Instant Expert Crafts
After several unsuccessful attempts to knit something other than a scarf, I decided to backtrack and practice on some of the stitches in Instant Expert Knitting. (On a side note, I’d like to propose that Instant Expert expand their topics in the series: Instant Expert Bullshitting, Instant Expert Asskicking, Instant Expert Relationships. I really don’t think they’re taking their pioneering in expertness seriously.) I’m going to knit several swatches using different purling and knitting patterns to create a stitch library (I know, the phrase produces a mental picture of dusty, mahogony bookshelves overflowing with knitted swatches). I may be able to identify problems in my knitting as well as how the patterns work with different yarns.
Right now, I’m working on a swatch with a basic stockinette stitch. I’m eager to start cabling but I easily get annoyed when 2/3 of the way through I suddenly realize I’ve dropped a stitch and now have a gaping hole in my work. I’m too impatient to unravel to the problem row and in frustration, rip the whole thing apart and begin again. I’ll probably head to Sip and Knit, Maitland’s premiere knittery, this weekend and let the elders school me in the art of knitting in the round.
I joined the newly created Swap Bot in the hopes of recieving something other than Ann Taylor bills in my mailbox (God damn you and your tasteful clothes!). The site is easy to navigate, well developed and offers ratings for swappers. Promising swaps to consider: Winter Scarf Knit Kit Swap and the International Book Swap.
Valentine’s is fast approaching and I used to despise the superficiality of the holiday along with all the mushiness involved with doing something romantic for a loved one. Of course, this was all before I had a boyfriend. Now that we’ve been together for nearly 5 years (in June), I’ve developed quite a romantic and creative soft spot for February 14th. Every year I try to create or plan something “new” and “imaginative” only to face the challenge of having to outdo myself. Ah, god, I would love to date me.
I found a few great handmade Valentine’s gift ideas: over at One Hour Craft, a tutorial shows how to make a sexy string panty which is a fantastic for couples and singles (imagine a “Love Stinks, But Not My Lovebox!” embroidery). Mighty Goods suggests The Moleskine Small Info Book for Travel, a small and discreet journal that lets travelers record every detail of their trip. My mystery Valentine’s project is currently under way, once completed I’ll post the results but I can tell you right now, he’s going to like it.
January 30th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Is it a pony? I heard they’re real big gift-wishes.
January 30th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
I gave that to him last Valentine’s. I’m trying to think of something more original maybe sky writing, a trail of rose petals to the bed. You know, things no one has ever thought of before.
February 2nd, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Who is this writing, the Mari I know is not a 65 year old grandmother with a soft spot for commercialism. What have you done with her! ;).