The Knitting Cube

Cookie Power ... Activate!

2009-03-24T22:08:00.003-04:00

My love for chocolate chip cookies is not unlike others cravings I have.

I have accepted my need for ice cream on a hot summer day, or any day.

I am secure in my love for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Yet there has not been much to bring me back to my weekly blogging. Missed it? Sometimes.

But today I have a new need to blog ... to let those few know that I am in love.

with the boyfriend? hmmm
with my new laptop? damn skippy

None of the above but with this ... ready, here it comes.

The new amazing book by Cookie A. Its Sock Innovation and it is my possession. I have already read the sock construction section even though I have no intention of designing my own pattern at the moment, I have two patterns to choose from and I have several skeins of yarn to swatch up. OMG ... I am so excited and I can't wait to start the cuff of any pattern.

Why am I so excited? Well I love knitting socks, and I need something small and portable to work on, and I simply love my Monkey socks made with her wildly popular pattern, and I need something fresh to work on.

So go.. run to any bookstore.. heck my bookstore and get the book.

As for blogging ... hmmm, it feels familiar, it feels cozy and I actually might do it more often.

I will need somewhere to show off all those socks that I knit up.

Purling Swine and the Cauldron of the Bubbling Smores

2008-09-02T19:59:00.007-04:00

So this weekend, I had the pleasure of being a guest at Chez Swine for an end of summer fiesta.

On Sunday, I tagged along with Nancy, Rinaldo and the boys to partake in a wonderful afternoon with Annie, Katy, Chante, Peggy, Cara and of course the beautiful Meli, and of course some boys and handsome men.

Poe, Lucy and Brigid were nice enough share their home with Anne and her adorable husband. They were really prepared for all of us, and it was lovely. The boys were running around, playing in the pool and all around the back yard. Heck we even played Bacci ball ( aka ... bad bowling on grass ), and it was priceless seeing everyone gather around a super copper cauldron for smores.

While the sun went down and we all gathered around the fire to chat and knit and some were spinning away, I was able to finish this simple sweater for my nephew Jovany's first son. I found the pattern through Ravelry late one night and it was simple and quick. The pattern is called Super Natural Stripes and it is available for free at f.pea and I made it out of Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran that I bought at the Point.

I love the color and I did just a little stripping to make it look more sporty and then I found these crayon box looking buttons at Annie and Company... just perfect. I am hoping to make a cute little cap to go along with the sweater.

Back to the day in the sun....

Check out Chante and Annie spinning away..show offs.

Peggy trying to get a few more stitches in before the sun went down.

Katy taking a break before picking up the sweater she is working on again. During this time Nancy was hiding away using a carder to prepare some gorgeous roving.

Heck even with the buggies nipping at my ankles it was beautiful day.

the Pink Lady ...

2008-07-01T20:31:00.003-04:00

Lately I have been growing found of wearing a color which has not been really a part of my wardrobe since my mom was dressing me.... PINK

Not a crazy fuchsia, like the jacket my mom got me when I was a teen but nice light pinks which seem to complement my skin color, and since its the summer time I figured its a nice change of pace for me. But no where in the contract that I signed in my new admiration of the fair color did I sign on to getting the evil PINK EYE. I had been extremely lucky in my life to have never ever gotten infected with this nasty stuff, but yesterday I woke up with one eye bothering me and the other not too far behind. Yes! you do have it said the nice doctor said when I walked into his office and as he gave me prescription for the most expensive eye drops I have ever bought.

This morning I woke up with the such nasty stuff on my eyes and to top them off they were puffy and really red. You would have thought I was locked in a room all night smoking with Snoop Dogg.... and thats considering I have never touched the stuff in my life. I stayed home from work because just what I need is to infect all the booksellers in my store and then get blamed for all the call outs. The amazingly expensive drops really work and a lot of the redness is gone, but damn why me. I had plans tonight, they involved a nice dinner and then snuggling up with the boyfriend at the movies. Instead I spent a lot of time watching television and working on a pinwheel blanket, not a bad trade off in some respect but still.

I have blogged about being sick before, and I guess today I have a need to share with anyone who cares to read this blog, and that is just the point, I want to share something major to me and it might mean nothing to you.
Isn't that what blogging is all about? Sharing with a few close friends and a couple of hundred strangers. In reading Cara's blog about the demise of blogging I realized that it doesn't really matter if anyone reads this entry or if other people who have suffered with Pink Eye want to share their experiences with me, its just that I wanted to talk about it today, that I have this vehicle, this outlet to talk about anything that comes to mind.
Now yes my blog is called the Knitting Cube and there should be some knitting involved and there will be toward the end, but if all I wanted to talk about is about my love for Bette Davis movies, that is want I will do.
Ravelry has become an amazing force in the knitting and crocheting community, I totally agree with that, and I totally believe that if you love blogging you will continue and if all you want to do is Ravelry, then you will be spending all your free time there.

