Jessimuhka Knits

I received my final package from my secret pal today and found out her identity. Bridget of knit cetera has been sending me all those nice presents. Her last package was equally lovely.

That's Blue Moon Merino sock yarn, Knitpicks dye your own sock yarn, Kool-aid for dying the knitpicks, a linen scented candle (love the smell), and a little sheep. The sheep reminds me of a Wallace and Gromet sheep. There was also a container of real Maple Syrup that didn't make it to the picture. Mmm, pancake breakfast. It appears my lifelong distaste for maple syrup was only for that fake stuff stores try to pass off for the real thing. The real stuff is quite tastey, and I didn't even mind the stickiness.

I had to take a close up of the sock yarn, because it's really such a wonderful green. The varrigation is really subtile, so I think these will make a great pair of patterned socks, either Retro Ribs, Go With the Flow, or something out of Knitting on the Road.

The person I was spoiling was Shetha, who's blog has been down so I can't link you to her. I'll come back and edit this when it's back up.

New discovery of the weekend - I'm allergic to oven cleaner. The people who lived in this apartment before us burned something onto the bottom of our oven that makes the smoke alarm go off every time we use it. Since we were going to have the oven on with guests over today, we finally got around to cleaning it. I was in the livingroom at the time and took one breath of the fumes coming from the kitchen and immediately started having trouble breathing. Andrew hustled me out the front door pretty quick though, so it didn't turn into a bigger problem. Now I never have to clean the oven! If only I could develop an allergy to dishes...

Posted by Jessimuhka at 02:00 PM | Permalink

I received a wonderful package from my secret pal last weekend. It included some Knitpicks Alpaca Cloud, which I've been dying to try in Tide Pool

Still no plans for this. I swear I thought of something, but I didn't write it down, so now it's gone.

There was also a sock kit from Fleece Artist. I'd never seen or touched Fleece Artist yarn before. I couldn't help myself, before I even got a picture the wrapper was off;

Then I had to wind it, just for kicks you know - not to start a sock or anything;

Then I had to *erm* knit a sock;

only took 3 evenings, on US 3's. Problem is it's too small. By a lot. So I had to do this;

I've already re-cast on in the next size up. What I didn't realize was that the chevrons would pull in so much. This would have been the right count for a stockinette sock I think. I'm planning on taking these to Santa Barbara for the massive amounts of driving over the weekend, so I should have socks soon.

Thanks so much secret pal. Even though it didn't fit, it was a blast to knit. Now I get to knit 3 socks with this yummy yarn. I think I got the best pal possible, she (? I'm assuming here) is obviously putting a lot of effort into getting me things she knows I'd like, and I really appriciate the effort.

I leave you all with a small law student revelation:
You know the case you're reading is going to be great when you see the phrase "defendant's nephew/boyfriend" in the opening paragraph. I was not let down.

Posted by Jessimuhka at 01:31 PM | Permalink

I got into Knitty!

I also got a GREAT package from my secret pal. Hopefully I'll get daylight pictures tomorrow. She sent me a sock kit, and in one day I'm past the heel!

Posted by Jessimuhka at 01:29 PM | Permalink

I got a lovely package from my Secret Pal today -

She sent me Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush! I have been coveting this book for ages, thank you so much! In the picture it is open to the first pair I'm going to knit, as soon as I finish the mom socks. She also sent 2 balls of Schoeller Fortissima Colori, a sock yarn I haven't used before in a great multi colored shade, and some monkey bookmarks! I love monkeys!

