celebrity sighting

Do you ever wonder where knitting book models come from? Or how they get their jobs? Well, I have an answer for you: it's luck.

At least in my case it is.

It's sort of a long story, but I'll spare you the boring details. I became friends with the official photographer for my university. He asked my roommates and I to pose in some pictures for university publications, walking around campus, in our house, reading at the library, etc., all the exciting things that appear in recruiting brochures and so on. Here's where it gets interesting: not only did he do photography for school, but also for various freelance projects. Coincidentally I was talking to him one day, and he mentioned that he was doing a photo shoot on campus for a KNITTING BOOK. Excitedly, I told him about my love for knitting, and he asked if I would help out with a little "modeling". Of course, I accepted.

Now, let me take a moment to clarify that this definition of modeling is a very loose one. It includes embarrassingly giggling at myself while trying to look as natural as possible.

Riiight.

Let me also take a moment to clarify that this is probably not a knitting book that you've likely anticipated. In fact, you've probably never even heard of it before. All the same, I can still be excited about it.





Not Your Mama's Knitting, CLEARLY the most popular knitting book ever, can be found at any Borders or Barnes and Noble store. Next time you're browsing the knitting section, keep an eye out for me! ;)

on knitting and wizards

Yesterday I bought yarn and swatched two pentagons for the Norah Gaughn capecho from Vogue Knitting Winter 2006. I've been wanting to make this ever since I first got the magazine, and now especially after seeing how great some of them have turned out. So far I am absolutely loving how clever this little jacket is! The construction is very unique, and it makes me feel accomplished having little mini finished products every time I complete a pentagon.



But even more importantly than knitting progress, I have been listening to HARRY POTTER audiobooks NONSTOP in preparation to read The Deathly Hollows. Although I've seen all the movies to date, I haven't yet read all the books. It just doesn't seem right to read the last one without reading all the others. I loooove audiobooks and knitting. Especially when good 'ol HP is involved.

this just in:

The new Vogue Knitting fall preview is up! They've redesigned the website and it's sooo much better.

I love THIS:



And the best part about it is... it's free! All 10 different cover patterns can be downloaded in pdf form off the website. Love it!

I also visited the Suss website and found these items that I want to make right this minute:



Well, why don't I just get started? Because they are NOT KNITTING PATTERNS. These items are for sale in the Suss fashion shop. $159 for the beret. No, that's not a typo. $309 for the shrug, and $415 for the vest. I'm sorry, but why would anyone who can knit want to pay these outrageous prices for clothes they could easily make themselves? And who on earth is buying Suss clothing (or even looking at their website) if they aren't already knitters? I realize that selling patterns is not nearly as profitable as selling clothes, but come on Suss, give me a break.

FO: Lattice Cami

DETAILS:

Pattern | Lattice Cami, Knit1 Summer 2007
Yarn | 5 balls of Ecologie Cotton from Nashua Handknits
Size | xs
Needles | size 8 (24") addi turbos

The cotton ended up blocking great! If I were to knit this pattern again, I would proably use a larger needle size on the bottom half of the cami so that it was looser and looked more like a babydoll tank. I didn't realize it would be so tight fitting, but I still like it!

FO: Juliet

Well, it's been finished for a while but I finally got around to taking some pictures. Here she is, Juliet!






Mittens wanted to get in on the photoshoot. :)

DETAILS:
Pattern | Debbie Bliss Rialto
Yarn | 8 balls of Debbie Bliss Rialto
Size | xs
Needles | size 5 & 6 addi turbo circulars (24")

Although I wasn't sure if I was going to love the fit of this sweater while I was making it, it turned out to be quite flattering. It's a bit looser than something I would normally wear, but I'm pleased with the result!

seriously...?

Is there anyone who would actually knit THIS?



God, I hope not.

Yesterday I purchased the summer issue of knit1 and began (yes!) another project. One of these days I'll have some FO's, promise. It was just so tempting - knit in the round (no seaming!) with simple yet pretty patterns. Instant gratification. That is what my knitting needs right now.



This is it. The "Lattice Cami". Apologies for the fuzzy picture.

Although the pattern calls for bamboo, I went with a gorgeous cotton yarn that I have been looking for an excuse to buy. It is Ecologie Cotton from Nashua Handknits 100% naturally dyed pima cotton. The color is soft and natural and has just the slightest bits of variation that give it a little pop.



The only thing I'm worried about is how well the cotton will hold its blocking. Since bamboo naturally has more drape than cotton, I'll have to stretch this a bit to make the lace patterns show up the way they're supposed to. Guess I should block a swatch to test, but I'm impatient. This is supposed to be my INSTANT project. hmmm...




In other news, I got this necklace today from Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry, and I think I'm in love. My new every day staple, for sure.