Funky Scarf and Socktoberfest Update

First off, the Funky Scarf Swap. If y’all had noticed, the FS % bar on the right has suddenly hit 100% and so, I’m very proud to say that it was completed and shipped off to Kathy at Minx Knits in USA. Unfortunately I have no pictures to show for my work but I’m hoping to swipe a few from her when she receives it. Am crossing my fingers and hoping she likes it.

Next, Socktoberfest update:

Ladies and gentle cars…

Presenting...

The one…

The only…

Starter Stockinette Sock…

Do you see the hole? Its me-made, not hamster-made.

Magenta? Mais non....

And well, only if you are wondering…IT’S ACRYLIC! Yes yes, the hot, itchy, horrible stuff that bad yarn days (and dreams) are made of.

Why you ask? Ah…let me tell you. That’s the beauty of the story…the madness. Now as you all know I’ve never knitted a sock in my life. And you also know that I have received a very beautiful colorway of Claudia’s Handpainted to experiment with socks. But don’t y’all agree that it’s too precious to “experiment” with (think frustrated ripping, loose gussets and dpns used as a weapon)? I could never do that to the pretty pretty sock yarn.

And so, out comes the acrylic and BIG dpns (3.3mm). Again I was too chicken to use the lovely ones Ruth sent to me. Casting on was a cinch, but not so much like the first time using dpns.

It took me sometime to get used to sticks poking me while I was knitting (note: these dpns are 12’’ long [stop laughing]). But after a while I did get a hang of it. So by the time I reached the heel, I remembered to try it on and well it’s BIG. Why? Hello. It’s 3.3mm and acrylic in sportweight y’all.

What you didn't see before....

Isn’t it hilarious? It’s waaaaay too big at the cuff. Not to mention the big, fat hole, where I picked up the stitches to join the heel flap.

Anyways I trudged on, the heel flap was cool fun to knit. And my fave, the turning of the heel. This time I kept trying it on and reducing accordingly whew. I'd rather not mention the hole that you saw before. Any tips to get rid of the darn thing would be highly appreciated.

So, what do y’all think? Should I cast on for a real sock with the proper teensy dpns and actual sock yarn just yet? Or continue this one? Any suggestions will be seriously given good thought and happy vibes sent to everyone at the same time.

Oh yes another thing I would love some help on: one skein of Claudia’s Handpainted in Sea dreams. What can I knit with this? I’m itching to try it out but don’t know what I can finish with it. It’s fingering weight, 182 yards. Someone please help =)

In other news, Meta, otherwise known as the Big Momma of the Hamster underworld gave birth to 5 little babies. (Sing along y'all....Ma Hamster, she taught her four pups *ma ma ma maa*, Ma Hamster, to handle a bun...*ma ma ma maa* [to be sung in the same cadence as Ma Baker by Boney M and yes, my hamster family love buns and any sort of bread for that matter]). Both babies and mommy are doing great. Can't wait to play with the little fellas.

My finals are starting this week, all the way till mid-November. Less knitting time, unfortunately but that's life. You give some, you take some. Hard work and luck, that's what I need and of course, God's grace. But I'm still fReAkInG oUt.

Anyways, that’s all for now. Hope y’all have a great week, knitting and otherwise.

Current Mood: (what do I see? EXAMS y'all....LOTS of 'em)

Title Change

As y'all can see, the name of my blog has been officially changed to 'Rain's Knit-Bits'. This is after a lot contemplation as to whether 'Knit Addict' made any sense grammatically and I figured: IT DOESN'T.

What was I thinking? Probably wasn't thinking. But then I figured, who cares, I probably was the only one with a title like this, only to find out that there is another Knit Addict in the blogging world who started waaahaaaay before I did.

That made up my mind, I got to change!

So if anyone has linked to my page as Knit Addict, sorry for the trouble, but do change it. Thanks =)

Current mood:

More Fun Qs answered

Another fun questionnaire by our cool host for SP9

Actor - Joshua Lucas (remember Snowy River: The McGregor Saga? I used to watch that religiously) and Keanu Reeves

Actress - Sandra Bullock (oh lol, the stars of Speed)

Animal - Dogs

Band - Lifehouse

Book - DO I really have to pick? Lily White by Susan Isaacs; everything by Thomas Hardy; Harry Potter Series (of course!!)

Bubble Bath - Rose

Candy - Do After Eight mints count?! Okay other than that, ooo yes...some Mango gummy stuff I found in Malaysia. I don't recall the name but wow, they're good!

Color - Purple

Drink- Ginger Beer by Bundaberg only!