As knitters, crocheters and bloggers we all believe in sharing. Sharing stories, patterns, ideas and helpful hints and the occasional stitch marker. That is what makes all of this special and a safe place for all of us to communicate and share ideas with total strangers who are sitting in front of there laptop just as I am now.

My BFF shared her love of knitting with me and I finally gave her pair of socks knitted just for her. I got the hint big time when she kept saying that no one ever knits for her. So these are my first pair of toe up socks from Simply Knitting called Feet First by Debbie Tomkies.

Made with Aussi Yarn from Oasis Yarns in the Sahara colorway they were fun and fast to make and so easy for my first toe up socks.

Enjoy Nan!

Happy Birthday ... Nancy

2008-06-27T12:36:00.002-04:00

So for the past 28 years, June 27th has been more to me than just another day in June, it has become an immortal day for all of us.

Nancy's birthday !!!

As she enjoys her day off from work being pampered and spoiled, I really tried to get her a really special gift, something that she has wanted for over 25 years, but he would not answer my phone calls and that whole following him around the city was just troublesome.

Sorry Nancy, John Taylor won't be popping out of your birthday cake this weekend after all, maybe next year.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!

No knitting involved....again.

2008-06-15T00:56:00.003-04:00

It seems that lately my blog is all about the meme's these days, heck I just copy them from the BFF's blog and then wait to see what Mrs. Benson has to say about my answers...LOL

So here it goes:

YES/NO GAME RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

You can only say yes or no. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages you and asks!

Over 18? Yes
Danced in front of your mirror naked? Yes
Ever told a lie? Yes
Been arrested? No
Kissed a picture? Yes
Fallen asleep at work/school? Yes
Held an actual snake? No
Have YOU Ever run a red light? No
Ever drink and drive? No
Been suspended from school? No
Ever been fired from a job? Yes
Totaled a car/motorbike in an accident? No
Sang karaoke? No
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? Yes
Ever laughed until you wet yourself? Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yes
Kissed in the rain? Yes
Sang in the shower? Yes
Sat on a rooftop? Yes
Thought about your past with regret? Yes
Been pushed in the pool with your clothes on? Yes
Shaved your head? No
Blacked out from drinking? No
Had a gym membership? No
Been in a band? No
Shot a gun? No
Liked someone with nobody else knowing about it? Yes
Played strip poker? Yes
Been to a strip joint? No
Donated Blood? Yes
Liked someone you shouldn't? Yes
Have a tattoo? Yes
Have or had any piercings besides ears? No
Made out with a complete stranger? No
Caught someone cheating on you? No
Skinny dipped? Yes
Regret any of your ex's? Yes
Been to a rodeo? No
Been to a NASCAR race? No
Been in Love? Yes

Nothing out of the ordinary.... Boring

Now as for the DD pictures, they didn't come out that good, and nothing but pure perfection is allowed when it comes to Simon Le Bon.

I do have a small project on the needles which should be done by Monday, pictures will follow.

Adios !

Who I am!

2008-06-09T19:37:00.002-04:00

I normally do not do any type of meme's ... they are just too much work, but this one I liked. I got it from the BFF's blog and she got it from Margene and Vicki and so on.

Don't judge me...lol

Its all about the apples ....

Gilmore Girls ... Season 8 - Finished

2008-05-26T14:30:00.002-04:00

For us Gilmore Girls fans the wish of an eighth season was a fading dream when the show ended after seven seasons, and it was replaced by another scandalous show with the same initials (argh).

I bloomed late to the legions of GG's fans and I became totally obsessed. Obsessed to the point of buying yarn from Etsy.com from White Oak Studios famous ty yarns. It was made with Lorelai and Rory in mind. Blue for their eyes, pink because they were so girlie and espresso brown for all the coffee they drank, and I chose the RPM's pattern from Knitty because they loved music so much.

But these socks took about as long as a complete season of the show. I started with such enthusiasm, but then it got lost in the shuffle when I started my mami's cardigan for her birthday. So after months and months and random rounds during lunch breaks, I finally started to dedicate my self to finishing these socks.

So yesterday while lounging and laughing at Nancy's annual Memorial Day Weekend BBQ, I was knitting away and this morning I finally finished them and that in between others jabbing at my knitting during a social event.
Now all knitters know that lazy Sunday's are made for knitting on a sunny deck, while drinking a cold beer and joking around with friends.

The colors are so vibrant and perfect, shame they are not so clear in the picture and on my chubby feet.

For those who know me well, know that I am not the most girlie girl out there. I am not the kind of woman who goes out and buys lots of handbags and such. I like a comfortable and roomy bag to fit all my stuff I carry to work, and easy to carry especially on the subway. It never makes sense to me when I see ladies with their crazy expensive clutch bags underneath there arms and then are carrying one or two tote bags.

I have not been able to find something that I like, well nothing that was not ridiculously expensive and with a short strap. Yeah yeah I am picky.

