SpiderWomanKnits

Time to Move on...

2005-09-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

Well I feel like it is time to move on from Blogspot. Take a look at the new SpiderWomanKnits!

This will be a work in progress so bare with me as I make this location my new home. Please update your links and Bloglines accordingly! Drop me a line and let me know what you think!

Sunshine

2005-09-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

I had a little bit of bright yellow Bulky Lopi left in my stash from an old weaving project and decided to whip up a quick pair of "Sunshine" mittens for my son this winter.

One look at these on a grey winter day will surely do wonders for the North Eastern winter blues. I used the really easy and fun pattern out of Weekend Knitting and then felted them just enough to maintain the stitch definition but add some strength so they stand up after some serious snowball fights and angel making.

My heart and mind are still in a very meditative space. Today is a day of reflection for my family and I as we all grew up in NYC and my husband used to work in the WTC just before the attacks. (We had just moved to Upstate NY but were in the city on September 11 when the planes hit). My warmest wishes go out to all those who still carry the burden of loss.

I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!

2005-09-09T09:54:00.000-05:00

Due to recent events in New Orleans and well...the past 5 years...I can see a lot of frustration coming out in my posts in the near future. So to maintain the intergrity of knitting content in this blog I have decided to set up another blog that provides an outlet for political and social rantings. Check it out at Revoltees. I can also sense some housekeeping coming on for this blog as well so stay tuned for changes. In the meantime, I just finished a pair of mittens , pictures to follow soon.

Swap Fairy

2005-09-07T10:16:00.000-05:00

Just when I needed a serious dose of happiness...look what came in the mail today! More stitch markers from the Stitch Marker Swap . This time my swap fairy revealed herself and is non other than The Creative One! On top of revealing herself she went beyond her obligation of some beautiful stitch markers and included two balls of Winter Cotton in a lovely blue and a perfectly fall scented candle! All of which are *very* much appreciated!

Thanks Bethanie! You really made my day! I will be sure to post FO photos of whatever becomes of the Winter Cotton you sent. You are truly a knitting lovlie!

2005-09-06T10:31:00.000-05:00

It has been hard to post or knit over the past week with so much of my mind occupied by the victims of Hurricane Katrina. It is no surprise, however, that the knitting community has united in it's effort to do what they can to help the victims of this latest natural and humanitarian disaster. I urge you to click on the button below and donate what you can to the Red Cross Katrina Relief Fund.

The Knitting Wench had an interesting post about the way she has channeled her knitting energy since the hurricane. She has spent the past few days swatching her stash since she doesn't really want to have emotional ties to a FO during this time i.e. a "Hurricane Katrina sweater/scarf/etc.". When I read her post it really help me put a finger on why my knitting and desire to knit has slowed down dramatically over the past two weeks. Perhaps it is an instinctual response to such a tragedy. I experienced similar reactions on 9/11 and after the Tusnami and continue to experience them on the anniversaries of these tragedies. I don't buy in to the administrations statement that "if we don't go on with our lives, the terrorists win". I believe we MUST reflect and allow ourselves to feel the very real pain we all experience when something happens to our family of man. Otherwise history won't allow for changes in the way we respond and react to events that require not only our financial support but our duty to understand why these things happen and how we can prepare for or perhaps even avoid them altogether. Our Commander in Chief may default to denial but it is clear denial is not an effective disater plan but rather a disgrace.

Americans should take pride in the way that they are individually responding to the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims. We should seize this opportunity to demand our government follow suit and as we must continue to advocate for those in need.

2005-08-29T22:57:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been working on this sweater/cardigan for four days now and I just couldn't share pictures until I had some stitches on holders so the darn thing would make some sense. It is knit in "one" piece though there is seaming down the sides and underarms. It's actually a top down raglan I guess. I am using exaggerated increases inspired by Glampyre's Ubernatural and Lopi from my stash made it's way from the yarn cubicle to my needles.

