More Schwag:* El Hatto Negro

Formerly known as the Big-Headed Man Hat (the big-headed man objected to this name, so we had to come up with a new one), El Hatto Negro is the official super duper warm headgear of the Moxie-Hulia household, tested and approved by Moxie himself (aka: Inspector #1). The name comes from our infantile enjoyment of foreign language bastardization. (If you can't speak it, you can at least have a little fun with it, eh?)

Modeled by Yours Truly in Moxie's Stead

Moxie got his hat a few days after Christmas (the knitting fairy was worn out from making infinite adjustments to his "special hat" and put it down for a while), but he didn't seem to mind, since he got an X-box for Christmas from THE WORLD'S GREATEST WIFE. (That would be me.) His sister said that the other women in the family might have to kick me out of the club for this foolish manuever, but she changed her tune when I pointed out how much more knitting time I would have while he was off blowing up the universe (from the confines of our living room, no less). Having gone to the trouble of creating the nearly perfect husband hat, I thought I would be a generous knitting fairy and share the pattern with you, too.

Some Very Important Preliminary Caveats:
Although this hat looks like your average everyday k1 p1 hat, it isn't. It's a broken rib (the "purl" sections are really columns of k1, p1) with columns of slipped twisted knit stitches. The fabric looks sort of like reverse stockinette stitch on the wrong side, and is really, really thick and fluffy. It's much warmer than k1, p1 rib and also a bit less stretchy. The warmth and fluffiness are the upside. If you live in a cold climate, or just like to ensure that absolutely no heat escapes from your noggin in the cold, this is the hat for you. With every up side, there is a downside, however. With this hat, the downside is that it is very difficult to tell whether you are on a ribbed round or a slipped round when working in the round.

Here are some "tells" to help you out in the round:
1. On the ribbed rounds (odd), the knit stitches become twisted, so when you knit the stitch that you're working into will not be set up in the normal manner. It will feel a little more difficult than "normal" knitting and it will be twisted when you're done.

2. On the slipped rounds (even), you will knit what were purl stitches on the round below and then slip the knit stitches.

3. Also on the slipped rounds (even), you will slip the knit stitches, which will be oriented correctly prior to slipping.

For me, the easiest way to remember where I am is whether the stitch is oriented for twisting or regular knitting, but you can also tell by whether you are on a purl or a knit in the broken rib column.

An even easier way to help yourself with this mess is to make use of your trusty row counter, making sure to keep good track of your odd and even rounds. I like to "read" my patterns as I go, so I usually don't employ a counter, except on a very complex pattern. I find I learn more about my knitting this way.

Or Make it Flat:
If you don't want to fuss with working in the round, but want to make the hat, you can always work it flat and sew it up the side at the end. Just rememer to adjust the decreases so that they don't fall at the edges of the hat. I didn't do this because it's hard to make the back seam blend due to the nature of the slipped stitch pattern (you'll get what I mean if you try it this way).

THE PATTERN:

Sizing:
One size fit our test group of one 23.5" manhead and one 22" womanhead. I'd guess it would fit any adult size 23.5" and under, but no guarantees on that.

Dimensions:
The hat is 8" tall and 16.5" in circumference unstretched, so it looks smaller than you might expect it to - don't fret!

Materials:
Two skeins of Karabella Aurora 8 (98 yds (90 m)/skein), 100% Merino, in Black (1148). Any Wool, Merino or Alpaca yarn with a suggested (ballband) guage of 18 sts and 26 rows per 4 inches can be substituted.

One set each, circular needles in sizes US4 (3.0 mm) and US6 (4.0 mm), 16" length, one set US6 (4.0 mm) DPNs. Stitch marker, row counter and darning needle (all optional, but recommended).

