Elephant Potrait

You just have to look at this.... Awesome !!!

KNotions Publication Schedule

In my last post on KNotions I had posted that they are making Former MagKnits Patterns available on their Website (i.e if the designers still want to offer them for free.)

Well some of you may already know this but for the rest, it so happens that KNotions is going to be a quarterly online knitting magazine as well. Fall 2008 will be their first issue.
Following is their publication schedule. (Please check on the actual Website for any changes. Link provided below)

The magazine will be published four times a year, on the first Monday of the month.

Issue	Submission Deadline	Publication Date
Fall 2008	May 1, 2008	August 4, 2008
Winter 2008	August 1, 2008	November 3, 2008
Spring 2009	November 1, 2008	February 2, 2009
Summer 2009	February 1, 2008	May 4, 2009

The submission guidelines can be found here.

Changes

You might find that my blog keeps changing its looks very often these days. Please excuse if you see something wonky when you look at it... I am in the middle of finalizing a good template for the blog and so I keep trying different ones as and when I find time. It gets difficult to find time between my job and secret projects together with everyday cooking etc at home. Hopefully I should be settled on one template soon.
Take Care

OK to Travel with Needles

I have been thoroughly confused if its alright to carry knitting needles on the plane everywhere I go. Reading some blogs confused me even more... some report they had no problem with carrying their knitting with them on the plane if they had wooden or plastic needles... others reported they still had problems.
Today I came across this... and I think I am pretty clear now. For those of you who are still unsure like me read below:

Transporting Knitting Needles & Needlepoint

Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage. However, there is a possibility that the needles can be perceived as a possible weapon by one of our Security Officers. Our Security Officers have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and may not allow said item to pass through security. We recommend the following when bring knitting needles on an airplane:

• Circular knitting needles are recommended to be less than 31 inches in total length
• We recommend that the needles be made of bamboo or plastic (Not Metal)
• Scissors must have blunt points
• In case a Security Officer does not allow your knitting tools through security it is recommended that you carry a self addressed envelope so that you can mail your tools back to yourself as opposed to surrendering them at the security check point.
• As a precautionary measure we recommend that you carry a crochet hook with yarn to save the work you have already done in case your knitting tools are surrendered at the checkpoint

Most of the items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside. These items cannot be taken through a security checkpoint. They must go in your checked baggage.

Silent Monday - Current Stash

Crocheted Motifs Resource

I wanted to share this cool Slideshow I found, that gives Crocheted Motifs with schematics.

Talking about Inspiration

This morning while checking my mails, I read the Lionbrand weekly newsletter announcing the launch of "The LionBrand Notebook".
Next minute I was there... added it to my google reader subscriptions and was casually going through the posts when I came across this...

LionBrand Fashion Show Video hosted by Vanna White.


It started a sort of chain surf of knitting fashion shows videos. Here is what else I found...TNNA Yarn Group Spring Fashion Show.
Obviously there are more... I can't post them all here... :)

Ravelry Meetup at Seamen's Church Institute

Ravelry is such a gift for us artists isn't it? I met Rima through Ravelry and I am so thankful I did. She is such a lovely person to be with. All excited about yarn and yarn crafts just like me and good fun to be with. Officially, my first friend here in USA :)


We had been communicating over Ravelry and had been planning to meetup after office sometime to chat. Luckily she told me about the NY Ravelry meetup at Seamen's Church Institute on April 10th. It was good to meet with other Raveler's and do some charity.

We all brought hand knit caps for the 40,000 caps project and spent a good couple of hours knitting together and chatting up about each other's projects. We also had some yarn swapping and Raffles.

In the middle of our meetup room was this gorgeous picture frame. Can you guess how it's made?


It's made up of Macramé. Oh such a beauty !!!

Speaking of beauties... here is another one. Mel made this beautiful sweater from Vogue Knitting. Awesome work Meli !!!

Here's another one...Amy

All in all, it was a nice evening spent.

Need More Crochet Sources - New Magazine Launching in June

It's about time we saw a good source for crochet designs in the virtual world. Somehow whenever I look for good garment patterns in crochet, I end up finding ugly ones and get frustrated. I am sure there are good projects and patterns out there but its not as easy to find them. Most people seem to have the wrong idea that Crocheted garments cannot be fashionable and stylish and at the same time wearable like any comparable knit garments.

I have seen quite a few designers whose patterns are very modern, elegant and classy. To name a few, Annie Modesitt and Robyn Chachula. I am a fan of their work and have had the pleasure of meeting both in person at the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival this year.

