Pixiestikz

Birthdays and Zippers

It was my birthday on Sunday...

Man, I love me some buttercreme...on a high class paper plate!!

I was treated to kitchen gadgets (a heated ice cream scoop and oven mitt) from Williams & Sonoma from my Pixie..along with a card so sweet I cried...

On the inside it says...
"You couldn't be more loving, Mom
and you couldn't be more loved"

*sniffle*

My one birthday wish from my feet was granted...

oooo!!

No birthday is complete without being surrounded by your friends. Ei, Lauren and I are all November babies...so we went to Cafe de Paris and ate brunch...Mimosas!
(Donna was out of town...and we missed her so much - see her empty chair?)

It was the best day I've had in a long time.

Knitting? Oh hell yes, I've been knitting!

A Panta (finnish headband)

Yarn: Manos #113 (wildflowers)
Needle: US5

Kalamata!
Collar finished! Sleeve Finished! Seaming of the sides...Finished!
I still have to seam the sleeves and drop this bad ass knitting off to the *tailor!
while finishing the collar (all *bleeping* 7 1/4 inches of it) I looked down and saw this little fleur...

awww! Isn't that neat?

Soooooo....I've been waiting for what seems forever!

My zipper finally arrived. I'm so happy with it. FYI...This is my first cardi with a zipper. Yes, I'm going to have it sewn in for me. One of the many wonderful treasures in my knitting life is having my pals who have travelled this road to zippers before...*I'm taking it to Ei's tailor! haha!

Zippers...who knew they'd be so exciting!

AND not to be forgotten in the Pixiestikz whirlpool...the FO and WiP pile...
Veste Everest!
I've completed the back and if you look closely you can see the brown/black blob of the front - After I just knitted on it in my meeting I'd say it's now about 3 inches away from the armhole shaping...
Yay. I'll be wearing this puppy before Xmas!

Is there is no end to the knitting thrills today?
So, while this entry would be unfabulous to normal boring un-knitting people...I think you fabulous gorgeous knitting peeps and homies would agree...this is big stuff (hehehe).

Hope everyone had a fabulous Turkey Day...
x/o!

Climbing Everest

I'm making signifigant headway with my Veste Everest...

I'm so durn proud of it! The cable is simplicity itself...and I'm really enjoying the yarn.

I got the yarn at Stitches this year...I saw Green Mountain Spinnery's sample knit (in creme) and fell in love.

I think it's charcoal with a brown hint...like espresso. mmmm!

I'm using their Alpaca Elegance Greenspun...It's very natural (read: flern), but very pleasant. I'm very happy with their stuff.

I've still got to finish up the sleeve on kalamata and do the collar...but my zipper hasn't arrived yet...I'm taking my time to finish.

All in all, its looking to be a very quiet Thanksgiving.
Which I am thankful for...(hee hee)

Plus, as of this coming Sunday...I'm now IN my 30s.
I, of course, don't want to grow up - I'm a ToysR'Us kid

Cold Weather is upon us here in the Metro DC area...
Here is something to warm your ears for the forecasted snow I'm hearing as of late...I'm starting mine as we speak!

As seen on Craftster.org Read the thread for tips and alterations!
Panta Headband Pattern

I'd love to see what all you creative knitters come up with!
Now on with the stash diving!
A Perfect Quickie Christmas Gift, too!

Happy Thanksgiving...and Happy Knitting!

*Cold Snap*

Well, I had to use the frost scraper this morning...looks like winter is finally here.

I say BRING IT!

Rogue made her debut today! YAY!!
Ah, the satisfaction of being cozy in your own handknit.

We had a small sadness in our house this week...
Our beta fish, Polpot passed away.

He was 2 1/2 years old, which made him a very elderly fish.
We gave him an honorable burial at sea. *flush*
Rest in Peace, Polee.

Please welcome our newest family member...
*Mao Tse-tung

He's very active and vibrant!
*(We always name our fish after Dictators)

KNITTING K-NEWS
----------------------
Ripped out 10 inches of my Kalamata sleeve...
Due to that wretched spit splicing -- gone horribly awry
I'll not be doing that again.
A Huge gaping hole in my ribbing isn't acceptable.

I'll be attempting to get back to where I was...today
I ordered my zipper from Zippersource.com
Two way of course...

---NEW PROJECT ALERT---
I also cast on/swatched/began this!

I've gotten 1 inch done! woo!
Fall 2005 IK Veste Everest
I'm using Green Mountain Spinnery Alpaca Elegance -
Color:Charcoal/Espresso?
Size 6 needle
Pics to come...with more progress

Heaven=Kid Classic

This weekend was very low key.
Friday was a federal holiday...
I don't think I need to wax poetic about how I love me a federal holiday.
Ya'll understand.
Being low on vacation time, I scheduled myself a Root Canal to ring in my day off.

First...I have the HOTTEST dentist.
He reminds me of Matthew McConahwhatever.
So, going to the dentist usually is pleasant...
This time? Not so much.

Okay...so I knit while I was on major meds...heehee.
Finished the blue toeup sock.

Saturday, we went to the Annapolis LYS (Yarn Garden) - and got some lovely skeins of Rowan KID CLASSIC.
I've been lusting after this yarn for years.
It did not disappoint. It's so soft and lovely.
As soon as I saw it, I decided Pixie needed a new hat to match her *new* purple coat and purple plaid gloves (say that 10 times fast!!)...

I love this pattern...I've knit it 5 times!! Silk Garden Beanie, not just for Silk Garden!

