was going to take a break after completing Grandma's Riding Coat in what I consider record time for me? Nope, I'm trucking on to a new project for my uncle Said. He requested a lovely cabled cardigan, or as he call it "Old Man Cardigan" (sorry he means not to offend). So, when I ordered my huge order of yarn in it for him was 17, yes I said SEVENTEEN skeins of Knitpicks Telemark in Almond just for him.
So the cardigan in question is this lovely one right here:

The lovely, although sometimes cranky, uncle in question is here:

And the Work In Progress that is taking FOREVER TO COMPLETE is here:

Seriously, I totally jinxed myself and tricked myself into thinking I had finally become a fast knitter because I'm still working on the back piece of this cardigan. Also, I should mention that he had requested a dark color for this cardi, but his wife and I felt that he has enough dark in his wardrobe and that it was time for something light. He's a little chunky and thinks that wearing black is the only thing that will make him look slim: WRONG!

Finally, he has requested a few modifications. For example, we're only doing cables down the front of this cardi, even though there are cables down the back and sleeves (Jury is still out on whether to do cables on the sleeves) Secondly, he has requested that this hit more at his waist and not so much at his hip, so we've shortened it just a tad. I really can't wait to get to the cabled part of this sweater because I'm dying to see what it looks like and I'm tired of knitting stockinette.

So, you are all now in the loop as to what the second project for all the yarn that I splurged on last month was for. Stay tuned for more updates and let's all hope I don't end up pulling my hair out on this project, because I like my hair... really, I do!

FO: Grandma's Riding Coat

2010-03-08T08:34:00.000-05:00

So, it's done! Yay and it didn't take too long and it wasn't at all painful, which is always a great thing. I would have taken pictures of myself in it, but it's too big for me and so I looked ridiculous and like a bear, but it looks great on grandma and that's what counts. Now for the pictures, enjoy!

What Happened?

2010-03-05T19:13:00.000-05:00

Okay, So I have a question? Why is it you work on a project all super excited, get three quarters of the way through, and then slow way the hell down? Let's, for example, take into account my Grandma's Riding Coat (raveled). I started this coat with a passion. I knit the back, left front, and right front in record speed (okay forget the fact that it's all garter stitch, it was still record speed). Literally about 4 days for all those pieces and .... yes, there's an "and" I managed to seam all those pieces together.

Now it was time to work on the sleeves. It's been 4 days and I still only have half the sleeves done. It's not that I don't want to finish the project, trust you me I really do! But, I can't seem to knit more than few rows a day on these sleeves, and it's annoying the living day lights out of me.

I am a combination between a process and product knitter, a hybrid if such a thing exists. For example, carrying the needles is like therapy to me. I love the process of knitting and it's a lot cheaper than a shrink (well, maybe not... I do love yarn! Lol). But.... You get my point. However, this doesn't mean that I knit just to knit. NOPE! I love, love, love having a FO (that's Finished Object for any non-knitters out there). It's like being healed by a great therapist... lol. I've gone to the sessions, layed on the couch, spewed my feelings into the stitches, and now I have a great object to show for it. Does that make sense?

Anyway, I shall continue to work on these sleeves stitch by stitch and hope to God that they don't take me too much longer because I'm longing for an FO and for this therapy session to be over... :o)

That's it for now... thanks for listening.

Grandma's Riding Coat

2010-03-01T08:59:00.000-05:00

So,
When I came to visit grandma at the beginning of the month and she realized I could knit, even though I had already knit her a Hemlock Throw (Rav. Link), she requested a sweater. On my trip, I had brought along a bunch of my knitting magazines and books, which included the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine and right on the cover was a jacke that was perfect for her: The Riding Jacket. So, I went ahead, showed her the magazine and the photo of the jacket and got the approval to go ahead. Well, this meant I needed yarn. Remember my rather large yarn purchase a while back, when I told you I had splurged but that all the yarns had a project in mind. Well the boxes arrived with my beautiful yarns and in it was the Cascade Ecological Wool that was meant for this Riding Coat.

