Monkey Man

Love This Face
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

We had a great Halloween and hope you did too!

My Favorite Dress

Butterick 4790
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

This is yet ANOTHER Butterick "whirl away" dress. I adore this dress and wish it fit my post pregnancy body. Hopefully it will fit again...soon? If you haven't tried this pattern yet, I would say you definitely should. The only problems with this pattern are that sometimes the front likes to "fly up" because there's really no substance to that piece. Drapery weights sewn into the corners will keep that from happening, and you won't even see the little lumps because of the wrap around from the back. Also, the shoulder seams are under a LOT of strain, so make sure you reinforce them well. The end product though is gorgeous and so much fun to wear.

The Party's Over

Lashes
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

Owen crawled for the first time today. Like 15 minutes ago! The camera is lost, and so no pic yet, but I got it on video. He's worn out now, so thought I'd share. (new moms are so annoying, yes?)

Back From Colorado

Sunglasses
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

Well, we're finally back, after being "stuck" out there for an additional week! We not only survived, but actually ended up having a little fun too! Owen got to see Estes Park, and looked super cute in his shades. Now that we've got every loose end from Colorado tied up, we can get back to establishing our life in Delaware. YAY! (and knitting, of course!)

You're taking me, right?

you're taking me, right?
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

Yes, we are actually going to make it to Colorado this time! We're leaving this Sunday and will return in 2 weeks. Owen's helping me pack and we hope to have a safe journey.

Meme

I found this at www.sweetjessie.com and thought it was cute.
The goal is one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? non-existent
2. Your significant other? unknown
3. Your hair? dirty
4. Your mother? naive
5. Your father? busy
6. Your favorite thing? fiber
7. Your dream last night? quiet
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal? strength
10. The room you’re in? kitchen
11. Your church? nature
12. Your fear? snow
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
14. Where were you last night? here
15. What you’re not? hip
16. Muffins? lemon
17. One of your wish list items? serger
18. Where you grew up? california
19. The last thing you did? diaper
20. What are you wearing? color
21. Your TV? exterminated
22. Your pets? creepy
23. Your computer? addictive
24. Your life? drama
25. Your mood? positive
26. Missing someone? robyn
27. Your car? yuppie
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? etsy!!!
30. Your summer? beach
31. Like(love) someone? owen
32. Your favorite color? vibrant
33. Last time you laughed? constantly
34. Last time you cried? today
35. Who will repost this? nobody

Traveling Again

At the Airport
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

We'll be headed back to Colorado within a week. Wish us luck so that we make it out of there safely again Real Soon! Fortunately, I have a trooper of a little man as my traveling companion.

Portofino

Portofino Trim
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

Portofino by Dolce Handknits. You can see the pattern here - http://www.dolcehandknits.com/collection_spsu.html#Portofino I made this sweater twice actually - the first time it turned out extremely large, so I reknit it and Success! My first project with yarnovers not to mention the first thing in cotton that I knit that didn't look like a hoofed animal had knit it. I used Cascade Sierra, and love this project - even if my gauge made this knit take twice as long as it should have. I found my poor neglected Portofino sweater at my mom's house in a box of things I hastily left without last summer when my friend John and I took off at the very last second for a trip across the country. I have missed it so, and can't wait till I can fit into it again.

Wash Up

It washes of course
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

So I'm visiting my mom's house and I found this little guy in the bathroom. I had forgotten all about him and his friends. I knitted these for my parents when they moved to the beach. I used a pattern from "America Knits" which was for a purse, but knitting only one side resulted in these cute little scrubbies. I used Classic Elite Flash on size 7 needles. Although you can't tell in this photo, the yarn is mottled which lends to an even more authentic starfish look. I know they're sort of small for washcloth, but they're just darling and they scrub well. If anyone else is super ocean obsessed like me, I strongly suggest you make a starfish for yourself. It's a super easy, quick, and charming knit.

New Start

I'm in Delaware now, and really looking forward to the next chapter of my life. I'm definitely focusing on a more positive attitude for the future. Thanks to everyone who helped me through that horrible time. I am more grateful than you could ever imagine.