Guage:
33 sts and 46 rows per 4 square inches in pattern, unstretched, using US6 (4.0mm) needles. Remember to count the "purl" stitches hiding between the twisted knit columns when you are determining the stitch count. All you have to do is count the knits and then add the same number minus one to get the purls. (i.e. If you count 16 knit stitches, then 16 knits + [16-1] purls = 33 stitches total.) For the row count, use the twisted knit stitch count again, and multiply the number that you get by two (because you slip these stitches every other row) to get the right number. (i.e. If you count 23 knits, multiply this by two to get a total of 46 stitches.)

If You Swatch Flat Rather Than in the Round:
I do this all the time, but only because I know there is a negligible difference between my round and flat knitting. You are not guaranteed to get the same guage using this method, so proceed at your own risk! When swatching flat, the stitch pattern changes because you're working on two sides of the fabric rather than one. Here's the modification you should make:

CO an odd number of stitches. Somewhere around 37 should be good, since your guage is 33 sts over 4 inches.
Odd rows: *k1, p1* to last st, k1.
Even rows: *k1, slip 1 st knitwise w/yarn in back* to last st, k1.
Voila! Flat swatch.

Make the Hat:
Using US4 (3.0 mm) circular needles, CO 128 sts and work flat for two rows as follows:
row 1: *k1, p1* to end.
row 2: *k1, slip 1 st knitwise with yarn in back* to last stitch. On last st, slip 1 st knitwise with yarn fwd.
round 3: After row 2, you will keep working in the same direction, place marker, and join to work in the round.
round 3 and all odd rounds: *p1, k1* to end.
round 4 and all even rounds: *k1, slip 1 knitwise w/yrn in back* to end. After 10 rounds, switch to US6 (4.0 mm) needles.
Continue in patt, until hat measures about 5 1/2 inches in length, ending after a slipped stitch round.
Shape Crown:
Decrease for crown shaping as follows, switching to DPNs when necessary.
*Work 14 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 13 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 12 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 11 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 10 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 9 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 8 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 7 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 6 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 5 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 4 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Work one round even, slipping any sts that have been knit together on the previous round knitwise.
*Work 3 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
*Work 2 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
*Work 1 sts in patt, ssk* to end.
Ssk until you have only 8 sts remaining. Cut the yarn about 6 inches out and then run it through the live stitches with a tapestry needle. Pull tightly and weave the around the top once or twice to fill in any bare spots and keep the hat securely closed.

Finishing: Sew up the gap at the bottom of the hat and weave in ends. Wash gently in cool water with a tiny bit of gentle detergent. Rinse and lay flat to dry. Wear in all elements, secretly feeling superior to all those schmucks in traditional ribbed hats!

*In case you are unfamiliar with the term, schwag is free sh*t, often obtained from someone who deals in wares of the kind.

COPYRIGHT 2004, Julia P. Trice This pattern is protected by copyright and available for personal use only. It is not available for sale or distribution without the author's express permission.

One Last Gratuitous Photo:*
You never really know what you'll get with a tripod and a self-timer.

Looking for Aliens in Moxie's Hatto

* I apologize to those of you who were hoping for a quality hat photo. Since black knitwear defies all attempts at photographing, I went for arty instead.

Kim Hargreaves is a Big Fat Fibber

Or, Julia's Adventures in Sewing...

Okay, before I begin to slander Ms. Hargreaves in earnest, let me start by saying that, in general, I adore her. She has a great eye for classic, timless designs and manages to churn them out at an insane rate for Rowan (though I hear that is coming to an end very soon). I have learned many a great technique from Kim, and she rarely disappoints for someone who puts out so much volume. However, anyone who claims that this cardigan is properly finished and will fit as pictured without a bit of non-knitted reinforcement, is, quite frankly, a big fat fibber. Sorry Kim, I have to say it.

Due to this sneaky lack of disclosure on the part of the team at Rowan, this weekend I was forced to borrow one of these:

Dum, dee, dum, dum...

I really enjoy sewing, but it's something I do infrequently enough that the margin for error is quite high.