But I am working out of One Piece Knits That Fit which is a book I recommend for every knitter who wants a basic formula for sweaters to knit or crochet. I picked this book up in a used book store years ago and can't tell you how useful it's been. Now there are some seriously fugly versions of basic sweaters pictured in the book but don't let that scare you. The patterns are for classic styles and you can modify them in any way your imagination, skill, or whimsy suits you.

I really can't tell you how much I *love* this book. The ladies in my knitting group are probably sick of hearing about it. But for $4.50 on Amazon you get the basic sweater formula for knit and crochet in every weight yarn and every size you can think of from itty bitty infant to burly mountain man. And this guy makes me laugh every time I see him! It's actually just a shawl collar cardigan that has been trapped in time capsule circa 1970 something. Poor thing.

But really. Go to Amazon now and buy whatever copies of this book remain since it is out of print you'll be very glad you did. In the meantime I'll keep working on this cardigan.

2005-08-25T14:42:00.000-05:00

With our house filled to the brim with visitors I thought I'd post a quick picture of a bag I wove on a primitive loom some time ago.

The warp is regular jute from the hardware store and the weft is Lamb's Pride (my favorite to weave with). This is the technique used by Eastern Woodland Indians long ago and I figured it out with the help of a friend by sitting for a very long time in the Museum of Natural History in NYC studying samples they had on display. There are also some brief refrences to this style of weaving in a few books I have come across but most books focus on Navajo looms.

Here is a blurry close up but a close up none the less. It has been a while since I have woven anything but I look forward to picking it up again. It is very time consuming but a definate form of dynamic meditation.

It's Offical (Non Knitting Related)

2005-08-23T14:44:00.000-05:00

We own a cabin in the woods! Today was closing day and we couldn't wait to get over and feel the ownership. Oh yeah. 2 acres of lovely land surrounded by 11,300 THOUSAND ACRES of state forest. Over the winter we found 1 of the 2 properties that are grandfathered into Savoy State Forest. A trail that leads to Tannery Falls is right in our backyard.

The cabin is simple and small but just perfect for what we need. Space to be creative and play.

I used to weave primitively on a Northern Eastern Native American loom and look forward to being able to set up shop here. Move some yarn in, some looms, and get back to the craft again. I also used to live primitively deep in the woods for about 2 years, before my DH and lovely son, when it was just me and my dog Sparky without any running water, electric, or plumbing so this is really a dream come true for me. A place of my own without the possiblity of anyone building around us...ever.

2005-08-22T12:12:00.000-05:00

Now I am not one to go for college dorm furniture but I just couldn't resist this cube storage thing at Target. I was feeling that my stash needed a more prominent location so when I saw this I scooped it up.

All my yarn used to reside in this cabinet but it was dark and I could never really see what I had. Plus there wasn' t a lot of room so things were spilling out. Once I moved everything to the cube storage I was like, "What? That's all the yarn I have? That's it?!" It really seemed like more in the cabinet. It did. (My husband was in the room and shuddered when he heard me say that.) So now I feel free. Free to mingle and fondle yarn...free to dream and imagine all the colors...yes I am free to go to all the upcoming wool festivals without guilt! Plus, for $14 I can add 6 more cubes! That's what we need...storage that expands with our S.E.X's!!

Oh, and I found these cute notecards at Michael's in their $1 bins!

Believe it or not I don't have anything on the needles right now but plan on casting something on (not sure yet) tonight or tomorrow. I'm waiting for inspiration to strike.

Fini!

2005-08-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

Frenchies done! Here she is before going off to the wash.

Ah, it was hard to let her go but in she went.

While Frenchie was felting we took our 1973 Citroen DS23 (a French classic) out of the garage and shined her up for some pictures.

And here are the results...a completely felted French Market Bag !

From the top down...

Now she's ready to head off to the farmers market to pick up some recently harvested garlic and the juiciest peaches I have had in years!

Au revoir!

