Friday, January 28, 2005

Love hate relationships

Just in case you are wondering, I am not gonna talk about BGR (boy gal relationships). C'mon, I am too old for that. Instead, the topic relates to my current state.

Below is a non-fiber content post....it's about my nose
Hate:
Lately I've been having a problematic nose which magically stuffs up in the evenings. Not only that, my eyes have been reddened, itchy and really dry. Now, I do have rhinitis. (For those who are not into gross details, just scroll all the way down. I don't want to freak you out and have you avoid my blog forever.)

Whenever I get out from an air-conditioned room to the warm outdoors*, I will involuntarily start sneezing a couple of times before I get *acclimatized*. I am always the one to be armed with packets of tissue paper in view of my sniffy nose. Every few months or so, I end up being put on an antibiotics course to clear my nose.

Love:
The irony is: the whole time when I was in China, I barely had this problem. My family doctor suggested that perhaps it's the humidity that makes me more prone to allergic reactions as the air is more laden with dust and such. She joked that I should consider moving overseas permanently; anywhere as long as it has 4 seasons so that I can be free of the problem. What a great idea - no more stuffed nose and itchy eyes to deal with! Moreover, I would have a fantastic reason to knit more!

I think I should subtly clue hubby onto this great plan. Failing which, perhaps I should offer my services as the temperature sensor or dust detector?

Thesis writing update: Starting to write
Hate: I've just started writing my thesis... still sloooooooow start. Yes, and I do realize that I first told you all about on my Jan 05 post. That's just about 20 days right? It's not too slow, isn't it? (*Crossing* my fingers nervously and almost twisting them in the process.) Hopefully the engines will go purring soon!

Love:
Ms Saffron is sulking at the corner because I have been avoiding her deliberately for the past few days. And it's not her fault. Knitting is like a drug -- once you get hooked (pun intended), you can't get off!

Getting RAOKed
Hate: To be revealed tomorrow as I haven't got time to take a photo earlier.
Love: It came from a good buddy, Siow Chin.


From my comments:
Hi, just stopping by to say Hi. I'm a knitter right here in S'pore.erin

Hi erin, I am just so glad to have you here! Perhaps you could drop me an email at dur30catATyahooDOTcom or join us at the upcoming Knitting meetup on Feb 05? For details, just click on the Knitting Meetup button in the right hand bar.

*By the way, Singapore's weather has gone normal so no more sweater wearing. I've put most of mine away.

Monday, January 24, 2005

My blog is pink and so is Hello Kitty

Seeing Siow Chin and Froggy joining the Hello Kitty Knitalong, I just had to see what's the fuss all about.

CUTE! Olsofia has an entire outfit designed and it's mostly pink and white! That kind of colours, I think I can find some in my stash. Else, I would work it in non-badge colors; I have a fair bit of pastel color yarns too.

Another way to use up stash! Whoopee! Did I just mention that I am joining as well?

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Learning new tricks

What do you blog when your current project is still making slow progress?
Why, I'm gonna talk about what I've learnt from the last few projects.

1. Handling fairisle
For the first time in 9 years. I had that initial fairisle draw-in problems on the 2 cuffs I knitted so I am just gonna cut the stranding inside apart and tie knots *gasp!* so that my hands will go through nicely. And I'll just move on. Enough said.

2. Grafting
Hmm...many a times when I encountered mistakes several rows back, I'll just go the easy route -> frog. But Ms Saffron taught me a good lesson. Grafting doesn't have to be scary. Just go slow, and oh, make sure you have visual step-by-step guide laid out in front of you for easy reference.

3. Knitting the sleeves first
Not only does it allow you to do gauge, knitting both sleeves first kinda make finish line sprinting much easier. [Afterall, it's the front and back pieces left.] You just get over with the repetitive stuff all over with first.

4. Knitting backwards
Again, Ms Saffron is a kind teacher who let me into knitting backwards. The 26 row chart repeat is easy to execute but also requires me to watch the patterning front and back. So backward knitting is the best way to go.

5. Knitting American and continental
When Lily Chin was in Singapore, she's kind enough to show me how to knit American (finger throwing method) . I was always throwing yarn with my thumb and forefinger, you know, leaving the entire right portion dangling temporarily when I execute the stitches manovuers. And again, Ms Saffron is boring interesting enough to allow me to learn these new techniques. Continental knitting still leaves me a little frustrated but let's see how.