Flower - Rose

Food - Lasagne and Quiche a la me =) (I'm not trying to brag but it's a popular opinion with my friends and I like it too *runs and hides under some yarn*)

Lip Balm - Labello

Lotion - Jergens

Movie - Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Crash...that's all I can think of right now

Place - It's a stretch of forest in Sri Lanka with a road through the middle. The road is overshadowed by entwined branches of the magnificent trees from both sides, casting just enough light to make it all so dreamy and magical. It brings back a lot of good memories.

Song - Unknown by Lifehouse

TV Show - FRIENDS hands down

Yarn - Oh boy, I love almost everything that I can get my hands on. But scratchy ones excluded.

Vacation Spot - There is a place back home, so romantic, so beautiful that I would just love to spend a vacation at. I know thats lame since it's back home but WOW, this place is awesome. Exclusive restaurants, classy chalets, a spa, a dreamy creek with little boats going back and forth (each chalet has its own boat for the inhabitant to use exclusively). The place is lit entirely by exquisite lamps that make it so traditional and beautiful.

Fun Qs

Our very cool SP9 hostess tagged us with these interesting questions on her blog and I thought I'd give it a whirl =)

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?
At my study table, in front of the computer so I can knit while watching FRIENDS, its my favorite thing in the world to do.

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead?
I would write, I love writing =) ; other than that I would probably try to pick up spinning or dyeing.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?
Hmm...I would really love to go back to Switzerland for a longer trip (I barely spent a week there a long time ago), its just SO beautiful and tranquil.
Next on the list would be Japan, because it's just so cool and then of course the United States, to get every type of yarn there is ;) and pay the mind boggling shipping costs myself =P

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it?
I wanted to be a doctor or a sleuth. Well I like to think that I'm on way there and what I'm looking into right now, would fall a bit into both categories woooOOoooot!

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Without doubt, chocolate. Anything with lots of dark chocolate yep. My current favourite is Maui Brownie Madness at Baskin Robbins (it's yoghurt, so 98% fat free!!). Try it y'all, it's amazing!

Wonderful Surprises

This is an exciting post. A few days ago, a package that I had been desperately waiting for turned up in the form of a collection letter at my door. There was a big hoo-haa to go collect the package but I'll skip those details.

The highly awaited package was from Ruth who is simply AWESOME. Thanks so much Ruth, ~HUGS~. I love absolutely everything you've sent to me.
I just can't wait to get started on my socks now that, thanks to Ruth, I'm completely armed with everything I could possibly need.

Anyways, I'll shut up now and you can see for yourself why I'm so ecstatic.

Mr. Box, who brought all my goodies to me, safe and sound =)

The Book Family who are raring to teach me the art of sock knitting and help me keep track of everything

The one on the left is shaped like a sock. It's got loads of fun patterns that I'm just dying to try out. The pamphlet is full of techniques and lastly the Journal...oh I LOVE it! It's too precious to even touch, I can't bring myself to write in it, I just want to put it in its own pedestal and just..well...admire it =)

Three amazing shades, all waiting to be knitted up.

This is a closeup of the Regia in maroonish brown. Perfect for guy's socks!

Claudia Handpainted in Sea Dreams – isn’t she so pretty?

Claudia Handpainted in Deep Blue – this is amazing, if there is an Ocean in Heaven, these are the colours the water would take. I just love the colorway, it’s all my fave shades of blue rolled into one! Ruth, how did you know?

I completely flipped out when I saw the Claudia's Handpainted skeins. Who would have thought that I, ME, would EVER get a skein that gorgeous yarn. The best I could do before this was drool at the gorgeous colorways floating around on the internet. And...and...n.n.now look...I actually have not one, but THREE skeins!

The whole loot that made my day =)

I wasn't able to take closeups of the needles but you can see two sets of dpns there in the EXACT sizes I was looking for! Thanks a bunch Ruth. Now I can attempt those gorgeous footies she's knitted. Won't be nowhere near as nice as hers though! I'm a newbie.

I also received a skein of Noro from Carine who visited Malaysia and most of us knitters here got the chance to meet up with her. Thanks Carine! This is my first skein of Noro.

Hmm...Noro oh Noro, you shall remain as Noro. What should I do with you eh?

Sigh...I'm giddy with happiness =) thanks to the wonderful friends I have made through this oh-so-addictive hobby and the internet of course. Thanks so much you guys!

Well I think that is all for this super happy post. Enjoy the week everybody! Lots of good vibes for everyone from me.