Oh, some notes about the process and things I learned...I can't tell you how much I LOVE felting with Cascade 220. It is just the best or at least the best I have encountered so far. By best, I mean most reliable and the color selection is amazing. If I were to make this bag again, which I definately will, I would purchase an additional skein of yarn and make the bag deeper. The Knitty picture is deceptive. This bag is on the small side. A baguette would not fit in it. Also, I would increase the handle length by a couple of inches to give you the ability to carry it on your arm. Not your shoulder like a tote bag but just by your elbow. All that being said I am happy with the results and already itching to start another project. Lucky for me I just ordered Glampyre's Tubular Camisole pattern and think I have just the right yarn already in my stash. Maybe I'll let my hands rest over the weekend though...they're starting to tingle which can't be good! Have a great weekend all!

2005-08-17T21:49:00.000-05:00

A while back (last December) I was searching for a local knitting group to join and my search lead me to the MeetUp.com site. There was a group called Pittsfield Knitter's that had been dormant for some time and was in need of an organizer. I figured, "Hey, what the heck?!" Well I sat, knitting alone, for two months until I decided to add the "group" to our local newspapers community calendar. That next meeting there were 8 lovely women who showed up to knit a few rows, drink some coffee, and chat. The meeting after that there were 20 women...now 6 months after I listed the group in the community calendar we are up to 40+ knitters and still growing! We've gone from meeting once a month to meeting every week.

I couldn't organize Berkshire County Knitters with out the help of Jess of JessaLu Knits who has created a web site for us and remembers everything I forget. She also puts together these great little starter kits for people who see us knitting and want to learn. We've taught about 4 people already. Including 2 men!

As you can see every man needs a knitting tool box! (I guess baskets and tote bags are not an option for the manly knitter!) I have to say that I am a firm supporter of knitting in public and believe that doing so reminds passers by that not only can you make things with your hands but that socializing is a good thing. American culture is one of isolation and isolation disenfranchises the power of grassroots exchange of ideas. Not to mention that we have all become fast friends and sources of inspiration for one another. Now that's a good thing!

Stitch Marker Swap

2005-08-16T16:11:00.000-05:00

Look what came in the mail today! I can't begin to even tell you how happy I am with the stitch markers I received from my secret SMS pal. Who are you and how did you know exactly what I would like? Really...these are absolutely beautiful and even though I said I liked all colors (which is true) these are the ones I gravitate towards most often. But its not just the colors. The varying textures and sheen are wonderful choices! Readers, click on this picture to make it bigger and you'll get to see all the beautiful nooks and crannies of these stitch markers.

These are inspiring, they make me want to knit something vintage and classy. I can't wait to find out who this knitting lovely is so I can thank them appropriately for truly brightening my day. In the meantime, THANK YOU whoever you are! The stitch markers are very much appreciated and will evoke joy each time I slip past one.

Boogie Revisited

2005-08-15T11:17:00.000-05:00

A while back I made the Boogie Vest from Knitty to get acquainted with cables. I also thought that a sweater vest like this would be nice to have only no matter how much I try I can't seem to get comfortable wearing them. I felt like a knitting barbarian in this one. So shortly after its completion I picked up some stitches and added sleeves. While the French Market Bag is sitting on needles I thought now would be a good time to revisit the Boogie Vest turned sweater.

Earlier this summer a vest was born

It wasn't long before she grew into a sweater

Ahh, that's so much better. I can tell already that this one is going to be a main staple in my winter wardrobe . All I did was pick up stitches and knit for 3/4 sleeves then rib in the contrast color I worked around the neck line. The whole thing was done with 4 skeins of Lopi.

Let's Not Forget the Creatures We Love

2005-08-13T09:34:00.000-05:00

Summer Fair season is here and The Connors Clan has been out and about enjoying all that country fairs have to offer. Oh yes...fried dough, super greasy cheese fries, corn dogs, kettle corn, the smell of gasoline coming from the chainsaw artist booth, carnies yelling at you to play their games!

