We knitters sure know how to spice things up!

Where my stitches at?

The Knitters were out in full-force at Gallifrey One this year. Tara Wheeler, known for her amazing Fourth Doctor scarves and her life-sized TARDIS replica, commandeered half of the Philadelphia room at the Los Angeles Marriott Hotel and Conference Center and claimed it for her TARDIS and for Ravelry.com.

Practically a 24/7 stitch 'n' bitch

As soon as the doors opened on Friday morning there was a group of knitters in the TARDIS room, helping Tara mind her TARDIS, offering to take pictures of people with said TARDIS, and showcasing amazing scarves and Doctor Who-related knittery. One brilliant knitter even shared her fantastic illusion-knit Doctor Who blanket with us. From straight-on, the scarf looks pretty much like a bunch of garter stitch stripes.

Fantastic illusion-knit Doctor Who blanket

But at an angle, you can see Cybermen, Daleks, the letters W H O, and a ?. Simply stunning.

What the illusion knitting illuded to ...

And on Saturday the proud participants of the GOTSCARF Traveling Fourth Doctor Scarf KAL got together for a picture with the finished scarf and the TARDIS:

The Scarf KAL knitters (can you find me?)

We put the scarf in the auction on Sunday, which raised $250 for charity! Go us!

Other Fourth Doctor scarves were found all over the place during Gally. I saw over a dozen different versions, though most of them were either season 12 or 15 from what I could tell. When the wonderful Mr. Javier Grillo-Marxuach (creator of The Middleman, writer/producer of the first two seasons of Lost, etc.) arrived on Friday he was sporting his own (bought, based on the tag I remember seeing on it) Fourth Doctor scarf:

Michelle/Michelf with Javier GM!

Ravelry members also at the conference got our own ribbons, which were plotted on the Who Knits? forums and brought by Nancy/tigereye:

The Ravelers of Rassilon

Our hang-out spot in the Philadelphia room was also the “official” meetup spot for the lovely gentlemen behind the Doctor Who: Podshock podcast:

Unofficial DW podcast meeting spot

James Naughton, pictured on the right above and one part of the international Podshock crew, was sporting a lovely Fourth Doctor Scarf-inspired tie which I believe was made for him by Tara:

James and his ScarfTie

We even dominated the latest episode of The Happiness Patrol, a DW podcast co-staring the aforementioned Tara Wheeler!

The Happiness Patrol, ep. 15: “Gallifrey 21″

We also got a great shoutout (a few, actually) on the Gallifrey One edition of the 2 Minute Timelord podcast:

2MTL 106: Gallifrey One Wrap-up with Shaun Lyon (TIME DILATION)

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The knitting love was all around at Gally this year. And it sounds like nearly all of us will be back again next year, ready to share the DW-inspired knitting love in 2011. I’m already plotting to make a knit Eleventh Doctor bowtie …

Check back soon for part 2 of my Gallifrey One: 21 recap!

Hello 2010! How are you? You seem to be doing well so far.

I feel like there are a lot of things to talk about, but at the same time nothing to talk about. I guess that’s what vacation is like. I survived the semester, survived Ten regenerating into Eleven, and have so far survived being around my family every day. I’ll spare you the school nonsense, and reserve my Doctor Who discussion for a separate post. For now, how about some knitting?

I’ve actually done quite a bit of knitting over the last few weeks. And I finally got around to uploading a few images.

First up, washcloths. I think I brought up before that I decided to make my aunties washcloths for Xmas. Well, I did. I ordered some nice soaps to give them, but they never showed up. So I didn’t take pictures. I just gave them all the Body Shop soaps I ordered for myself. I guess the fancy stuff will be for me! I did stumble upon a different pattern, though: the Mason Dixon washcloth.

Mason Dixon Washcloths

Pattern: Mason Dixon Washcloth from Mason Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Tahki Sky
Needles: addiTurbo US8 16″ circular needle; Susan Bates US8 double pointed needles
Thoughts: Love this pattern, love this yarn! This has to be the best cotton to knit with EVER. I want to knit every cotton thing ever with this yarn. Seriously.

A Hat Fit for a Ruth

Pattern: A Hat Fit for a Boyfriend by Stephanie Nicole
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Stonechat
Needles: addiNatura US8 16″ circular needle; Clover bamboo US8 double pointed needles
Modifications/Thoughts: I changed the decrease rounds a bit so that the edges would be smoother. Basically I made every odd round (starting with round 3) a SSK rather than a K2TOG. I also knit 6.5″ before decreasing, which ended up being the perfect size for Nate (the recipient). Also, I LOVE these needles! The smooth joins and cord of addiTurbos with the warmth of bamboo. Totally awesome.