So I have decided to make my own. Hopefully with a combination of patterns and ideas will turn into a cool messenger type bag.
I have this cotton yarn from a Suss Cousins kits that I was lucky enough to get on clearance. I don't know if it will be enough for the whole bag, but the majority of it. Trust me, I have additional cottons in my stash to finish it up. My mami doesn't know that she will be making a lining for this bag when I finish it.

Wish me luck...and since there is going to be no felting involved with this bag, lets see how I can make it waterproof.

Jitterbug Jive

2008-04-20T11:49:00.006-04:00

This weekend I head to my first cruise. The BFF's crew has organized a 3 day cruise of the Bahamas and I am tagging along, a best friends weekend. Nothing like lounging on cruise ship in the Caribbean, oh so I have heard.

To get ready for the breezy nights, I wanted to make a Clapotis from Knitty. It became a struggle of what yarn I really wanted to use. At first it was Gloss yarn from Knit Picks and then it was some Colinette Jitterbug, which won in the end. So wanting to use some Jitterbug in the Rapheal colorway which I bought last year, I had to find another three hanks quickly. The biggest problem was dye lot. I did not remember that Jitterbug is hand dyed and that the dye lots would be so different, bad bad knitter. I had to unravel what I had already worked on and then start all over again. Problem number 2, I needed another hank since I had an older hank from last year and two new ones from a 3/08 dye lot.

I turned to a local yarn store on the Upper East Side, I turned to String NYC.

Not only did they get me the first 3 hanks, they were able to get me the last hank from the 3/08 dye lot that Colinette had so the Clapotis will be perfect when I finish it. Now I do not know when I will be shopping at String again, I have a lot of stash to use up, but the store is so close to my job and they were just so helpful, and that means a lot to me. I have had my fair share of bitchy LYS owners and I do not go back to their stores.

It is looking pretty but I will not be able to finish it before Friday, being a plus size woman I need it to be just a little longer.
So I will finish it, but not for my cruise.

So for my trip knitting I will be taking along a sock that needs to be finished. Second sock syndrome runs rampant, I really have to master the two socks at one time on long circular needle. Its not like I don't have the new book sitting gathering dust on my bookcase.

Thank you to all for the sweet comments on my mami's cardigan and the sweet birthday wishes.
Smooches.

Mami and the Birthday Cardigan

2008-04-16T17:55:00.005-04:00

So it is finished!

In my knitting career I have made several kiddie cardigans and such, but no adult clothing besides a hat or sock until now.
The cardigan I started in November for my moms birthday was finally finished and seamed only a few days before her 78th birthday.
She had an idea that I was making her something since I had to measure her once, and since my mami has gained a little weight, I had to make it a size larger. She tried to be nosey by looking into my knitting baggie.

Using the Autumn Cardigan pattern from the book 12 Months of Knitting and Knit Picks Telemark yarn in the Bayberry colorway, the cardigan fit her perfectly. I was lucky to find the best buttons to match the cardigan at Tender Buttons on 62nd Street....warning !!! dangerous place.

My mami was thrilled and quickly posed for several shots for the benefit of my blog and the fact that she is a total ham when it comes to the camera.

The cutest part of this picture for me is the teddy bear, yeah that's hers too.

The detail of the flowers on the front of the cardigan were overlooked by her until she got up close and then she would not take it off. Unfortunately its getting warm and she won't have much occasion to wear it, but she will somehow.

So Nancy being my mami's second daughter, she made her Ice Queen from Knitty. My mami loves keeping her head wrapped when its chilly or at church, so this will be perfect in all occasions for her.

Now she can't complain that she doesn't have enough hand knitted items, besides all the socks I have made her.
My mami is a seamstress by trade, she could make anything she ever wanted to make since the age of 8, and she has made me almost every dress I have worn my entire life...so I guess it is my turn now to make her some goodies.

Next time ... the saga of my Clapotis and my new favorite LYS.

Ravelry ... oh dear.

2008-03-23T21:49:00.003-04:00

Hello all...

I wonder if I am the only one having this problem:

Instead of working on my mami's cardigan, that must be finished by April 10th since her birthday is the 11th, I have spent the last two hours adding finished projects to my Ravelry account. Then of course taking pictures of the few WIP's and then I added them as well. This is a dangerous thing.
Next will be the pictures of all the stash and organizing my needles.

I was wondering when I would get really hooked to all the many areas of this knitting site. Sneaky little devils they are.

I'm scared.

Just a quick note...

2008-03-16T00:38:00.004-04:00

It has come to my attention that the best thing to get you back into your knitting zen ... your knitting aura, back into your knitting zone is to just whip up something nice and simple for a well deserving person.

This lovely lady is Yenifer, one of the best booksellers I have worked with in the many years that I have worked in the book business. She is hardworking, dedicated and a team player, and to top it off she is a great mom.

So to thank her for all her hard work I wanted to make her something. I asked her to pick a pattern and I whipped up this hat this past weekend when I was hanging out at the BFF's house.

From the book Hip Knit Hats by Cathy Carron, and using Wool of the Andes from Knit Picks, it was fun and fast...and it looks great on her.

Thank you Yenifer !!!

