Did I Sleep With You Last Night?

Remember when your momma used to say that to you when you woke up in the morning and didn't say hello? Oh Hello! Yes, Mert (short for Martha) is old skool. It's sad when it seems like everytime you come back to YOUR house you have to explain to folks where ya been and why you been gone so long. Dang! I am GROWN! Although I am living in my parent's house and too lazy or is that too tired and unmotivated to move out. Most of the other boarders have gone so it's been pretty much smooth sailing. I guess I'm just deceiving myself.

Back to explaining where I been and so on. I'm talking to my blog readers not my mom. She doesn't tread to closely to my personal business and when she does, I just ignore her. Then again, she doesn't need to. I'm pretty predictable and regimented. It's only on the weekends that I turn into a hoe-bath taking Hussy! LOL! Actually, I wish! Not the hoe bath part. I likes to bathe in tubs and showers and put on fresh, well you know...

I was gone 5 days shy of a month. I missed my own blogiversary. I think I was a little afraid to come back. Does that say how I am in relationships?

Work is really draining my energy. Mental drains are waaay more tiring than the physical. When I get home at night I barely make it over the threshold before I want to fall face first into the carpet and stay there until morning. It's as if all the "special" projects at work have turned into my actual job. These crazy things have become endless. Sometimes I feel hood-winked.

I have been knitting and combing my hair though! Shew! It'll take a nation to hold me back. I'm working on my own shrug design which I think I'll call Oz. Peep the picture below. I'm much further than it shows but I was too lazy today to take another pic. It should be finished by this weekend and I'll post it then and the pattern when I get a chance.

I finished steeking the Deep V Argyle vest and got distracted. Here's some pics of my progress. I'll get back to it soon.


Do you remember this? It's Buttony done in that wonderful Malabrigo.


Well look at it now.

It's more like Button still in that same wonderful (blah, blah, blah) Malabrigo. I don't know what I was toking on that day, probably long dormant energy, but I shrunk it in the dryer. Words cannot describe my face when after realizing that I had left it in for longer than 5 minutes, I opened the dryer and saw this miniature. LB (remember my 8 yo neice I dubbed Lying Butterfly?) would love it. Would because she's living in Las Vegas now and has absolutely no use for it out there! Oh well, I bought some more Malabrigo in this pretty peachy-orange color and I plan to make another Buttony but this time a perfect fit. Lesson learned: Malabrigo felts really nicely.

Talk about being scatterbrained. Check out my new train case and my makeup.


Isn't it pretty!? I realize my creature-of-habitness shows up in my choice of makeup colors. I needed to get the case so I could prove to myself that I always seem to buy the same colors.

I think I may plunk down the $1,890 to buy this bag. It's up there, a little materialistic, and prolly not worth it. But I want it and since I don't have a car note or market rate rent, it's justifiable. We'll see if I come to my senses. I just love Gucci.

I tested some of this at Sephora. Smashbox Photofinish. This is a great product. I use it under my foundation but mostly under my loose powder instead of foundation. Love it! Love it! Love it! With this summer's heat sure to be high enough to melt your makeup off. This with loose powder or bronzer, is a great alternative.


I went back and redid the collar on the Cycling Aran again. The cashmere/wool blend, still wasn't stretching enough even in the rib so I reknit it in the same Blue Sky Alpacas yarn as the rest of the body. I then realized that I didn't like how the zipper looked on the inside so I knit a facing to cover it on both sides. It turned out really great and gave the sweater an even nicer finished look.


On another note I started an Etsy store for my jewelry and stitch markers. I haven't gotten around to decorating it yet but when I do I'll let you all know.

Thanks to those of you who checked on me,


Kamika

Trying To Be Prolific

This weekend was full of knitting and creating. I had summoned all of my crafting power into my hands in order to finish off as many projects as I could. I was knitting like yarn was endangered. Alas, I didn't finish everything but a lot and I even found time to make some great stitch markers. Check tomorrow's post for pics of the stitch markers individually. Otherwise this would have been a very picture heavy post.

