tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70855745179089254432023-11-16T04:38:00.263+11:00Yarn versus ZombiesOne cat, one knitter, one zombie apocalypse in the makingKikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-2378410297154766122013-06-05T03:08:00.000+10:002013-06-05T03:08:00.782+10:00September mini skeins themes announced!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_SHyBrTRn4/Ua0wHc07djI/AAAAAAAAC6k/jVBr3GyTsME/s1600/IMG_3833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_SHyBrTRn4/Ua0wHc07djI/AAAAAAAAC6k/jVBr3GyTsME/s200/IMG_3833.JPG" width="200" /></a>Mini skeins have been greatly popular with you guys, so I'll keep doing them!<br />
<br />
<br />
September's geeky theme is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/150571416/september-minis-buffyverse-10-sock-yarn" target="_blank">Buffyverse</a>. Vampires, demons, witches and watchers, and even a musical number! Get ready to saly some non-sparkly bad guys.<br />
<br />
September's travel theme is geocaching. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/150572457/september-minis-geocaching-10-sock-yarn" target="_blank">Geocaching </a>is a world-wide, GPS-based treasure hunting game. So bring your hiking boots and prepare to look for a small box or container of trinkets... anywhere.Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-81087631865834409912013-06-04T09:56:00.000+10:002013-06-04T09:56:13.976+10:00Shop Update 4/6/13 - A little bit of everythingIt's been a busy week here at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/yarnvszombies" target="_blank">Yarn vs Zombies</a>.<br />Club yarns have taken over my house, and custom orders for Tour de Fleece as well as my limited edition anniversary skeins are waiting in the wings.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajpLlgCDNek/Ua0s_fowOhI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/OmAOyVFAigU/s1600/update-4-6-13-c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajpLlgCDNek/Ua0s_fowOhI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/OmAOyVFAigU/s200/update-4-6-13-c.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
But don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you!<br />
This week's shop update has a little bit of everything. Gradients and self-striping, wildly variegated and subtly tonal. Cotton and wool. Geeky and classic.<br />
I really hope you find something you love!<br />
<br />
<br />And don't forget. Tour de Fleece is coming. Whether you're a new spinner or have miles of experience, make sure you've got some fun fibres ready to play. There are still some <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/yarnvszombies?section_id=11771276" target="_blank">Zombie Bites</a> up for grabs in the shop, if you'd like to sample a variety and find a new spinning favourite.<br />
Do you have Tour de Fleece plans? Let me know!Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-82787126684622621782013-05-17T21:56:00.000+10:002013-05-17T21:56:00.103+10:00It's cold outside. Go knit a sweater. Or two.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YN6oxgOf6c/UZSCUSfgboI/AAAAAAAAC5g/JorLRNL4F_I/s1600/geodesic+cute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YN6oxgOf6c/UZSCUSfgboI/AAAAAAAAC5g/JorLRNL4F_I/s200/geodesic+cute.JPG" width="132" /></a>Last year, I wasn't a garment knitter. I was all about the socks and mitts and hats. 2012 was also the year of shawls for me.<br />
<br />
Then this year? Bam! I got hit by the garment hammer of Cast On All The Things!<br />
I can kind of see what it is. When I started as a knitter, I could only afford single skeins of anything. You can make a whole project out of one skein of exquisitely beautiful sock yarn. Your investment was much smaller.<br />
Even if you screwed it up, you hadn't invested a lot of time or money.<br />
Instant gratification.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCDe3OfJyJ0/UZSCMdPL3jI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/RzY23_8iQ7w/s1600/IMG_5304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCDe3OfJyJ0/UZSCMdPL3jI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/RzY23_8iQ7w/s200/IMG_5304.JPG" width="200" /></a>But really, how many shawls can one girl need? Especially with the weather we're having.<br />
I love shawls, don't get me wrong, but I might have reached shawl saturation. For now.<br />
<br />
Side note: <i>I still don't have enough socks.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8w84mSDxng/UZSCWJ56i4I/AAAAAAAAC5o/Q0A_bmD3nHI/s1600/noro+tee+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8w84mSDxng/UZSCWJ56i4I/AAAAAAAAC5o/Q0A_bmD3nHI/s200/noro+tee+back.JPG" width="148" /></a>So I was going to try it. A nice transitional pullover, knit out of cotton. I fell in love with the way <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sazerac-pullover" target="_blank">Sazerac </a>was modeled, and I had to have it. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarn-vs-zombies/sazerac-pullover" target="_blank">So I made one</a>. And I love it. It's fabulous, and the cotton yarn is fingering weight, light enough to not be bent out of shape yet.<br />
<br />
Then I made another cotton pullover, this time short-sleeved.<br />
Then a Wollmeise cardigan. Then one with all-over lace. And a mystery sweater. And a lace cardigan.<br />
<br />
Then I cast on a big, cushy <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarn-vs-zombies/pelotonner" target="_blank">pullover </a>out of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/yarn-vs-zombies-tails" target="_blank">Tails DK</a>, the squishy, cloud-like singles yarn I stock in my shop, in a colour I've been trying to create fora while, a deep red with black overtones.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qfT12viQh9s/UZSB63df0-I/AAAAAAAAC5I/1C-kcueHvv4/s1600/pelotonner+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qfT12viQh9s/UZSB63df0-I/AAAAAAAAC5I/1C-kcueHvv4/s200/pelotonner+detail.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
And then I cast on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarn-vs-zombies/sambuca" target="_blank">Sambuca</a>, my latest obsession. It crept up on me. I bought the yarn in the backroom of Bendigo Woollen Mills, just to play with it. It's just a grey DK wool, non-superwash, how good could it be?<br />
Pretty great, actually. I love everything about this wool. I'm going to add Noro to this project, because knitting with Noro pretty much guarantees I will love this pullover forever.<br />
I'm even adding some shaping to it.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICFIoQT1m-k/UZSB8pnybHI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/RtUm4RPNAPE/s1600/sambuca+yoke.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICFIoQT1m-k/UZSB8pnybHI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/RtUm4RPNAPE/s200/sambuca+yoke.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
How will all of this turn out? Who knows? But I'm loving the journey.<br />
<br />
Are you a garment knitter? Or do you prefer accessories? Or something else?<br />
Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-78133034191961215072013-05-16T16:44:00.001+10:002013-05-16T16:44:29.288+10:00World Traveller Club: AprilBy now, everyone in the World Traveller Club should have received their April shipment, and the may shipments are well on their way.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIlmvqzm5sY/UZSAGz96EdI/AAAAAAAAC4w/2APiE83OjEM/s1600/AlpsWilderness1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIlmvqzm5sY/UZSAGz96EdI/AAAAAAAAC4w/2APiE83OjEM/s200/AlpsWilderness1.jpg" width="200" /></a>I had great fun picking the theme for the inaugural trip. After all, the first trip will set the tone for your entire voyage!<br />