On the knitting front, I have been planning my next project after I finish my mother's cardigan, I have one more sleeve and then I can start blocking and seaming...the infamous finishing.

I am going to work on a Clapotis for a trip next month...I just have to stop myself from spending a whole lot of money on some Jitterbug yarn for it instead of what I have already bought.

WILL POWER... WILL POWER ... WILL POWER

Congratulations to Cara and the newest member to her family.

Two pugs ... the sweet Brigid and Snowy Surprise.

2008-02-24T19:19:00.012-05:00

With the winter dropping a heavy dose of snow and sleet on NYC, there are few reasons for me to leave the warm sanctuary of my apartment to take a long trek to Long Island. I was invited to a surprise baby shower for Cara who is due in March. This extravaganza was organized by the amazing cutie Ann and it was a great day out with some new and old friends.

I met most all of these wonderful ladies through my BFF Nancy and all the connections she has made in the world of knitting bloggers. It is amazing how this wonderful craft, just two sticks and some string has brought all of us together. We took the train with Regina and I got to see some of the ladies from Spin Out last year.

Ann and her hubby have a beautiful home and she planned a beautiful day for Cara and her family. Cara had no idea about the shower, especially with her family coming in from Pennsylvania. Many blessing for her and her husband Georgie on their bundle of joy.

Ann made Cara the most amazing blanket made with Knit One, Crochet Two yarn. It was a labor of love but Ann is such an amazing knitter and spinner. After all the gifts were opened and we were stuffed with great food and yummy mimosas, we all just sat around to knit and chat up a storm. I know everything I need to know about prepping for an easy child birth if ever I go down that road.

I am a dog lover, and when I walked into Ann's home, I was greeted by three of the most amazing dogs ever.

Poe ... the wildest, most hyper Pug I have ever met.

Lucy... so chubby and so cute.

and Brigid, the warmest and loving dog. These dogs run the house and Ann and the rest of the family just happen to live there.

So what am I knitting...or should I say what is in the knitting bag, and sometimes ends up being worked on. The only real project I have been working on is a cardigan for my mama. She has an idea that I am working on something for her since I had to measure her, and it will be finished for her birthday in April. The pattern is from the new book Twelve Months of Knitting and its so simple but the problem is inspiration. The two front sides and back are done, I am even doing the sleeves in the round so I don't have to seam later, but it is still taking forever. I have other projects I want to start but I am hesitant to even buy the yarn. Is anyone else going through the
winter knitting blues. I didn't do much holiday gift knitting since I really do not have the time during the holiday season, so I don't know why I am in such a slump. I try do a lot of knitting on the train but with it being cold and with so much reading I need to catch up on, the knitting suffers. The know I am not the only one who goes through this, but now its just figuring out how to get out of the slump.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T17:45:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

MANY BLESSINGS FOR A JOYOUS HOLIDAY!

FELIZ NAVIDAD

What happened to that --- yarning thing ?

2007-11-27T22:28:00.001-05:00

What would be one of the worse things to happen to a knitter during prime knitting gifting season...getting sick over and over again.

This is the hardest time of year for me, being a retail manager my life belongs to my store and all my friends and family know how difficult my schedule becomes. I really don't enjoy Christmas as much as I use to but I make do. I make every effort to stay healthy and rested, I really hate being ill.
So as the fates would have it I got hit hard early this year. Since I felt it coming, I paid an early visit to my doctor, but this infection, virus, flu...this evil thing wanted to make me miserable. I was a infected, congested, coughing, nose blowing, no voice having mess.

So just as I was starting to feel better, and the colorful phlegm was coming up and I didn't need to bathe myself in vapor rub at night ( you all know that Vicks is the Puerto Rican cure all), I got hit with a lovely dental infection.
It seems that my lovely illness infected a wisdom tooth which has been bothering me, so it had to come out yesterday. So now I have stitches on the right side of my mouth, I am on antibiotics for a week and I look like a lopsided chipmunk.

Just a few of the goodies from my pharmacy...and the really good ones get shared with the BFF.

I am really just tired of being sick, I am trying so hard just to make it through this week now.

And to add to my misery, I really have had no desire to knit at all. Nothing nada ...zippo.
It's bad when people who work with me ask me "why aren't you doing any of that yarning thing?"
Skeins and skeins of yarn on my floor and they all just have gathered dust. So finally the only thing that I have been able to finish with enthusiasm have been these socks. Made with Carons Tweed yarn and a simple and fast pattern from the Lion Brand Just Socks book. This is the Moss on the Mountain pattern made on #4's circulars ... so fast and fun to make. They were just what I needed to get me back into the knitting groove.

If anyone is looking for some easy and quick socks..both knit and crochet patterns this book is perfect. Nothing better than making some Bulky booties for quick gifts.
I have been trying to use up a lot of stash yarn for these socks and send them to happy homes were they will be worn with love.

If I don't get a chance to say it later ..........HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE !!!