I’ve been putting thought into resolutions for the year—well, more like goals than resolutions—some knitting related, some not. When I decide what they are I may have to say something about it here. In the meantime, happy new year. Enjoy a bowl of ozoni … here’s to good health and good luck in 2010.

ek

I live in a house with a ridiculously huge backyard. The yard is fenced in, and even has a separate, fenced-off area that I’m pretty sure was used to keep animals of some kind. Well, ever since I’ve moved in those of us in the house have talked about planting a garden out back … and my newish housemates actually did it! Check it out!

The fenced in area, finally cleaned up!

They marked off the different plants with string, all professional-like.

Potted plants left behind by previous tennants were salvaged and put in the garden area as well.

The lawn furniture fit in perfectly, making it a lovely little place to retreat.

I had absolutely nothing to do with this garden; it was all the housemates. But they did an amazing job and I can’t wait to have homegrown veggies to cook with!

As long as I’m here I have quite a bit of knitting to report on.

1. I finished my Napoleon vest:

Napoleon

I never got around to taking a picture other than that one, late at night in my room just after I finished putting it together. I’ve worn it a few times and I always get nice compliments. The Hillside Linen ended up being a nice choice; it’s light and breathable, and after a quick tumble in the dryer it softened up wonderfully. It’s a bit on the warm side, but not too much.

2. Soft Linen Shawl:

Soft Linen Shawl

I really just wanted an excuse to knit this pattern, which I thought was gorgeous due to its simplicity. It knit up super quickly. I used the Classic Elite Soft Linen, which was amazing to knit with. This will be used as a birthday gift for a family member.

3. Grrr:

Grrr

Knitty’s Grrr, a pattern for a co-worker at the yarn shop that is having a baby at some point in December. We had a baby shower last week with the ladies at the shop. It was nice to get out and spend time with them outside of the store! I used Mission Falls 1824 cotton, which really looks fantastic for this pattern. The texture of the cotton adds a lot of interest to the loops that make the mane.

4–6. Turn a Square:
I decided to make one for my dad for his upcoming birthday, but my gauge is always a bit on the tight side so it ended up too small.

Turn a Square 1

It fits me perfectly but I think it’d be too snug for him. So I decided to keep it and make another one on bigger needles.

Turn a Square 2

I kind of fell in love with this one. The blues and greens are fantastic. Alas, it heads off to Dad later this week. After making two I thought, what the hell, I’ll make another one! These first two are both made with Cascade 220 and the same skein of Noro Silk Garden.

Turn a Square 3

For this last one I used Cascade 220 and some crappy acrylic stuff from JoAnn Fabrics. I actually kind of like it. The color changes are a bit too slow, though. I wish I would have made it back to the red at some point in the striping.

7. Quincy:

Quincy

This is a hat from Jared Flood’s pattern booklet through Classic Elite. I used some Araucania Azapa, which is a fantastic yarn. The hat stretched out a bit too much while blocking, though … mostly due to my cat Ronnie getting a hold of it and dragging it around the house. SIGH. Stupid cats. I’ll probably make another one of these soon. I really love the twist (which you can’t really see in the picture unfortunately).

8. Zoe:

Zoe

While I was test-knitting this pattern I made another version, half for the test-knitting and half to do some stash-busting. The yarn is a bit too busy for me, but I like the way the ruffle turned out this time around.

So there you have it. Lots of knitting and a pretty garden. Now if only school was as pleasant …
ek

p.s. Beatles Rockband is AMAZING.
p.p.s. Beatles Remastered Stereo Set is also amazing.
p.p.p.s. Futurama Complete Collection: i haz it. Nothing like a life-sized Bender head in my living room.

Wow, it’s been a while. I’ll just blame school for that and move right along.

First things first, I finally launched my Zoe Pattern! Take a look at it following the link to the right, or look me up on Ravelry! It’s a lovely little free pattern and a great way to use up your stashed sock yarn. That’s pretty much why I made it!

I have two more patterns in the works. The first is a super chunky cowl knit up on super bulky yarn that only takes about an hour to make. The second is a hat pattern that will be available in the pattern packet for the Hill Country Yarn Crawl. More on those in the not-too-distant future.