<br />
So for our first trip together, I wanted to take everyone to a region close by that is near and dear to my heart: The Australia Alps.<br />
We're getting ready for our wintersport season, such as it is, so this area has been on my mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTjE8l2zbzQ/UZSAED6x5vI/AAAAAAAAC4g/rcU__82JpXc/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTjE8l2zbzQ/UZSAED6x5vI/AAAAAAAAC4g/rcU__82JpXc/s200/IMG_5105.JPG" width="200" /></a>The Australian Alps consists of two
biogeographic subregions: the Snowy Mountains including the
Brindabella Ranges, located in New South Wales and the Australian
Capital Territory; and the Victorian Alps, located in Victoria. The
latter region is also known as the "High Country",
particularly within a cultural or historical context.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNzSjuDTpwk/UZSAGZpo8GI/AAAAAAAAC4o/2tHNN24_BgQ/s1600/harrietville+bushfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNzSjuDTpwk/UZSAGZpo8GI/AAAAAAAAC4o/2tHNN24_BgQ/s200/harrietville+bushfire.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
While I mainly visit the alpine region in winter, there are many gorgeous things to do there in summer. It's dry and has a stark beauty all of its own. but that dryness comes with an ever-present danger: Bushfires.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In 2009, the bushfires were so devastating and
widespread, they are now known as the Black Saturday fires.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Just this summer, fires raged around
the mountains almost all the way to the peaks. The images from those
fires were striking. I was planning the club colours during that time
and I could smell the smoke. I wanted to do something that reflected
what was reality in our area.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The variegated colourway for this month
was inspired by photos of yellow and orange fires and billowing
blue-grey smoke against a deep blue sky.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K5mWUSPEPFQ/UZSAHLhbGXI/AAAAAAAAC40/2Wal5EpeeSo/s1600/pygmy-possum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K5mWUSPEPFQ/UZSAHLhbGXI/AAAAAAAAC40/2Wal5EpeeSo/s200/pygmy-possum.jpg" width="200" /></a>The tonal colour is inspired by the
Pygmy Possum, a tiny marsupial native to only the Victorian Alps, and
whose already small habitat was vastly decreased due to the fires.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21yF9D6mETw/UZSAC652uKI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/q5hIxRR_nsA/s1600/IMG_5103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21yF9D6mETw/UZSAC652uKI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/q5hIxRR_nsA/s200/IMG_5103.JPG" width="200" /></a>And there you have it. Our April trip. May travellers will be going somewhere different, and then it's time for our April travellers to pack their bags and hop on a virtual plane to somewhere completely different.</div>
Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-73054826325064334632013-05-08T23:54:00.000+10:002013-05-08T23:54:00.283+10:00Tramontane<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGEovfzp34s/UYnaEmFCNQI/AAAAAAAAC30/QSTkj3nX5MY/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGEovfzp34s/UYnaEmFCNQI/AAAAAAAAC30/QSTkj3nX5MY/s200/IMG_1459.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Some time last year, I had this idea for a hat. I wanted something slouchy and slightly lacy. Something out of thin yarn I could wear for the in-between months of the year.<br />
Something more cute than functional, but still useful.<br />
<br />
Thus, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Would%20you%20like%20a%20free%20beret?%20Use%20coupon%20code%20%22first-free%22%20on%20this.http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarn-vs-zombies/tramontane-beret" target="_blank">Tramontane </a>was born. You can get it on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tramontane-beret" target="_blank">Ravelry </a>here! And until the end of May, you can get it for free with coupon code "<i>first-free</i>".<br />
Tramontane combines an asymmetrical brim with playful lace and smooth crown decreases. You can make it more or less slouchy, depending on your needs and wants.<br />
I love this hat and wear it all the time! In summer, I scoot it back for more of a face-framing accessory, while in spring and autumn, I pull it forward for a loose-fitting beanie-beret cross.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQNB1rGmfsI/UYnaFYdMjpI/AAAAAAAAC38/BTyhTLSfjA8/s1600/tramontane+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQNB1rGmfsI/UYnaFYdMjpI/AAAAAAAAC38/BTyhTLSfjA8/s200/tramontane+bay.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O2Di57Ioimc/UYnaHdq5H3I/AAAAAAAAC4E/29nsfYfU2os/s1600/tramontane+left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O2Di57Ioimc/UYnaHdq5H3I/AAAAAAAAC4E/29nsfYfU2os/s200/tramontane+left.jpg" width="133" /></a>What's your favourite hat of the moment?Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-31846176661481706422013-05-08T10:03:00.001+10:002013-05-08T10:03:41.135+10:00Shop Update 8/5/13I only just realised none of my shop update blog posts have made it through this month.<br />
Oops!<br />
Today's shop update is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/yarnvszombies" target="_blank">live</a>.<br />
There are some exciting self-striping sock yarns to feed your addiction, as well as some lovely tonals and highly variegated yarns.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWmSONEzMYw/UYmWOT97tII/AAAAAAAAC3k/pauNPzfCJDE/s1600/balls-row-8-5-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWmSONEzMYw/UYmWOT97tII/AAAAAAAAC3k/pauNPzfCJDE/s320/balls-row-8-5-13.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
But the most exciting news of them all? Minis are back! Many of you have asked when mini skeins are making a comeback, and they're finally here! You can choose to subscribe on a monthly basis by theme, or get a longer subscription at a discount.<br />
There's no greater way to keep on hexipuffing, set up your own stripes, or try out some bases with teeny projects.<br />
How do you use your minis?Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-55265561306756882942013-04-29T09:15:00.000+10:002013-04-29T09:15:00.072+10:00Sock Endurance Monday: Monkeys<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wosXIx1cEzw/UXcWqhbRMeI/AAAAAAAAC28/8ppgocKIsoc/s1600/monkey+robot+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wosXIx1cEzw/UXcWqhbRMeI/AAAAAAAAC28/8ppgocKIsoc/s200/monkey+robot+detail.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the needles </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiVlZQaTEVk/UXcWrdR5ZZI/AAAAAAAAC3E/oq-zMOVwMG4/s1600/monkey+robot+overlord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiVlZQaTEVk/UXcWrdR5ZZI/AAAAAAAAC3E/oq-zMOVwMG4/s200/monkey+robot+overlord.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fresh off the needles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Monkey by Cookie A is the rock star of sock patterns. Most internet-savvy sock knitters (and about 99% of Sock Knitters, note the caps, on Ravelry) seem to have made this pattern.<br />