Here's the photo of the colorway I originally posted about earlier in February

The color is Coffee and the yarn is luciously soft... I love it and it's perfect for grandma. She's not the showy type so a nicely colored brown is just what she was looking for. So I went to work and I have to tell you, I never knew that rows upon rows of garter stitch would be so much fun. Not only that, I never in my wildest dreams thought this would be a jacket I would want to make for myself. But, nope everytime I complete one section of the coat, I look at it and say "I have to order more eco wool because this jacket is just too pretty." It's not at all boxy like I thought it would be, nope it has some wonderful waist shaping and flares out at the hips which for grandma is great, but come on imagine it with a pair of skinny jeans.. HELLO! Have to make one in a hot color for me... it's definitely on my list!

So, on a final note I finally have borrowed a normal human digital camera to start taking pictures with. The best part is, I don't have to return it any time soon because the person I borrowed it from (thanks Uncle) already has a newer one and so I might offer to go ahead and buy this one from him! Now, enjoy normal pictures of the Riding Coat... :o)

Pictures of the back and left front:

Look at that hot collar:

Isn't it funny how different knitting can look from a different angle, here's rows and rows of garter stitch at eye level:

FO: Cropped Jacket

2010-02-26T07:09:00.001-05:00

Okay, so here it is finally.... (please excuse the pictures, you know I only have a web camera for now)
This is it laying flat:

And this is me wearing it and trying to take crappy web pictures:

STUPID WEB CAM...

I love this jacket, I've worn it twice so far! But, I do have one problem, I need to redo the clasps because they are making the jacket not so pretty, so, they have to be reworked. Other than that, I think it's adorable. I love the color and the military style buttons I found and I would definitely make this again.... I'm thinking in a tweed but probably not until fall.

Why 2010 Has Been Crappy So Far....

2010-02-20T08:46:00.000-05:00

So,
We always begin a new year thinking that it will be better than the one that just passed. Unfortunately, 2010 has not been so for me. We start off on New Years Eve and an incident with my husband which I won't get into because we live in a delicate part of the world. In any case, just for clarification no we did not fight there was 3rd party interference and that's all I'll say about that.

Secondly, everything and it's mother just seems to be going wrong. Two days ago, I broke my iPod charger, literally pulled the USB part away from the rest of the charger. I've been sick with a cold forever, no seriously it feels like since January (it goes away and comes back). I've lost my knitting mojo, gotten it back, lost it.. people we're still only in February.

My dad has been ill and had to have his foot amputated due to his diabetes (thank God he's doing better now), but still it's stressful.

And finally the straw that broke the camel's back came yesterday. I have two cats back in NYC who have been staying with my mom. Well, I've had a sinking feeling lately that something was wrong and well, since 2010 has been so awful, I mean come on this couldn't have been right too. So, I'm talking to my mom and I ask her how are the cats. She replies... "What Cats?!" Of course, I'm caught off guard and tell "Mom, that's not funny." She then goes on to explain how she had forgotten my Persian cat outside one day when she went to work, so she must have been stolen. If that didn't cause enough distress, she goes on to tell me how the other cat became vicious after losing her counterpart that she had to give her away. Wait.... there's more. She then explains that this happened a while ago and knowing the crappy year I've been having she didn't want to upset me. Now, I'm wondering, what would have happened had I gone for a visit and not seen my cats... could you imagine the brawl that would have ensued? Wait... there's still more. When I start to cry about my two loving cats, which I adore, she tells me to GROW UP! They're just cats! I've been crying since last night, the cold is back and worse than ever, I have a splitting headache, and basically no one is feeling my pain except of course the loving people on Ravelry! (I love you Rav. members!). You can read my original forum post in Ravelry here.So this is my final rant about the subject because I guess, I just have to keep saying "I guess things could be worse" even though, I honestly don't believe they could be. I can only pray that they went to loving homes and are being taken care of. LuLu and Whitey, I miss you guys so much! I'm so sorry for having left you behind, I wish I could turn back time, I would have known not to leave you alone with someone who really didn't care about you. I know she's my mom, but I'm telling the truth.