Crochet Me by Kim Werker is a good source for crochet patterns but clearly we need more.

Robyn spoke about CHIQ magazine submissions on her blog the other day and I instantly jumped. The next thing, I was on their Website checking things out, it has not yet launched though. I hear it will be launching in June. I thought, Finally, someone has thought of dedicating themselves solely to providing information and patterns on the art of Crochet. Check out their Website.

It so happens that they have a blog (and I have subscribed to it already of course ...) which is currently being updated daily by Bernard. They showcase a designer and some nice runway photographs in each post. Awesome !!!

There are links to popular Crochet designers and blogs in the top right section on the Blog page.

I went ahead and tagged them in my Flickr account as well. I simply cannot miss any opportunity of seeing new designs.

The magazine is also open to pattern submissions from designers.

Here is an extract from their Website:

I'm interested in submitting, what do I do?

If you have a completed work or an idea that you want to submit, simply email a picture and your idea to the editor. We can assist you in writing the pattern and in creating diagrams. You don´t have to send anything via snail mail. Our contract crocheters can construct the garment, which will be part of a photo shoot, where you will be given 100% credit for the design. A brief bio of the designer will accompany the design as well as a link to any web address you prefer and your email (if you desire).

Easy isn't it? So what are you waiting for? Get working... get creative. I am working on mine.
I am so excited for the first issue already. Big Shout Out to CHIQ !!! Way to Go and All The Best!!!

Toy Stories 2

These are pictures taken during my walk to the Bus station in the morning.



The following are pictures taken from my office window showing guess who???
.... the "Pope landing in NY"

Here is a short video I took of the same. too bad I forgot to use the YouTube capture mode :(

New Toy and Digicam Cozy Free Pattern !!!

I am so happy and excited. I received my new toy today after several months of waiting :)


And obviously I didn't buy a case for it yet. So in order to protect my baby, I came up with the idea of this Thrifty Digicam Cozy.

Pattern: Digicam Cozy (Here on Ravelry)
Source: Yours Faithfully :D

Materials: Cascade 220 (Light Teal)
LionBrand Homespun (Black)

Amount: Just some odd bits of leftovers from my earlier projects
Crochet Hook Size: US K / 6.5 mm (For Homespun)

US D / 3.25 mm (For Cascade 220)

Started: Apr 15, 2008 7.30pm
Finished: Apr 15, 2008 8.00pm
Notes: It seems like a good idea for a quick gift.

Here is what I did.
Abbreviations:
Single Chain (sc/ scs) (I directed a video to demonstrate the stitch which is available from you tube - left handed and right handed)
Half Double Crochet (hdc) (Video available here on you tube.)
Chain (ch)
Inches ( " )

Method
I worked the cozy in two yarn weights Heavier (Color A - Homespun) and Lighter (Color B - Cascade)

• With Color A and K hook ch 11, turn. (11th chain will count for turning.)
  
• SC in the second chain from hook, * sc across to the end (total 10 scs). Ch 1 turn
• Repeat from * till the piece is exactly double the width of the camera. (My camera is 3.5", so my rectangular piece measured 7"). Bind off A.
• Join the Color B in the last sc of the previous row. Fold the rectangular piece in half and start sc through both layers from this corner down to the sides (Both layers of the piece will be joined on the sides using this edge.) then the bottom and then the corner of the other side. We now have a nice edge around 3 sides of piece. Use 1ch or 2scs to turn corners.
  
• Now we will work on the open edges in the round. ch 1, 2 scs with B in each sc of A (Total 40 scs around.) Join in the first ch1 using slip stitch.
• * ch 2, hdc in each sc around. Join with slip st to the first ch2. (total 40scs around.)
• Repeat from * for 3 more rows.
• ch2, 3hdc in the next 3scs, 1ch and skip next sc, *4hdc in the next 4 scs, 1ch and skip next sc. Repeat from * to the end. Join with slip stitch to the first chain 2. Bind off. The holes created in the last row will be used for the closure string.

To make the closure string

• Take Color B, 4 times the actual length that will be required for the pouch edge leaving two ends of atleast 2-4" each.
• Fold the length of B in half and secure one end. (I put the folded end in one of my toes) and twist it between your palms.
• Once the half length is twisted hold both ends together (thus resulting in another half fold of the already half length) and free the other end. The yarn will self twist to form a nice cord.
  
• Now thread this cord through the holes created in the last row of the cozy alternating drawing direction. (From outside to inside once and visa versa till the end.)
• Join the loose ends together with a knot to form a loop.

I did not have enough odd bits else I would have done some embroidery over the cozy. In any case, it is a pretty good use of the leftovers.

