OZ

This is an I'm not trying to shine I just can't help myself type of shrug. For those times when you want to wrap yourself up in simple elegance. Made to be very baggy and blouson.

Size:
One Size

Finished Measurements:
Across back (Not including sleeves): 49"
Length: 29"

Materials:
Berrroco Boho [48% Nylon, 25% Cotton 27% Rayon; Thin ribbon; 98 yds/90m per 50g]
Color: Pastures of Plenty; 3 balls

Cascade Sierra [80% Pima Cotton, 20% Wool; Worsted; 191 yds/175m per 100g]
Color: #08 Green; 3 skeins

Tahki Yarns Dream [80% Wool, 20% Nylon; Fingering; 262 yds/240m per 50g]
Colors: Pale Lime; 1 ball; Light Olive; 1/4 ball (optional)

Needles:
Size: US 11/8.0 mm

Gauge:
13 sts/24 rows = 4 inches worked in 2 x 2 rib (updated 9/9/08)

Stitch:
2 x 2 rib (k2, p2 to the end) No edge stitches needed

Body:
- CO 160 sts. Do not join but work flat
[RS] Even row: k2, p2 till end
[WS] Odd Rows: p2, k2 till end

Repeat this for 20 rows

Sleeves:
(For short sleeves) CO 10 sts
(For long sleeves) CO 20 or 30 sts (depending on how long you want them). I cast on 30 and then folded them under in the picture.

Turn work and knit in 2x2 rib back to the other edge. CO the same amount of stitches as the previous sleeve and work 2x2 rib back and continue.

Work flat over all stitches for 38 rows. If you have larger arm circumference (mine are 14") then add on additional rows remembering that 3 rows equals 2 inches.

Row 39: BO all sleeve stitches. Work across to the end.
Row 40: BO all sleeve stitches. Work across to the end.

Resume working back and forth in 2x2 rib for 20 rows. Total of 60 rows.

Edging:
Leaving stitches on the needle and using the same yarn from the other end of the ball or another ball. Fold the piece in half (inside out) matching all edges. Sew the bottom edges of the shrug on both sides. You should have two seams that start at the base of the sweater side and end at each sleeve opening. I didn't use edge stitches but feel free to incorporate them for seaming.

Row 61: Returning to the stitches on your needle. Pick up and knit another 160 stitches on the back side of the shrug (320 sts).

Switch yarns holding together 1 strand of Boho with 1 strand of Dream. Knit in 2 x 2 rib in the round for 4 rows.

Row 65: Work in rib for 6 sts, yo, k2tog* repeat to end
Row 66-70: Work in rib
Row 71: Work in rib for 6 sts, yo, k2tog* repeat to end
Row 72 - 90 work in rib

Bind off all stitches and weave in ends.



Tassles:
Here's some quicklinks -

http://www.nezumiworld.com/crochet_057.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9H82Kk49zM
_________________________________________________
I hope you enjoy making this shrug. If you do, please comment and leave a link to your finished project. I'll post them here. Forgive me in advance if there are any errors in the pattern. Any questions? Email me at kamikak at msn dot com.

This pattern is to be used only for personal use. Please do not sell the pattern or objects made from it. I retain all ownership and rights to publication and copyright.



Kamika

Pattern: OZ

My Inspiration - Miss One

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I just love this song and Miss One is my girl with her little numbers running self. This song has been known to play on repeat on my iPod.

Introducing OZ! My first wearable design (clothing wise). Once I saw the colors in the Berrocco Boho I just couldn't resist. My family and I loved the result. My cousins even tried to steal it from me. Wear it as I did over jeans or spice it up for the evening. I plan to post the quick and simple pattern for free real soon. Enjoy the pics below.

OZ

Time: May 15th - May 25th, 2008
Yarn: Berrocco Boho in Pastures of Plenty, 3.5 skeins (209yds each); Cascade Sierra in Green 08, 3 skeins (192yds each); Tahki Dream in Green, 1 ball (262yds each); Yellow-Green, (approx. 55yds)
Needles/Hook: US 11
Notes: Double stranded the Boho with the Dream in the deep green color for an irridescent look. This shrug is knit flat and mirrored then folded in half and seamed at the edges. I suppose it could be knit in the round until the sleeves, but knitting flat seemed much better. It's entirely 2x2 rib with 2 sets of yarn overs in the trim for detail. The tassles are made with the remaining yarn.