Awesome Baby

IMG_1588
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

Isn't this a knitting blog? Yes, but that FACE! I am in love.

My favorite smile

My favorite smile
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

Isn't he the CUTEST? Just had to share that smile. It makes my heart burst!

First Cables

First Cables
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

Here's my version of "Platinum" by Lucinda Heller. Not the greatest photo, but it came out pretty well especially for my first time attempting cables. It was a relatively easy and straightforward pattern. My one complaint would be how extremely short it is. Now that I am nursing, it's even shorter than is supposed to be, so I can't complain too much; it's not the pattern's fault. Still, most people would probably want to add length to this if they were going to make it. Looks cute with a cami under it though.

I'm Still Here...Just a Little Sleep Deprived

The baby is here, and he's gorgeous! I didn't know the amount of love I feel existed. Will blog very soon.

Bleck

IMG_1196
Originally uploaded by nihonnofx

HEY! So, while cleaning up today I came across one of the sweaters I made. I thought I'd share since it's extra ugly level will instill in anyone who sees it utter confidence that they are a far superior knitter to me. Do you remember the 2005/2006 Winter issue of Vogue knitting? Do you remember the cute little sweater that could be worn either as a cowl neck, or upside down? Do you remember thinking how great, innovative, and adorable it was? Do you remember starting it only to find out that the pattern was horrible to follow, and made little to no sense? Do you remember putting the project down or getting the errata? I did neither of those two things, and am now greatly regretting the waste of my scrumptious chunky al yarn. I know it's hard to imagine, but I used to be a lot skinnier. That made no difference. This sweater is crap. I don't know many people who like the look of their 1x1 rib, and to make a WHOLE sweater out of this unforgiving looking stitch pattern was the first mistake. What was I thinking? I do have to give myself a congrats though for figuring out the finishing on my own. It was pretty confusing. Enjoy the horrid photo! I think my face expresses how pleased I am with this knit.

Not Much Going On

Still knitting, although a lot more slowly than I had been. The purple cardigan is going well, but everything else has been put to the side for a minute. I bought yarn to finally jump on to the endpaper mitts wagon after seeing them in person and deciding that Yes! I did need a pair. I will be knitting them for my mom however. I found two new shops in Denver (new to me, not new to the world) and loved them both for different things. The first one is Posh - they were having a 40% off sale when we went in and we of course were unable to resist. I left with Classic Al from Elsebeth Lavold in black for my sister - the only color she's ever known to wear - as well as Louet Gems to make the Endpaper Mitts with - eggplant and aqua. The boy left with 8 balls of mohair which is quickly becoming his new obsession. I don't mind though, cause that's more lacy shrugs for me to wear! The second shop we checked out is Fancy Tiger which was really cute felt young yet cozy. We thought it was endearing that they had a craft night each week and will probably stop by when we're in Denver for the day. They also sell fabric, though I won't be needing any more fabric till after the apocalypse. They had a sample of pointy kitty on display, and I fell instantly in love. I had already wanted to make one, but after seeing it in person, rushed home to print out the pattern. (http://weewonderfuls.typepad.com/wee_wonderfuls/store/pointykitty.html) GOOD STUFF! The baby will be here in about 2 weeks if he's on time, so don't expect too much more knitting news for a short while.

Here's What I'm Currently Working On

So I said that I would post pictures of what I had completed since starting to knit, yet having a pregnant body has resulted in 90% of my clothing in boxes, (especially anything I've knit or sewn - no stretching all that work) and when you're 8 months pregnant, digging through boxes of clothing that you can't wear really doesn't sound appealing. Therefore, I will post what I'm currently working on (and am hoping will fit me one day in the near future)



Excuse the "crumpliness" (it's a word if I use it as one) I have a terrible crippling fear of dropping stitches, and did not want to risk smoothing it out right off the needles. (that is something I've done before)
That purple pile will soon be this -



Knitting Pure and Simple's "Neckdown Scoop Neck Cardigan (pattern 278) I love love LOVE these patterns! I love that they are made in one piece and that I can actually understand them without any problems. Also, my gauge is perfectly on on this one. That NEVER happens. I usually THINK I have gauge, then start a sweater and get halfway done just to realize that the sweater I'm knitting could fit a gorilla. Then I get to go back and start all over! Not with this one though. Even though stockinette can get a little "boring" to knit, I love having simple, plain looking staples that I know can go with whatever the heck I happen to be wearing - which can be anything from a pair of patchwork jeans to an 80's prom dress. You just never know.