My first sewing experience was an attempt at a sheath dress under the direction of my best friend Laura. We had lots of fun and laughs, but I ended up with a garment that I couldn't even get over my shoulders. (Imagine me as a two-armed squid, limbs flailing wildly as I tried desperately to free myself from the sheath...)

Round two was less ambitious, and involved an attempt at a single very rudimentary bathroom curtain. It was functional, but not pretty. After this barely successful attempt at merely sewing a few straight lines, I declared myself a non-sewer and effectively gave up for several years.

I was brought back from the edge of the abyss by my good friend Ellen - an amazing quilter with an abundance of patience. Under Ellen's tutelage, I was able to learn to sew a straight line and am now semi-confident in my ability to sew basic items that strictly involve straight lines. Here are some fun floor pillows I made during an episode of the Gilmore Girls at Ellen's house:

I think they're beautiful... but I'm a little biased.

For our wedding, Ellen's present to us was teaching me to make a quilt. She took me and two of our good friends to pick out the fabric for my "wedding quilt" (if he gets a sweater I should at least get a quilt, right?), and then the four of us (well, often just me and Ellen!) worked on it on the weekends. I moved to LA before the quilt was finished, so it's still in limbo (I imagine it will be a third anniversary quilt), but I know whever it's done it will look great.

Anywhooo... since working on the wedding quilt about a year and a half ago, I haven't touched a sewing machine. Needless to say, re-entry was a little rough. Here are some of the things I (re-) learned:

1. When sewing grossgrain ribbon onto the wrongside of a knit cardigan, choose a yarn that matches the cardigan, rather than the ribbon. This is particularly important if your ribbon is much darker than your cardigan.

2. If you have already sewn on your buttons, particularly if they are not very flat buttons, but instead very sticky-uppy buttons, take them off. Do this before sewing and ripping out three times.

3. Despite what the on-line manual for the sewing machine says, you really do need to wrap the thread from the spool around that little silver thingy on the top of the machine. Otherwise your stitches will look like poo. (Or as my more articulate friend Mary would say, your machine will form "stitch bubbles". What a sweet little name for a sewing nightmare.)

4. If you sew the little strands of yarn that you used to mark the button locations into the cardigan, you can rip them out, but they will leave behind a tell-tale bright red (if that's the color you chose) residue. Fabulous.

5. Bonne Marie Burns is a genious. Do exactly what she says. Do not deviate. Don't even think about it.

Oh yeah, I guess a number "6" is in order, too. This little guy is your new best friend:

I may be small, but I'm powerful!

I used my new friend quite a lot. Here I am pretending to be all Zen about it as Moxie takes my picture. And here I am with the honest to gosh concentrating expression that I wore for most of my adventure. (I think I look kind of like a frontier woman in these pics (Dr. Quinn, anyone?), but really I'm just a frazzled chick who's too fixated on sewing to do anything about the fact that her braid is falling out...)

After hours of sewing and ripping (I think about six times, but I've lost count, I have one perfect (well close to perfect) side of the cardi done. And, by George, I think I've got it! Tonight, round two. Pictures to follow soon...

P.S. Take a look in the extended entry - I went crazy and finished the cardi!

For now just the goofy cell pics:

Buttoned... and Unbuttoned! (my fav - more casual....)

We'll do the fancy photoshoot and pattern notes in a couple days.

The Wedding Sweater

Moxie has expressed a preference for being anonymous on this blog, so you'll just have to take my word for it that he's in the sweater, albeit sans la tete...