Pattern coming soon!

Kamika

I Crawl Because I Like Being Close to the Ground

It really bites that I can't blog at work. That's code for: brace yourself, this is gonna be a long one. This daylight savings time and work takes a lot out of me. Don't get me wrong. I love the extra hour in the mornings but it really messes me up at night and the flourescent lights at work don't make it any better. They and the flickering (useless) computer that I sit in front of all day really saps my energy. The computer at work is useless because I can't BLOG! But the moolah is nice!!

Let's jump right in, shall we.

I've been spending a lot of time with ST (Surly Teenager). She's been attached to my hip and all things auntie for a few weeks now. It's no problem though. She's a really cool kid. So cool that she's picked up crochet! FIYAH! Thats her below at another yarn spot I wanted to hit called the Knit Cafe. It's a cozy little store in Beverly Hills. You may have heard of the book Greetings from the Knit Cafe. Well this is that author's store. Nice folks with no boug at all.

Houston, I think we have a convert. She was so overwhelmed when she stepped into the store. She never knew there was such a thing as a "Yarn Store" that carried only yarn and didn't have a big box chain name *cough* *cough* Michael's/Jo-Anns *cough* *cough*. Here's ST picking out some Cascade 220 in a rich purple variegated.

And here she is practicing on some scrap yarn I had. No sense in wasting the new yarn on test work.

And here she is trying to crochet in peace but unable to hold back a laugh at her corny auntie trying to snap flicks for her blog.

I ended up not buying any yarn but instead picking up this French Girl Knits pattern called Isobel. I later picked up some Cosetta yarn from Jo-Anns. I'm doubling up.

For the last couple of weeks I have been smitten with the Cycling Aran by Hello yarn. It's been in my Ravelry cue for a few months but I've been feeingl the need to make it in earnest. Two weeks ago I swung by another LYS in Santa Monica called Wild Fiber. Before I say anything negative about them, I will give them one more opportunity to redeem themselves.

I picked up a ball of Elisabeth Lavold Silky Flamme to swatch with and fell in love almost 90%. I just couldn't do it. I decided that in order to get the proper gauge I would have to go from a 9 to a 10.5 needle which would IMO make the sweater too airy. I didn't give up though and kept looking for a good replacement. The only problem I had was finding the right yarn in the same rich gunmetal color and reasonably priced. After searching hard and not settling I finally found it!

So this weekend I decided to do my own little yarn crawl. Just like in my mall hop days, I decided to hit a few shops I had never been to before to say I went. I started out in Santa Monica at A Manos Yarn Center. I've heard a lot about this shop and wasn't disappointed. The ladies in there were having a good ole time when I walked in. They had the music going and about 8 of them around the table just yakking it up and knitting. I jumped right into the conversation. I couldn't find my elusive Cycling Aran yarn there but I did pick up a pair of size #19 needles, and some pretty Rowan Calmer and Berroco Bonsai in reds to start scrumbling for a shawl I'm making for a new friend. Annette and Shenita (the owners) were wonderful. Would you believe I had been talking to Shenita off and on on Ravelry and never even knew she was the owner of A Manos? Well here's your plug girl!.


After leaving A Manos, I drove on over to Compatto also in Santa Monica. Early last week I had gotten an invite to be in the Compatto group on Ravelry and decided I should go check out the spot. This store is niiice! Well decorated and well stocked. It's a small spot but nicely organized. Nancy, Bonnie and Grace are the bomb! They carry lots of Blue Sky Alpacas, Rio de la Plata, and Malabrigo. Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Cotton is what I chose for my Cycling Aran. Check it out! I hope he loves it!

A few more things. Picked up this cute pattern called Instant Oatmeal by Monkey Suits. I think Mercy will look cute in this for the winter. Finally something to use that RYC I bought a while ago. BTW, I don't think I ever showed you all the yarn I got for Arrica's Boobholder. I need to get it popping cause I missed her birthday. I've had this yarn for nearly 3 months now and haven't started yet.

I promise I'll be back this week (Lw). I got some great events going on this weekend to hip you to.