You already know I finished Buttony, and the Brother In Law Hat. I finished the Cycling Aran, zipper and all. I also swatched the Deep V Argyle Vest. I just about finished a scarf I was making to go along with His sweater and hat (I'm trying to use up the remaining 1/2 skein of Malabrigo and 1/2 skein of Blue Sky Alpaca's that I used on the last two projects, otherwise this is entirely to much coordination for me). I started the Oatmeal Jacket from Monkey Suits and I had to keep myself from starting a scarf for my secret swap partner.

Check it out! Here are some progress pics on the Cycling Aran and the finished project:

The zipper took me about an hour to put in. I didn't want to do it by machine and risk puckering or tearing the stitches ragged.

On my previous attempt I had stitched a simple stockinette lining. When I tried the jacket on a male friend, I noticed that the lining didn't stretch like the collar and wouldn't allow the collar to close. I ripped it out and decided to make the lining ribbed like the color to get the same amount of stretch.

Me modeling the finished product with hat.

Kamika

V-Day and Buttony Done

I've been so behind in posting pics of my current projects! Forgive me! I am trying a new thing in the morning. I'm still getting up at the crack of dawn but I'm getting dressed earlier so I can start incorporating blogging and eating a complete breakfast here at home before I trek off to work. Both of which seem to be some serious feats. It's hard when you have other vagabounds living in the same house with you. LOL

^^^Look what DM and TG got me for Vday! Threatening works everytime.

I want to first thank my swap partner Sandra for the great swap gift. She and I participated in the Ebony Elite Ravelry group swap this past winter. I was pleasantly surprised when I got my package in time for Valentine's Day and it was all red with great stuff.

I got a skein of Malabrigo, a skein of Misti Alpaca Lace, a really nice oversized button (I may have to find something to make around it, hmmh), some beauty products, some much needed hair bands, Hazelnut chocolate (how did she know I love most everything hazlenut?), and some stylish tissues. I love it and thanks again!

I've also completed a knit project. Almost! I need to stitch the detailing on the sleeves but other than that it's wearable and DONE!

Buttony

Time: January 28th - February 20th, 2008
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted Wool in Sunset, 4.5 skeins (209yds each)
Needles/Hook: US 10
Notions: 13 silver Angel Buttons

Notes: Katie Marcus' pattern is really more of an outline on how do do a top down raglan sweater. I would strongly recommend measuring your arm circumference before knitting this. If you don't, you will overestimate the size of your arms in comparison to your bust measurement and end up with baggy arms. I did by about 9 increases, hence the detailing I am now doing on the sleeves to kind of cinch the arms up. I didn't feel like ripping back to the arms to make it right. I added in waist shaping, starting about 2 inches below the armscye join. I decreased 1 stitch on each side every 6 rows 5 times, knit 12 rows, and then increased in the same manner for my hips.

I made my sleeves 3/4 instead of full arm. I think it gives it a nice sweater girl look. I would do this pattern again to make the perfect sweater!

Kamika

Eventhough I hate being late and I'm rarely tardy (unless intentional which happens when I'm in a slump), I seem to be on CPT time with announcing the winner of the Sisters of The Yarn GiveAway! So with no further ado. The winner is:

NikkiJ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lookout for my email for your addy. Thanks to all who entered!

Kamika

Sherlock Kinky Coils Is On the Case

Ooh Chile, have I got a bug to put in your ear. Girl, you gotta promise not to tell NOBODY! I mean not a soul cause I got a reputation to keep but this bug is itching me to death! I gotsta tell somebody, you know I get the one person rule. You gotta promise me. I'm serious! You say my name and I will deny it and give you the evil eye.

Anyways, I was over at Cozy's Place and chile Mojo done left her. Walked right out the house. She can't find him nowhere. Been calling and hunting and wondering where he be and ain't been able to talk him up to save her life. You know the new IK is out, which means the bills are due and she better get to making something but she can't. Forget about a pot to piss in! Honeeey! He ain't left her with a sock with a toe in it to stick her foot in! Winter is cold but it ain't got nuthin on Mojo when he step out on you.