A little while ago, Kate (scroll down to November 10 for the entry in question) blogged about the dangers of knitting for a man, and wondered whether there was truly a curse that would cause a woman to lose a boyfriend (or husband) for whom she knit a sweater. My own personal view on this is that there is a curse, but that it can be circumvented by true love and a little selflessness. Here, on the one year (and a few days) anniversary of my civil/insurance wedding (not to be confused with the fabby shindig that we celebrate in March), I thought I would share my story:

About five months after we started dating, Moxie requested that I make a very intricate fisherman's sweater for him. He knew that I knit seriously and that I loved making things, so I don't think it occurred to him what a major request this might be. I immediately informed him that knitting of this magnitude was something that I would only do for lifelong friends or family members. I had been asked to knit a sweater by a previous boyfriend and turned him down for the very same reason. I knew we were just not at that level of commitment and didn't think that we would be for a long time, so I wasn't willing to do it.

Moxie persisted, saying that he would personally accompany me to the yarn store to pick out the yarn and would purchase said yarn and any other materials that I might need. He promised to be worthy of the sweater. (I still remember that trip, because I think it was the first and only time Moxie stepped foot in a yarn store for more than a second; it was definitely the only time he ever bought yarn. We rollerbladed up to CloseKnit in Evanston with Caia and the shop owner let her come in with us to cool off, since it was August and still brutally hot.)

The sweater was the first I ever designed, and I spent a great deal of time swatching cables to show Moxie and drawing up schematics. I measured his favorite sweaters to copy the fit. (He has loooong arms.) I knit through the World Series and the first snow in Chicago. Then, about half-way through the sweater, we broke up.

It didn't occur to me not to finish the sweater, because at that point, like a character in a novel, it had a life of its own that was, quite simply, meant to be. What I did struggle with was whether I would actually give Moxie the sweater or not. It had been a sweater of dreams and possiblities, and by the time it was done, it seemed that those things had been lost, and that the purpose behind the sweater had changed. I had shed many a tear into that Lamb's Pride, and it was going to be hard to part with.

Finally, I decided that if I was still so hurt by our split, it must be because there was really something between us, and that maybe that something was worth such a sweater, even if we never got back together again. I felt that Moxie was important enough to me that I wanted to try to be his friend. Barring that, he would at least have this kick-ass sweater to remind him of what an incredible girl he had let go.

So, on a snowy day in early January of that year, I put on the sweater and went outside with my friend Walter to do a full photo-documentary of the sweater. My mindofwinter 'hellooooo' photo is one of the many great shots that resulted:

Isn't Walter great with a camera?

And then I gave it to Moxie.

About a year later we got back together. And about five years later we got married.

Our first wedding wasn't planned. We had a long engagement and had arranged to go to Mexico with a small band of family and friends at the end of March. Circumstances got in the way, however, and in order for me to have health insurance we had to bump up the date. Our decision to do so was made exactly three days before the event, and I wasn't exactly happy about it. I like to be able to mentally prepare myself for these life transitions (silly girl), and having a marriage sprung on me (even one that was slated to happen in a few months) was unsettling, to say the least.

We had a hard time deciding how much formality and specialness to give this "insurance wedding". It was really important to me for us to get it right, rather than fumble through this most sacred of milestones. We didn't want to downplay it too much, but we also wanted it to be clear that Mexico was the real deal. (Don't worry - it was!) One of the hardest things to decide was what to wear. We debated over this for a long time, and then Moxie said that he had the perfect thing.

When I asked what, he said, "My wedding sweater."

And it was.

Perfect.

Curse? Perhaps. But if it's meant to be, it always works out.

Happy weekend to you all...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Ignore the creepy (but cool!) Mayan dude in the background - he graces our mantle year-round.

In between making Christmas cookies and dragging a twelve foot tree into the house (rather unceremoniously and at too late an hour, I might add), I've been knitting away at little Christmas goodies.

To make the fuzzy blue sweater, I used remnants of GGH Esprit from my swirt. To make your own, follow my pattern in the entry below, but cast on 18 sts for the body rather than 22. (The arms still require 7 sts).

To make the bright red sweater, I used Karabella Aurora 8 and followed the original pattern, but switched to k1 p1 rib at the neck and then sewed on a star pattern at the end.