Current Mood:

SP9 Questionnaire

Dear SP9,

Here is my completed questionnaire. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me =)

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love knitting with any yarn that is soft and silky. Cotton is what is best suited for weather here in Malaysia. But not so big on 100% acrylic really, because it’s SO HOT here and no eyelash yarn either.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Right now, I’ve got a Pringles’ tin that has been dressed up to look like a passable holder for my straights. Nothing for my circulars yet though…

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learnt knitting from my parents 10 years ago and picked it up again early this year.
I would think that my skills are probably intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes....check the side bar please.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I love rose the most. Floral, spicy and fruity are lovely.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Hell yeah…I’m a total sucker for dark chocolate. My favorites are After Eight mints.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I crochet too, but am not a big fan. I don’t know how to spin. I would love to learn how to dye my own yarn too.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Well Alternative, I LUURVE Lifehouse. I’m into some RnB too.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Oh purple purple PURPLE, I love purple. Sorry, yes, calming down now. I like pink too, followed by deep blues and fresh deep forest greens and black of course. I hate colours that are too bright and fluoresce, oh and I do absolutely detest beige! White is nice on me though.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a room-mate. I have four adorable hamsters.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I do wear scarves and hats. I’ll wear my PONCHO when I’m finished with it.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Well I love anything that’s flattering and trendy. Always looking for flattering, sassy, sexy stuff to knit ;)

13. What are you knitting right now?
A shrug that needs some damage control and a halter.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes of course

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Circulars definitely. Aluminium I guess. I’m loving the only pair of Inox circulars I’ve got.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Unfortunately neither

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
The knitted halter is about 6 months old and the poncho 10 months old.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Hmm…I take holidays during my birthday, does that count? =) Okay okay, I love Christmas and Easter.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Does yarn count?

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Needles: Addi Turbos
Patterns: One Skein Wonder & Simple Knitted Bodice by Glampyre Knits
Books: The Stitch 'N Bitch Calendar 2007, Stitch 'N Bitch Journal; Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitters Handbook by Debbie Stoller
Unfortunately I have no suscriptions to any Knitting magazines.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Magic loop, knitting on two circulars and the sock-in-sock technique illustrated in the Fall Knitty 2006.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I’m just getting started. Ladies size 8.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
September 21st

Knits and bits

Here is the picture of the other yarn that I received from my ---- for my Birthday. It’s Katia Sevilla in the most gorgeous color, well I know I’m a purple person, but itsn’t this blue just breathtaking? Don't mind the horrible editing, but I had no patience to run it through Photoshop or Illustrator so just used a lame block brush in Paint. I might update it later =)

Finally Lelah is done. Cast off and everything. Just have to give her a good wash and see if she needs any blocking. Here is a picture taken just before casting off, the battery ran out after this so it’s the closest FO pic I have:

I'm not a big fan of the yarn I've used for this. I wish I had had some cotton or something just as nice, like silk (Tilli Tomas?? Now that's wishful thinking).

My shrug is done as well. But then after trying on I realized the back is a tad too short and so I decided to pick up the stitches and extend it a bit. I’m not quite sure where I’m going with this shrug because I barely have half a ball of the mohair left. Need a miracle here people.

Here is the last of my pending WIPs, a purple halter. My very first knitting project. I started it a LONG time ago at a LYS. I specified the pattern I wanted, the size I wanted and the ladies working there seem to have hearing problems and are too haughty to admit that they were wrong when I pointed out that the halter is not turning out the way I wanted it to.

This is the reply I got “Oh it’s the same, the SAME, the same, the SAME. Don’t worry. It will be the same.”

How the bloody hell can two things be the same when the pattern is SO CLEARLY different? Are they stupid or am I blind? It cost me a fortune for this damn thing.

I don't like it. Can I sue?

Well since I’m almost through two of my three pending WIPs, I decided to treat myself and cast on for a new mini project. It’s the Eye Mask from Knitty. My ---- requested for one to cope with my nocturnal habits during weekends when I’m at his place. I love staying up late, blopping, blogging, knitting and just plain wasting time =) so much so that he’s given up convincing me to sleep at night. Actually I cast on a few days ago and it’s done now. I wish I could post a picture but again, batteries dead.

Somehow the pattern did not agree with what I was looking for so I completely altered it beyond recognition and instead, I followed the instructions in my head. Does that make this my own pattern?
What do you think?

Well that is about all I have for this time. Oh except for leaving you with a picture of a WIP that is about 10 months old now. It’s a crochet poncho.

It’s so simple, why can’t I just finish it?

Happy Knitting everybody!!

Current mood: