Here is my latest FO...pre-blocked: the Back to School U Neck Vest by Stefanie Japel in her Fitted Knits book.
Pattern: Back to School U Neck Vest, Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel
Yarn: Shine Worsted, Knit Picks in Mallard - a little less than 8 skeins
Needles: Knit Pick Options, Size 6 & 4
Modifications: I bound off additional stitches at the shoulders to make them more narrow. I also increased the length a bit for the times I wear it alone.
Stats: I like the fit and color a lot. I think I'm going to soak and block this, especially with the yarn's shedding issues. This is my first time knitting with Shine, which is a cotton/modal blend. I think this will work great over a crisp work shirt (once it stops shedding the green). New pics to come.....
I'm back to my Orangina top. I'm hoping to finish front portion this weekend. Hopefully the vest is a good sign to possitive knits to come.
Ha! I'm behind for sure - so I'm doubling up on my Secret Pal Questions.
Question 2: As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?
I loved going camping. My Brother was in the army by then, but my Sister and I got to enjoy traveling around in a nice sized trailer along with families from our local Church and with the Good Sam Club. We'd even venture to Canada to camp. Singing by the fire, swimming, chasing boys! Ain't life grand. Also, like dear Robin, I lurved to read. I actually thought I'd become a gazillionnaire by inventing a water proof book. Doesn't everyone read in the shower and on the toilet as a kid?
Question 3: What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?
I agree with Beccalou, a couple Ikea bookshelves worth is a fair amount if you're not an advanced, "professional" knitter.
I'm still here everyone. I've weaved in the ends and seamed my Back to School Vest. I just have to make the neckline and sleeve edges and block. Things have been a bit hectic at work so all else has been slacking. I did manage to start organizing at home to make room for new roommie. I'll also try to log back in and post the answer to the latest Secret Pal Questionaire.
SP12 Question of the Week:
What is your favorite summertime drink??
While I haven't had either in a while, I'd say my non-alcoholic favorite is tang with seltzer water. My adult fave is called a strawberry blond. It has strawberry infused vodka, a splash of chambord, and is topped with sprite. Dee-lish!
In addition to feeling like I have a rough existence, my knits have not been coming to my rescue. I have had issues with every knit that I’ve been attempting for the last month or so. Very frustrating. Brandi has been kind enough to keep ripping back my projects for me, since I’ve never been able to bear it. That means Orangina has lost its length and my Aran Accent vest will be going down to merely ribbing status! *frown*. In order to keep my sanity, I started a quick project on Thursday. That day I actually went in to work, checked email and then proceeded to call my boss and say “I’m taking the day off”. I really needed it and kind of could use another, but can’t due to an upcoming trade show in San Jose I need to prepare for, instead.
Here’s progress pics of my new project, The Back to School U Neck Vest. This was taken at the Infinite Knitters meet-up yesterday at Starbucks. I’m at the bust dart section right before splitting for the front and back. It seems to be going well and I hope my next pic is not a progress one, but a successful FO.
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I moved from Vermont to San Diego two years ago and have now been enjoying soy silk, cotton blends, and even bamboo. The only yarns I don’t really like are synthetic yarns, svale by Dale of Norway, or crazy wild yarns.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I’m horrible with storing my needles and hooks. I have them throughout the house in my yarn bins. I think that is something I need to improve on, for sure.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I started knitting about 12 years ago. I had it in my mind that I wanted to crochet black lace pants and my neighbor Joan attempted to teach me. Finally she came out saying “you are not getting this – let’s try knitting instead.” I’ve been doing it ever sense. I would consider myself to be intermediate. There’s some advanced techniques that I can do and some beginner things that I can’t.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes
5. What's your favorite scent?
It varies. Perfume-wise: Anais Anais, Burberry, Fifth Avenue, Bvlgari, General-scent: Lavender, Lil lies, Green Grass, Jasmine
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love Chewy Runts, Laffy Taffy, Skittles, and Airheads.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I’m also a quilter. It’s not so much of a hobby at times it seems. I prefer to knit. I’ve made four quilts now – one king size, two baby size, and one table runner. They all came out very well, but it’s still a second from my passion for knitting. I don’t spin but admire anyone who can.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have an eclectic taste in music. I love Dave Matthews, Sia, Jamie Foxx, Audioslave, Avant, Amel Larrieux, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, Sarah McLachlan, and Dido. Really it goes from R & B to Rock and Alternative. I am able to play MP3s.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
My color choices vary. I like rich, deep colors like burgundy and rust. I also like sage greens. Really there’s nothing that I can’t stand in colors. I love it all.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have two cats - Hannah (13 yr) & Scofield (2 yr) and a 75 gallon salt-water fish tank that’s begging to be cleaned. I will have a new roommie July 1st and yes – she’s a knitter!!!! I’m soooo pumped.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I haven’t had much use for scarves or hats, but every so often when I’m cold I crave to wear fingerless gloves. I’m not a poncho person, but like shrugs and mini-cardis.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like to knit sweaters with minimal finishing. I’m trying to get into socks more now as well.
13. What are you knitting right now?
Orangina and the Cable Aran Vest
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
I think handmade gifts are great!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I only use circular needles. Bamboo, aluminum, and plastic are all fine.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a yarn winder and a swift. Love ‘em and use them often!
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
My oldest UFO is about 1 year old – my Marilyn NSSC that I had to frog and restart again. I was hoping to have it finished by the end of March `07, but dumped it in a bin and have basically forgotten about it ever since.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
I really like Thanksgiving. Great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and conversation focused.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
I collect knitting and quilting books. I can’t seem to get enough.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I have a current subscription to Interweave Knits. I am trying the magic loop thing, so any circular needles that are 40” works for me. I have been thinking about getting: Inspired to Knit by Michele Rose Orne, “I Hate to Finish Sweaters” Guide to Finishing Sweaters by Janet Szabo, and Make it Modern by Classic Elite Yarns. I’m also interested in trying the Sweater Stone, since I’ve been dealing with some of my knits pilling these days.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I want to learn to knit two socks at a time. I just recently bought a book on it, but haven’t tried it yet. I have the book but haven’t tried it yet. I also want to be able to finish better. I love top down projects, but there’s some lovely patterns that I have to seam together and I usually steer clear since I just haven’t got that down to a science after all this time. I would like to learn how to incorporate crocheting into knitting more. After making Ms. Marigold and finishing the sleeves with a crochet hook – I’m feeling more determined to try.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I have knit one pair of socks so far. I’d like to knit Baudelaire from Knitty.com. I’m a size 9.
23. When is your birthday?
On December 7th I’ll be 34. Even the baby of the family grows up!
24. Ravelry ID:
KnittersDelight