When I’m not reading for school, teaching, writing papers, or doing other homework I generally knit. But lately I’ve been reading a lot. It all goes back to my re-obsession with The Beatles that started back in July. I recently picked up Philip Norman’s Shout! The Beatles in Their Generation and have been totally devouring it. And I think it has rekindled my passion for reading, or maybe actually helped me have one. I generally hate reading. I think grad school ruined reading for me. But I really want to get back into reading, so I’ve made myself a To Be Read list.

to be read

It’s not quite as ambitious as M—–l’s (or anyone else that has made up a list of TBRs, to be honest), but this list does not factor in the 500+ pages I read every week for my graduate coursework. These are things I want to read For Me. Because I Want To. Not because I Have To. If you can’t tell I’m not a fiction book person. I stick pretty much only with non-fiction books. I’m hoping I can read all of these before the end of October. I think I can do it.

I’ve found some crochet patterns that have inspired me lately. I also just ordered a few new knitting and crochet books from KnitPicks that have fun patterns in them. (Gotta love 40% off book sales.) M—–l, there may be some crocheted weird creature things coming your way in the near future. You have been warned.

Until next time,
ek

I finally finished the shawl I’ve been working on! I was so close to finishing it, and then put it away for a few weeks because I’m lazy. Or because of my fear of commitment. One of those. Maybe both. I had trouble deciding what to do with the edging, until one magical day when I randomly thought ruffles would look nice. And there she was. Zoe.

Zoe

Zoe

I think I hear the TARDIS off in the distance!

There may be a police box in my pocket.

The ruffle was a bit more prominent before I blocked it, which is sort of bumming me out. I’m hoping to get some test knitters to work out my pattern and take some FO pictures pre-blocking to show off the ruffle a bit more, and to maybe lend some insight in how to block it without losing as much curl from the ruffle.

If you are someone interested in test knitting this shawl for me, please get in touch! It will be a free pattern, but I would very much appreciate having a few people work through the pattern before I officially release it.

I can’t wait until it cools off enough to warrant me wearing it. My car told me it was 109ºF today … that’s just evil.

<3 ek

Why yes, I have been knitting. I swear.

These two afghan squares are for a large afghan blanket being assemble for a friend of mine. They may not know of the blanket yet, so I’m withholding the details for the moment.

Braided Lace

Labyrinth

This is my first official “complete” sock! The pattern is currently being test-knit, so I’ll share details once the pattern goes live.

Soybean Sock

Soybean Sock Detail

I keep meaning to take better pictures in better lighting, but I think I left the sock over at HCW when I worked on Saturday. Oops! I’ll be picking it up on Thursday when I go in for First Thursday. Not sure what the sale will be yet, hopefully something good. I have a $50 gift card to spend thanks to my amazing mom! Hooray for moms buying yarny things as birthday presents! Happy birthday me!

ek

I like to use my summer holiday to do things I don’t get to do during the year. Like knit. And yeah, I do knit during the year, but not nearly as much as I want to.

For example, take this shawl I just finished.

Ishbel

During the school year it would probably take me at least two months to knit this. But during the summer it only took me four days.

The pattern is Ishbel by Ysolda Teague. I made the smaller version and used one skein of Noro Silk Garden Sock. And I am ridiculously in love with it. If it weren’t 102º outside today I’d wear it around everywhere.

I do smile sometimes.

Ishbel in action

I wish it wasn’t so damn hot outside. Oh well. That’s what I get for living in Texas.

I’m still in the process of growing my hair out, and it’s almost long enough for a ponytail. Almost. There are still chunks that don’t quite fit, so when I put my hair up (a necessity in this 100º+ weather) I need a headband or wrap to keep it all in place. Naturally I turned to knitting for help. In my last post I shared my Tweed Calorimetry, which has done well but I don’t want to wear green wool on my head every day. So I made one of these:

Bamboozled

Bamboozled

Bamboozled

Bamboozled

This is Bamboozled, by Cyn. A great little pattern, available in chart or prose form, and a very quick knit. It only took me an episode of Top Gear, four episodes of Futurama, and Space Jam to finish it. And you better not smack talk Space Jam. It’s, like, my favorite movie of all time.

I used almost a whole skein of SWTC Karaoke, a 50% wool/50% bamboo blend. It looks pretty good without blocking it, so I might not. We’ll see. It’s not as warm as wool, and is nice and smooth. There are also lots of eyelets in the pattern, so my head can breath a bit.  Which is good, because seriously it’s hot here, yo.

I also have this little former UFO and now FO to share. I started it back in, like, September, but shelved it because … hmm, not sure why. I just did. But anyway, I finished it.

Shoulderette

Shoulderette stitch detail

This is the Shoulderette, a pattern adapted from some vintage pattern collection or something. I used yarn a bit heavier than called for, and didn’t have nearly enough yarn to make it as long as it should be. I stretched the Sweet Zombie Jesus out of that thing, and it just barely goes past my elbows. Which is okay, I guess, for a shrug. I’m pretty sure this is in Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Dyed Cotton. This stuff splits like nobody’s business, so don’t use Knit Picks Options when you knit it up. You’ll hate yourself while you’re knitting, which is never a good thing.

