Wristy Victory

This past Saturday I had an opportunity to gift a few friends with my hand-knit wristys! Everyone loved 'em! Phew! I hope all the other recipients of Wristy-a-mania-a-rama-a-go-go are as enthusiastic as this group!

Carla's Malbrigo Wristys

Joe's Vernasco Dive' Italian Wristys

Darcy's SWS Wristys

(also wearing a beret knit by Natalie)

Mary Jo's Noro Wristys

Natalie's Vintage Handcrocheted Hostess Apron

Wristy Weekend

I was obsessive about knitting Wristys for most of the weekend! I finished up another pair made from Vanna's Choice yarn in a taupe color. I'm almost done with a pair made from mystery yarn, obtained from Beth, thru Faith, thru Heather (formerly of A Mano) at the WeHo SnB last week. I'm 90% done with the pair pictured above, made with Noro Kureyon, #150. For this pair of Wristys, I used this pattern.

I've been reading alot about wristwarmers online. It seems that people do not like a thumb sleeve in their Wristys, because it impedes their dexterity on the computer, playing guitar, etc. Woo Hoo! Much easier to knit these things without the added thumb! Thank you internets. Must go knit some more Wristys!

Working on the Wristys

I've been faithfully churning out knitted wristys for this season's holiday gifts. I think I have about 8 pairs knitted so far. That's what I'll be doing this weekend....knitting and crocheting!

Wristys in Noro Kureyon and Paton's SWS Yarn

Wristys in Vanna's Choice/Lionbrand Yarn

I still have to finish up my faboo WeHo Stitch 'n Witch costume for Thursday's Dia de Los Muertos party at the Original Farmers Market, upstairs dining area, 7-9pm. You're invited too!

I might just stop by the Stitches From The Heart Store to check out the sale. Hope to see you over the weekend.

"knitspeak"

I've been reading "Knitspeak: An A to Z Guide to the Language of Knitting Patterns" by Andrea Berman Price. Granted, I never have time to actually READ books! I'm too busy knitting and crocheting. I get a lot of radio, TV and iPod listening, but rarely any reading, unless I'm working on some boring stockinet and have a book holder.

However, "Knitspeak" is a huge help with my current knitting project. I'm knitting up holiday gifts of wristwarmers. I call them "wristys." The pattern that I'm using for the wristys said to use the mattress stitch to join the edges of the wristwarmers. I wasn't quite sure how to do the mattress stitch, so I just looked it up in the alphabetical section of "Knitspeak." Perfect! There was a clear explanation with pictures of how to accomplish this stitch. I figured it out and now my wristys are perfectly joined.

"Knitspeak" is organized with a section on pattern-reading basics, like what do parenthesses mean in a pattern? What knitting patterns don't tell you. Helpful hints. Using charts and common pattern conventions. The following section is an A to Z guide to the terms of knitting. I didn't know about "LLI", Left Lifted Increase. Each term is diagramed and described in plain English. Toward the end of the book is an Appendix that discusses guidlines for substituting yarns, how to read a yarn label, picking up dropped stitches, worksheets for planning a project and much more. The final section has a list of knitting abbreviations, so you can quickly refer to this list while working on a project.

The perfectly pink book is small in size, less than 5 x 7, so it will fit neatly into your knitting bag or purse. I've been taking it with me everywhere, just in case. You can always find answers to knitting questions online, but when I'm knitting in the park or at the Farmers Market, I don't have my 'puter with me. "Knitspeak" is a knitting lifesaver, even for a veteran knitter like me!

Single Wristy Syndrome

Single Wristy Syndrome

You've heard of "single sock syndrome." That's when you knit up one sock, then you get bored or distracted and never knit up the second sock. This has happened to me. Has it happened to you?

I am now suffering from "single wristy syndrome" (SWS...not to be confused with Patons' SWS...soy wool solid yarn). Maybe I spy a perfect ball of yarn for a pair of wristys. I knit up one wristy, then I spy another ball of yarn that would also be perfect for a pair. Well, I want to see what that new yarn will look like knitted up. This has happened to me quite a bit, during my marathon holiday wristy knitting program. As the holidays draw near, I'm finally going back to all of those single wristys and knitting their partners.

