Tagged Again!

I was tagged by the lovely Shanta at Life As I know. Stop by and check her out.

Now here I go...

"The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themself. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 0r 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves a comment letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answer."Sounds easy enough. Enjoy the trip...

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
I can hardly remember. So much was going on then. I had just been laid off for the second time in about 2 years but this time it wasn't as easy. I was worried about my income and having a place to live. I was starting my Graphics business and trying to be young, fabulous, and rich. I was hoping I would never have to go back to work for someone else ever again.

2. What are five things on my to do list for today?
a. Go and fill eyeglass prescription
b. Take shoes to the shop for repair
c. Get toes done.
d. Buy yarn at Compatto
e. Finish watching Heroes on Hulu.com

3. Snacks I enjoy...
Sugar! Just pure dee sugar.

4.Things I would do if I were a billionaire...
*Bring God 10% for tithes and a minimum of another 10% for offering.

*Pay off my Parent's bills.

*Pay off my Pastor's bills.

...oh yeah and my bills too!

*Setup a foundation for the homeless

*Setup an arts endowment for inner city kids. We need art back in the schools

*Open a yarn store.

*Travel

*Stop working and finish my degree

5. Places I have lived...
*Only in Southern Cali

6. What jobs have I had...
*Receptionist for WIC office

*Order Taker for Pizza Hut

*Telemarketer

*Site Director for non-profit

*Membership Director for non-profit

*Office Mgr for a health plan

*Training Coordinator for health plan

*Claims auditor for health plan

*Sr. Specialist for a health plan

*Consultant

*Entrepreneur

*Sr. Admin for large bank

*Admin for real estate firm

*Asst. Mgr for real estate firm

*Manager for real estate firm

*Temp

*Contract Negotiator for health plan.

7. Peeps I want to know more about...
If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged.

Kamika the it

Ah Hah! Say No To Head Buzz

Just recently I did a quick review of Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercream after shouting, "Wait a Minute Mr. Postman!" In that post I praised the results I got from the product and how much I liked it. At the end I did mention one Caveat - I kept feeling slightly light-headed.

Light-headed. Let's explore this sensation for a moment. Walk with me...

Light-headness - a common and often unpleasant sensation of dizziness and/or feeling that one may be about to faint...feeling as though his or her head is weightless. Wikipedia.

After applying the Baby Buttercreme this is how I felt but without the fainting spell. I constantly felt like I was withdrawing from caffeine. You know, that slightly buzzy feeling? Not a tingle ladies. A warm but bearable buzz. But that's just the tip of it. The skin on my forehead started to become inflamed. I also started noticing breakage and more shedding just from touching my locks. A small patch of my hair in the nape area is missing. Yep, just vanished! I know the trees were there because I have pictures and because there is STUBBLE!!! Stubble can only mean breakage. Breakage in an area that I touch a lot (at times I have recurring Hand-In-Fro disease. It's terminal). I haven't had breakage like this since I gave up the relaxer 3 years ago. Now mind you, my hair looked fabulous but at what cost? I had to research this. I also immediately stopped using the product.

The beginnings of my natural hair journey didn't start with the easing in of transitioning. No, I wanted the full trial by fire experience that only comes with the BC. Considering this, I had no problems chucking a product that kept my hair glossy and made my hair appear more acceptable to the masses. NO! But I digress.

After careful research I believe I found the problem. Acetylated Lanolin! Damn Damn Damn! WOOL!!! I'm allergic to pure wool!! **This is going to be a little exhaustive.**

Acetylated Lanolin, also called Sheep/Wool Alcohol or even Wool Oil, is a thick waxy sebum(oil) secreted by sheep to give there coats a glossy sheen and keep the skin underneath soft and supple. When the sheep are shorn the Lanolin is extracted from their coats, cleaned, and processed for use in all kinds of products. Like most other oils commonly used on hair, when applied after moisture, Lanolin will lock the moisture in making your hair feel softer and more moisturized. It's non-drying and the animal variety can be pretty anti-allergenic. You can find it in lotions, lipsticks, lip balms, shampoos and conditioners, and hair products et al.

So you say, "What gives? Lanolin is found in at least 1/3 of the beauty products out there." True, but it's usually found in smaller quantities closer to the end of the ingredients list and only used as filler or an emollient. Acetylated Lanolin is the second ingredient in this product which means there is a high concentration of it. Behind water it's mostly wool oil.