<br />
My Monkeys were my second-ever pair of socks. I knit them out of a yarn I bought by name, Robot Overlord out of Lorna's Laces.<br />
That was in August of 2011.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rR-J-LlIDNg/UXcWfla6l6I/AAAAAAAAC2s/mqp8xCMwX7U/s1600/monkey+robot+worn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rR-J-LlIDNg/UXcWfla6l6I/AAAAAAAAC2s/mqp8xCMwX7U/s200/monkey+robot+worn.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a year and a half later</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They were my favourite pair even as others came along. The yarn is strong and sturdy and holds up to anything you throw at it.<br />
By now, the socks are felted over, and they fit me like a glove. The sole is thinning out, and I fear they are not long for this world.<br />
I could darn them, but I think I'll let them pass on in dignity.<br />
<br />
Plus, I've just finished another pair of Monkeys! This is the only pattern I've repeated so far.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-IWvtjvqdg/UXcWjZS2_DI/AAAAAAAAC20/XHAXVvscfoA/s1600/socks365-130423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-IWvtjvqdg/UXcWjZS2_DI/AAAAAAAAC20/XHAXVvscfoA/s200/socks365-130423.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">old and new</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This time, the Monkeys were made out of Another Crafty Girl's Strong Sock in the dyed-for-me-first Pokemon colourway Chimchar. I'm sure these will be just as well loved as my first pair was.<br />
<br />
Have you knit Monkeys yet?Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-52898782399930689852013-04-24T22:00:00.000+10:002013-04-24T22:00:16.143+10:00#socks365<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3LKPA3zAOU/UXcUZaQ_mOI/AAAAAAAAC2U/uDcQGb0enp4/s1600/socks365-130420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3LKPA3zAOU/UXcUZaQ_mOI/AAAAAAAAC2U/uDcQGb0enp4/s200/socks365-130420.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">
I’ve started a new project to help me practice my photography. <br style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 1em;" />I’m sure a lot of you have heard about Project 365. Well, I’m putting my own twist on it and calling it Socks 365. <br style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 1em;" />But it’s no fun to play alone, is it? <br style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 1em;" />So I’m challenging all of you to play along, too!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">
Take a picture of your socks (on you, or get creative!) every day and share them in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/yarn-vs-zombies/topics/2551425" target="_blank">Ravelry group</a>, or on Twitter (#socks365), on your blog, on the project365 website…</div>
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And who knows? There may even be prizes for those who play along… ^_^</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sbcJBGsYfg/UXcUZmwzWiI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/oHQ8qg5BzHI/s1600/socks365-130421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sbcJBGsYfg/UXcUZmwzWiI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/oHQ8qg5BzHI/s200/socks365-130421.jpg" width="200" /></a>You can follow my project on the <a href="http://365project.org/yarnvszombies/365" style="color: #666666;">Project365</a> website, on Google+ or on <a href="http://twitter.com/yarnvszombies" style="color: #666666;">Twitter</a>.</div>
Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-7315210773366027842013-04-15T15:12:00.000+10:002013-04-15T15:12:00.873+10:00Sock Endurance Monday: For the love of Calico<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHTRUDaU1HA/UUvcOKTMXsI/AAAAAAAACus/A6LkrFKsEMo/s1600/calico+finished.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHTRUDaU1HA/UUvcOKTMXsI/AAAAAAAACus/A6LkrFKsEMo/s200/calico+finished.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">freshly finished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was my birthday yesterday, so today for Sock Endurance MOnday, I'm talking about my favourite socks, made in a colourway inspired by the feline love of my life.<br />
<br />
It may seem a little self-serving to talk about socks knit in my yarn, but honestly, I treat them just as I treat all my other socks. There's no special treatment, there's no fudging.<br />
I do adore these socks very much (that's why I kept a skein in the first place), and I wear these all the time.<br />
<br />
These socks go in open shoes a lot, because I love the stripes. They also go in boots occasionally, and in closed sneakers. I wear them on long walks and bike rides, and in the house.<br />
<br />
I knit these <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarn-vs-zombies/houdini-socks" target="_blank">Houdini </a>socks for the construction, and I have no idea why I haven't done them again. I knit them in September of 2012 out of half a skein of my own Run Away base, a merino/nylon light fingering yarn.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0BreZABEIGg/UUvcSK066RI/AAAAAAAACvE/4SC3ypCRGzI/s1600/IMG_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0BreZABEIGg/UUvcSK066RI/AAAAAAAACvE/4SC3ypCRGzI/s200/IMG_4130.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">current state of the heel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yloktaAXlB8/UUvcQwAy-yI/AAAAAAAACu0/Cdp1_ADTIN4/s1600/IMG_4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yloktaAXlB8/UUvcQwAy-yI/AAAAAAAACu0/Cdp1_ADTIN4/s200/IMG_4131.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as they are today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They are hard-wearing socks, and very smooth. I wasn't expecting to love them as much as I do, but they're a great balance between hardy socks and pampering socks. I wear them very often, and they're one of my go-to pairs of happy socks.<br />
<br />
I mostly hand-wash them, but they've gone in the washing machine several times, too. Haven't put them in the dryer yet, but I would if it came up (I don't use my dryer for anything very often).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How would I rate them?</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Wear & tear:</i> excellent</li>
<li><i>Colour fastness:</i> great</li>
<li><i>Felting:</i> none</li>
<li><i>Pilling:</i> none</li>
<li><i>Fuzzing:</i> little</li>
<li><i>Washing:</i> good</li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auCTSjAeqyk/UUvcRZ0_OvI/AAAAAAAACu8/PoquFvmV5tw/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auCTSjAeqyk/UUvcRZ0_OvI/AAAAAAAACu8/PoquFvmV5tw/s200/IMG_4132.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as worn in shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><i>Comfort:</i> excellent</li>
</ul>
<div>
Do I still love them? Moreso than I thought as I was knitting them.</div>
Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-76503646133271717782013-04-11T08:21:00.001+10:002013-04-11T08:21:54.316+10:00Adventures in craft shopping, Tokyo style, Part 1: Fabric Town<p dir="ltr">No crafter's visit to Tokyo can be complete without a day of shopping for fabric or notions or wool, or all of the above.<br>
I didn't make it to Fabric Town in Tokyo's inner north last time, but this time, I wasn't going to miss it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fabric town, or more accurately, Fabric Street in Fabric Town is just a skip away from Nippori station, which is conveniently located along the famous Yamanote JR line.<br>