It was so cute that I thought Townie might need a matching accessory:

Doesn't he look adorable in his Christmas collar?

Last, but definitely not least, I have been gathering up my hand-knitted hats for donation to Veterans via Lisa's Blog. I check in on Lisa pretty often and was feeling very sad that I didn't have much free time to knit caps for the cause with all the ornaments that I have been making for family and friends. Then I had a thought. I have knit many hats. More hats, in fact, than two people can wear. So I looked through my closet and pulled down two hats that seemed suitable. Even without real time to devote, I can at least do something for a an individual who was willing to risk his or her life for me. I'm not a believer in this war, but I will always be a believer in our troops. They deserve far more than we give them. So knit a hat, or re-discover one, and send it to Lisa (if you leave her a comment she will send you her address.) Remember that any gesture is better than none, and it stays cold both before and after Christmas.

**Note for Blythe Doll Fans: Despite not knowing what a Blythe Doll is I am happy to accomodate you with measurements: The sweaters are 2.5 inches wide (circumference of just under 5 inches) by 3.5 inches tall, with a neck opening that is 2 inches wide (just under 4 inch circumference). They vary from these measuements a little depending on what yarn you choose. For a bigger size, go fatter on the yarn.
In return, you must promise to send me a picture of Blythe in her minisweater. That would rock my world!

A Present For You

It's past time to get cracking on Amy's Fabulous Winter Knit Along! I've been totally captivated by these tiny sweater ornaments, which I first saw over at Georgia's. Since I didn't have a pattern, I just pulled out some scrap yarn and some sticks and played around. Now I have a pattern, and the rest of you do, too. (Go to the extended entry for the pattern.) I also did a little pictoral demonstration for you (I just covered the fiddly parts), in case you find it confusing. Happy Holidays!

*A note on copyright, since I now have a notorious reputation in this area (just what I wanted) AND just read Marnie's post. There is no copyright on the tiny sweater per se - there are tons out there and you can feel free to make your own pattern and post it as you will. You only infringe on my little sweaters (or someone else's) if you copy the instructions or pics completely and post them as your own. So please, get creative and post variations - it's very fun!

Teeny Tiny Sweater
MindofWinter Quickknits, copyright 2004

Materials:
Yarn: For Charlie, the larger blue striped sweater, I used leftovers of Rowan All Seasons Cotton (MC) and Tahki Cotton Classic (AC). Lily, the natural sweater with the cable, is made from scraps of Blue Sky Organic Cotton. Both have a suggested guage (on the ball band) of around 16 sts per 4 inches of fabric. The Tahki Cotton Classic has a much smaller suggested guage, but for a mere two rounds of striping it doesn't really matter. When choosing a stash yarn, look for something that you have about a 1/4 of a ball of with a suggested guage around 16 sts per 4 inches. (Recommended needle size should be bigger than US6 (4.0 mm) - around US10 (6.0 mm) is good. You'll knit this on smaller needles to make it stiff so that it will stand up.)
Needles: Both sweaters use a set of five DPNs in size US6 (4.0mm). For Lily, you will want to use a cable needle if you usually use a needle to cable.
Notions: Two stitch holders, and again, a stitch marker if you use one to mark your rounds.

Abbreviations:
AC alternate color (for Charlie's stripe)
BO bind off/cast off
CO cast on
k2tog knit two sts together
MC main color (Charlieonly)
pm place marker to show beginning of round
ssk slip slip knit

The Pattern:
Instructions are written for Charlie, with variations for Lily noted at the end. If you're having trouble visualizing the spatial relationships of the pieces or the needles, take a look at my tutorial. Though it doesn't cover every step, it should help you through the rough spots.

Body: Using one DPN, CO 22 sts. Slip the first 7 sts to a second DPN, and the middle 8 sts to a third DPN. Using four of your five DPNS, pm (optional), join, and work in stockinette in the round for 9 rounds. On round 10 switch to AC for 2 rounds (striping). On round 12, switch back to MC. On round 13, BO the 1st and 11th sts, leaving 10 sts for the front body and 10 sts for the back body in between. Move front body sts (10) to one st holder, and back body sts (10) to another st holder.