Kamika

A Few Updates For My Cupcakes

You silly! I got my Ravelry invite a couple of days ago and I went immediately to the site to start uploading my info. I'm KinkyCoils over there as well. Feel free to add me as a friend/pal/homie, what'ev. I've been working on a couple of projects from the Fitted Knits book since my last post. I really like this book and plan to start another project from it soon. Here's an update:

Perfect Periwinkle Turtleneck Vest

Time: June 28th - July 10th.
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca, Just under 3 skeins (220yds each)
Needles: Size 6 & 7 US
Modifications: Omitted the turtleneck and half the back. Added straps. I had to rip the back one time because it was entirely too big for my back. I knit the back in the smallest size. It's still a little too big.

Airy Wrap-Around Lace Sweater

Time: July 14th - In Progress
Yarn: RAM Angora (Mohair Laceweight), Just under 2 skeins (545yds each)
Needles: Size 11 US
Modifications: Added side slit to thread ties through. This will cut down on the bulk and add extra shaping.I plan to block it out to smooth out the stitches and make the cables pop.

Here is a pic of the RAM Angora yarn used for the Airy Wrap. I got just over 1600 yds from eBay from a British seller. It's a nice yarn very comparable to the original yarn designated for the pattern.

I hope to be finished with the Airy Wrap by Sunday, if not sooner. I will be sure to post pics.

I've also been moving Regan back into the que. I may complete Regan (remember her from the Rowan #41 magazine?) before I start the next project from Fitted Knits. I currently have the back completed and a portion of one front side.

Regan

Time: Mid May 2007 - In Progress
Yarn: TSC Cotton Classic, 10 hanks
Needles: Size 6 US
Modifications: None

Kamika

Variety Is The Spice of Life

Right? On Tuesday I went out and purchased the Fitted Knits book by Stephanie Japel. Upon leaving the store I immediately moseyed over to LisCat to buy another skein of Deluxe Worsted 100% Wool. Assuming I didn't have enough at home, I plopped down the $9.50 for it in a pretty lilacy color. While I was passing over my hard won (seeing as I have no job, it wasn't earned) money I couldn't help but complain in my mind that, "Wow her prices have gone up." and "Yea K, she's expensive to be a no-frills yarn spot." For some reason she felt the need to tell me that the yarn I was buying was the best. "That it knit up easily and washed sooooo well!" she schmoozed. I bought it anyways thinking it would make a great or shall I say Perfect Periwinkle Turtleneck Tube Vest [TTV]. At least it would be cheap for today. I already had 3 skeins at home and stash busting is a lot cheaper than buying commando.

As soon as I got home I went to work on the TTV and immediately joined the Fitted Knits KAL hosted by Robin (Yarn Crawl) on Typepad. Looks like a good industrous group of ladies over there.

As usual I had to make my usual modifications. The Wool I bought is booty!! BOOTY do you hear me!! It's 100% wool! Duh! It's itching my hands. Actually, it's not that bad. It is a little scratchy and it does hold heat, but it knits very prettily (see the swatch). I knit up 1 swatch and my gauge was right on. It's just, just, just... Too raw and natural for what I'm making. Maybe it's the summer temps here in So Cal but this yarn looks like it's giving off heat vapors. I really can't see wearing this directly on my skin in any season. Wife beater or fitted blouse here we come!

So what's the resolution and why do you see two colors in the pics? I decided to create a backless version less the turtleneck using the remainder of that beautiful Berroco Ultra Alpaca I used for my Mom's Sambuca jacket. It's so soffffffffft! And it doesn't itch me like I got fungus.


So we'll see what comes of the both of em.

Kamika

Boobalicious

Yea! Hot chocolate with Hazelnut time!

The Boobholder is finished. I decided to scrap the edging and go a little plainer. I'm not totally finished but wearable finished. I intend to put a nice butterfly clasp at the neckline and go á la Lana Turner 40's pinup style. Check out the neckline in the pic to the left.

Hopefully I will be back at work (a real corporate job) soon and I can't wait to wear this sweater with a great pin-striped pencil skirt and some really vampy striking heels. Oh and I can't forget the back seamed hosiery.

No no no! striking not slutty. I'm not trying to draw any unwanted attention. IRL I liken my style to that of Traci Ellis Ross of Girlfriends. Corporate but with a little twist and color to make me standout from the herd.