That's all for now.
Thanks for listening.

Eight Whole Days

2010-02-18T03:11:00.000-05:00

Yep,
It's been 8 whole days since I've posted, but I've had my reasons. They are called the #26 Cropped Jacket (Rav. Link) from Vogue Knitting. Yes it's true, I've been knitting, blocking, sewing, reblocking, resewing my jacket these past 8 days, but I am so happy to report that it is done. That's right D-O-N-E! Can I tell you that I LOVE IT! I know, you're going to ask me where are the picture and I promise you they are coming, but I was too excited to tell you that I was finally done and I finished it around 2am last night. So check back later today or early tomorrow and hopefully the pictures will be up FINALLY!

So Sad...

2010-02-10T03:23:00.000-05:00

I just found out that the gorgeous lime Renaissance yarn from Classic Elite is out of stock.

I'm so sad, it was the one yarn I was most looking forward to getting, I mean look at that color. What's even worse is that it's discontinued so I won't be getting it at all. Oh well, I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles.

UH OH!

2010-02-09T06:44:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
I woke up feeling not so good today, stupid sinuses! Anyway, that's not where the Uh Oh comes into play. I did something bad, well not really bad to me, but it may seem bad to you. So, I've been perusing through WEBS and through Knitpicks these last few days and well, I ordered.... a lot, about $200 worth. For those of you who just fell to the floor, please get back up. Look, the fact is I have a reason for this buying! First and foremost, I haven't bought yarn in 3 months and I figure if I were to add how much I would have spent in those three months, it would have been close to that, if not more (come on, let's be honest now). Secondly, all the yarn I bought was for projects I'm wanting to make. And finally, it's oooohhhh so pretty. So there, I don't have to justify anything to anyone... :op.
So, want to see what I bought, here it is.
From WEBS I bought some lovely Cascade Eco Wool in Coffee (so pretty)

Classic Elite Renaissance in Lime Infusion (LOVE IT!)

Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace in Aegaen (no words)

And finally the 2010 Spring/Summer Issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine

And from Knitpicks I ordered:

Telemark in:

Almond

and Squirrel Heather

From their Palette Line, I ordered:

Blue Note:

and...

Celadon:

and...

Silver:

I'm thinking of using these three to make a Little Birds Cardigan by Ysolda Teague, but I won't know until I put the three colors together and see how they look.

Finally, from their Shine Sport line, I ordered:

Serenade:

and..

White:

Aren't those all so pretty! I mean who could have resisted?! Anway, now that you know which yarns will soon be added to my stash and you know that they all have projects in mind, don't forget to keep checking back here to see what these fab yarns get made into.

On a final note, my #26 Cropped Jacket from Vogue is on it's way to being finished. I've finished the body, washed, and blocked it. Now, I have to make up the front tablet, add some buttons and it will be all done! I can't wait to show you pictures of the FO (that's finished object for all you non-knitting folks)!

Talk to you guys soon!

Finally Getting Underway!

2010-02-06T17:58:00.000-05:00

It's been a while, I know. But it was out of my hands because I've been too busy joining sleeves, knitting a yoke, then realizing I have the numbers all wrong and ripping out and starting all over again. It's been painful and it's taken 6 days, that's right SIX, but I finally have gotten things under control! The knitting may have won a few battles, but I definitely won the war and thank God for that because I thought I was going to go crazy if I didn't get this right. So, my Cropped Jacket from Vogue Knitting is now underway again. Sorry, there are no pictures for now, but hopefully there will be in the very near future!

When a Problem Comes Along, You Must Rip It....