Sleeves: Make two identical sleeves. CO 7 sts. Slip the first 2 sts to a second DPN, and the middle 3 sts to a third DPN. Using four of your five DPNS, pm (optional), join, and work in stockinette in the round for 12 rounds. On round 13, BO the first stitch. When you complete the round, move all of the remaining 6 sts to a single DPN, starting and ending at the place where you BO a st. (Look at my tutorial if you can't visualize this. Done correctly, the sleeve tube will be left open.)

Yoke: To join all four sections of the sweater, you first knit across the left sleeve from back to front. At this point there is no left sleeve and no back - just pick a sleeve and knit a row across it, stopping at the last st. Join the sleeve to the front body (again, just pick a side) by slipping the last sleeve st knitwise, slipping the first front body st knitwise, and knitting the two slipped sts together through the back loop (ssk). Work across the front body to the last st, and then join the front to the right sleeve by knitting the last front st and the first left sleeve st together (k2tog). Work across the sleeve and join the back with a ssk. Work across the back and join the right sleeve with a k2tog. This is your decrease round. Work 1 round even. Alternate decrease rounds with stockinette rounds 3 more times, for a total of 4 decrease rounds. 16 sts will remain. Work even in rounds until neck reaches the desired height. BO in pattern.

Finishing: Kitchener stitch the armpit space closed. (I use this term loosely - do whatever you need to do to close that gap - the space is so small it won't matter if you kichener or not.) Weave in the ends, and add a decorative ribbon for hanging from your tree, menorah, etc. (We here at MindofWinter endorse the "many paths" theory of personal spirituality and holiday making.)

For Lily: Cast on the same number of sts (22) and work in Stockinette for 2 rounds. To begin cabling, k4, move 5th st forward on a cable needle, knit 6th st, return and knit 5th stitch, knit rest of round. Repeat cable every other round, working even on alternate rounds. End main body and sleeves at 11 rounds rather than 13 - Lily is shorter! Otherwise, follow pattern for Charlie.

COPYRIGHT 2004, Julia P. Trice This pattern is protected by copyright and available for personal use only. It is not available for sale or distribution without the author's express permission.

One Hundred More...

Mine is all knitting-related. Well, mostly. Never say that I'm not (somewhat) original.

1. I learned to knit from my grandmother when I was 6. My grandmother's nickname was "Beaner". The name suited her.

2. Sometimes, early in the morning, when I go into the bathroom and look in the mirror, I see "Beaner" staring back at me. It's terrifying.

3. I learned to knit with pink acrylic yarn on blue metal needles. I can still see them in my mind.

4. The needles were size US 6.

5. I still think that's the optimal needle size for beginners. Not too big, not too small. (The power of inertia/tradition/habit/suggestion never fails me.)

6. I re-learned to knit when I was 20, over Christmas break. I checked June Hiatt's Principles of Knitting out of the library and read it cover to cover. It's still my bible. (Thankfully, I bought it in 1992, before it cost $250!)