The Rhinebeck Recap ... and thensome

2007-10-21T18:50:00.000-04:00

With the week almost over, I return to work again tomorrow morning but not before I give you all a little Rhinebeck recap.

Yes I did come home a day early just to go to the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival here in NY. Many think that it was insane and obsessive of me to leave the sunshine of Florida to come back just for a sheep and wool festival, but these are the same people who want hand knit goodies from me.
This was my last vacation week before the holidays start and then I have no life...my store will be busy and hectic.
I spent the last week in Orlando visiting Shamu and Mickey Mouse, chasing after five beautiful but exhausting kids, so my reward was a being surrounded by hand dyed yarn and the wonderful aroma of warm apple crisp.

Just a few of the ladies sharing our love for yarn, the sunshine and of course each other. I headed up to Rhinebeck with the BFF Nancy and her lovely family. While her hubby watched her youngest son and did some scouting for us, she and I did some damage to the budget and loaded up on a few goodies.

Knowing that I am sock knitter, and just a little obsessed with sock yarn I stocked up. Nancy came across a booth selling some of the most amazing sock yarn at the most outrageous prices.

These hanks are from The Oasis Yarn Company, this Aussi Sock yarn is 400 yards of super wash Australian Merino wool for only $13.00. Now I know that Australians are supposed to be kind and generous people but damn this was outrageous. The colors are great and so soft, and more than enough for a great pair of socks.
I came home with four hanks in the Peach Cobbler, Sahara Desert, Faded Valentine, and Spanish Fiesta color ways. I cannot wait to get some socks started, especially some colorful socks for my mami in the Spanish Fiesta colorway.

And miracle of miracles there was some Socks that Rock when we got there. I have not knitted with this infamous yarn, so I just bought two hanks. I got the Gibson and Stormy Weather colors.

I feel like I just became part of the sock knitters of America club with this purchase.

The purchase of the day was the one that I blame on my god son Avery and his holding this yarn in front of me until I gave in.

This is Briar Rose Fibers yarn in the Fourth of July color way. I bought two hanks, each of 550 yards to make their lacy cable shrug.
The colors on this computer cannot do it justice, their colors are amazing and they probably were cleaned out of all their stock by the end of the weekend.

I have been looking forward to making myself something special besides my socks and this shrug is just perfect for me. Yippee !!!

As a recap:

Then there is the famous baby kimono and some bloomers made with yarn stash.

Thank you ..

2007-10-18T18:32:00.000-04:00

Just a note ...

I would like to thank everyone for all the lovely messages and thoughts on the passing of my cousin Robert last week. He was an amazing man who was loved by everyone who knew him and he will be missed. Another angel to protect the whole family ...

So am in Florida again... this time Orlando with my family.
Sea World, Disney, and lots of time with all the great nieces and nephews this week.

I did no knitting ... but I have two new recruits into the knitting universe, one being my niece Nina. Only for her would I cut the plastic cord of my circular clover needles so she would be comfortable with creating the stitches.

I have tons of pictures to share with you all.

The highlight was taking all the great grand kids to the portrait studio to get a group shot for my mom for the holidays. She will love it ...

All that matters at the moment

2007-09-30T23:41:00.001-04:00

There is so much more that I could be blogging about at the moment...so late on a Sunday night. All the projects completed and those planned. Then there was the great time I had at the Spin Out in Central Park yesterday.. just spending the time with everyone.

But this is the most important project that I have completed in one day. Its not perfect and it might be too big but all that matters is who it is for.

My cousin Robert is very ill, he and our whole family are praying every moment that he can be blessed with a needed liver transplant. So yesterday when visiting him at the hospital, I started knitting on a baby sweater for a friend, and he asked me if I could make him a hat.. something like a ski cap to help keep him warm in the hospital at night.

There wasn't a question of whether I would make the hat, I started scrolling through my yarn stash in my head and thinking of a pattern. I measured his head and told him that I would do anything for him.

So here is a off white cap, like I said it might be too big and I am not thrilled with the edge but all that matters is that it will keep him warm during these hard days and that all my love and prayers are are in every knit and purl.

With all my love and prayers ... for my fearless cousin Robert.

Still alive

2007-09-17T16:59:00.000-04:00

Hello all... yes I know that it has been a bit since I blogged last...well I have been busy.

Of course I have some finished projects to share but I am not home. Currently I am in Lakeland..near Tampa in Florida.

So when I get home, and I get rid of this pulled muscle in my neck I got from shaken my big butt a little to hard at the club on Saturday night I will gladly share them all.

The hardest part was walking away from a clearance sale at Walmart of Bernat Softee. Well I walked away with two skeins for some holiday booties...a buck each.

Ciao ciao

Boston ... not too bad

2007-08-26T12:21:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I went to Boston with my friend Heather to see what the excitement is ... and I did enjoy my time there and the city's beauty and history.

It was a lot smaller than I expected and walking is a must for everything, and since I do so much of it here in NYC it was a piece of cake...chocolate layered brownie cake.

Of course we did everything from the Duck tours to the cemetery walk as part of the Freedom Trail.