2010-01-31T04:32:00.000-05:00

And that's exactly what I did. Remember that cute cropped jacket from Vogue Knitting. You know, the one I've been talking about for the last 2 posts. Come on, the one I'm knitting for the month of February in the Knit a Sweater a Month Challenge on Ravelry. Yes, that one! Well, I was working along quite nicely, I had joined the sleeves and begun the decreases of the neckline, but as I was working something just didn't look or feel quite right. You know how sometimes you work along, knowing something doesn't feel quite right, but figure it'll work itself out along the way. Yeah, well that didn't happen this time around. Well into the decreases, I realized that my 2 front panels of the jacket weren't matching, meaning I had decreased more on one end than on the other. And so, there was no avoiding it, I had to rip back... alllllll the wayyy back to before the joining of the sleeves. Yes, while it was painful to do all that ripping, and trust me when I tell you it was quite a lot of ripping back, I'd rather have a great little jacket than one that's lacking and lopsided. So, I'm okay with my decision (it took a lot for me to say that... lol) Hopefully, the next time we chat, I'll have something productive to show you all. Until then, I shall continue to knit!

For Whom The Bell Tolls...

2010-01-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I've done it! You knew I couldn't put a pattern that I loved out there and not start knitting it right away, and that's exactly what I did. Last we spoke, I had shown you the Cropped Jacket from the Fall 2009 issue of Vogue Knitting. Well, I kept day dreaming about that damn thing that I had to go ahead and start it right away. I had some gorgeous, no, I MEAN GORGEOUS Berroco Lustra in my stash in a phenomenal Peacock blue color. Everytime I look at this yarn, it takes my breath away..... it's soooooo pretty.

So, I went ahead and cast on this cute little cardi and started knitting, and guess what this pattern calls for... seed stitch and you guys know my affinity for seed stitch... :op So, right off the bat I was a happy camper. Then we got to the bell pattern which makes up most of the body of this cute jacket. At first, I wasn't quite sure I was doing the right thing because it was a little holey (is that a word?) from the yarn overs. But one quick look at other people's Ravelry projects and I knew I was on the right track. Boy, let me tell you, when you first start knitting those bells, you aren't quite sure what you got yourself into, but when you see it work up bell after bell, you simply FALL IN LOVE!

Now, for pictures of my WIP (that's Work In Progress for you non-knitting folk). But first, can I just vent and let you all know how pissed I am that I am sans-camera and that I now have to use a stupid web cam to take pictures of gorgeous yarn and of my work. It's not fair, that my pics are crappy. I like pretty pics, I want them just as much as the next person, but alas I'll have to stick with the webcam until I figure out another solution. Okay, so now that I've warned you, you have very low expectations for the picture I'm about to show you and that's a good thing, because the picture sucks... lol

Just What I Needed!

2010-01-17T07:48:00.000-05:00

Oh you guys,
I can't tell you how much I LOVED making the Easy Baby Cardigan by Diane Soucy. It was fan-freakin-tastic to make and can I tell you that I loved the end result! Are you dying to see it? Come on, I know you are!
Okay here it is, my Easy Baby Cardigan for Ghassan (my sister-in-law's soon to be little one) in a gorgeous, let me repeat that, GORGEOUS peridot green.

Note: I have to apologize for the quality of the pics, they're from the webcam as I lent my camera out and of course now it's no longer working....

Honestly guys, I cannot tell you how gorgeous this color is! It's luscious and lovely and well I just can't say enough and the pictures just don't say enough!

Okay, now let's get into the details of this little sucker.
First, the original pattern calls for a garter stitch border, but I wasn't feeling that. I went ahead and changed my border to a lovely seed stitch border. I just love seed stitch, something about it just makes me happy. Now, I know there are those of you who don't feel the same way, but for me there's something soothing about knitting and purling, and knitting and purling, and knitting... and well you get my drift.

Can you see the magic of the seed stitch... Ahhhhhh, it makes me happy even in a crappy picture!