It's easy to get distracted by all the lovely smells and tastes but I have to say that this year in particular I couldn't help but feel touched while going through all the 4H animal barns. Let's all take a minute to give thanks to the creatures who give of themselves so selflessly so that we can pursue our crafts, ok, lets be realistic...our obsessions. If it weren't for these guys the world would be a big ball of eyelash yarn.

(The llama is actually smiling)

Frenchie in Progress

2005-08-11T12:11:00.000-05:00

After many attempts to start the French Market Bag with the double point instructions I finally threw in the towel and cast the bag on straight. Here she is...

I am using Cascade 220 in #8891 and #9434. The Cascade multi's felt so pretty. I have to say that all the straight knitting would normally be a bit boring but I have wanted to knit this bag for so long now that I really am looking forward to the finished project. I also have some time to knit at work and simple knitting like this is perfect for that because it requires so little concentration. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on the progress. In the meantime...

I made these felted baby Mary Jane's a long time ago. The pink ones are made using Cascade Multi and eventhough the light is harsh I think you can see how nicely the colors incorporate.

These were made with Lamb's Pride and then embroidered out of neccessity. Both pairs are crocheted and there were gaps in the front of these booties so I figured I needed to close them somehow. The pattern is called Fake Mary Jane's from Crotiques and it is free. Again, I just used a bigger hook and felted away. I think these work up in 1/2 hour or less! I have made several pairs that are in need of some little feet.

Finito Completo!

2005-08-09T14:06:00.000-05:00

I took some time today while DH and my little guy went to the playground to weave in some loose ends and put that finishing touch on the lace scarf I had been knitting. Here are the results.

I can't wait to pull these babies out when the snow starts falling! They are so cozy. I decreased the number of stitches a few times before settled on a CO of 40. They were knit with Donegal Tweed and Kid Silk held together. The pattern came from Last Minute Knitted Gifts which I can't recommend highly enough.

As for the scarf, this was knit as a gift for someone and I thought two balls would be enough. As it turned out the scarf felt a touch short to me. It wasn't long enough to do a wrap around. Instead of heading back to the YS I decided (with the help of some of the knitting divas I stitch with every Wednesday, esp. Cathy) to add a loop and a button.

It worked out really well since the back side of the scarf is a definate wrong side. This way the scarf sits pretty. It is really strange seeing both these FO's in the same post. They each have such a different feeling.

And now I am off to CO the French Market Bag from Knitty! I tried unsuccessfully about 7 times today to CO with the DP directions and became incredibly frustrated. Has anyone out there managed the 8 stitch DP CO with M1 increases? Maybe my hands are too big or something. Believe me I love a challenge but this was beginning to feel like torture. So, I sought some advice from CraftyLilly who finished the bag a few months ago. She went the straight on circular route. I have a feeling I will follow suit. Perhaps I'll pose a challenge to the lovely ladies of Berkshire County Knitters when we gather tomorrow and see what happens. I'll be sure to post the results.

They're Off!

2005-08-08T11:01:00.000-05:00

I sent the first set of Stitch Markers for the SMS out today! Here they are all packaged up with some clues as to who they might be going to.

This was my first attempt at making stitch markers and I have to say it is *a lot* of fun. The dangerous type of fun that gives you another reason to spend money you really shouldn't. These are very plain and simple but I was making them based on my secret partners preferences. I am happy with the way they came out though. They are light and easy to work with.

In the meantime, I scored this Bartlett Bulky in Emerald Green at Wonderful Things in her yarn orphanage (1/2 price room). I was very happy since I had been envisioning a bulky, simple sweater in this color for the past few days. I may end up using it for Glampyres Ubernatural but I am not sure yet. Whadya think?

Keep Moving Folks, There's Nothing to See Here

2005-08-07T15:27:00.000-05:00

There's nothing too exciting about a pair of K1P1 leg warmers except that they feel delicious and will look great with my chestnut Ugglies this winter. Not to mention that they transport me instantly back to the days of childhood when my mother wouldn't send me off without a pair. I remember I loved peeling the snow clumps off of them before hanging them by the heater grate (an idiocyncrasy from childhood) I couldn't wait till they dried because it meant I could go back out again.