As stated earlier, Lanolin softens, soothes, and nourishes skin but coats and potentially suffocates hair because of it's thickness and binding properties. (The picture to the left is lanolin on a pole) It becomes wax and we all know what happens to wax after it has cooled. It becomes hard and non-porous which means no water escapes it but none gets in as well. Regular use of Lanolin rich products will ultimately cause build-up resulting in hair that drys in on itself because no moisture can enter in to replenish it. The wax attracts dirt and dust to each strand further clogging the hair follicles. Dryness, dirt, and dust are a proven recipe for tangling and hair breakage.


Another major problem. Acetylated Lanolin is slightly different than natural Lanolin in that to be acetylated certain natural molecular properties of the Lanolin are exchanged with Acetic Acid and LYE. Acetic Acid is a mild acid that is corrosive and prone to causing skin burns, eye damage, skin irritation, etc. It descales like Lime A-Way. Naturally found in vinegar it causes the pungent smell and sour taste we are all familiar with. In and of itself Acetic Acid is not really harmful when used in small doses but overtime regular use of it on your hair can be harmful. We all know what LYE is and what harm it can do.


Thirdly, Acetylated Lanolin is highly comedogenic. Meaning it clogs pores and has a tendency to produce or aggravate acne. When using products that contain this ingredient you must be careful to not allow the hair to hang in your face. Nuff said!


So I found my devil in the details. Wool in the form of Acetylated Lanolin. I can't wear pure wool without rashing so obviously the use of it in my hair is no different. My research explained the buzzing sensation and the hair loss I've been experiencing. Since I stopped using it 4 days ago the sensations have left. The remainder of the jar will be put in the "outbox" to be given away to those who are not allergic or trashed.

Baby Buttercream and it's sister Curly Buttercream are useful products, but I don't believe they are for me. I strongly suggest to anyone who may have wool sensitivities or allergies, avoid this product and any product for that matter that has Lanolin in it. If you are prone to acne or facial irritation, avoid using this near your face or placing your hands in your face after touching your hair. If you have found this to be one of your Holy Grail products, I highly recommend incorporating a regular clarifying treatment into your weekly hair regimen followed by a deep moisturizing treatment before reapplying this product. Oddly enough when I started using the product I was cowashing every day to every other day. Cowashing is not recommended with this product. You will only further add to the build-up on your tresses. You need to shampoo.


So there it is. Another Miss Jessie's product bites the dust for me. I'm truly not out to get them, I promise. I've just found that there product line doesn't work for me. I hope this review will be found helpful especially to the product junkies that are fiending to buy these cremes. I will try to find a comparable replacement and if I do I'll post it here. Currently I've gone back to using my Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Creme. It has "Lanolin" in it but it's #14 on a list of about 22 ingredients. As soon as I'm done with this I think I may not purchase it again. Even though I like it a lot, there has got to be something out there that doesn't have Lanolin and a whole bunch of chemicals in it.



Kamika Inspector #32

Your Opinions Needed

Okay I need your opinion. I'm just about done with the Reverse Halter from Doublestitch that I'm making for my cousin and I've come to a crossroads. You see, my cousin wanted the sweater in orange. I figured burnt orange would be more flattering for her so I knit the bodice in Vanna's Choice yarn in Rust. Unfortunately the pattern calls for the use of Patons Pooch for the bottom area and I decided that since the Pooch didn't come in a comparable color to the Rust that I would use a nice neutral color like Fleece to give her that Bohemian look she tends to like.

Here's my problem. I don't like it! I think the color contrast is too stark. Originally when I was at the store buying the yarn I had resigned myself to just knit it in creme like the picture but I couldn't find any creme yarns that seemed to match. The Patons Pooch is a very yellowy-cream wherein the other yarns were really dull and flat.

So what should I do? Do I keep crocheting to the end with what I've got or should I scrap it all together? I'm leaning towards finishing it because I won't be the one wearing it and it's not hideous, just not MY style. Even though I'll know this I may still be slightly offended if it never sees the light of day.

Kamika in a quagmire

SP 12 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I really like Merinos and ribbon yarns. I absolutely cannot work with pure wools. I have wool allergies.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Needles: a vase or the case they came in. Hooks: a ziplock bag (shame shame) but I don't have a lot of space where I'm living now.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? About 4 years, self taught through one of those "Teach Yourself To Knit" books at Michael's. I would Say Advanced Intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No

5. What's your favorite scent? Gardenia

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Love sugar! Pecan Turtles, Heath or Skor bars.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Crochet, make jewelry, and I used to sew. Do you spin? No

8. What kind of music do you like? Gospel, smooth jazz, Bossa Nova. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Black Any colors you just can't stand? Anything neon or anything flat (I don't particularly like basic primary colors but subtle shades between them).

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Single, no pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Hats and scarves.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Cropped sweaters and lacy garments.

