It Just Don't Make No Sense

It takes a whole lot of energy to over manage a project. I'm serious! Ridiculous amounts of energy! I have seen some people micro-manage. Seen them mis-manage. Hell, I know we've all had our fair share of total lack of management. At work. But damn! I never thought anyone could over manage a project. I mean over manage to the point of confusing themselves in the process of trying to remember how to explain to others the who, what, when, where, and why of a project that they only briefly looked at for less than 5 minutes while blindfolded, hanging upside down, with their right thumb in their mouth, and their left hand tied tightly behind their back with dental floss. One sock on and a Birkenstock or is that a Jimmy Choo? Over manage to the point that a simple mail merge becomes all out guerilla warfare dividing the north from the south, of a single department of 4 people (mind you!), Noriega style. The project is still seven months past due and we still didn't get it done today. It's a mail merge!!

Nope! I aint' ever seen it. I hope I never see it again. I betcha I betta not! Thank God, I'm not a betting woman. As my Daddy would say, "If betting was my ho card, I would have put my nightgown on!" I sit here fully dressed in the clothing of the day...

They angered me so today that I had to go out to my car and pray that God forgive me for my pride and my desire for a pistol. Chocolate pistol that is. Milk chocolate. I try not to be violent. I TRY! Lauryn said, "It could all be so simple, but you'd rather make it hard." Alas, workplace theatre. Public Access TV of course...

Well since I'm venting. I ordered these really great cookies from this spot. I think I placed the order on Wednesday. Why the folks just now getting around to mailing my stuff today? Must be that HAT time. Hawaiian Aloha Time cousin to Colored People's Time. Why did they call me on today and tell me they were missing a digit in my zipcode. Naw! Computer's can't be scarce in Hawaii. How else did they get my order? Mapquest anybody? Google maybe? HmmH?

So as not to drag you all down any further. I have been making great progress on the knitting front. I'm half way done with the back of my Ribbed Top by Vladimir Teriokhin from Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2008. I'm knitting it up in Malabrigo Silky Merino. Take a look.

I also got some really great Louet Kidlin for Stardust by Tourit Wilroy from Knitty Winter 2007 (?). I was at one of my favorite LYS, The Knitter's Studio, for their summer sale and couldn't stop admiring Litle Owl's sample they had displayed. It was in this great hue of green. She has an excellent post on collar alterations for it if you decide to do this project. The Kidlin is an excellent yarn choice for this project as it is very soft, silky, and as a mohair blended with linen it doesn't have as much loft as a pure mohair would which makes it less fuzzy. Plus the light really catches this yarn at every angle making it more dimensional.

I'm now off to pack up my SP12 gifts. I may post pics here as I seem to always get the partner that is not loquacious, or did I mean non-responsive, or distracted, or forgets to post pics of their swag on their blog. The luck of the draw I guess.

I know the title of this post is a double negative. It must be all that The Boondocks I've been watching. I got to take LB to a pool party tomorrow. I hope she has a ball and falls asleep on the way home. Now she's loquacious.

Kamika The War Torn

A FO, A Bed, & Some Hope

In Reverse order.

The Hope:

I'm counting down! Five more days until I'm emancipated from my life of serfdom at The Motel. I can't wait! I've been itching to buy all kinds of stuff to get ready for this move. I've already scheduled a day off, ordered the utilities, and assembled the move crew. I even bought a brand new high tech shower head. DM is a little surly about it but she'll get over it. LB and ST have moved back in as well as The Guest, Jeeves, and The Nut so she'll have plenty of company.

The Bed:

Yesterday I went out and bought a brand new bed! It's so FIYAH. I got it from Z Gallerie le outlet instead of the retail store and I'm so happy I did. I got it for 70% off and it's still in their current catalogue. Can you believe it?

This is my bed, called the Leslie Bed in Chocolate Passion Micro-Suede. The entire bed cost me $325 with tax. On the website it's going for $1,083 with tax and NOT including the shipping of $135. In total I saved a whopping $893. I just can't help but to pat myself on the back.

and lastly...

The FO: Reverse Halter

Forgive the "Front" pic. I have a serious issue with letting my niece's cleavage and belly be exposed and she didn't have time to put on a tank top before work. I believe in modesty, plus my niece didn't wear the collar up. Better pictures to come. Since this is a gift for my cousin Stacey, I'll try to catch her wearing it.