I wanted to tell her that Mojo was ho! But you know you can't tell nobody about their man inspiration. Quiet as kept. I swear I saw him over at Crimson's spot last week. Umm Hmm. He gave her that Cashmere Neckwarmer. Heck he gave her a few in different colors. And she calls herself Virtuous! Hmph! Just today I saw him over at Urb's crib. She tried to play if off by saying her Mojo was at the club with Cozy's but we all know they the same person. **wink** **wink**

And then let me tell you this! I had planned to take this to the grave with me but I couldn't help it. I'll have a little talk with God after I tell you this. Have you noticed that NikkiJ's daughter Teddy Bear looks a lot like Mojo? I know, I know, it's uncanny. She be strutting with her little bad self in those minaturized sweaters. You know Mojo gave her those. Who her momma kidding! Her socks got toes in em.

But even that ain't the half of it! I hear SuperstarRAH is Flo-ing. Only Mojo can put you in that type of mood. I know this for a fact. But you didn't hear that from me.

Okay so you got me! Mojo done been dipping in the yarn stash over here too! How else could I have gotten Buttony in Malabrigo, Trio Shawl in Pagewood Farms, and a dang near finished Cycling Aran in Blue Skys Alpaca? I know I'm wrong, but if lovin him is wrong...you know the rest. I sure hope he come back by here before he head home to Cozy's. The Cycling Aran needs a zipper fixin!

________________________________________ Just doing a little blog dipping today. Enjoy the progress pics and tune in tomorrow for hair and the winner of the Sisters of the Yarn GiveAway.

Kamika

Sisters of the Yarn GiveAway

I'm tired of not doing the things I want to do! I'm tired of being bound to reality by practicality and at the same time depressed by my grand fantasies that never seem to come to fruition. I put the kabosh on all of that last night! Michelle Obama's speech on yesterday at UCLA seemed to light a fire under me. I'm still not sure who I'll be voting for on tomorrow, but I am leaning heavily towards the Obama crew. Eventhough I don't agree with all of the Obama alignments, nor am I a Demo or Repub but Indie, I was too done when one of Hillary's campaign heads (by my perception and my perception is what counts on this blog) made a wickedly subversive egalitarian comment about how the Clinton campaign only cares about the people in the states that matter to them. What the?!! But I'm digressing and need to get back on track.

Remember when I said I'll Try? Well I'm going to keep making myself accountable to you all by keeping you up on my progress.

1. I signed up for my Belly Dancing class and have since taken 2 - 3 hour lessons. I've bought a short hip scarf with lots of coins and even a bronze belt and I'm still not done. I'm having so much fun in this class I can't stand it! (Not my tail in the pic)

2. I'm enrolled in a couple of classes this semester and feeling great about it!

3. I made the Eunny Jang Deep V Arglye Vest my Ebony Elite KCAL project. Got the yarn, the sticks, and the pattern. Woo Hoo!

4. I plan to make Saturdays Hair Day here. I'm lining up stuff as we speak and even speaking to some mixtresses about future giveaways, so stay posted.

5. I got some great stuff for the Sisters of the Yarn Giveaway just as I had promised. Check below for the detes. I didn't make it last week but look, now you have, well now!

So the above items are no longer "I'll Trys" but I'm Doings which means I need some more I'll Trys. Check back on Wednesday for those and help to keep me on track.
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So on to the Give Away!

The Prize:

A book and yarn package












From Iris Schreiber her latest book Lacy Little Knits...

...and from Lorna's Laces, 1 skein of Shepherd Worsted Wool in the awesomely named Aslan colorway. Aslan is one of my heros straight from one my most favorite books, The Chronicles of Narnia. This skein is a full 225 yards, wonderfully dyed and super soft.

Both items are brand spanking new and not from my stash!

HOW TO WIN:

This one's a little easier. Just leave me a comment telling me what you might make with the Lornas Laces.

I'll leave this open through the Friday, February 8th and randomly select 1 winner on that evening. You must live in the continental US to participate. Be sure to provide me with your email addy otherwise I will not be able to reach you. The first to respond to my email will get first choice and so on.

Good luck!

Your Girl Kamika

I Am the Phantom...

I am the phantom that lives in the house

I am the phantom that walks in and out

I am the phantom that will not shout

so no one in the house will know I'm about...