SWS will not trap me. I am determined to finish up my 20 pairs of wristys for Gift-giving--2007!

Wristy-a-rama-a-go-go

Lovely Hands of Lisa P.

Patons Soy Yarn - Loden

12 down, 12 to go! I've made 12 pairs of wristys for holiday gifts. I have about 12 more pairs to go. Last night at the WeHo SnB, Jenna asked me how long it takes for me to knit a wristy. I timed myself one Saturday. If I make a cabled wristy, it takes 3 hours for each one....6 hours for a pair. If I just knit a 2 x 2 rib for the entire wristy, it only takes me about 1-1/2 hours per wristy....3 hours for a pair.

I've had various "hands" model my wristys for gift tag purposes. Below, is the hand of rugged "Bob" using his wristy to ward off the chill of an ice-cold brewski!

Rugged Hand Model, Bob
Dive' Teseo Yarn

This weekend, I'll be at the once-a-month Saturday WeHo SnB at the Original Farmers Market, upstairs dining area from 10 am to noon. I'll be running errands the rest of the day until Larry and I head up to Highland Park for the Second Saturday Gallery Night. The rest of the weekend will be spent KNITTING WRISTYS!!!

Have a great one!

The Prequel

Musso & Frank's Grill, Interior

We were verrrrry busy just before Christmas. Below are a few pix of Rhoda's and my trip to Musso & Frank's Grill in Hollywood for breakfast before the screening of "Enchanted" at the El Capitan Theater on Hollywood Blvd.

Eggs Benedict, Bacon, Flannel Cakes

After the movie, which was enchanting btw, we walked across the street, encountered Bat Man and Bat Woman, had a cream puff at Beard Papa's. A divine day!

Bat People on the Boulevard

Rhoda and Papa enjoying a cream puff

Next day, Larry and I stopped at Future Studio to spy the fabulous Chicken Boy in his new home atop the building on Figueroa in Highland Park, just a few doors from the Highland Park Theater. The Boy looks totally faboo up there in the sunlight!

Chicken Boy @ Future Studio, Highland Park

I gifted Amy with a pair of wristys knitted from some beautiful Kool-Ade dyed wool from the lovely Lady Linoleum.

Orange & Lemon Kool-Ade Dyed Wristys

Love the Lion

"Wristys" knitted with Vanna's Choice Yarn

There's a group on Ravelry dedicated to people that have a relationship with Lion Brand yarn. The group invitation says, "This is a safe space. You can come here and admit you love fun fur and no one will judge you. Or maybe you are a lover of their new wave of yarns. Either way, come on in! Welcome to the Lion Brand Cafe." Of course, I joined this group right away.

I have to admit that I use Lion Brand yarns quite a bit. I think the colors are fantastic, there's a variety of textures and it's highly affordable. Most of their stock is acrylic and cotton, but they have recently added wools and wool-blends. The other day I was cruisin' the aisles of Michael's and I ran across the new Vanna's Choice yarn, endorsed by Vanna White. It's100% acrylic, 170 yards per skein, worsted weight and about $3 per skein. The colors are marvelous and interchangeable. So far, I've knitted a pair of wrist-warmers (I like to call them "Wristys") with the Honey color, and am working on another pair in the Taupe colorway. I'm considering making tons of pairs for this year's holiday gifts. I like the idea of Wristys made out of washable yarn, since they are definitely gonna get dirty and will need to be washed often.

Taupe Colorway

I do love the fancy Manos del Uruguay, Koigu, Jaeger Wool, etc., but there's something comforting about good old-fashioned 100% virgin acrylic yarn. Hey! This is Southern California. We don't really need to wear WOOL!!!

Thank you, Handmodel, Lisa P.

Project Specs: Vanna's Choice yarn, size 8 needles. Cast on 33 sts. p3, k2. Every fifth row work a cable twist on the k2 stitches. Bind off after 9 or 10 cable twists, sew inner side seam, leaving hole for thumb. Crochet thumb sleeve in the round, size G crochet hook. Of course, you could also pick up these stitches with double-points and knit in the round for a bit.

Wonky but Workable

I'm on the last leg of knitting wristys for holiday gifts. One of the guys on my list at the office is a guitar player and requested a black pair of wristys with a skeleton image. I've never knit intarsia before. I've crocheted pictures and initials into pieces though. So, my first attempt was to knit a rib for the bottom of the wristy, then switch to crochet for the skeleton image. This didn't work out. The crochet next to the knitted rib was just too cumbersome.