...alas, let me stop counting my chickens before they hatch. I am looking forward to going back to work though. I appreciate the two years I have been off. I've really been able to get grounded and find my creative voice. Work is no longer and hopefully will never again be my life. I'm so happy that I no longer introduce myself as Kamika K, chief such-and-such of such-and-such company. Now I'm just Kamika. This lady of leisure life is for the birds. I need some interesting conversation **money**, some numbers to crunch **yarn cash**, and deadlines **new shoes**. Living leisurely 100% of the time is great when you reside on the QE2 and have not a care in the world. I don't!

Boobholder

Time: June 11th - June 25th.
Yarn: Berroco Cotton Twist, Just under 6 skeins
Needles: Size 10 US
Modifications: Shortened the sleeves and omitted the trim. Will be adding butterfly clasp
Extras: Due to 2 different dye lots I worked in a nice ombre blending. It shows up as slightly heathered yellow stripes. I ripped back the sleeves twice and took out the expansion stitches. Cotton doesn't have very good memory.

Kamika

Actual WIPs & FOs To Come Soon

I know, I know, I know. Where are the pictures of the stuff on your needles? Oh désolé mes amours. It's coming. I've been working on a lot lately and making great progress. Most of the WIPs though have been production of my jewelry for other stores. I honestly didn't know what having even a small line entailed. It is rewarding though to see a dream come to fruition. Ahem! Did I mention that my pockets are salivating at the prospect of gaining real money for real work?

I'm currently working on the Minisweater (aka. the boobholder) from Glampyre Knits as well as daydreaming about wrapping up Regan. I've once again re-invoked the use of that gorgeous Sunny Yellow Berroco Cotton Twist that was originally envisioned as the Fat Bottom Bag and then the modified Esme. For some reason the Minisweater is taking me a lot longer to finish than anticipated. Maybe I'm just tired or maybe the cotton keeps slipping through my fingers and around and around on my needles. Nevertheless it will get done.

On the home front. I had to apologize to The Bully [TB] and as usual by association, The Geezer [TG] because I snapped off TB on late yesterday evening because she was being a mad reveler at 11pm at night. Jeeves was here as usual egging her on like the Pied Piper and the mice. Guess who the chief mouse was? I, as what seems to be the unfortunate usual, was of the Martha ilk. You know Martha of the Mary, Martha, and Lazarus clique. The New Testament busybody? Mad because I have to do all the work while Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus. Yes, her! I was so trying to be about busying myself to sleep.

I must remember that TB is worthy of respect and honor solely because of who she is. Her revelry is not a bad thing, it's actually rather nice, at a decent time of day. I also couldn't refrain myself from snapping up Jeeves. The sad thing is, I was never angry just annoyed. I have no plans to apologize in that direction. It needed to be done albeit in a more civilized manner.

Pics in the next post! I promise unless I get a newsflash.

Kamika

Purple Sambuca Neat & Blocked Please?

I finished the Sambuca Jacket from the Amazing Crochet Lace book a couple of weeks ago as a gift for my mother for Mother's Day. My Mom has been my muse for a minute, not by choice, but because everytime I start to work on something she asks for it. This time she had seen a cardigan in Catherine's and asked me to make one for her. The ones in Catherines seemed cheapie and balloon like. I knew I could do one better. Once finished I had every intention of posting pics of it immediately but my memory card in the cammie became stricken again and I couldn't resuscitate it.

Anyhoo, I worked up the jacket with the Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the "Prune Mix" colorway. Some of you may remember it from here. I frogged that sweater and reused the yarn. No since in wasting good yarn on such an ill fitted garment. Besides, I'm not a Rockefeller and yarn AIN'T cheap. As usual I made my usual adjustments and cut the arms down to make them short sleeve. I also omitted the butterfly clasp because women with big tiggly biddys (read: breasts) shouldn't wear jackets/tops with single closures at the neck. It's obscene!
I really like the Amazing Crochet Lace book. I did notice though that the pattern did have a number of small errors in it. But once you learned the actual pattern repeat you really didn't need to look at the book again save for increasing points. I also didn't like that the charts on this pattern were blurry, small, and not complete. This of course will not hinder me from doing other garments out of the book.

Enjoy the pics and let me know what you think!


Kamika