Down Momiji bridge and along a short street, there are pretty sign's pointing the way. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Fabric street does exactly what it says on the tin. Want new curtains? The curtain fabric shop is for you. Need sequined dance fabric? Suit cloth? Fine lace collars? There's a shop for that.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fabric prices (and quality) run the whole range. If you can't find it here, it might not exist at all.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Just strolling along the street is a nice experience. You could duck into the many small, ground -level stores, or lose yourself in the mother of them all, TOMATO.  They give you a convenient guide to their various building, but just dive in and have at it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Want to shop but don't have the space for Fabric, or don't sew at all? Never fear, get some notions! From embroidery thread that looks like a gorgeous, hand-dyed yarn skein to walls of buttons, from lace-edged zips to cast-iron sweater clips, from grosgrain ribbon in all the colours and patterns to sew-on patches, they've got the notion for you.</p>
<p dir="ltr">And tools. All the tools you need and some you never even knew existed! <br>
I got myself some wonderful Clover needles for hand sewing. Their points and eyes are things of beauty.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I also got buttons, lacey zips, embroidery floss, a sweater clip and several kinds of grosgrain ribbon.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I didn't buy any fabric here, but I do have some. Stay tuned for part 2 of this post! </p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XSRpDOXeJ44/UWXkFLTMWhI/AAAAAAAACy0/zvg07mkC9kE/s1600/IMG_5707.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XSRpDOXeJ44/UWXkFLTMWhI/AAAAAAAACy0/zvg07mkC9kE/s640/IMG_5707.JPG' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tuz6eCULL-Y/UWXkF9fXKpI/AAAAAAAACy8/MQMgZezzPvM/s1600/IMG_5701.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tuz6eCULL-Y/UWXkF9fXKpI/AAAAAAAACy8/MQMgZezzPvM/s640/IMG_5701.JPG' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WFojWvtHPvI/UWXkG-5sVaI/AAAAAAAACzE/s1600/IMG_5702.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WFojWvtHPvI/UWXkG-5sVaI/AAAAAAAACzE/s640/IMG_5702.JPG' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8W-BRbiaggs/UWXkH2A_I3I/AAAAAAAACzM/1wJllkcFMQY/s1600/IMG_5703.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8W-BRbiaggs/UWXkH2A_I3I/AAAAAAAACzM/1wJllkcFMQY/s640/IMG_5703.JPG' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CsMK98ms6sQ/UWXkI0WMV8I/AAAAAAAACzU/98y7_naweW4/s1600/IMG_5706.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CsMK98ms6sQ/UWXkI0WMV8I/AAAAAAAACzU/98y7_naweW4/s640/IMG_5706.JPG' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EUogFYeHdAw/UWXkJ1QzHVI/AAAAAAAACzc/5pHXGLUyZGI/s1600/IMG_5698.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EUogFYeHdAw/UWXkJ1QzHVI/AAAAAAAACzc/5pHXGLUyZGI/s640/IMG_5698.JPG' /> </a> </div>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-8198685927453922332013-04-08T23:35:00.001+10:002013-04-08T23:35:37.478+10:00Tokyomnomnomnom<p dir="ltr">It's been a great day for food as we've been exploring the temple and old town of Asakusa. I had some sweet potato with chestnut, a strawberry in sticky gum syrup on ice, a chocolate-covered banana and mochi  in crushed peanuts. Omnomnomnomnom.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QOruHRHdpuM/UWLHTPsDIKI/AAAAAAAACx4/yu2nC0IiVU4/s1600/IMG_5590.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QOruHRHdpuM/UWLHTPsDIKI/AAAAAAAACx4/yu2nC0IiVU4/s640/IMG_5590.JPG' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z_f42DcOJ5g/UWLHUIIXF4I/AAAAAAAACyA/2lTV1L6T_p4/s1600/IMG_5599.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z_f42DcOJ5g/UWLHUIIXF4I/AAAAAAAACyA/2lTV1L6T_p4/s640/IMG_5599.JPG' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lzvHXhH-UBk/UWLHUw2CnmI/AAAAAAAACyI/WsQ-rVQXkA0/s1600/IMG_5633.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lzvHXhH-UBk/UWLHUw2CnmI/AAAAAAAACyI/WsQ-rVQXkA0/s640/IMG_5633.JPG' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5N9yhAG2Gco/UWLHWFAd3AI/AAAAAAAACyQ/hYexo9WyGGE/s1600/IMG_5589.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5N9yhAG2Gco/UWLHWFAd3AI/AAAAAAAACyQ/hYexo9WyGGE/s640/IMG_5589.JPG' /> </a> </div>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-63401522305969298422013-04-08T15:26:00.000+10:002013-04-08T15:26:00.137+10:00Sock Endurance Monday: Who doesn't love stripes?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWzRS96wIE4/UUvemWMzI3I/AAAAAAAACvc/H3LJ2GWoKXs/s1600/summertime+toe+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWzRS96wIE4/UUvemWMzI3I/AAAAAAAACvc/H3LJ2GWoKXs/s200/summertime+toe+2.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty yarn cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPYx8MVjRHk/UUvemMYEfmI/AAAAAAAACvY/60Quis7Ly8A/s1600/summertime+finished.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPYx8MVjRHk/UUvemMYEfmI/AAAAAAAACvY/60Quis7Ly8A/s200/summertime+finished.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">freshly finished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Can you believe that it's taken me this long to actually knit up self-striping indie yarn? But it's true! This skein of Desert Vista Dyeworks in the wonderfully named Summertime came to me through destash.<br />
I knit plain afterthought heel socks in September 2013, which was apparently my month of socks.<br />
<br />
They're one of my heavy rotation socks, and I always wear them in shoes where you can see them, so open MJs or sneakers. I also wear them around the house a lot.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4ni6JUv2Gw/UUvelxtGS6I/AAAAAAAACvQ/9plVBZ5Dw4I/s1600/summertime+sock+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4ni6JUv2Gw/UUvelxtGS6I/AAAAAAAACvQ/9plVBZ5Dw4I/s200/summertime+sock+1.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">afterthought heel coming soon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They're a great light-weight sock and so bright and happy!<br />
The fit isn't ideal, as the afterthought heel fits me a bit funkily (my first afterthought heel sock), but otherwise, these socks are great.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ag4ijL6U66E/UUvenWyp3AI/AAAAAAAACvo/lLujuYmmEAI/s1600/IMG_4137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ag4ijL6U66E/UUvenWyp3AI/AAAAAAAACvo/lLujuYmmEAI/s200/IMG_4137.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">state of the heel, see the funny ear?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The blue stripe bled a bit on first wash, somewhat toning down the brightness of the rest of the stripes, but otherwise, they've stayed wonderfully vibrant and I love them a lot. I always handwash them in Soak.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><br /><b></b>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePveGoARLJE/UUven7RIOrI/AAAAAAAACvw/Ozdv6unXh00/s1600/IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePveGoARLJE/UUven7RIOrI/AAAAAAAACvw/Ozdv6unXh00/s200/IMG_4138.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">current state</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>How would I rate them?</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Wear & tear:</i> excellent</li>