13. What are you knitting right now? A velvet coat and Buttony part 2

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Sure

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Circs and it depends on the yarn I'm working with. I have a full set of metals.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, but when I move I'd like to get one.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Nearly a year.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Easter

19. Is there anything that you collect? Do shoes count?

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Any books on technique including Elizabeth Zimmerman or any of the Stitchionary books.

What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None as of yet.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Steeking well, double knitting, design

22. Are you a sock knitter? NO! J/K (only kidding about the expletive part. I don't knit socks)

What are your foot measurements? US womens 10-11

23. When is your birthday? March 19th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? Yep! KinkyCoils

Mean While, Back At the Ranch

Yippe Kayo, Yippe Kaya! I'm planning on checking out of The Motel this month. My long season of serfdom is almost over. I just can't take it no more! We have far less guests but way more drama of which I probably am the most guilty of. Jeeves has been getting on my nerves like no other. I just can't stand...Well whatever! I'm tired of rehashing the idiocy that is embodied in him. All I know is that there is no time like the present.

I started looking about 3 weeks ago and I think I'm really close to finding the apartment I want. I can't wait to move into peace and quiet. If I ever have roommates again (which I won't unless they come with names like husband and chir'ren) we all better live on the same or similar schedules. I'm a bit neurotic about my quiet time.

It's like relationships. A few differences bring zest and new experiences but too many differences and you got a hell-in-a-handbag bust hell wide open situation. My relations with The Motel has been of the latter. So let's cut to the chase. Who's to blame? ME of course! As if.

You just can't work a 9-5 be on a routine schedule and live with people who have no idea of what a schedule or routine is. It's not their fault. They don't have jobs and so they go to bed at 11pm after an evening of rauckus gossiping, snore like a locamotive all night, and then have the audacity to wake you up at 4:30am with their shuffling and nervous tendencies and singing of old negro spirituals, and more loud talking to only themselves. Going in and out of doors all night like a crack head, testing buttons a new cell phone and being in awe of the speaker phone feature like they just landed on earth all before the rooster has even gotten up. If I was a swearing women I'd say I swear I hear roosters cursing him every morning. If you haven't gotten the picture, let me sum it up for you. Have you ever had someone wake you up 30 minutes to an hour before you actually have to get up? Well there you go. EVERYDAY!

DM thinks it's cute. She ain't gonna think it's cute when I'm gone and he's sleeping in the room next to hers and The Geezers with only a thin wood paneled wall between them. She's gonna really be pissed when I don't give her my new address.

I'm not angry. I'm just counting down the days until I'm gone. I can see sweet freedom on the horizon.

I've been working on the Reverse Halter from Double Stitch. It's going so fast that there's no need to post progress pics. FO in next post.

Kamika the Free

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

Wait A Minute Mr. Postman!

I've been doing a lot of online shopping lately to satisfy my spending jones. I've been creeping into boutiques IR as well but I don't feel like taking pictures of that stuff. Check out my online scores:

The new Double Stitch - Designs For The Crochet Fashionista book by Erika & Monica Simmons. I preordered this one through Amazon back in April and have been patiently waiting for it up until yesterday. Below are a few items I will be queing up to make. Get yours in the sidebar -->



The book is full of colorful fun knits. Some for rocking around town and others for the sophisticates. I fall into the latter category and as such many are too bohemian for me. The sisters do no disappoint on inspiration though. I think that with a little creativity and a keen study of their designs on their MySpace page you can come up with all sorts of renditions on their already great designs. I really enjoy their stylish departure from the norm of cardigans, sweaters, socks, and pullovers. The stitch is simple but very detailed and decorative at the same time. I am happy to support the Queen's of Crochet Haute Fashion!

The Inaugural Issue of Verena Knitting by Burda (actually store bought). This magazine is really popular in Europe. On the cover it tauts itself as "Europe's top knit magazine." I'm really a sucker for good fashion styling. I try not to succumb to it but I don't think I'll ever change. Good styling is good styling. I guess that's why they do it that way. The magazine is sort of a mix between Rowan and Knit1 - classic designs mixed with the quirky. It's fun and for $6.99 you get 50+ patterns. Below are my faves.




On to hair!! Afrobella announced that Miss Jessie's was having their annual Mothers' Day Sale so I had to check it out. Normally I'm cool on all things Miss Jessies. I tried the Curly Pudding in the past and got a grape scented mess. Plus the price to me was prohibitive for a product I wasn't sure was going to be useful to me. I remember at the time it was $58 for 8oz. The devil is a liar! But, they were offering their Curly Buttercreme at $32 for 8oz AND you got a sampler pack of all of their other products (6 in total) thrown in for free. I figured I had to try it. I bought the Baby Buttercreme and got my order within the week.