7. The first thing I made was a cabled scarf.

8. The second thing I made was a lace scarf.

9. The third thing I made was a sweater.

10. Almost 15 years later, I still have all three.

11. I still wear the cabled scarf.

12. I have not knit a scarf since. How many scarves does one person need?

13. This "scarf rule" does not apply to hats. I have knit many hats.

14. I may knit myself some scarves this year, too. (Perhaps the scarf rule no longer applies to scarves, either.)

15. The first sweater I made was a mess - short and mis-shapen.

16. The second sweater I made was Alice Starmore's Kilronan. (I have a steep learning curve.)

17. Kilronan is still one of my favorites.

18. For a long time Alice Starmore was one of my favorites.

19. I still admire her work, but I like my Arans and Fair Isles less boxy. (I know, blasphemy!)

20. Rowan was my second great love.

21. I have back issues to Rowan 20, but I'm missing 21.

22. I covet Rowan 17.

23. If you can get me Rowan 17, I'll give you my first born.

24. Cables are my thing.

25. Intarsia is not my thing, but China Clouds* is an exception.

26. If you can find me a complete China Clouds kit, I'll give you my first born.

27. Unless someone has previously come up with Rowan 17.

28. My favorite knitting mag is Interweave Knits.

29. When IK arrives, I read it cover to cover.

30. Meaning I read the patterns in full.

31. The way other people read novels.

32. Teva Durham and Veronik Avery are my idols.

33. Norah Gaughan, too.

34. You know I wouldn't forget Annie.

35. The first thing I ever designed was Moxie's Aran "Wedding" Sweater.

36. It wasn't refered to that way at the time.

37. The design had been in my head for a long while, I was just waiting for the man. (I was 26, what do you want?!)

38. It took me four months to finish.

39. I knit most of the Wedding Sweater on the 147 Express in Chicago.

40. I've been KIP since before it was fashionable.

41. I don't think of myself as hip or feminist for doing so. I actually suspect that I'm kind of a dork. I'm pretty sure others recognize this, too, no matter what Debbie Stoller says.

42. The second thing that I designed was a mini-dress.

43. Somewhere, in my myriad cross-country moves, I managed to lose the mini-dress.

44. I've lost or gifted most of the things I knit prior to this year.

45. I have resolved to institute a long-term knit retention plan.

46. Or to at least take pictures.

47. I have no formal system for storing my patterns or ideas. If I want to re-create something original that I knit, I have to reconstruct it from scraps of paper, often housed in various book jackets.

48. Frequently I have to get out the original piece and reverse-engineer it.

49. If I can find it.

50. Nine times out of ten I can reverse-engineer something that I see knit. This is very useful for someone who fails to keep or write down patterns. It doesn't help you get published.

51. The blog is helping me improve that state of affairs. (The lack of organization thing.)

52. My "favorite" needles have evolved over the years.

53. First it was Susan Bates' Quicksilvers.

54. Then it was Swallow Caseins.

55. Now I'm pretty sure My Addis are my favs, with the Swallows (in tortoiseshell - that's the best part) as a super close second.

56. If Swallow made circs with a smooth join I'm not sure what I'd knit with.

57. I also like Bryspun's plasticy needles, particularly in DPNs. I always recommend these for beginners. Cheap, not too slippery, not to sticky.

58. I have a lot of needles.

59. Despite a total lack of organization on the pattern front, I have meticulously organized my yarn and needles.

60. I have excel spreadsheets for yarn and needles, and have inventories printed out with different sort categories - guage, fiber content, needle manufacturer, etc. Go figure.

61. I have an acute spatial and mathematical mind, so I can "see" designs pretty easily.

62. Despite this, I am guaranteed to make at least 2 mathematical or spatial errors in almost anything I create. This is why I never design something without knitting it.

63. I am not as creative as I would like to be. I'm more of an architect. My buildings (or sweaters) will stand up, but they won't be the most cutting edge works around.

64. I wish I had an ounce of the creative talent that Kate and Marnie have.

65. I wish I could make a living designing, but I know that I don't have the discipline. (Or the independent wealth!) I'm at peace with that.

66. I prefer natural fiber yarns, in smooth textures and solid or heathered colors.

67. I sometimes stray into the realm of "acrylic" and "polyester".

68. I usually have to cleanse myself afterward, but it doesn't keep me from going back.

69. Alpaca is my favorite yarn.

70. Merino is a close second.

71. I've grown to like cotton a lot over time, but it wasn't a natural coupling.

72. I'm fascinated with Fair Isle, but only like its looks in small doses or accessories.

73. Cables belong everywhere.

74. I knit in the English fashion. This bothers me a little, as I think Continental is cooler. But then I've always wanted to be a lefty, too. Again, go figure.