I also chose to go ahead and attach 2 I-cords for ties right at the neck.

Now, I wanted to make another set of ties a little further down, but my mother-in-law insisted that one at the base of the hood would be enough; however, I have to be honest and say that I think my sister-in-law is going to request another set of ties because well, it just makes sense, at least to me!

Can I tell you guys, this was just the project I needed. I've been down and out lately and while I'm not out of the woods, this renewed life into my knitting. It was incredibly soothing and not at all stressful and I have to tell you it helped bring my knitting mojo back, which is great because I really need to keep my mind and hands busy with something otherwise, if I sit and think about the problems at hand, I might just go crazy!!!!!!!

Well, I guess that's it for now, I have to go and contemplate what my next project will be. I'm not sure I want to go ahead and pick up the Featherweight Cardi just yet. I'm thinking I might make this cropped jacket from the 2009 fall issue of Vogue Knitting

Isn't it purty! If you have any ideas, let me know! 'Til next time....

In Hibernation

2010-01-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

Okay,
That's it! I've had it with this yarn and with this cardigan for now. I don't know if it's me or it, but for right now the Featherweight Cardi I'm dying to make just isn't dying to be made by me for now. So, I've decided to put it down for a bit in hopes that it will coax itself into submission.
In the meantime, I've started on something a little simpler and super cute: The Easy Baby Cardigan by Diane Soucy.

Photo by verabee

Since this is an April baby, I've decided to make this with Berroco Cotton Twist in a gorgeous peridot color. I've chosen cotton because this is a Middle Eastern baby and so April is nice and warm so cotton is a natural choice.

Courtesy of Yarn Market.com

I have to be honest, this picture does not do the color justice, but my camera is out on loan right now, so this will have to do. I've already finished the cap and will begin working the yoke soon.

All in all, this has definitely helped me gather my knitting and soon I'll be back to my Featherweight, but for now I'm enjoying knitting for babies.

My Heart's Just Not Into It...

2010-01-04T06:45:00.000-05:00

I know I spoke of how super excited I was to start on my Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig, but after some familial issues I'm dealing with a bout of depression that I cannot shake loose. Even worse, it's not letting me knit. I mean I try, really I do. I start with my cast on, get 5 or 6 rows in and then BOOM, a mistake or a dropped stitch, or something and I find myself ripping out my work putting it down for the day and not wanting to pick it up again for the rest of that day. My heart is heavy and hurting and I hope that this bout passes soon.
Thanks for listening....

Cardigans and Lace!

2009-12-30T06:44:00.001-05:00

Okay,
So now that we've gone through the introductions I say let's begin our first project together. This isn't my first knitted item, no, in fact I just finished a pair of Monkey Socks (Rav. Link) by Cookie A.

What do you think? Not too shabby for my first pair, if I may say so myself.

But after they were done, it was time to start on something I really love knitting, CARDIGANS! In my purse, wrapped in a plastic bag, I had this:

That's 2 delicious skeins of lace weight yarn by Yarn Treehouse in a gorgeous shade of blue

And in my Ravelry favorites, I had this pattern by Hannah Fettig for the Featherweight Cardigan so it seemed like a match made in heaven.

I went ahead and swatched and found that my US size 5 needles were going to be the best for the job. So I went ahead and cast on, and this is what I got:

Somewhat of a tangled mess with stitch markers that are too large for this project. I'm ripping out as we speak and will use scrap yarn as stitch markers and start all over again.

Wish me luck!

Innaguration!

2009-12-30T06:39:00.000-05:00

Hi All and Welcome,
I've always wanted to start a blog and now, I finally have. It may not be the fanciest, the prettiest, or even the most sophisticated of blogs, but it's all mine nonetheless. This is dedicated to a particular love of mine, knitting! So, I hope you'll all join me through my trials and tribulations of knitting item after item. I look forward to our journey!
Best Wishes,
Zaynab