Yep, that sums it up. For the last couple of weeks I have been rising early and coming home really late. Way after others have gone to sleep I've been slipping in the house and acting like I live alone. I haven't seen the faces of some of my family members in a couple of weeks but they know when I'm home. The light in my room is on and when they knock on the door I freeze like I'm invisible until they go away. At other times I feign deafness due to the earphones surgically attached to my ears when I'm here.

I know, some of you would say that I'm wrong while others may be resentful of me for being single, childless, and able to slip in and out without someone or a some thing called familial responsibility attached to my hip. I'm not ashamed. I'm tired ya'll! Hate me, I'm good at being a villain named Single. My krytonite is loneliness and longing.

God promised to remedy my plight, hence my latest project. This picture was taken yesterday so it doesn't show my progress on today alone. Double the height and you'll see where I currently am on my Cycling Aran. I decided to knit it in the round to eliminate as much seaming as possible. I'm a few inches from dividing for the armscye.

This has gone so smooth and the yarn, Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Organic Cotton, is soooooo soft! I guess the blessings of the Lord do make me rich and add no sorrow... As if I didn't believe.
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I went shopping today and bought myself a few treats and took in a movie only to come home to an IRS wage garnishment notice. UGH! I need to go see my tax man like tomorrow.

I checked out the Golden Compass this afternoon. I know all about the reviews and the uproar the church is having with the storyline and the anti-church message. I got it. I liked the movie and I plan to go see the sequel (although I will reserve the right to change my opinion as I read more up on it). I was thoroughly amused through the entire movie. Great cinema! Nicole K is my girl. She's a bad actress and so I tend to like most of her movies.

I picked up Da Truth's album Open Book today and you should check it out. Nice grooves. It's going straight to the iPod and will be my running soundtrack until I'm tired of it or find a lyric that doesn't line up.

I'm really enjoying life. It's all been worth it!

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

Were I Be

I know some of you are wondering, "What in blue blazes! Where is Kinky Coils?" I've been around but extremely busy. For the last two weeks, I took a temp assignment and have been away from my computer during the day.

The firm that I worked for turned out to be such a blessing in so many ways. It was an industrial engineering firm which allowed me to see the flip side of a certain aspect in real estate. You may not know that I'm a former real estate manager, hence industrial engineering plays a small part. The company was a partnership of two women and the principals really knew their stuff. Upon my last day one of the owners really imparted some wisdom that is going to help me in the future.

On to knitting! Because of my surge in cash flow I have been working on a number of new projects that I can't get too detailed about now, as I have to go but here's a sneak peek:

1. Regan (Rowan 41) - Needs some trim and the sleeves.
2. Rebecca Doll - I think I'll call her Sassy Hotpants or maybe just Floosy!
3. Boobholder - Gift for Arrica
4. Infant Petal Blanket - My own design for baby cousin
5. Test Knit for a well known knitwear designer.

When I come back, I'll have pictures and details on some of the sales I hit. I'll also have the latest installment of The Motel saga. So much has gone on here, you won't want to miss it.

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The New Fall Knitty 2007 is up!

-Check out the FABO hoodie called ROAM. Too cute, I want to do that one next. Take a peek at MR. GREENJEANS! This would be cute if made a little more fitted to accentuate the empire ribbing and with shorter more blouson sleeves. For those of us who love shawls or at least making them as gifts, MUIR is a great little number with enough same repeats for nearly mindless knitting. Lastly, the yarn in CHERIE AMOUR - Frutos Del Bosque, has great color variegation.

Tahki Stacy Charles Launches NYYarns.Com!

-TSC yarns has created a user website to go along with their new line of yarn, both called NYYarns. They've added an online shop that allows you to purchase directly patterns AND yarn. I put emphasis on yarn because many of your big named yarn makers don't allow you to buy yarn directly from them. If you like TSC, Tahki Stacy Charles, and Filatura di Crosa, you may like NYYarns.

Yarn Harlot in Los Angeles!

- If this is your first time hearing about this then it's probably too late for you. The show was booked almost instantly. RSVPs were strongly recommended but walk-ins are still welcome on a first come basis. Where: Mark Taper Forum (LA Main Library) @ 1pm. http://www.lfla.org/events/yarnharlot.php

Auf Wiedersehen!