I went through yardage drama, like I always do. This pattern doesn’t call for a specific amount of yarn, and I thought two skeins might be enough. Which wasn’t. So I eventually picked up a third skein, and then knit too far with it and realized I wouldn’t have enough left over for the cuff and seaming. I ended up ripping back a few inches, finishing it up, and seaming it in two days. After it sat for like five months untouched. I always give up so close to the end. That must be a result of my fear of commitment or something. Oh well.

ek

In an earlier post I ranted quite extensively about my Lemongrass Bolero and how the pattern clearly does not give the right yarn amounts for some of the sizes. It really killed my groove. I was not feeling the cardigan and put off finishing it forever. While I was working on the neckline I ran out of my last bit of yarn and just threw my hands up in the air and said screw it. I cast off after 6 rows and the neckline was stupid and too thin. I was so tired of dealing with the yardage that I was determined to just live with it, but while working at the shop I discovered more of the colorway I was using in backstock. So yeah, I bought another skein, ripped out my cast-off edge, and did the full 14 rows of the neckline.

Now I love this thing to death.

blending in with the scenery

pretending I can be sassy

from the back

It ended up turning out SO WELL. I can’t wait for it to cool off a bit so that I can wear it. Ah yes, and I went out and took these photos in 102º weather. Texas is sick. But I didn’t break a sweat, so I must be acclimated or something.

I seem to be in a bit of a green phase, and I wanted something quick to knit last night (I like instant gratification), so I picked up some stashed Debbie Bliss Aran Tweed and made another Calorimetry.

green tweedy Calorimetry

If you’re a knitter you know that this thing almost always turns out to be mega huge. So I figured a way to make it The Right Size: cast on 96 sts instead of 120, and work in US7 needles. Works perfectly for me every time. I’m thinking about casting on another one in a minute here with something yellow to wear tomorrow …

ek

Oh. Your. God. I love this pattern and this hat.

Trilobite!

As soon as I saw this pattern I knew I had to make it, and I had to make it for one person in particular. Here’s how the story goes:

As people close to me know, I have a fanatical devotion to all things Futurama. When I’m sitting and knitting I put on Futurama. When I’m reading for school or writing up something for a class I put Futurama on in the background. I always start from the first episode and work my way through the four DVDs, each time through alternating between watching with or without the audio commentary tracks. Not only do I know each episode by heart, but I know each audio commentary by heart. It’s pretty ridiculous.

The crew reverted to younger ages.

On the commentary track for “Teenage Mutant Leela’s Hurdles,” David (X.) Cohen talks about his love of trilobites and his trilobite rival, Nicholas Cage. The discussion was sparked by the character designs for Dr. Zoidberg in said episode; as he regresses through his larval stages one of them is much like a trilobite. Naturally, when I saw the Trilobite hat on the Summer 2009 edition of Knitty I immediately thought of David Cohen. Next thing I knew I cast on the hat and was working feverishly to finish it.

One of the trilobites

It only took two days to knit, maybe 6 or 7 hours. It probably would have gone a lot faster but there is a lot of cabling involved. I knit it up with Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool that I dyed with HEB’s housebrand koolaid. Isn’t that a great brown color? I seriously love this hat. (And don’t worry, I modeled it before I washed and blocked it, so it’ll be squeaky clean and nice before it hits the mail.) I’m going to cast on for another one for myself in the not-to-distant future. By the way, it was 96º outside when I put it on and went outside to take pictures. Sick.

Trilobites!

Inordinately Fond of Invertebrate

Arts and Crafts

I find myself now terribly fascinated by trilobites and other prehistoric invertebrates. Not that I wasn’t before, but I admit that when I knit something I go all out and do research into them. I have had a Nautilus in the works for some time now, but it’s sitting quietly in my WIP basket waiting for inspiration. I think it’s going to be one of my WIPs Wrestlemania projects. So I award this project, and by extension this pattern and further extension myself the Science Scouts badges for “Inordinately Fond of Invertebrates” and “Arts and Crafts.” You have to love scientific geekery through knitting. I know I also get some of it from the two biologists I live with.

So there you have it. As soon as this badboy is dry I’m shipping it off to David X. Cohen, c/o Twentieth Television in Los Angeles. I hope it gets to him, as his birthday is July 13th, and he definitely deserves awesome things. Especially now that new Futurama episodes are in the works and will be airing on Comedy Central in 2010! (The day I heard that news was one of the happiest days of my life. It’s all I could talk about for like three days. Not joking.)

ek