<li><i>Colour fastness:</i> great</li>
<li><i>Felting:</i> none</li>
<li><i>Pilling:</i> little</li>
<li><i>Fuzzing:</i> little</li>
<li><i>Washing:</i> good</li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oN2RXKnDBXI/UUvT-82r2OI/AAAAAAAACtg/aeECyMqZlRY/s1600/IMG_4136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oN2RXKnDBXI/UUvT-82r2OI/AAAAAAAACtg/aeECyMqZlRY/s200/IMG_4136.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as worn in shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><i>Comfort:</i> good</li>
</ul>
<div>
Do I still love them: Absolutely!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-36050184184878468472013-04-01T15:08:00.000+11:002013-04-01T15:08:00.560+11:00Sock Endurance Monday: Treat them kindly<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JdK2QqeP2g/UUvZiWg7A8I/AAAAAAAACuk/7ateYtndV7A/s1600/bipartisan+pair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JdK2QqeP2g/UUvZiWg7A8I/AAAAAAAACuk/7ateYtndV7A/s200/bipartisan+pair.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">freshly finished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This week, I'm going to look at a favourite pair of mine, and how they stood up.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HsHuppwz2QE/UUvZhjYuEOI/AAAAAAAACuc/fQdiqmWS2Z8/s1600/bipartisan+parts+on+foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HsHuppwz2QE/UUvZhjYuEOI/AAAAAAAACuc/fQdiqmWS2Z8/s200/bipartisan+parts+on+foot.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">unusual construction!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarn-vs-zombies/bipartisanship-socks" target="_blank">Bi-partisanship socks</a> were definitely a case of wild yarn infatuation. The yarn is Woollen St Mills Princess Sophia in the Ron Weasley colourway. Soooo pretty.<br />
I adore the sock pattern, too. It's perfect for wildly variegated yarns.<br />
<br />
I knit these socks in September of 2012, and I wear them often and for medium stretches of walking (several hours)<br />
<br />
I tend to wear these socks in open shoes so I can admire their prettiness. They feel a little delicate to me. I handwash them in Soak. They're 100% Merino, so they're wonderfully soft, but they're not going to last forever.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sy5UEX_ZHU/UUvZek4ZllI/AAAAAAAACuU/W1suz08UV24/s1600/IMG_4127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sy5UEX_ZHU/UUvZek4ZllI/AAAAAAAACuU/W1suz08UV24/s200/IMG_4127.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how they are today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It doesn't bother me when my socks don't wear like iron. Like a flower in full bloom, it's to be enjoyed before it fades. And besides, if my socks all didn't wear out in a timely fashion, I'd have to stop knitting them. And I really enjoy knitting socks... you know, in case you hadn't noticed.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuWu9UoCaqo/UUvZeW2vdOI/AAAAAAAACuM/IWt8Eogq7dc/s1600/IMG_4126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuWu9UoCaqo/UUvZeW2vdOI/AAAAAAAACuM/IWt8Eogq7dc/s200/IMG_4126.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heel fuzzing and thinning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is a definite fuzzy halo going on with these socks, and the colours have faded a bit. Overall, they are becoming more soft and more delicate, and they're still a favourite, so they're in constant roation. I'd be surprised if they live longer than a year.<br />
<br />
<b>How would I rate them?</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Wear & tear:</i> okay</li>
<li><i>Colour fastness:</i> good</li>
<li><i>Felting:</i> none</li>
<li><i>Pilling:</i> little</li>
<li><i>Fuzzing:</i> a fair bit</li>
<li><i>Washing:</i> delicate</li>
<li><i>Comfort:</i> excellent</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmcsO-x1dCc/UUvUBepTHhI/AAAAAAAACt4/d-NV1NX_3-M/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmcsO-x1dCc/UUvUBepTHhI/AAAAAAAACt4/d-NV1NX_3-M/s200/IMG_4128.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as worn in shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Do I still love them? Yes, very much.</div>
Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-24212308895651959612013-03-30T09:40:00.000+11:002013-03-30T09:40:00.045+11:00Rainy day hatsThere's nothing like a change in weather to make you want to cast on a hat. Or maybe that's just me?<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l12CbFPPklM/UVNn17JzPiI/AAAAAAAACwc/7xbzrBULe9g/s1600/drizzle+crown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l12CbFPPklM/UVNn17JzPiI/AAAAAAAACwc/7xbzrBULe9g/s200/drizzle+crown.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarn-vs-zombies/drizzle" target="_blank">I test-knit</a> the latest design by the inimitable Mel of <a href="http://www.singlehandedknits.com/" target="_blank">SingleHandedKnits</a> fame, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/drizzle-5" target="_blank">Drizzle </a>the hat, and it came out great, if I do say so myself.<br />
It's a simple, straight foward hat with a flattering rolled brim and just enough lace to keep you occupied but not frustrated.<br />
I knitted mine out of my beloved <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/yarn-vs-zombies-tails" target="_blank">Tails DK</a> base in a new colourway, Looks Like Rain.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1CDMBhxwzZ4/UVNn3ln9cWI/AAAAAAAACwk/R08LxoUFdMs/s1600/drizzle+hair+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1CDMBhxwzZ4/UVNn3ln9cWI/AAAAAAAACwk/R08LxoUFdMs/s200/drizzle+hair+up.JPG" width="188" /></a>The colour is inspired by dark, rain-bearing clouds and grey skies. Have you ever really looked at thse clouds? They're not a flat grey, there are heaps of colours swirling in there!<br />
Looks Like Rain appears just grey on first glance, but when you look closer, you'll see pops of yellows and reds and pinks and blues throughout. It's still a tonal yarn, so lace and patterning will stand out cleanly.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUkIRvM99OY/UVNn32w_kcI/AAAAAAAACwo/TYN55ZryLxQ/s1600/drizzle+profile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUkIRvM99OY/UVNn32w_kcI/AAAAAAAACwo/TYN55ZryLxQ/s200/drizzle+profile.JPG" width="179" /></a>I think it would make a very flattering garment colour, personally.<br />
<br />
And guess what? There will be pre-orders of this very colourway, together with a coupon code for Mel's awesome Drizzle hat, going up in the shop very soon!<br />
<br />
Do you have a favourite hat type? Do you have a hat on the needles right now?Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-14271268998887170932013-03-29T20:55:00.000+11:002013-03-29T20:55:00.376+11:00WIP'ing Friday!There's a long weekend coming up, and it's time to make a serious dent in some languishing WIPs!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZUHQ9vlJdQ/UVNqc202q9I/AAAAAAAACw0/WlhRwk2avWI/s1600/IMG_4210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZUHQ9vlJdQ/UVNqc202q9I/AAAAAAAACw0/WlhRwk2avWI/s200/IMG_4210.JPG" width="200" /></a>My weekend will be split between epic all-day gaming sessions playing Ni No Kuni with Mr. Penguin and the cosy cat (well, he'll play, I'll knit, she'll lounge, it's the perfect trifecta of cosiness) and visiting family.<br />
I expect to make some serious knitting progres.<br />
<br />