Kamika

Redux You!

The Anthro Redux is working out nicely. I'm finishing up the right front and will be switching to the left front before the days out. I'm very excited about this project. I've been in an emotional slump of late and usually when I find myself in this place I need to do something fantasmic to pull myself out. There's nothing like creating something fresh and new to do just that.

Yippee! Potter Craft News, the publisher of Annie Modesitt's soon to be released book Romantic Handknits has just released a teaser pattern. It's called Notorious-not quite a tank and not nearly a sweater. A great little number to transition from summer to fall with. This will be the perfect project for me to be able to use those 7 skeins of Rowan RYC Silk Aran I bought last week. Hey! They were on sale for 30% off! I had yard sale money! This was my only splurge, since the rest of my purse went to bills. I'm STASH BUSTING! I will actually be getting the book this weekend as it is being released on the 18th.

Yesterday, I found another great project. It's the Shedir hat from Knitty Fall 2004. Here's a really nice FO from Art Class Failure's blog. I plan to use that aubergine Tahki Cotton Classic I got from my Coffee Swap Partner Ann K.

Ahh! I'm feeling inspired again,

Kamika

Stitchin & Pitchin

Got out in the sunny summer air yesterday and decided to head over to Michael's to perchance find some suitable yarn to make the Surplice Bodice Camisole from the Knitting Lingerie Style book, as if. Yes, as if I could find some likeable yarn at Michael's. But I was being ansy and pinching pennies at the same time and really just wanted to find something so I could start something out of this great new book!

I got over myself real quick and realized that "My name is Kamika and I'm a Yarn Snob" and that no suitable yarn would be found until I saved up some shekels and moseyed on over to my LYS. Only the Knitter's Studio in Bev Hills would do. Drats! I just missed their end of summer 50% off sale because I didn't want to wade through the street faire crowds, the 30 miles of LA freeway traffic, nor the trek from my parked car to the front door. They'll have another sale soon and I'll have a chaffeaur.

God is good and very patient with me. I had a great sub already at home in my measly stash! Yep! Remember that yarn I used for Jackie's Blue Curacao Shawl? Well I'm now determined to mix that with a slick polyester thread to get a different effect. That's the ticket.

So why is this called Stitchin & Pitchin? Well I had my yarn epiphany in the parking lot at Michael's and afterwards just drove on over to a neighborhood park to knit in peace (read: behind a car full of mopey teenage boys smoking bad weed and looking like they needed baths yesterday). They ended up having a girl's softball game right in front of me. Great game, the girls looked like they were having fun, even the losing team. The red team killed the girls in pink. I was really routing for the pink/black team if only because I liked their uniform colors and they all arrived first, making them the home team to me. I guess my like for their colors didn't help them squat! At least I'm closer to being finished with Regan.

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

When All Else Fails...Put It In Your Hair

This post can be subtitled, "An Appropriate Use For ACKrylic."

Ya'll know I hate acrylic yarn with a passion. I can't stand that dang ole fun fur with it's randy willy-nilly ways. I don't like the faux facade or the drying effect it has on my hands. I abhor the mess that is made with it and called knitwear. I will use it though if it's in my stash (throw back stuff to my early knitting days before I became a purist) or if it's blended with another more natural fiber, but I really would prefer not too. I do understand that when blended it can have a dramatic improving effect on the drape of a garment and for this I give it pass. But all by itself I usually try to avert my eyes.

I do love acrylic though for my yarn braids! I just finished my second set on yesterday and wouldn't use any other fiber for them. Below are pics of my 1st set done back in February. I decided to use those pics because they look the same as the set I just put in and because I have been to lazy to take updated pics. I braided my hair up to give it and my mind a break from daily styling. If you look closely you'll notice that these are actually twists. If you know how to braid, then these will be a cinch for you. These should last me a month to a month and a half with rinsing and a concious mind to not take my hair down. Enjoy!

Time: July 6th. 9 hours total
Yarn: Lions Brand Homespun in Black, 1 skein
Extras: Used Scripto Lighter to burn ends and give highlighted look.

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