Time: June 2008, About a 2 weeks due to figuring out mods

Yarn: Vanna's Choice Worsted Weight Yarn, 4 balls in rust

Needles/Hook: J

Modifications: Instead of using Paton's Pooch as pattern calls for I used small wooden rings (about 72) from the jewelry making section of Michael's. Knitaholictoo suggested wooden beads. Thanks for the inspiration girl!

Kamika on the move

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

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

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

An Old Newbie

Ya'll pray for me cause I ain't used to this! Hence I am at the end of my first full work week. A temp job that requires the normal working hours of 8am to 5pm. I thought that when I stopped working over 2 years ago that traffic became extinct. I also don't recall one hour for lunch being so short. And whispering on the phone so other people can't hear you. WHAT!! Lord Have Mercy on my work atrophied body and Praise God for my answered prayers! I'm down with it and grateful. REALLLY grateful. I got to buy a new suit today. Yarn tomorrow! You know I'm grinning like a Cheshire cat!

I can't blog at work. Dang filters! Well, I can but I can't see the pictures so my orientation is all off and so what's the use. Been knitting though. Not with a lot of direction or speed but nonetheless knitting and crocheting. Check out my Wrap-sody in Cream & Pewter Blanket Coat I'm crocheting as a gift for my Pastor. Found the pattern in the current issue of Crochet Mag! It took me only a couple of days and then I got side tracked at work. Also below is a pic of the Drop Stitch Lace Tank from Fitted Knits. I'm knitting it in the round instead of flat. Lastly, check out my new book, Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns. I'm so excited about it. I was looking for a better leaf stitch for the baby blanket I was making and figured I should cut back on buying pattern books and start buying more technique books. BTW, check the sidebar for some new great books!


We're having a big fete at The Motel this weekend. TG is turning 70 and I'm reverting to slave to make sure his day goes well. I don't see why we don't just cook and tell him we had a party. I know. I'm bad!

I've missed you all. Talk to you soon!

Kamika

Summer Pain

Tis what it tis... I've been away from blogland. No not really, I've just been away from my blog flat and have been laying on the couch of some other great bloggers through my Google Reader. So much has been going on here at The Motel but nothing actually here on the premises to pique your interest. Everything has been happening either off site, or in my mind.

I've been knitting and languishing, hitting the treadmill, and languishing. Sweating like a greek in the sauna that is my bedroom waging war on the damned ants! The California heat this August is not much different than in previous years, I just can't get to a room that doesn't have wood paneling and be able to layout in my underoos at the same time. And the ants! Oh the horrible ants are taking damn over! We've had so many ants that I think immigration laws are in order.

The ants are coming out of every crack and crevice here at The Motel. They're not even looking for food but have attacked my water! Water! What sound-minded bug runs to the water? I know it's dry outside and we didn't get much rain this past winter but dang! They ain't gonna be saved running to the water. No salvation for ants.

On the knitting front I have been miserable. The worsted weight silk blend I was using to make Notorious just didn't feel good in my hands. I think it was entirely too thick for the top. With a little research I learned that it would thin out after handwashing and blocking, but I didn't want to take that chance. Secondly as you can see from the photos, I made great headway on my Anthro Redux project but unfortunately I had to quit quick fast and in a hurry. I broke out in a rash all over my neck and parts of my face and hands. Why? Because I have wool sensitivities and the wool fibers mixed with the sweat I made from the hot temps didn't mix well. My neck got bumpy and two shades darker (TMI? sorry but I'll save you the pictures). I had to cover those areas with vaseline and shea butter to stop itching and to soothe the burning of my skin. I don't think there was anything wrong with the actual yarn as a milder version of this has happened before when I was wearing a wool hat-- pure wool and I just don't mix. I was chancing it working with the Berocco Ultra Alpaca but I had no problems with it.

The ultimate solution for my wool rash was to bag up those skeins and start all over with some Lion Brand Wool-Ease which is an acrylic and wool blend. It was a great alternative and I was able to get it in one of the hottest colors of the season, grey. My goal is to have the mock up finished by this weekend. From there I plan to use the design elements and confidence I've gained from taking this leap on actually designing and creating my own garments. I have so many ideas in my head. BTW, thanks for all the sweet compliments on my previous posts and on Ravelry. I so appreciate it!