I also got the new IK in the mail today. Here's my take on it, in page order of the magazine.
- I liked the article on knitting in the theater. I loved stealing spare knitting moments when I did tech.
- Greek Pullover - it looks cute, but the models pose worries me. it is also very much not for my body type.
- Chenille Cutaway Jacket - eh, not a fan, and the photography is horrid
- Cable Cascade Pullover - reminds me of a sweater dress I had in the 80s, in a bad way.
- Fur Trimmed Wrap - what I consider and appropriate use of eyelash. I wouldn't make it, but it's cute.
- Essential Indulgence - really bad shape
- Union Square Market Pullover - love the sleeves, not sure about the neckline
- Drop Stitch Cardigan - I think it would look really nice in a solid color
- Weekend Getaway Satchel - expensive and non-functional
- Veste Everest - I will make this, probably in Jaeger Luxury Tweed or Rowan Felted Tweed. I love that it's in DK weight, much less bulky, and the splitting cable detail at the v-neck. It looks like it could use lengthening, but other than that, a winner!
- Felted Floral Capelet - completely silly and I'd never knit it, but I really like how it looks.
- Textured Coat - worst pattern in the issue
- Blissful Jacket - looks like Debbie Bliss finally got a clue about sizing.
- Vintage Inspired Jacket - ick. double ick for the stripe up the underarm (pictured on pg 90).
- I love the ad in the bottom left corner of pg 98! It might be time to learn colorwork. (Trees of Life - I also like the vest on that page)
- Fair Isle Hoodie and Cardigan - I like the cardigan. I'll have to keep this in mind for the future.
- Bulky Brioche Raglan - eh. wasn't there a broche sweater just like this one a couple issues back?
- Cabled Shrug - looks cozy, but I prefer my blankets without cuffs.
- Fair Isle Skirt - surprisingly, I really like this one, maybe even enough to knit it. The model also reminds me of Evey.
- Braided Blues - really bad shape
- Suede Vest - looks like a maternity top. redhaired model, why do they hate you so?
- Poncho Loco - The poncho is over. (long live the ponchkini)
- Canteen Bag - boring
- Brioche Helment Hat - meh
- Rib and Cable Socks - Yay, socks! And Nancy Bush is coming out with another sock book!

Posted by Jessimuhka at 06:26 PM | Permalink

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
- Yep, I'm pretty much a yarn snob. Not expense wise (I love Cascade 220 and the Elann Highland wool), but I definately prefer to knit with natural fibers. The only craft store yarn I like was just discontinued - Lion Brand Cotton-Ease.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
- I've just taken up spinning. I have a drop spindle and I've made some very uneven yarn. It's great fun and I hope to get the hang of it soon.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
- The smell of smoke really bothers me. I'm allergic to cats and angora fiber (sadness).

4. How long have you been knitting?
- About a year and a half.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
- Yeah, it's a little out of control though. You can see it here.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
- I like citrusy scents the best. I also love those fizzy bath bomb things.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
- Indeed. I'm trying to cut back on sugar however.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
- Spinning and Dyeing so far. I used to do a good amount of beading when I was in junior high, so maybe I'll get back into that someday.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
- I'd describe my music tastes as picky eclectic. I like singer/songwriter, classic hip-hop (at least 10 yrs old), mid-90's alternative, plus some new stuff. I play music through my laptop or my ipod so MP3s will play.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
- My all time favorite color is blue. I generally like any jewel tones or rich saturated colors. I'm not a huge fan of pastels or neons.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
- I live with my boyfriend, no pets.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
- To love what I do.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
- There are a lot. I love Lorna's Laces, Opal, Cotton-Ease, Luxury Tweed, lace weight from Handpaintedyarns.com, and pretty much anything else that's merino, alpaca, or silk.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
- Anything that's 100% acrylic and kitchen cotton.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
- Probably socks

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
- Socks and lace

17. What are you knitting right now?
- Cabled sweater in Cotton-Ease from Rowan 37, Fiber Trends Felted Clogs, and socks

18. What do you think about ponchos?
- They're not for me.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
- Circulars, almost always.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
- Addi Turbos for circs and Brittany Birch for DPNs and straights

21. Are you a sock knitter?
- yes

22. How did you learn to knit?
- Taught myself from books and the internet

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
- Probably Andrew's gloves, which I started around Thanksgiving.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
- I like sheep and monkeys

25. What is your favorite holiday?
- I'm not a big holiday person. Maybe Memorial Day/Labor Day? Time off with no social committments.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
- Yarn? I try not to collect things, my apartment is just too small.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
- Interweave Knits. I've been thinking of subscribing to Spin Off too.

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
- Stahman's Shawls and Scarves. I've seen a couple shawls knit from this book and they are beautiful!

Posted by Jessimuhka at 05:46 PM | Permalink