Sam Adams ... Paul Revere and John Hancock are the highlights.

the Boston harbor

The student tour at Harvard... but is this really him?

Such a pretty campus...Rory would have loved it.

Nothing like a Grecian goddess hanging out at the Fine Arts Museum, she looked lonely.

Ben Franklin was really into pyramids... its all about the symbols in this cemetery.

Maybe he wants to date the Grecian lady, a Cleopatra - Anthony thing only in reverse.

Public gardens for the walking

and a lake for the swans a swimming.

Outside the museum, he is crying for the love of the Grecian goddess... talk about a historical romance novel.

So pretty at night.

Hey Heather ... wanna get some more ice cream?

Washington was waiting for us to come by for a stroll.

Trinity Church .. wow

Quincy Market night

So this is how he plans his newest brew. Samuel Adams was a shorty who would have been proofed at any pub.

And a Renoir ...enough said.

I am starting to un-Ravel

2007-08-21T20:19:00.000-04:00

So I survived Boston even with every single Red Soxs fan following me around the city. Getting in and out of my hotel room was rough with all those people but all I had to do was flash my Bronx t-shirt and they all ran away.

News on my trip later except for the yarn crawl. Of course going to a new city means new yarn stores. I found three stores within the city limits and since they were within our paths along the city, it didn't take too much to convince my friend Heather to just simply go by the stores.

I really did not need to buy any more yarn at this moment, I am trying to be good until Rhinebeck, but yarn purchased on vacations doesn't count.

I was not fond of the two fancy stores on Newbury Street. I am not going to shop in any store where I don't even get a hello when I walk in, overpriced because of the address and then when the store is full of more needlepoint stuff than good yarn ... I walk out empty handed.

After our tour of Harvard and having some coffee I saw a geeky looking guy with two bags. One full of comic books and the other with yarn...shame he was just too geeky for me. I scared him in the coffee shop when I asked him where did he get the yarn, and after five minutes of confusing directions I was headed to Woolcott & Co. Three blocks from Harvard Square the place was nice. The young girls working on socks in the store were friendly and since they knew that I really was in my element they just smiled, offered help and kept knitting. Most of the stuff in the store was familiar and lovely. I just picked up two balls of Regia Silk which I haven't had the pleasure of knitting with yet and some bamboo circular needles which are plane and Magic Loop friendly.

I promised pictures of the infamous ( they took me forever ) Koigu Groovy Socks. I am not totally thrilled with them but they are not going to be unraveled again. I will wear them proudly and as a reminder of my short row heel hardship.

Then in the continuing baby gifts saga I had decided that I was going to make the Anouk from Knitty.com, I had all the yarn stash colors picked out and I starting knitting immediately. I finished the whole back piece in three days.

Doesn't it look good so far. Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in coral and red...so pretty.

After ... love that ball winder.

I just wasn't happy with the piece I had completed and how it was going to hang. I knew that the gift would be loved, but at this point in my knitting skill I could be better. So I unraveled it and it didn't hurt. That is the true sign for me, if it doesn't hurt as you take it apart then it needs to be redone. I found a new pattern in a Vogue baby book and it will be a simple jumper in the same fabulous colors.

Oh by the way... RAVELRY has called upon me to join the other lovers of the knit and stitch. I have answered the call and give me a few days to get all my stuff rolling and pretty.

Belle in Beantown... what the f***

2007-08-12T21:00:00.001-04:00

For those of you who don't know me ... there is only one baseball team that matters to me... the Bronx Bombers ... those who have won 26 World Championships ... The New York Yankees.

I grew up two blocks from the stadium, playing in and around the stadium and once in a while seeing a player or two.

So where is the last place I should go ...

Boston... and there is where I am going this weekend. With my good friend Heather we are heading to Beantown to see its grandeur and historical wonders. I am a lover of history and that is what I am looking forward to seeing the most.

The one place I can't go near is Fenway Park. Now I am not going to do anything stupid, mami did not raise a fool, but I have maintain my loyalty.

I have scouted out a few yarn/crafts stores in the area and hopefully they won't be hard to find, and I won't be caught without a sock in my bag for the bus ride up there. I am on the foot of a Lorna's Laces sock in the Bittersweet colorway, a fast and simple pattern from the new Easy Knitted Socks book, the one on the cover. I just needed a super fast pattern that wasn't all stockinette stitch.

Hey... the new Vogue Knitting the Ultimate Sock book is out .. can you say HOT DAMN !!!

Everyone have a great knitting weekend

Nancy... I have two words for you ....bail money ( just in case)

Goodies... heat and all

2007-08-04T21:43:00.001-04:00

So if you live in NYC there is nothing worse that the heat at the moment. It seems that August decided to come in with a major heat wave. Now I expect it to happen since it is the summer and all, but damn.

You know its bad when I did no knitting at home unless my portable air conditioner was sitting right in front of me or only at work in the cold a.c. So for this reason I have yet to finish my first koigu "groovy" socks. I am close and hopefully I will have them done by tomorrow night and ready to share with everyone.