Kamika

Throwback Thursdays ~ FO: Cleaves

Cleaves. A great concept but not truly suited for the buxom knitter. Originally made for myself but ultimately given to some one who didn't want to learn to knit it themselves. Designed by Katherine Summer O'neal for Knitty Spring '05.

Time: Oct. 2006 - Nov. 2006
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky, Lemon Drop, 5 skeins (125 yds each)
Needles/Hook: US 11 circs and dpns

Kamika

Throwback Thursdays ~ FO: Aran Weight Lace Shell

In continuing with Throwback Thursdays, peep the Aran Weight Lace Shell. This was my first lace project (I can be ambitious at times). Originally made for myself but better suited for my older sister so I gave it to her. The pattern is from Elann.com.

Time: March 2006 - April 2006
Yarn: Elann Endless Summer Connemara, Cashmere Blue, 7.5 balls (91yds each)
Needles/Hook: US 7

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

Anthropologie Rising

I've been laying low since Thursday. Had a pretty heavy weekend what with the second garage sale and all. I didn't really sell anything this time around. Most items were bought last weekend. But then again I couldn't expect much to sell since my attitude was "I really don't want to sell it but if you give me some cash I guess I'll let you have it." Heck, I made enough to pay a couple of bills this week and buy some new storage. It worked.

I decided to step out of myself and start designing. I was on Ravelry at one of my groups and someone posted about Anthropologie's 2007 Fall Catalog. I immediately went to look and found this great cardigan that I just knew I could recreate. It's the "In Session Sweater" seen here in green. As a mock up I'm using the Deluxe Worsted 100% Wool, I had in my stash. You'll see on my dressform a blue jacket that I'm also using for shaping. I'm working this up so far on size 6US needles, which is going pretty fast and providing a good firm fabric. I plan to switch to size 7 or 8US to work the moss stitch shoulder shaping. I'm writing the pattern out as I go. Wish me luck!

Kamika

Throwback Thursdays ~ FO Edition

Consider this to be a sort of "digging in the crates" installment. Every Thursday I plan to show a project that I completed prior to blogging from my early knit/crochet days. Forgive me if some of the info is incomplete. My goal back then was to get stuff done and move on to the next project rather than to savor the knitting moment and be thoughtful about fit.

The first FO is Mrs. Beeton's from Knitty Winter 2005 and Marigold from Marnie Maclean. I made them as a set for my friend Rae Ann as a Christmas gift. Here she is modeling the hat. Enjoy!

Time: December 2006 (1 day)
Yarn: Sirdar Denim Aran, Just 3 balls (259yds each)
Needles/Hook: 8 US
Modifications: Beaded with larger pearls and attached second color on the inside instead of outside.

Kamika

FO: Chysanthemum Tea Shawl

Look Mom. No mods! Presenting the Chrysanthemum Tea Shawl from the Amazing Crochet Lace book. A love gift for one of my church sisters (I'm not saying which and all you church readers better not say nothing!). This took only 4 days to work up but was a lot more intensive than the Blue Curaçao. I hope she enjoys it.

One suggestion. If I make another in the future I will make it with a solid color. Eventhough the variegated yarn looks good, I think the leaves would have stood out more on a solid color. The solid colors to me provide for a more satiny filet look.

Time: July 31st - August 5th (ran out of yarn)
Yarn: Paton's Grace in Tangelo, Just 5 balls (136yds each)
Needles/Hook: I/9

Kamika

FO: Airy Wrap-Around Lace Sweater

I finished it and I love it! Of course modifications, de riguer of well-fitted knits, abound. Not too many though as Stefanie Japel seems to design dang near specifically for my body type. She's 6'0" tall and I'm 5"11" which means automatic long arms and legs and/or torso. Kismet that can only be found in the Knit/crochet fashion world.

I only made two changes. The first one was to create a side slit between the cabling to thread one of the ties through. This cut down on bulk and made the garment lay better. It also exposed the ribbing in the back rather than covering it up.

The second modification was to shorten the opposite tie by 24.5" or 7 pattern repeats. I didn't think it was necessary for both ties to wrap around my waist. The tie that is threaded wraps around my waist and meets the other at the front to give a smooth tie. Enjoy the pics!

Time: July 14th - July 26th
Yarn: RAM Angora (Mohair Laceweight), Just under 2 skeins (545yds each)
Needles: Size 11 US

More details on my Ravelry page.

Kamika