Well, that's quite a fair bit of new techniques and tricks I've picked up. I am looking forward to try felting, steeking and using 2 circular needles to knit in the round sometime soon!


Alison's starting a new fix-a-thon for February. How timely, given my recent post of getting around to my WIPs. Sounds like something that I need to get enrolled on huh? I am still thinking....

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Reviewing my Manly sweaters

What do ya know? These few days, I pulled out the 2 sweaters that I made for hubby previously.

This is the first sweater I did for hubby. It was from an old Filatura de Crosa magazine. My 3rd* knitting sweater since I began knitting.

His Zigzag sweater
This was a jinxed sweater. When knitting it, I cursed and sweared am in peace. Original pattern was a dropped stitch allover pattern. It turned out humongous...large enough for then boyfriend, now hubby to hide a chicken under. Then tore it all apart and re-knitted: too small. Eventually, we both decided that I should drop this pattern. Hence, this sweater was born. Zig-ziglar! It's simple knit/purl with charted zigzag all over. For something similar, see here.

I even had to knit extra inch of side seams before putting the front and back together. Fast forward 9 years, I see all the blunders and imperfections...
1. Uneven collar finishing
2. Over-picking of stitches around collar
3. Different dyelots!
-> This is the killer, makes me wanna cry! I didn't figure this one out until the 3rd time round and there is no f%&^#ing way that I would have ripped it all out again! Thank god I was working with linen so it did soften with the re-tries.

His Garter sweater
This next piece is from the Rowan magazine. On the male model it looks fabulous but I sure wasn't thinking when I knitted up the piece for now hubby. Of coz all the married women out there know that most men will start to grow their happy bellies after marriage. I do know now, of course. Perhaps garter side to side (i.e. vertical lines) would flatter him?

And of course, it is too hot for Singapore's weather. (Sigh) Why am I still knitting him more? I had a 3rd one made for him early this year while I was still in China. But have no access to it now as it's buried somewhere in one of the 12 cartons that moved in home with me to Singapore.

Now having seen my stash, hubby is courteously reminding me that I could perhaps knit with those "fine threads, you know those like 2-3 sewing threads put together" so that it can be worn suitably in Singapore's climate. Harlow darling, are you expecting me to knit 10 stitches to an inch with 1.5mm needles (which I don't have)? And cast on 500 stitches to start with? I think I will lie down for a while and knit that in my dream...

And NO, I didn't hear about the sweater curse when I first started out. Else I would have hesitated making one for him!

* First one was for myself which I eventually ripped. (The damn sleeves were 2 inches off each other! Talk about bad tension.) 2nd piece was a lacey one for Mum. Must remember to take a photo and post next time.

Sunday, January 16, 2005

Finishing is a good ole' feeling

Yeah, it really is. For the second day in a row, I have completed another WIP. It's my duo-tone blouse. Here is it.

And here's 2 recent FOs that I have yet uploaded to my photo albums.

Hoodie pullover with front pouch
First, a hoodie pullover that's finally being put together, after being a 3 yr old UFO! I came to realize why I took that long to finish her. It's one of those case of "oops, I did it again!" (buying short of the required skeins) -- in the end, I had to finish the sleeves in a completely different dyelot. It took me some time to get over the fact that I didn't want to rip and accept that different colored sleeves can be design features too. (but I made sure that I started the ribbed cuffs with the same body color to ensure consistency)



It came out the way I wanted, big and comfy; for my younger sis. For an acrylic yarn, this is surely very warm! Hopefully it will turn out soft after washing. There is a front pouch, in case it didn't turn out clearly in the picture. It's supposed to be a tad lighter in actual.

Pattern specs: UK Woman's Weekly, done on 12 ply 100g Magnum yarn. Took about 4 balls.


Duo-tone shell done!
That's the other one that was completed just yesterday. It's mainly knit stitches with some garter rows thrown in. Comes with a moss stitch border and has side spilts. Managed to block the armhole crochet finishing a little today by just hot-pressing using the iron.