But I have been able to finish a baby ensemble for a co-worker, it is so adorable. These are the times I wish I had a baby of my own to knit for....but until then, someone else gets my knitted goodies.

Now .. what happens when you just take some time to browse through Etsy. Another beautiful purchase from White Oak Studios.
I am of big fans of two televsion shows with the initals GG. One the Golden Girls and the second being the Gilmore Girls. I am still in mourning for the loss of the Gilmore Girls this past June.
So when I was on Etsy, I took a look at this vendors site again and there was her sock yarn in the Gilmore Girls colorway. She has a whole line of tv inspired colorways. I had bought the Buffy the Vampire Slayer for Nancy for her birthday.

Isn't it just perfect. It has the brown for all their coffee consumption and the best blue for the color of their eyes and of course girlie pink.
This yarn is going to make me an amazing pair of socks. I was recommended to do the RPM's from Knitty.com

One of the benefits of being a knitter is when you are lucky enough to get goodies from someones family. One of my dearest friends Jeff lost a family member and I was lucky to get all her knitting and crocheting stash. I was blessed to receive yarn which I shared with my knitting group. Needles and markers and holders, most of which ended up in my knitting cube and again I shared the wealth. I kept the booklets and some amazing lace weight yarn with no labels. The best part is this bag with embroidered stitching saying "Knitting is my Bag".. its adorable and all mine now.

Thank you Jeff, Wayne and Maria for all my new goodies.

So for now I am still in baby clothes making mode, I am still using up some yarn stash to make a jumper and some baby bibs. The petal bib from One Skein Knitting is so much fun to make and so easy and quick. I made one in less than two hours this morning.

And as a PSA ... if anyone need to recover from any illness or needs some TLC ... I highly recommend Nancy's house. I was so under the weather last weekend and Nancy took care of me for the day. It meant the world to me and its what I really needed.

Ciao Ciao

oh joy !

2007-07-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

So after three months of preparation

$3000 for face painters and clowns

Way too many corporate emails

Over 4500 copies in hiding

14 hour shift ... 2000 people and over 1000 copies sold in under 1 hour and 15 mins

Harry Potter came and went last weekend and now I have the best part of it all...

The flu and exhaustion... was it worth it? I am still trying to figure that out.

To top it off ... I have not been able to knit either...

Does anyone know JK's address so I can pay her a little visit.

I got some goodies ..

2007-07-15T19:19:00.000-04:00

One of the best parts of going on vacation is getting souvenirs, but getting goodies moves up to a different level when you stay home and you get goodies from the best friend.

Nancy and her family went on vacation this past week to Virginia, and while they all frolicked in water parks and experienced history at Colonial Williamsbridge, I had house checking duty. Of course I don't mind making sure that her home is safe and checking on the animals because I do get rewarded in many ways.

I got my very own Virginia goodies bag which included an apple spice cake mix ( anything apple related belongs to me... appleholic here ), a replacement copy of the Magic Loop booklet since someone can't find my copy in her house and some amazing yarn. The hank of Claudia Hand Painted Merino yarn in the carousel colorway. I am thinking of making myself some funky gloves for the early winter. Nancy went to what seemed to be a lovely store called Knitting Sisters and she got some amazing things herself.

So... while I was at Michael's this past week looking for some gift basket stuff for the Harry Potter # 7 release party at my store, I came across a knitters best friend ... a clearance sale!
The large 600 plus yard Lily's Sugar n' Cream was on sale for $4 per skein. I quickly put away the small balls I had in my basket and picked up three in various colors. I really want to make some of the washcloths from Weekend Knitting and some baby bibs as gifts. The colors are perfect for what I to do this summer.

Project update:

One of my first short rows socks is finished, I am just having typical second sock syndrome. I am happy how it came out considering that I took it apart 4 times before some success.

Baby Kimono and hat are done but I am adding some easy bloomers from the Cozy Knits book to make a set and to use up the rest of the stash yarn.

Easy Bernat baby blanket done in two nights, hey I am good but it was only garter stitch but I really want to want to loop some ribbon in the eyelets to make it look fancier.

Pics will follow when all is finished.

So who else is watching General Hospital: Night Shift on SoapNet?. After not watching GH for over 15+ years I started watching it again last year, and now I have more chances to drool over Steve Burton.

No .. no no... myspace for me

2007-07-06T16:31:00.000-04:00

When you type "knitting blogs" in Google, you get over 3 million hits. There are any number of blogs in the universe, every topic, subject and preference you can imagine.

So why is it that everyone I know, well except those in the knitting community are shocked or surprised when I tell them that I have a knitting related blog.

Is it really that hard to understand or comprehend?

Yes it is true that I am obsessive knitter .. could be worse, I could be addicted making those fan dancer doll toilet paper cozies.
You can often see me either reading or knitting on the subway...or when waiting for someone.
I have a number of knitting podcasts on my Ipod, but there is also tons of great music on it as well.
I have way too many knitting books and yarn in my apartment ... but not as much as some others I know but I don't have a spinning wheel.
People don't complain about my knitting when they get a hand knit scarf or hat for the winter or when I make their baby a special hand knit doll or sweater set.