Then, I tried to knit the skelly intarsia style. Oy! I need a class for this one.

My last hope was to try the duplicate stitch. I found this website with great photos. After a few attempts, I finally got the hang of it. Although the left wristy is slightly wonky, I think it's cute...the skelly is kinda' grinning mischieviously. I'm sure the right wristy will be much improved. The right hand is the one that really shows the most when you're playing guitar in front of an audience anyway, right?

Stash Enhancement

Goodness knows I do not NEED more yarn. HOWEVER, during my travels this past weekend, I happened to stop in at two lovely LYSs. Compatto, a Yarn Salon on Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica was having a half-off sale. I picked up four skeins of Tahki-Stacy Charles, Bunny Print. This yarn is super soft, 50% merino wool, 25% alpaca and 25% acrylic. I need a few different colors for more "wristys" for holiday gifts.

THEN, I zoomed south to Mar Vista to check in with the ladies at A Mano. I sat down at the table with Shannita and few others and knit a bit before checking out the yarns. This little shop is fully packed with yummy yarniness, along with every book and magazine on knitting and crochet. I purchased 2 skeins of Vergnasco Di.ve' in a rusty colorway (more wristys). My eyes wandered over to yarn next to the cash register and knitting needles. There I spied some gorgeous Schaeffer Yarn in 100% mercerized pima cotton. The yarn is called "Laurel," but the colorway I chose is "Frida Kahlo." The color concept is one of a series created for memorable women in history. A short biography of Frida was on the back of the tag. How perfect! I often wear colorful, crocheted flower headbands to emulate my artistic idol, Frida Kahlo. I absolutely LOVE this yarn. Not sure what I'll make with it. Have you enhanced your stash lately?

I mentioned to Shannita about our WeHo SnB Stitch n' Witch party coming up on Thursday, November 1st. She wasn't able to attend last year, but she put the party on her calendar and she's coming next week! ALSO, Shannita graciously offered to add to our prize bags for the costume portion of the evening! Yippee....A Mano and Shannita are the greatest!

Wrist-O-Rama-A-Go-Go

I've made my share of wrist warmers in the past...mostly knitted ones.  I needed a quickie gift for my friend Shayne, so I decided to work out a crocheted version of the Wristys. Shayne is visiting from New Mexico and we had lunch today.

I remembered reading somewhere about the multitude of items that can be made out of granny squares.  They're just squares that can be turned into almost anything, like coasters, place mats, afghans (of course), pillow covers, bags, rugs, shawls, scarves, eyeglass cases, etc., etc.  So, why couldn't I fashion a pair of Wristys out of a granny square?  That's just what I did!  I've always said that granny squares are the building blocks to fashion.

I made a 9-round granny square using a size "G" hook and Caron Simply Soft in Shayne's favorite peachy color, Persimmon.  I folded the square in half.  Joined the top half, left room for a thumb.  Added a 3-row gusset at the bottom of the Wristy in half-double crochet, joined the edges.  I crocheted a bit of a thumb, then added a bottom picot border for a girly look.  Voila!  The Granny Square Wristy, less than 2 hours to complete!

I will be refining this pattern and adding some fancy bits for the future.  

Shayne brought me my very own bag of her homemade Mandel Bread!!!  I could not ask for a better trade.  Thanks, Girlfriend!

Here's Shayne's recipe:  

My very own bag o' Mandel from Shaynelynn!

Shayne’s Mandelbread (Mandelbroit)

3/4    Cup    oil (I use corn oil)
1       Cup     sugar
3        eggs
1        tsp    baking powder
1        pinch   baking soda
1        Teaspoon  vanilla or almond extract
3        Cups    flour
6        oz.    chocolate chips/nuts/etc
Cinnamon and sugar mixture to sprinkle
 
Mix oil, sugar and eggs.  Add powder, soda and vanilla extract.  Add flour half at a time, mixing thoroughly in between.  Fold in chips/nuts by hand.  Cover with Saran wrap, making sure that it is touching the dough and refrigerate for at least a few hours.
On floured surface, roll dough into logs.  (I use half the dough for each log).  Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mix.  Bake at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until outside is light golden brown.
Take out of oven, cut into slices, about 1/4” thick and put back in turned off oven for several hours or overnight. 