I have two more skeins in green for MEEEEEEE...stay tuned!!
I'm thinking an irish hiking scarf!
Any other suggestions?
300 yards of heaven awaits!!
Drop me some ideas!!!!

Kalamata Olive is progressing - I'm on the last sleeve.
I have to do the collar and then FINITO!

I'll be ordering my zipper (zipperstop) and the seaming party will commence!
I can't wait.

I picked up the November issue of Simply Knitting.
Ya'll know I love this magazine...
This issue had some good ornament patterns...and....
The Ultimate!!
A tres chic bulky Turtleneck sweater pattern knit from Rowan Biggy Print that I am totally ga-ga for.
I'm just trying to think how I can fit 13 skeins of Biggy Print into my budget. *sigh*

I love that feeling you get as you are wrapping up one knit and you begin to lust after new projects...the anticipation of a new project.

MUST.RESIST.THE BIGGY.PRINT!!!!

Tagged!

By the lovely Jaime!

What is your all time favorite yarn to knit with?
I group my faves...I can't just pick one!!

Sock: Tess Designer Sock, Seriously. I love this yarn. I love every single thing about it. It doesn't pool. One skein is enough for a pair of socks. Colors are to die for.
Acrylic: Bernat Softee Chunky. Remember my shorty raglan?

I wear this ALL the time at home. I've even worn it to work. This yarn just keeps givin' me love.
Worsted/Aran: I love Rowan Felted tweed. I have a bag of it and have yet to knit with it...but I love this yarn. The flecks, the color, the squoosh factor, yeah, I just dig it.

Your favorite needles?
Addi Natura Circular and DPNs. I love how the taper is and the cord NEVER twists (like those dammed clovers). I use my Denises as well and they are my trusty needles when I need one. But the Naturas are just hands down the best.

The worst thing you’ve ever knit?
Audrey. I hate Calmer. I only have the lace for the neck to finish. I really must do that. I just think the color looks dirty (light blue) and she sits on my chair. Staring at me. Resentful. Plus I've "lost" the lace I started and can't find it.

Your most favorite knit pattern (maybe you don’t like wearing it, but it was the most fun to knit)?
Hm, this is a toughie. I think Rogue. I really loved every bit of this sweater. She is really WARM, so I don't wear her as much yet. I have to say it was the most I've learned from a sweater and I really am pleased with how it turned out.


Most valuable knitting technique?
Learning to place the decreases in 2x2 ribbing.
Which one slants this way and which one slants that way.
I had a hard time with Audrey because of this. I just couldn't get it, you know? Kalamata has that a little bit and this time it clicked. Love that!

Best knit book or magazine?
Sensational Knitted Socks is probably the best book I own for socks. I really enjoy the diversity of the stitch patterns and it offers you different ways to make the same sock, 4 dpns (I prefer), 5 dpns, or on 2 Circulars.

Magazine? Interweave Knits is my favorite. I really enjoy theirs the best.

Your favorite knit-a-long?
Hm. I'm kind of a knit-together gal, I like knitting with someone else. I've knitted the Fiery Bolero with the Rabbit, and I knit Rogue with Ei, and now I'm scarfing with Lolly. I like the groups as well, I got a lot of help with the Kiri Along, just by reading the posts on the Yahoo Group.

Your favorite knitblogs?
I usually try to pick people who have an awesome sense of humor and who inspire me.
My sidebar rarely changes because of this.
I'd like to think all of them are friends.

Your favorite knitwear designer?
Kim Hargreaves. Melanie Falick. Louisa Harding. Stefanie Japel.
I think these ladies are hella talented.

Debbie Bliss, I love her style, and the simplicity of her designs.
However, some of her yarns really suck and the errata with her patterns drive me away.

The knit item you wear the most?
Mean Green

Love this sweater. Perfect cover up.

I think Kalamata may overtake...stay tuned!
(Go See EI's Olive...LOVE IT!)

I hope you enjoyed...and I'm taggin Moni, Micki, and MY SISTER Kelly!

Peace, Love and knittin!!

Platform 9 3/4

Did you know there are only 17 days until Goblet comes out?

When I heard this news, I immediately obtained Griffindor House colors for Lolly and I...

We're making the same scarf and then swapping. Aren't we cute?
We're using Blue Blog Alison's HiP pattern

This pic makes it look purpley--- I assure you this is a very nice wine color...very authentic.

For all you Potter lovers...
Here is the yarn info...
Patons Classic Merino Col 208 Burgundy
Patons Classic Merino Col 204 Old Gold

Price:$3.75 per skein at ACMoore located in Beautiful Downtown Glen Burnie with a 25% discount!

Kalamata Olive Update!
One Back, two fronts and 1/2 sleeve completed!
I love this knit...oh I love this knit.
I cannot wait to wear it!
It's really hard to photograph...It looks like a black blob...so you'll have to wait to see it on!
Next stop? Zipperstop!

Socktoberfest 2005 still is in the air at Chez Stikz...
We're working our Toe up sock...and have decided we prefer the standard top down variety.

Our first complaint is the short row heel.
I like the heel flap. Yes, I'm spoiled by the cushy heel flap.

I don't like the feeling I got when I was making my way down from the toe...
That "Oh Sh*t...when do I start the heel?"
(FYI: Any "Oh, Sh*t" moment in my knitting isn't welcome)

So this is what I have so far.

I'm going to do the other toe up as well...for asthetic reasons *sigh*
They must match.