I really like the Baby Buttercreme. It really helps with the knots and gives me a silky finish without feeling greasy. I didn't follow the instructions on the website or I would have had a hot greasy mess. You only need a little of this product for it to be effective not globs as the site instructs nor do you need to rake it through your hair with a baby doll size comb. My hair is so fluffy and full after applying just a little to each section and twisting.

Three days later I condish washed and twisted with the Curly Meringue. Meh! I'm not as sold on it. It did give me boingy springy curls but they were not as soft as when I used the Baby Buttercreme. I haven't gotten to the other products yet. All in all I'm very satisfied with the products. I'm happy that I didn't stop with just the Curly Pudding as I would have never tried the Baby Buttercreme. It's about trial and error. The only drawback I'm finding with the line is that there is an ingredient within these products that makes me slightly light-headed. I have to figure out what that is before I continue using. If any of you have experienced the same please do share your thoughts.

In my next few posts I'll post hair pics as well as pics of Oz which is 99% complete. Hopefully I'll have the pattern written up for you as well.

Love

Kamika

Strange?

Tell me if you think this is strange. Years ago (approx 6 or 7) I Googled myself and came upon a listing of someone with nearly the exact same name and age as me (I don't know her birth date). The only difference is that her middle initial is different. Stranger than strange is that she lives in a part of the south where I have a good amount of family. I don't know them all that well and have only been to the area once but there there. I was intrigued and decided to contact her and left a brief message on her voicemail. She never called me back

Back then I had this crazy urge to be kindred with all the Kamikas of the world. I wanted to read about them to find any similarities or crazy coincidences. It was sort of like being born on the same day as someone else and noticing you are similarly moody etc.

Recently she contacted me via one of my KAL sites. The Knitting Lingerie site to be exact. She explained that she didn't call me back all those years ago because she was afraid of Identity Theft! No diggity! Go Figure! I never responded.

Even more recently I noticed (after Googling of course) that she had left a rather mean-spirited comment on a forum. Here's what she wrote (excerpted from the Tyra Banks Show):

I am very confused, you say it's great to be "black", yet you wear a weave to disguise your african-american hair. My daughter wonders why her hair isn't as pretty as Tyra's. You should be ashamed of saying your a proud black sister, when in fact, your own mother went outside of our race because she too was ashamed. Why don't you just admit being a two-face wishing you were white, instead of getting a nose job, and caking on light make-up to not look so dark. I am overweight, I am never proud of it. I am unhealthy because of my weight, and so will my daughter be if I don't help her have healthy eating habits by making an example of myself. You say everyone is "beautiful" ,but you wear a support so you don't hang out.You try to stay in shape. Why don't you want to look like us "bigger" women if it's so O.K.? I want to know, which message your sending out, big or small, real or fake?... I am just keeping it "real",why don't you?

My disclaimer: THIS IS NOT ME!! I wear my hair natural but others can do what they want to do. Wear your hair how you want it! Shave your hairline and glue as many lacefronts to your head as you want. Cake on the pancake makeup as you see fit and feel free to burn all of your hair out from the root if that's your prerogative. Diversity makes the world go round. I can only show you a more excellent way if you are willing. I will never force it down your throat nor will I choke you to death with nappyheaded dogma. Gone are those days which is why I left a well known hair site alone. What I'm inclined to do may not be for you!

Now Identity Theft is always in the back of my mind, but at this point I think she is legit. If you saw my credit report you wouldn't want to steal from me. But! I do think it's strange, naw'mean?

What do you think? Kamika S. , please feel free to comment as well. This isn't an attack but more of a query.

Your girl. The real deal,

Kamika

A Sentimental Child on Mother's Day

Not just my sentiment but that of many after a holiday such as Mother's Day is that mothers should be honored everyday. I totally agree. After thinking about all that I've gone through in my life, I've found that my mother done done good! She wasn't always likeable, understandable, or what I thought I wanted in a mom (as if I had a choice) but she was the best mom for me.

I've learned a lot from the Old Girl and have avoided many a mistake due to her sacrificing herself and making the mistake for me. Oft times she was the coat over the puddle that I walked on. Lying down head first into the water so we never even knew it was there. I would often say, "Wow that's a pretty coat. I wonder who left it there." On occasion, I picked it up and brought it home to clean.

So here's to my once upon a time Go-Go dancing homegirl. We took a brunch cruise.

Happy Next Day Mothers' Day to all the Mothers,

Kamika