Enjoy!  During Christmas I use the candied fruit that they use to make fruitcakes for a festive look!

Yipes! Stripes!

I bought a 10 skein bag of this divine Noro Big Kureyon #19 at the Great Black Sheep Knittery Sale of 2007 last summer at an extremely low price. I absolutely love it! I hadn't been able to think of what to knit or crochet with it. It's bulky, so crocheting was out. I finally decided to just go for it and knit up a big, comfy stripey sweater. I used size 10-1/2 needles and the top-down sweater generator. You should really check out the generator...it's incredibly easy and very satisfying.

This was a very quick knit. I finished it in about a week. I must admit, the horizontal stripes are not too flattering, but it's warm and cozy. Hence, the close-up of me wearing this stripey wonder is cropped cropped cropped!

I know I could have figured out an easy pattern knitting sideways, so that the Noro stripes are vertical instead of horizontal. There are many on the internet. Sonnett on knitty.com is one of my faves and it would look awesome using Noro Kureyon and just stockinet stitch. I just love knitting top-down so I can try the sweater on as I knit. I'm so impatient. I suppose I should get that ol' knitting machine outta the box and see if I can make it work! I really must get back to all of my UFOs and those darn holiday wristys.

While SoCal Burns

Close-up of Flames from Lady Linoleum's Flaming Bowling Bag

While the hills of Los Angeles and San Diego are burning, I've been watching it all on local TV while knitting and crocheting. Our neighborhood is covered in black ashes, even though we're miles from the blazes. The sky is a terrible shade of brownish haze. My heart goes out to all of the 500,000 SoCal people that had to evacuate their homes. It's always helpful to check the local Red Cross site to see if there's anything we can do for our fellow Citizens. Pray for rain.

I'm still working on various "wristys" to give as holiday gifts. I'm also working on some top-down sweaters in various stages of WIP-dom. As if I didn't have enough deadlines, I'm ALSO working on a portion of this year's Stitch n' Witch costume for next week's WeHo SnB Halloween/Dia del los Muertos party at the Original Farmers Market.

In between knitting and crocheting I've been reading "Knitting Classic Style" by Véronik Avery .

This is an extremely interesting book from a historical standpoint. Each chapter deals with different aspects of fashion that have inspired the author, "Fashion Mavens" like Christian Dior; "Tomboys" which illuminates the menswear influence in women's fashion ("Annie Hall", etc.); "Global Travelers" showcases ethnic influences and folk traditions in fashion; and "Thrill Seekers" which explains the inspiration that sports attire has had on modern fashion. All of this wisdom has influenced Avery's knit designs.

"Knitting Classic Style" is a very clever take on updating vintage patterns for the modern-day knitter. I may not actually knit any of the designs in their entirety, but there are tons of ideas and stitch patterns to take and work with while creating my own knit and crochet creations. I'm keeping this book for reference, plus, the photographs are beautiful. You can see photos of some of the designs here.

We Have Winners!

Single Wristy Syndrome....Cured!

Many of you are just tooo tooooo speedy! Sitting at their computers yesterday, waiting for me to post were winners, Laurie Ann and Sharon! They were the first two people to answer my question correctly. The question: "What does my auto license plate say?" The answer: CROCHET. Laurie Ann and Sharon will both be receiving a copy of the book "Knitspeak" and little Knitspeak magnets sometime next week. Congratulations!
Thanks for the fantastic response! I didn't realize just how many people actually read my blog everyday. I know I don't get as many comments as Crazy Auntie or the Yarn Harlot, but I always enjoy the responses that I receive from YOU, YOU and especially YOU!!!
On to another subject....JURY DUTY. I reported to the Hollywood Courthouse today. To my surprise, my knitting needles and crochet hooks passed thru the security with no problem! Woo Hoo! It's a good thing too! I was there all day, knitting away on the wristys. I finished two orphan pairs! No more SWS for me!

Almost Completed...Just have to sew up the orphan!