I am sure you have heard this previously. I took this pattern from a baby/kids book, thinking that I would whip it up as a b'day present for my friend's 3 yr old son. But when I am done, I was horrified to see that I could *actually* wear it myself! Yeah...in case you laughed, I am on the waify side: in-born, not deliberate. I wear a Mango size 4. So it became something for me. That kid got a knitted something else. :)

Pattern specs: From some baby/kid's book, knitted from Sirdar Primavera @ 50g, 125m each. I think I used 3 balls.

I still have about 2+ odd balls of this (in both colors) left. Any suggestions on how I could use it?

On the comments
Thank you all so much for your kind comments on Brownie. She's getting so happy as she's sitting next to the laptop, peering onto the screen.

If anyone's interested, she's made from 8ply 100g ball Magnum yarn, and is from Jean Greenhowe's Traditional Favorites.

And she also wants to say hi and welcome to all visitors, it was fantastic reading the map to know that we are truly becoming a global village as almost everyone's signing in from all over the world!

Pioggia asked:
"I'm surprised you only used up one ball for the two fronts of your (Saffron) sweater. How many ounces per ball do you get?"

The yarn I am using is Sirdar Pure Cotton 4 ply. It comes as 100g ball with 370 yrds or 338 m approximate. I am making the cardigan to a 33" bust size fit.

Oh, and did I mention I learnt grafting the other day? On the first sleeve I started, nonetheless. Apparently Rowan has a habit of teaching people, as per the chart, Row 1: Knit, Row 2: purl. Then follow chart as set out. Err....I know that, but I musta been dreaming as I knitted that 2 extra rows, then embarked on the chart. What a twit! But thanks to the Interweave Fall 2004 issue (in which FBS is featured), I quickly consulted the grafting article and did it!

Very scary for a newbie! Yeah, knitted for 9 years and never really done grafting. My first ever attempt was 2 yrs ago on a diamond lace pattern which failed miserably and now this.

Glad it's over but I am sure when grafting need arises again, I need more chocolate! I finished an entire Valrhona bar during the session!

Friday, January 14, 2005

An FO!

Little Brownie is done.


Actually she's not so little as I could snuggle her in my arms just like any gal would. She's gonna be named Brownie becoz of her color and more importantly, reminds me of the tingle of happiness one gets when chomping on brownie cookies. (yum!) I think I'll dress her up a bit with a blue ribbon later. Now, I can finally put my Bear-Along as one down.

Ms Saffron debuts
Apart from that, Ms Saffron makes her debut appearance as well.
Another of those good yardage yarn, I say. It's only been a ball of Sirdar 4ply cotton so far -- with 2 fronts and the backpiece barely an inch. I think it would go well.

A pleasant surprise
Yeah, got news that my galfriend is having a baby. She's going to the gynae to confirm this weekend. So a baby garment is in the works? I think I'll just hold the thought.

I showed her Saffron and she loved the color. Did I mention she loves lilac? Perhaps a shawl is in order...when Ms Saffron is complete.

On the renovation front
Nothing exciting going on. Still getting some quotations. Previewing another designer's showflat to see their worksmanship this weekend.


Ok, I am out. Going downtown to meet a coursemate who has just given birth.

It's just one of those things in life. There'll be a phase where a flurry of weddings invites get into your mailbox so fast and furious, and then interspersed with baby arrival announcements.

Durh... I am glad I am just concentrating on home renovations at the moment.

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Slowly but surely

Yup. I am making slow progress on the Saffron. Left front's done; now still on right -- it's taking a while as I was doubling over in bed due to a stomach virus for the past few days.

But I am better now. In fact, I made it to another of our monthly Meetup earlier this afternoon in the Library Cafe.

January 2005 Knitting Meetup
Seems like most of the members still can't make it. Cara came up with a brilliant idea to set up her iBook to autorun some meetup snippets and quotes etc. I brought along some WIPs (gasp!)and FOs to show.

Only one brave soul came up and chatted to us. That's just about it. Not bad for starters.

Then I spied another at the knitting shelf browsing. She was on the 'learning to knit' page. I invited her to come up and join us but she just keeps declining. Funny how people sometimes feel that they so imposed themselves on you and reject your gesture of kindness when you do really want to offer help? Durh...

Perhaps what we really need is high traffic area.