I am knitting them with Donegal Tweed and Kid Silk held together which balances out any of the scratchiness from the tweed and the Kid Silk gives them this cloud like fluffiness along with a bit of shine. I think I'll end up making a pair of these for all the little girls I know this winter. They'll be really cute and useful. I highly recommend knitting up a pair for people looking to connect with their inner child! New Age cheesy? Yes. But true? Definately.

Don't hate me because I'm productive

2005-08-04T21:25:00.000-05:00

Nothing seems to be staying on my needles lately. Honestly. This scarf is done but awaiting a last finishing touch. In the meantime though I thought I'd offer up an "on the needles" shot.

This was knit with a free pattern they offer at Webs which calls for Alpaca Brush. I substitued a merino/mohair blend from their new line of Valley Yarns and am quite pleased with the results.

Old Faithful

2005-08-03T21:52:00.000-05:00

I have had these for a while now but they just looked so pretty in the morning sun that I felt I wanted to share the comfort of a good pair of slippers with all the knitting lovelies out there.

They are actually crocheted from a free pattern titled "Abi's Slippers" which is exactly my name so when I came across the pattern I knew they had to be made. I have never seen anyone else spell "Abby" "Abi". I used a bigger hook, Lamb's Pride, and then I felted them. They are super comfy and durable. They fit like ballet slippers. Ah. Yummy.

I've Been TAGGED!

2005-08-02T23:10:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Jess made me do this...

id·i·o·syn·cra·sy
Pronunciation Key
n. pl. id·i·o·syn·cra·sies
A structural or behavioral characteristic peculiar to an individual or group.

Write down five of your own personal idiosyncrasies. Then, if you wish, tag five people from your live gerbil or friendslist to do the same

Idiosyncrasies? What idiosyncrasies? I don't have any of those. Oh yeah, wait a minute I do like...

1.) I have to have to restraighten any pillows that my DH puts on the couch because he is not sensitive to the fact that the zipper part of the pillow cover should always face down. But you know that right? What he doesn't realize is that my X-ray vision picks up on this sloppiness unlike the regular eye which really can't tell which way the zipper is unless they physically move the pillow. This idiosyncrasy happens to be genetic (passed down from my father) and also includes; remaking the bed if someone else does it, straightening throw rugs so that they are perpendicular with an edge, and repositioning decorative household objects that have been moved or arranged by someone other than myself.

2.) I simply can not finish the last cookie in a package, spoonful of ice cream, gulp of OJ in the container, broken potato chips at the bottom of the bag, etc. The problem is that I don't leave enough for a full portion so let's just say you've had a long day. All you wanna do is kick back watch a movie and eat some ice cream. You reach into the freezer for that pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Food and BAM! Your hand hits the top of the freezer because it is, for all intent and purposes, *empty*. You open it only to find one measly crystalized teaspoon full with one pathetic half broken chocolate fish. Yeah, I just couldn't finish it...don't ask me why. Sorry.

3.) I am obsessed with pens. I LOVE them. I can't stop buying them. I write "does this pen work?" just to write with them. It is a sickness. A few weeks ago I woke up and had to go to Staples to get a purple pen. Why? Because I am a freak that's why.

4.) I laugh really hard when people fall. Like *really* hard. Now don't get me wrong, I have genuine concern when I see someone falling and always rush to help them up but all the while I am laughing-my-ass-off. I feel really bad because I just can't help it. Really I can't.

5.) No matter what I do I am always 10 minutes late. If I have 10 minutes before I have to leave for work I think, "Oh, I have plenty of time.". But 10 minutes does not translate into casting on the French Market Bag or starting a set of stitch markers which is what I might do if let's say I had 10 extra minutes before I had to be somewhere. I know this, I really do, but despite my ability to understand I simply can't help myself. But if you're consistantly 10 minutes late I firmly believe that means you are actually on time. Right?