What Have I been upto?

Well, there's been a lot going on this end.
Here is some new stuff I have been working on.

Pattern: Slouchy Beret (Here on Ravelry)
Source: Yours Faithfully :D

Materials: Cascade 220 (Light Teal)
Caron One Pound (Desert Rose)

Amount: Oh it was difficult to figure this out. less than a quarter of Caron... and only a bit of Cascade
Needles: US 11 / 8 mm

US 10 / 6 mm

Started: Apr 1, 2008
Finished: Apr 6, 2008
Notes: I suppose this is a couple of hours worth of a project. But I didnt get much time during the week to work on this.

Pattern: Visor Beanie (Here on Ravelry)
Source: Suanne Steiger

Materials: Cascade 220 (Light Teal)
Caron One Pound (Desert Rose)

Amount: Could not keep track
Hook: US I-9/ 5.5mm

Started: April 12, 2008
Finished: April 12, 2008

Notes: Was able to start and finish this in just under a couple of hours. Came across this pattern accidentally while surfing patterns on Ravelry.

There was a third project that I worked on... remember the Knit Pink project? I am not sure if I can post pictures of my pattern yet so I am holding on that till I am sure. I named it "Colorplay".

Apart from me working on my crocheted and knit projects we(me and family) visited Washington DC for the cherry blossom festival. This was the first time I have been to DC and I quite enjoyed being there with family.
Here are some pics.

On our way to

Liberty Memorial (I think that's what it was.)


Oh so beautiful !!!

Former Magnits patterns to be made available on KNotions

Good News !!!
KNotions will be hosting former Magknits patterns on their Website. It is a work in progress and three patterns have already been made available.

Sad News !!! Magknits is no more !!!

I just read this on the Magknits.com Website and am very sad to loose such a great source of patterns.

Excerpt from the notice on the Website...

Dear MagKnitters

I am really sad to have to tell you that we are no longer going to be publishing free patterns on MagKnits. This has been one of the most exciting web ventures I have ever been involved in, I am really proud of the site and of what I managed to develop over the 4 years of running the magazine.

The PicNik Effect !!!

I came across this cool photo editing Website during my lunch hour browsing today. I can link my albums on Flickr, Picasa, Facebook, etc and edit any picture I like to give it cool effects. Like the ones below. What fun!!! Wow...

Modelled Pics - Ribbed Lace Bolero

At last I was able to wear the ribbed lace bolero and take a pic of myself. I made DH come with me to the neighborhood park and pond area to take these pics. I love 'em.

Pattern: Ribbed Lace Bolero
Source: Kelly Maher

Materials: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease (Terracotta)
Amount: Just a little less than 2 skeins
Needles: US 8 / 5.0 mm

US 10½ / 6.5 mm

Started: Jan, 2008
Finished: Feb 23, 2008

This project was hibernating for a bit due to other gift projects. But I have 2 skeins left and I am going to make another one for my sister.

(Afterthought: Coming soon, sneak peak of my pink projects. )

The Last Knit (Funny Video)

Oh I couldn't help but share this most hilarious video on knitting that I found. :) Enjoy !!!

A Cool eBook !!!

I found this great online book (ebook) for knitting and crocheting while lunch hour surfing today at work.

Check out the Website it has more online books on various subjects like Cooking, Bartending, Yoga, Wine, Weight Training etc.

http://www.maran.com


I took a quick look at "Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting". It is a 305 page online book and covers everything from all kinds of tools and materials to fixing mistakes, finishing a project, etc.
Topics covered in the book:

• Introductions to both arts (separately)
• Types of Yarn and Yarn Label info
• Caring for finished items
• Tools
• Basic stitches and a couple of cast on methods
• Gauge
• Bind off methods
• Ribbing
• How to read patterns and charts
• Joining Yarn
• Increases and Decreases
• Decorative Touches
• How to make a pom pom
• Fixing your mistakes
• Knitting in the round
• Knitting with Color
• Buttonholes
• Weaving in Ends

There are also some patterns for beginner and intermediate knitters. Crochet section is a little shorter than Knitting however, everything to get you started has been covered.

Personally, although I am much on the advanced level, this is a great find. I love being able to read the book and flip pages virtually. It just gives me this happy feeling. (The geek in me is jumping for joy :D)

Read on !

Sock Wars Starting 9 May 2008

The Sock Wars commence 9th May 2008.

I have signed up and am excited to start knitting my second pair of socks. More than the competition I Love the idea and thinking how much fun it would be !!!

Come along, join the fun !