My group didn't get called into the courtroom until after lunch. 18 people were questioned, the Court dismissed 6 people. I have to report again tomorrow to see if I'm chosen to be on the jury. Sigh. Hopefully, I'll just have another full day of knitting and then get dismissed. We'll see what happens. Luckily, the Courthouse is across the street from my most favorite Thai restaurant in L.A., Palms Thai. That's the place where the Thai Elvis performs in the evenings.
What's up for this weekend? Oh...so many things to do. On Saturday, Peter Shire's Echo Park Pottery is having it's "Holi-daze Hustle" from 1-5pm...always a fun hang. Peter's place is also open on Sunday....do drop by. The address is 1850 Echo Park Ave. He has marvelous pottery for sale, food to eat and live music! Saturday evening, Larry and I are attending the West Adams Homeowners Association Historic Home Tour and Progressive Dinner. Sunday, I'll be over at Compatto in Santa Monica for Laurie Perry's book signing and reading. In between all that, I hope to get my knit on and finish up more holiday gifties! Have a marvelous weekend!

Brit's B-Day

Brit celebrates with Rose Pudding and Fruit

It was Brit's b-day over the weekend. Mary Jo invited us to celebrate the event at Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale. Wow! What a place! We drove up to a patio with a back wall that looked like the wailing wall in Israel! There were hookah smokers in the patio, big parties with live music and dancing inside and lots of people dressed in fancy clothes. The food was delicious! We will definitely return to this restaurant.

Vegie Platter

Mary Jo knitted Tudora for Brit. I had given her a pair of wristys in blue and green stripes. I just couldn't resist adding a granny square beret in the same colors. We love that Brit actually wears the knitted and crocheted items that we give her. She's one of our most appreciative models!

B-Day Brit in her yarny finery

Phoenicia Restaurant, 343 N Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91203, (818) 956-7800

Children of Winter

Top: "FAN-tastic Scarf" - Crochet, Patons Soy Wool Stripes

Bottom: Garter and Drop Stitch Scarf - Knit, Dive' by Vernasco Italy

I thought Christmas was OVER! It seems many of my friends (and husband) have January and early February birthdays. Argh! I'm still knitting and crocheting gifts. One of my co-workers was born on December 26th. For years Aileen received combo-presents for both Christmas and her birthday. When you're a little girl, this seems very unfair. Aileen is smart. She moved her birthday celebration to January 26th!

So, I'm still cranking out scarves, wristys, hats, handbags and neckwarmers for the Children of Winter. I think my new gift strategy will be to knit and crochet scarves and other small items all year long. I will stow them away in a duffle bag. Hopefully, I will have gifts galore to choose from when a birthday comes around. What's your solution for handmade birthday gift deadlines?

Merry Merry

Crocheted Tree Ornaments

Oh! It's been a festive weekend in the Bloom - Underhill world. On Friday I gifted my co-workers with their wristys. Everyone seemed delighted!
On Saturday my good friend, Rhoda and I went to brunch at Musso & Frank's in Hollywood for a classic meal, then sauntered across the street to the El Capitan Theater to see "Enchanted" with a few thousand mini-princesses in various stages of tutu-dress. After the movie we saw a few super heroes on Hollywood Boulevard and treated ourselves to a creampuff at Beard Papa at the Hollywood & Highland Shopping Center.
On Sunday, Larry and I went to Peter Shire's Echo Park Pottery Sale, Future Studio's Open Studio and then to a friends' home in Glassel Park for a little Christmas party. I'll be sharing the photos of those events with you later in the week.
Today, after I meet up with the Eastside Girls for Montrose Monday knitting, I have to scurry around town to get the ingredients together to make a nice Christmas Eve dinner for my "generic gentile" (his words) husband. I'm trying to re-create the dinners of Larry's childhood Christmas Eves. We're having ham, lima beans & corn (succotash), au gratin potatoes and a green salad. By green salad, I don't mean the kind with green Jello. I just couldn't go that far back into the nutritionless 50's and 60's. We really need SOMETHING fresh at this dinner!

I've baked a bunch of stuff for our neighbors....gingerbread cake, cranberry-raisin orange cake, sugar cookies, so that's probably what we'll have for dessert, unless I get inspired and decide to whip up my fave pumpkin ice-cream pie in a graham cracker crust.
Have a wonderful holiday celebration everyone!