I'm also working on this:



It's the cover hoodie from Paton's Street Smart Booklet. I love it and figured it would keep me from stockinette coma. I can switch between projects when I need to! I know that most people tend to despise orange, especially burnt orange, but I think it's tops.

Lastly I'm working on the Two Tone Shrug from Fitted Knits.



I had originally wanted to make it out of blood orange and plum orphans of Cascade 220, but found that my shoulder measurement required 2 skeins. I figured with my luck and gauge silliness I just might be able to make it out of one anyway. This green one will be my gauge swatch so to speak. Cross your fingers for me!

Oh yeah....lookie what I found on sale!



LOVE. This. Yarn.

Happy knitting, sewing, and living!

Details

Okay, so my crafting post wasn't very detailed and I thought I'd fix that. The strawberry purse was made from a pattern found in Interweave's Knitscene from Spring 2007 issue. I used Lamb's Pride Worsted instead of the recommended Cascade 220 just cause I thought the color choices looked more "strawberry like". The pattern suggests that you use a different strand for each seed, but I of course didn't forsee weaving in all those ends as something I would ever do, so I did "stranded" knitting. This was the first color knitting I have tried. All my previous knitting was either solid or simply striped and I was amazed at how simple this was. The strands though have left me in DIRE need of lining. I have the material, (red gingham) just not the desire. For no good reason, I am dreading lining this thing. I know that once I do it, it will be quick, easy, and go well, but in my head, the prospect of it just seems like a horrible troll looming over me. (yes, I have issues).

As for the horse, the pattern V7760 by Vogue. (He stands about 11 inches high) The pattern was SUPER easy and I had this little guy all stuffed and ready to go within an hour. I love quick projects, and I love that this was not only quick, but also came out looking great. Plus, he was made from remnants of sale polyester fleece and he barely used the "required" amount since fleece is so super wide. Since the fleece was both on sale, AND remnanted, it cost less than 2.50 and I used fiber fill from my stash so this was a cheap project to boot!

Oh Yeah...

We're having a baby boy. He's due on Valentine's Day. He will rock!

I'm Getting Better!

So, I've been knitting on and off while ignoring this blog, and I have to say that I've gotten braver. I'm willing to try things now without feeling like a total goober when they don't work out. After all, that's how you learn! I've made a (horrendous) sweater from Vogue Knitting - this was not entirely MY fault though. The pattern really was wonky and such. I will take responsibility for some uneven stitches though! I've also made a top down raglan v-neck from knitting pure and simple (LOVE these patterns - they are easy to follow, most are made in one piece to avoid annoying mattress stitching, and they are basically cute). I've also made 2 short sleeve sweaters; one with cables out of wool - (I know. Wool and short sleeves don't mix well. Big duh to me) - the other is really cute with lace trim in Sierra by Cascade. I will have to post pictures soon. The two short sleeved sweaters are currently on the east coast though, so those will have to wait. I did get some non-garment knitting done too. I made this adorable purse for a friend, and then neglected to get around to lining it, so here it sits pathetically awaiting it's new home once I motivate. Here's a picture of the purse. I also got some sewing done before getting ill. My horse! Isn't he the cutest? He was made from a Vogue pattern. I didn't include eyes cause I didn't want them to be a choking hazard for the baby. Hopefully he'll get lots of love.

I am LAME!

I haven't posted here in forever. There are many reasons. Hopefully, this year will see my blog actually being used! Here's to hoping.