Apart from taking hexipuffs on public transport with me, I also hope to get to the arm shaping on my Geodesic cardigan. I'd love to have it finished before next weekend, but we'll see how that goes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_xN5MbgDv8/UVNqh8LshjI/AAAAAAAACxE/CFlbCjaSLjY/s1600/geodesic+first+tuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_xN5MbgDv8/UVNqh8LshjI/AAAAAAAACxE/CFlbCjaSLjY/s200/geodesic+first+tuck.JPG" width="200" /></a>I've also finally made it to the heels of my languishing Flaming Monkey socks (Monkey socks out of Another Crafty Girl's Strong Sock in Chimchar). I don't know why I neglected these. I love the yarn and I love the pattern. I blame lack of sock weather.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inr73pAJ2yM/UVNqlpDZyKI/AAAAAAAACxU/n0gFD77EmN4/s1600/bayret+cast-on.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inr73pAJ2yM/UVNqlpDZyKI/AAAAAAAACxU/n0gFD77EmN4/s200/bayret+cast-on.JPG" width="200" /></a>And then there's the Bayret. A twisted-stitch ebret out of Wollmeise in Himbeere. Every time I knit in Wollmeise, I want to drop everything else I'm working on and just knit that.<br />I love everything about Wollmeise yarn (as I've mentioned before), and I'm hoping this hat will be epic.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpdZhbmEeAo/UVNqjX-zH2I/AAAAAAAACxM/9z8bssqv6gI/s1600/IMG_4117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpdZhbmEeAo/UVNqjX-zH2I/AAAAAAAACxM/9z8bssqv6gI/s200/IMG_4117.JPG" width="200" /></a>And I reeeeeaaaally want to cast on Pelotonner out of Tails DK in Poison Apple, but I'm holding off so I can potentially count it for Nerd Wars.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJSdEzZePJo/UVNqgQnLCrI/AAAAAAAACw8/c3c2aUUyyJQ/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJSdEzZePJo/UVNqgQnLCrI/AAAAAAAACw8/c3c2aUUyyJQ/s200/IMG_4215.JPG" width="200" /></a>My travel project-to-be, Pogona out of Wispy in Whedonistas is waiting for April for the same reason.<br />
<br />
What's on your needles this week?Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-89797150846028021932013-03-28T08:35:00.000+11:002013-03-28T08:35:01.499+11:00Sock o'Clock!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGugmYZbmKQ/UVNlPwJmQdI/AAAAAAAACwE/-RF81MhuyDw/s1600/pomatomus+complete.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGugmYZbmKQ/UVNlPwJmQdI/AAAAAAAACwE/-RF81MhuyDw/s200/pomatomus+complete.JPG" width="174" /></a>I finished a pair of socks!<br />
These are for my International Sock Swap partner, but I'm finding it hard to part with them!<br />
These are truly international socks. I got the yarn as a present from my mum from Europe, they were knit here in Australia, and they're going to a different continent again. World Socks!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ycyv7moPPQ/UVNlSX_6S_I/AAAAAAAACwM/tnMN6lBlP7o/s1600/pomatomus+heels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ycyv7moPPQ/UVNlSX_6S_I/AAAAAAAACwM/tnMN6lBlP7o/s200/pomatomus+heels.JPG" width="200" /></a>I wasn't madly in love with the colours in the skein. They looked a little dull. But just like the colours of Australia, you need to let them play with each other and they create something quite interesting and beautiful.<br />
<br />
I picked the pattern, Pomatomus by Cookie A, deliberately to break up any unruly pooling, but the yarn spiral-pooled in a very consistent way. Look at how well the socks match! Love it.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcMr0x_qULc/UVNlS_gtixI/AAAAAAAACwQ/1fabIdilSTc/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcMr0x_qULc/UVNlS_gtixI/AAAAAAAACwQ/1fabIdilSTc/s200/IMG_2903.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Now I just have to gather some more goodies to go with the theme of my swap package, and then it will be off on its hopefully not-too-long trip.Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-16870186860449823712013-03-25T14:49:00.000+11:002013-03-25T14:49:00.662+11:00Sock Endurance Monday: first ever socks<br />
I'm starting a new series called Sock Endurance Monday, where I look back at socks and see how they're holding up, whether I still like them, whatever.<br />
<br />
And where better to start than with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarn-vs-zombies/sock-knitting-workshop" target="_blank">my very first ever pair of socks</a>?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsfPT3iSa1w/UUvWS1Tq6VI/AAAAAAAACuA/n35WFic2hFI/s1600/IMG_4140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsfPT3iSa1w/UUvWS1Tq6VI/AAAAAAAACuA/n35WFic2hFI/s200/IMG_4140.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after 2 years</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I knit these almost two years ago (May 2011), learning as I went along. I was still a newbie knitter in the extreme, but I managed, and I was so proud of these socks.<br />
The yarn is Moda Vera Noir, which comes in a variety of self-patterning colours from our local big box craft store. Their recent colour selections has left me rather lukewarm, but I've enjoyed some of them in the past.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--m0VXrpMXhc/UUvWSoNofDI/AAAAAAAACt8/yqyfG9EWvcM/s1600/IMG_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--m0VXrpMXhc/UUvWSoNofDI/AAAAAAAACt8/yqyfG9EWvcM/s200/IMG_4139.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heel felting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These socks? Are indestructible. I wear them hiking in thick boots. I wear them in the rain. I wear them when I go for all-day walks along the muddy creek. I wear them in the house and I wear them while dyeing yarn and walking in just socks on concrete.<br />
<br />
The heel felted pretty much straight away, but that only made them tougher.<br />
I didn't do the toe decreases well and there are big ladders there. They're not going anywhere.<br />
The ribbing was too loose, but the socks stay up in a loose way.<br />
<br />
They've gone through the washing machine and the dryer.<br />
<br />
No matter how hard I try to wear through them, they show no sign of giving.<br />
<br />
<b>How would I rate them?</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Wear & tear:</i> excellent</li>
<li><i>Colour fastness:</i> perfect</li>
<li><i>Felting:</i> some</li>
<li><i>Pilling:</i> little</li>
<li><i>Fuzzing:</i> some</li>
<li><i>Washing:</i> invincible</li>
<li><i>Comfort:</i> good</li>
</ul>
Do I still love them? Kinda.<br />
<br />
And there you have it.Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-40785021906684389812013-03-24T02:41:00.000+11:002013-03-24T02:41:00.288+11:00Hexipuffs of the week<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jxNvw3BXLQ/UUvROahRZ8I/AAAAAAAACtU/CLwQwsan6IQ/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jxNvw3BXLQ/UUvROahRZ8I/AAAAAAAACtU/CLwQwsan6IQ/s320/IMG_4144.JPG" width="320" /></a>I've been getting back into hexipuffs lately. I haven't knit them for most of the summer (which is silly, since they're *perfect* summer knitting!), but now I'm back.<br />
Mainly, it's a matter of finding time to knit them. I can knit a puff in about 15-20 mins now, so I don't tend to take them if I'm going somewhere where I'll be idle for longer. I often carry them, but don't knit on them.<br />
<br />
I found I get most of my puffs done while walking to and from the shops, which is about 45 minutes round trip. I knit slower while walking, of course, but just like drop spindling, it's slower by the minute, but faster by the week.<br />
<br />
So here are my week's seven puffs.<br />