75. I knit slowly. I staunchly believe that certain things should be done slowly. I'm a slow walker, too.

76. I used to be an "old school" knitter. (If you can't tell.) Only complex patterns that you could really sink your teeth into. (Kilronan, China Clouds...)

77. Now I'll knit anything.

78. I had my most fun knitting experience ever making a cup from Annie Modesitt's Tea Set pattern. (Though Kilronan still wins the prize for piece that I was most astounded by. You'll notice I've managed not to lose it.)

79. I consider myself a "process" knitter, and will often make things just to try out a new technique.

80. I love unique constructions for sweaters. That's one of the reasons I think IK is so fabulous.

81. I have no aversion to purling, seaming, or ripping. I like to play.

82. I usually knit on circs, even when knitting flat pieces. (The Addi thing.)

83. Lately I've become addicted to knitting tiny pieces on tiny needles. Sculptural knitting is very fun. (The Annie Modesitt Tea Set thing.)

84. I think knitting should be inclusive.

85. I don't know how to spin.

86. I want to know how to spin.

87. In my later years, after I have burried Moxie, I plan to raise Alpaca in the Andes. (I will also swim naked in a clear cool lake every morning and take lots of young lovers. Yes, folks, it's a pipe dream, but a nice one nonetheless.)

88. I have never been to a fiber festival.

89. Knitting is listed on my resume as an interest.

90. I always get asked about it.

91. Moxie tolerates my knitting. Except when it's for him.

92. He considers blogging to be "knitting", too. I, on the other hand consider knitting, teaching knitting, blogging, and reading about knitting to be distinct activities, which all need specific time allotments during the week. We sometimes argue about this.

93. Oh, yeah. I teach knitting. But I think you knew that.

94. I keep my *real* life and my blog life seperate. Rarely the twain shall meet, but I have made exceptions.

95. I knit solo for the most part prior to finding the Knit Cafe last year. Now I miss my "community".

96. Well, solo except for Townie, my orange boy cat.

97. Townie likes to lay on my lap while I knit. I often entince him into mommy love by coyly displaying yarn in the lap vicinity.

98. Townie never touches the yarn. He just curls up close. Very close.

99. I often get up early in the morning to knit or blog. Not normal early, frighteningly early.

100. My blog is named after my favorite Wallace Stevens poem. I am The Snowman. Koo koo ka choo.

*from Rowan 28, designed by Kaffe Fassett.

Prezzy!

I know you're wondering - she's knitting a tank in December? I didn't see that on the sidebar...

Well, you're right, you didn't! It's a very kind gift from my fellow Californian ex-patriot Jenny over at High Energy Knits. I cannot tell you how verklempt I was when I opened up the box and saw what Jenny had sent me. With the exception of my grandmother, no one has ever made something handknit specifically for me. (Though I did score a scarf after the fact and many a great beaded object from my buddy Cancoi!) The really amazing thing was that Jenny picked something for me that I had long coveted in yarn that is now discontinued. The colors are perfect for me and so is the fit. I love it.

This all started innocently enough, when I jokingly told Jenny to send over her Mon Petit Chou top, which was adorable, but too small for her. I was supposed to send her Pia, but I just couldn't. I didn't think the fit was good enough to send to someone else. Instead, I sent her the Swirt when she made the mistake of admiring it. The Mon Petit Chou didn't fit me, and the Swirt didn't fit Jenny. (I guess will both have to keep running!) I returned the Mon Petit Chou (since I'm against keeping handknits in the closet unused), and she found a home for the Swirt. Then, out of the blue, I get this amazing tank, made with me in mind, and for the first time (for us, anyway) it actually fits! As I said, I was verklempt. Completely touched. I guess the ball is in my court now....