Ok. At this point I am supposed to Tag five other people. But I don't know anyone. So for now it's just you and me and my idiosyncrasies. Enjoy!

6.) BONUS IDIOSYNCRASY I had to add this one because I caught myself doing it today and it is weird. I never thought of it before as an idiosyncrasy but this exercise in self examination allowed me to realize how strange human (or ahem... my) behaviour can be.

Ok. I keep peoples shopping lists that I find in the grocery carts at supermarkets. Didga get that? Yeah. If I go to use a cart and there is an old list in it I will pick it up put it in my purse and take it home. From that point it is transfered into a special box that has stranger' s lists and now that I am looking at it some receipts. I guess it is a form of voyeurism or something. Who knows? Perhaps I should seek therapy. Juicy.

More Green Please

2005-07-27T21:56:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! Made it to Webs today with Jess, her mom, and her sister Amanda, or as I like to call them the Knitting Wallendas! While I was there I figured out that I am really into green right now as you can see from the purchases I made above (or ummm my green blog). There's some Donegal Tweed, Some Kid Silk, and some Valley Yarn mohair in there. I have already started turning the tweed and kid silk into a pair of super yummy leg warmers. I had leg warmers that I used to wear when I was a little ballerina girl many moons ago so I am feeling nostalgic and childish I guess.

While at Webs, Jess and I met Skrilla who holds the coveted job of Web's employee. It really is a small world and I am always amazed at how the blog world connects knitters in the virtual circle we all seem to dwell in. It was nice though to cross that cyber line today and put a real face with the html.

(Right here there should be a group shot of all of us outside the shop holding our spoils...but... although I managed to remember to bring my camera I did not remember to charge my batteries. So it'll have to wait till I get a copy.)

After Web's we all trucked over to the bead shop in NoHo to stock up on supplies for the stitch marker swap. I am making my first set ever for my self(ish) and then I once I figure out what the heck I am doing I'll impose my taste on some poor unsuspecting knitter with my second set ever. Ok. Back to knittin and beadin...

Stitch Marker Swap Questionnaire

2005-07-26T20:48:00.000-05:00

Do you prefer shorter or more dangling type of markers?
It's not the length or the size that counts for me...it's the love that goes into em.

Are there any kind of markers that you would absolutely NOT want to receive?
No. I am so happy with whatever someone feels inclined to give.

Colors you like most? Colors you like least?
Right now greens and yellows but I really am a color lover. Bring on your whimsy!

Would you prefer markers for smaller or larger needles?
Now that I think of it I am a 6-11 kind of gal. Though I am not afraid of and will use any size needle.

Do you want your sender to reveal themselves when they are shipped or at a later date?
I gotta know and I don't want to play hard to get games...just tell me who you are in any way you see fit. And, Thanks in advance! Here's to all the knitting lovelies out there!

I got my head on Straight now...I think

2005-07-26T20:27:00.000-05:00

Things have been *crazy* busy for me over here in blog la land so I apologize for not posting in a while...I have a lot of catching up to do since I have been TAGGED *twice* by Jess and I haven't done my Stitch Marker Swap info yet. Later, I swear...

One of the greatest people on the planet and my dear friend Bruce was visiting from Ohio and while I was waiting for his train to come into the station I worked up a ribbed hat real quick for him but then was so caught up in our visit that I didn't photograph the hat. Argh. So, I made a ladies version and here it is...

Ok, the picture is rediculous but it's summer here, it's hot, the windows are open, and my neighbor was having a sneezing fit that was so long and loud it was impossible for my DH to take a good picture because I couldn't stop laughing. Tomorrow I am tagging along with Jess and her knitting family. We're heading off to WEBS in NoHo. I can't wait. It's been three weeks since I have been in a yarn store (Not counting Michael's or Joanne's) and I am suffering over here. Suffering I tell ya. Make it all better Webs, pleease...

Happy Birthday Jess!

2005-07-15T07:53:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a magical year filled with creativity, joy, and wonder!