They are (from centre, then top clockwise):<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Zauberball in Papagei</li>
<li>Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in Steam Age</li>
<li>Woollen St Mills in Ron Weasley</li>
<li>Lorna's Laces in an unnnamed color (from their minis set)</li>
<li>Lorna's Laces Soulmate in Bigger on the Inside</li>
<li>Another Crafty Girl in Chimchar</li>
<li>Woollen St Mills in Doctor 10</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-4215364995355657902013-03-23T20:47:00.000+11:002013-03-23T20:47:00.905+11:00Shoes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKSiBE22MQw/UUvUA9r91AI/AAAAAAAACts/03b4-Ll1zk4/s1600/IMG_4143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKSiBE22MQw/UUvUA9r91AI/AAAAAAAACts/03b4-Ll1zk4/s200/IMG_4143.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYFQqvOEziE/UUvT_3ybLTI/AAAAAAAACtk/tlk4teFprS4/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYFQqvOEziE/UUvT_3ybLTI/AAAAAAAACtk/tlk4teFprS4/s200/IMG_4134.JPG" width="133" /></a>I'm not much of a clothes shopping person. And I don't get the extreme excitement some people have over shoes.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oN2RXKnDBXI/UUvT-82r2OI/AAAAAAAACtc/GObovDrbuzw/s1600/IMG_4136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oN2RXKnDBXI/UUvT-82r2OI/AAAAAAAACtc/GObovDrbuzw/s200/IMG_4136.JPG" width="200" /></a>But my old Crocs had literally been walked through and it was time for replacements.<br />
This time, i went online and went a bit nuts. I bought four pairs of shoes, all with handknit socks in mind!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmcsO-x1dCc/UUvUBepTHhI/AAAAAAAACt0/fkiVkmJT0m8/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmcsO-x1dCc/UUvUBepTHhI/AAAAAAAACt0/fkiVkmJT0m8/s200/IMG_4128.JPG" width="200" /></a>They'll be perfect for transitional weather, and I expect them to be comfy while walking around town and while travelling. They're super light and squishy!<br />
<br />
Do you wear handknit socks on display in your shoes? Do you wear them in shoes at all?<br />
Have you ever bought shoes specifically to be a frame for your socks?Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-16889921104205667572013-03-22T10:41:00.000+11:002013-03-22T10:41:01.019+11:00WIPs of the weekThis week has been a week of slow progress.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2J8DkDmY4xk/UUpJZ2dA3eI/AAAAAAAACss/A8RmwiBHOCg/s1600/geodesic+hem.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2J8DkDmY4xk/UUpJZ2dA3eI/AAAAAAAACss/A8RmwiBHOCg/s200/geodesic+hem.JPG" width="200" /></a>I've been making rows and rows on the Geodesic cardigan over the weekend, and it's starting to look like, well, something.<br />
I love the delicate fabric, and the colour is stunningly subtle.<br />
I'm also making good progress on my swap partner's socks. I turned the heel!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYHY39-Lz-4/UUpJdIVzC0I/AAAAAAAACs8/_vHfH-dBlO8/s1600/pomatomus+heels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYHY39-Lz-4/UUpJdIVzC0I/AAAAAAAACs8/_vHfH-dBlO8/s200/pomatomus+heels.JPG" width="200" /></a>While turning the heel may be my favourite part of the sock (Look! New direction!), the first few rounds of gusset are my least fave. I suck at picking up the stitches and always get unsightly holes, and the first two rounds are just awkward as the fabric pulls in funny ways and there isn't enough space on the needle.<br />
Then it gets better and things are flying along.<br />
I'm not there yet though.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcLjGq82COI/UUpJdjElxvI/AAAAAAAACtE/nehi72s_dX8/s1600/IMG_4118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcLjGq82COI/UUpJdjElxvI/AAAAAAAACtE/nehi72s_dX8/s200/IMG_4118.JPG" width="200" /></a>I've also started a test knit for a friend. It's in my Tails DK base, so the pattern is positively flying off the needles! The gauge is a little denser than I prefer, but it makes for a warm, delightful fabric.<br />
I came up with a new colourway especially for this project. In honour of the weather we currently have outside, I'm calling it Looks Like Rain. The colour reminds me of the bottoms of storm clouds rolling in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJYFsQRZX80/UUpJaoeq7sI/AAAAAAAACs0/6C5zJzt8hUQ/s1600/IMG_4116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJYFsQRZX80/UUpJaoeq7sI/AAAAAAAACs0/6C5zJzt8hUQ/s200/IMG_4116.JPG" width="200" /></a>And speaking of new colours, I've treated myself to a sweater's quantity of Tails in a new-to-me red, Poison Apple. It's going to be a pullover, possibly the Pelotonner. Something squishy to cosy up in when I need a woolly hug...<br />
<br />
What's on your needles this week?Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-90526757660412575922013-03-21T10:34:00.002+11:002013-03-21T10:34:57.426+11:00For the love of teaI love tea.<br />
I mean loooooooooove tea. I have at least two pots of tea most days, and I feel incomplete if I don't get to brew at least a cup on any given day.<br />
Depending on the brew, tea can uplift or soothe me, calm me or give me that burst of energy.<br />
I have tea for dark, miserable days and for hot and languid ones. Tea I drink in the morning, and tea to drink at night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y6L5AzJBQk/UUpHIvR_MCI/AAAAAAAACsk/Tz0B31ggvsk/s1600/tea-boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y6L5AzJBQk/UUpHIvR_MCI/AAAAAAAACsk/Tz0B31ggvsk/s200/tea-boxes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In fact, if you look at my tea shelf, crammed full of goodies (it goes on three deep), you might think I have a bit of a problem.<br />
<br />
But it's all for research, you see? After the popular Tea & Stripes club (scheduled to return at the end of the year), I had the upcoming Downton Abbey tea & yarn swap to think about! So I really had to sample a wide variety of teas and tisanes to make sure I picked something delicious and inspiring both for your cups and for your needles.<br />
<br />
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to brew a fresh pot of tea.Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-4550290432890468122013-03-17T14:36:00.001+11:002013-03-17T14:36:39.276+11:00Product vs process knitting<p dir="ltr">I knit because I like it. I enjoy the simple, repetitive nature of making stitch after stitch, and I adore how with a little attention to detail, I can end up with a pleasing and interesting fabric.<br>
The magic of lace, sculptural cables, texture, the relief of twisted stitches.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I also really love wearing my handmade goodies. My favourite hats are a combination of colour love, perfect fit, sensual yarn, and pleasing fabric. I have gloves and socks I adore, and most of my shawls see regular wear when it's cold enough.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But right now? Everything on the needles is not what I want to have, and what I want to knit is not an end product I want right now.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Aaah, knitter's choices. Does this ever happen to you? </p>
Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-25843983826026364232013-02-24T10:19:00.000+11:002013-02-24T10:19:00.320+11:00Tea & Stripes Club Roundup<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5auIBBN5enE/URwho_8xpHI/AAAAAAAACoM/hfDkDFpJvWY/s1600/nov+12+shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5auIBBN5enE/URwho_8xpHI/AAAAAAAACoM/hfDkDFpJvWY/s200/nov+12+shot.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November '12 - French Earl Grey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpGOJNWGku4/URwhpuVwIcI/AAAAAAAACoQ/qNXZyMMKfBw/s1600/tea-and-stripes-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpGOJNWGku4/URwhpuVwIcI/AAAAAAAACoQ/qNXZyMMKfBw/s200/tea-and-stripes-logo.jpg" width="150" /></a>The inaugural Tea & Stripes Club is well and truly over.<br />