In the comments,
Laura says, "coming up to Singapore for CNY would love to join one of your knit meets if possible."
Sure Laura! I'll be happy to catch up anytime!

Stella also mentioned, "I made it & I like wearing it though it took me forever to finish it. "
I think it's gonna be an uphill battle...I mean, a cardi is made up of 5 pieces! I'm sure I'll get to the destination eventually. :)

WIPs Busting List
While having more time to myself lately, I've gotten my act together and put together a quick immediate list of WIPs to get on and over with.

1. The teddy bear
I brought it along to meetup, knowing that seaming party could be made less painful with another being participating in a similar act with me simultaneously...hi Cara!

2. The blue fairisle top
Two inches to be added to both sleeves, followed by a sleeves to body seaming and that'll be it!

3. Duo-tone blouse
With armholes to be neatened by crocheting.

4. Baby dress
Remember that solomon's knotting?

5. FBS
Others are joining the FBS Redux but I think I will just hold back on joining another KAL. Instead, I will take some time to untink and add more repeats to it.

Ms Saffron is just gonna be in my tote-along bag as it's so light and portable.

I have to really cross and twist my fingers real hard I dun start on something new again before all these. Mariah's an exception.

Oh, and did I mention how glad I be part of ROAK?

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Here's what I've been up to.

Self-reflection.

Just as we are all looking forward to a new smashing 2005, *smashing* indeed it was; brought on by the tsunami that has caught everyone off guard. Especially since it's happened in the Asian region, it has really hit me how much I have been taking people around me (my loved ones, my friends who care about me) for granted. Life's too fragile and unpredictable. Do take time out to show your gesture of love, care and kindness today.

Also, do send some well wishes and good thoughts to those caught in this crisis. Some donations wherever possible will help too.

There is no such thing as too much love.

Enuff said.


Welcoming the new year, stash organization
Hubby's commented that I have seemingly more and more yarn since I've been back in town. Right, when one stays in a 900+ sq ft apartment alone, those stash doesn't seem to be that prominent in terms of space occupancy right?

Well, they are falling left and right and spilling over from the bags, like mini avalanches waiting to happen. So some ziplock bags and packing, the scene is more serene. But this is only for those in the visible areas. Wait till we move to our own apartment! Lily Chin's idea of hanging yarn bags outside the windows does seem like a viable solution. ROFL.

As long as I organize the stash, there is always more room for it right?

A FO to be....my blue top
On the knitting front, the blue top body is done. When I tried the sleeves though (yes, I do defy standard norms and sew sleeve side seams first), they seem a little short -- 2 INCHES! Well, nothing to do with the pattern, I am long limbed (read: not proportionate)...perhaps the ancestral chimpanzee DNAs happen to be more pronounced in my body. LOL! So is hubby!

So I will need to re-knit the sleeve caps again before joining it. This is also gonna be one hell of a skin-tight garment. No dancing wildly and exaggerating moves in this one.

New projects
You gals will know that I am forever embarking on new projects. I am decidedly a process knitter. Bought some Sirdar Pure Cotton 4 ply. Intended on working a shawl with the fine gauge (28 sts by 36 rows on 3.25mm needles) but decided that a Rowan cardi named Saffron* in Issue 25 works in my favor too.



At the same time, I am also trying to slip into my new lifestyle --
The third day of no work!
Can you believe that I am actually up awake earlier this past few days? It's a sign and I am glad that I am in *no work* mode for a short hiatus. Am intending to take a 3 month breather to work on my Masers thesis.

Ok, this is now PUBLIC people, so please heckle and prod me to get started on it. I have a deadline by end May!

For those interested in the details, I started embarking on this distance-learning self-study degree in 1999. And completed all required coursework by 2001 before I headed to China for a job posting for 2.5 years. Returned to Singapore just this July and still got no headway with my thesis.

So decided a *proper time-off* is the only way for me to do this.
No excuses of overtime, tiredness from work, stress or jet-lag.
Nada, ziltch, zero.

So gals, if you see me chilling out too unnecessarily, please yank me off my butt to get back to the books!
This week is an exception of coz, this gal's got to do some lifestyle adjustment.

Otherwise, there is no way I will be able to justify my 25k investment.


*Lazy to get my camera out. Will get you photos in the next couple of days.