I had a wonderful time choosing the teas and coming up with colours.<br />
<br />
There has been lots of activities in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarn-vs-zombies" target="_blank">group</a>, which was super fun.<br />
Of course the greatest thrill is seeing what people knit with my yarns, and we've had everything from socks to cowls and hats.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UReN1zUcdBg/URwhowftaYI/AAAAAAAACoU/Cce9yENmGUI/s1600/dec+12+group+shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UReN1zUcdBg/URwhowftaYI/AAAAAAAACoU/Cce9yENmGUI/s200/dec+12+group+shot.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December '12 - Morning Dew</td></tr>
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For those of you who missed out this time around, fear not! There will definitely be another Tea & Stripes club later in the year.<br />
<br />
First, I'm going to focus on a new adventure though. The World Traveller yarn & goodies club is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/yarn-vs-zombies/2471160" target="_blank">open for sign-ups</a> right now, and it's going to be a blast!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ep1ft66Y7k/URwhou48rwI/AAAAAAAACoI/EWr04i4Qozc/s1600/Jan+13+group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ep1ft66Y7k/URwhou48rwI/AAAAAAAACoI/EWr04i4Qozc/s200/Jan+13+group.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January '13 - Cleopatra's Champagne</td></tr>
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It's going to be variegated and tonal yarns (to give me a break from balling dozens of self-striping yarns each week!), but once that's through, the next round will be better than ever.<br />
I've already got a few new and exciting teas lined up for you all.<br />
<br />
What's your favourite tea? Which tea do you think would make an excellent addition to the line-up?<br />
<br />
And which of the current crop would you like to see added to our regular Yarn vs Zombies line-up?<br />
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Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-19625034557101260002013-02-22T16:37:00.000+11:002013-02-22T16:37:00.047+11:00What's on the needles this week? Hoaloha!This week hasn't been much for knitting.<br />
I've been making teeeeeeeny progress on the Geodesic, and then Clue 2 of the Hoaloha came out!<br />
So of course, I had to start that.<br />
It's going great, but as things progress, I am thinking a lot about flattering knits.<br />
As knitters and general makers of garments, we're in the fortunate position to make ourselves clothes that truly fit and flatter us, in whichever way we choose.<br />
<br />
I am built rather differently from the Hoaloha designer, in that I am short and stocky, with a high, short waist.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NS8GzgHZzIE/USWzDjI5K3I/AAAAAAAACqs/yrmx8EohPWE/s1600/hoaloha+ballet+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NS8GzgHZzIE/USWzDjI5K3I/AAAAAAAACqs/yrmx8EohPWE/s200/hoaloha+ballet+style.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ballet neck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pullover design features a texture pattern that essentially hits the middle of the torso. Cutting my already short torso in half is really not a good look for me.<br />
So I'm modifying to suit my taste and starting the texture sooner and possibly for longer.<br />
I'm thinking of it more of an underbust corset feature, and that suits me much better.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1QJhpMCf-xg/USWzEJrdBnI/AAAAAAAACq0/0EwSaq3QMfw/s1600/hoaloha+scoop+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1QJhpMCf-xg/USWzEJrdBnI/AAAAAAAACq0/0EwSaq3QMfw/s200/hoaloha+scoop+style.jpg" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scoop neck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've also been trying the pullover on repeatedly, and I discovered that the neckline, such as it is now, has a lot of play in it. I actually enjoy pulling it out, kind of ballet style.<br />
I don't know if we're adding more to the collar, but I actually enjoy the rolled finish, so I might keep it as is, regardless.<br />
<br />
That's the power of knitting your own garments. You're in control, you make your own choices. And if the finished product doesn't please you, you can do it again!<br />
<br />
If you're not in the mystery KAL, you are really missing out ona treat. There are secret blog posts, special videos just for us KALers and a great community guessing and knitting along.<br />
If Mel ever does this again, RUN to sign up!Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085574517908925443.post-54407900849427998612013-02-19T02:24:00.000+11:002013-02-19T02:24:00.293+11:00High Tea at Downton Tea & Yarn Club<br />
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<img alt="high-tea-at-downton.jpg" src="http://www.ravelry.com/forum-images/yarn-vs-zombies/ferm-p4es9n" style="border: none; max-width: 670px;" /> <br style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 1em;" />Welcome to Downton, where we take tea with our intrigue, and high drama calls for high tea.</div>
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Are you in love with <em>Downton Abbey</em>? <br style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 1em;" />Then this club is for you. <br style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 1em;" />Every other month, for three months, you will receive a shipment of one skein of yarn (at least 100 grams of fingering weight) and a sampler of tea inspired by or relating to the characters, setting and period of popular BBC drama Downton Abbey.</div>
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<strong>Love clubs but want some control?</strong> One month before shipments go out, we’ll send you a preview of two colourways -- one variegated, and one tonal. You’ll get to see them before making your decision about which you prefer. You’re not stuck with yarn you don’t want!</div>
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<strong>Want them both?</strong> Club members have the option of ordering extra skeins of either the tonal or the variegated yarn for as long as they are members of the club.</div>
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<strong>Want a different base?</strong> We can do that, too.</div>
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High Tea at Downton ships on the last of <em>April, June and August</em> with previews going up one month before.</div>
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The base yarns will include one merino/nylon blend, one luxury fibre blend and one surprise blend! All yarns are superwash and perfect for socks, shawls, accessories or baby clothes.</div>
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Sign-ups are <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123914881/club-high-tea-at-downton-pre-order-3" style="color: #666666;">open</a>, but places are strictly limited.</div>
Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936139269770376679noreply@blogger.com0