So why then is it that I am constantly being told to join Myspace?

Simple...I have the time for only one online journal and this is it. If you want to find me, then it will be here. If you want to know how I am and what I have been up to you can call or email me or check here weekly.

So ... be fearful my dear friends...you ALL at some point might end up on my blog and I have lots of embarrassing pictures of you all.

Romeo, Tybalt and Mercutio ...oh my

2007-06-30T22:57:00.000-04:00

Besides all the hunky men in t-shirts, another great thing about NYC in the summer are all the free concerts and events.
The top one on my list is Shakespeare in the Park. Waking up at 5 in the morning after closing my store the night before, waiting on line in Central Park for six hours and then having to come back seven hours later for the show is worth it. This year the first show is Romeo and Juliet and it was fabulous. There is nothing better than seeing handsome Romeo dueling hunky Tybalt in a pool of water, and why is it that no matter the production, Mercutio is always HOT!

Well back to the knitting ...

After two different patterns and four false starts, I have finally appeased the sock knitting gods and I am progressing well on my new sock.

Koigu is my yarn of choice and the pattern is a new one from SockPixie called Groovy Sock.
I got the link from the podcast Socks in the City. It is the easiest repeat and it knits up quickly, so I recommend it to anyone who has had a small battle with the sock gods and just needs to redeem themselves. Of course I agree with Dharmafey and all others who say that sock knitting will live forever and who really needs all those shawls anyway.

Now to redeem myself to others ... I will do the short row heel on this sock. Yes I will try it and since I will be able to carefully measure the heel this time it might work out better for my precious little foot. Now let me state right now for the record, if I don't like the way it looks...back to my loyal heel flap I go !

Happy Knitting to all.

Happy Birthday ...

2007-06-27T07:21:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY !!!

Hope your day is full of love, joy and happiness and of course lots and lots of Iced Chai...

Nothing but the best for you ... always
love ya!!!

Paris...oh paris

2007-06-26T10:04:00.000-04:00

My sleepless nights are over.

I can feel free to leave my home now and not be attached to my cell phone if she called.

After 23 days of not cleaning my apartment are over.. I will be able to see my floor now.

After 23 of not fulfilling any erotic fantasies are over...now I just have to find an gorgeous Australian bungee jumper who dances salsa and enjoys peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I will be able to knit for fun and not to push away the tears from flowing freely on the train as I read headlines from newspapers.

I will be able to stand proudly and wear my new Jimmy Choo shoes and my Free Paris t-shirt.

Paris is free ... Paris is free.

Yeah right...who said membership doesn't have its privileges.

I will celebrate when those falsely accused are released from jail and they all should run into their moms SUV after waving to hundreds of photographers and getting paid millions for a television interview.

I stubbed my toe...again

2007-06-25T00:51:00.001-04:00

Those who know me well know that I am a natural born klutz, I can see the something clearly and then still crash into it.
So when I decided to try toe up socks my biggest concern was the short rows. I have not had much luck with them . So after much boo hooing and complaining I broke down and tried them. The toe was easier than I thought and then the foot was cool. With help from some great knitters I did the short rows and the heel was working well. But...that is where it ends.
No matter how much measuring I did and fitting and refitting, this sock does not look or feel right to me.

So...Before

After...
I did not like the heel .. even after the third time working the short rows and the heel flap. I was not happy with the fit and the look of the cuff at all.

I would like to thank the ladies who gave me all their wisdom and attention this weekend with this sock....Ann(you were so right), Nancy and Chante.
I would like to thank the makers of Koigu for giving me the only pleasure while making this sock.
I would like to thank my booksellers who just listen to me vent and bitch about this sock today at work.
And I would like to tell the knitting gods that someday I will try toe up socks again, but until then give me a cuff first...anytime.

HOOTERS and MR SOFTEE

2007-06-19T19:38:00.000-04:00

How I spent my summer vacation...

No Ann... it is not what you think, but it is partially how I spent my week's vacation. I started off the week celebrating my beautiful heritage with the Puerto Rican Day Parade and I ended it crashing on my futon watching old Nancy Drew movies I had on the DVR.

Let me explain.

I have been blessed to have some amazing friends in my life, those people who I turn to on the daily basis for support and love. Nancy and I have been friends since the sixth grade and that is over 27 years now.

Frances and I have been friends since our Holy Communion and we were next door neighbors on Gerard Avenue near Yankee Stadium, and that is close to 26 years. Frances and I had special signals on the wall which was between our apartments. Knocking by the window meant look out the window, and series of knocks by the door meant its time to hang out in the hallway.
Our weekends were spent roller skating, reading, playing games and causing trouble in the large hallway in front of our apartments. The doors were open and our parents knew where we were and we were safe.
Frances and her family moved to Florida years later but we constantly kept in touch. Tons of letters and phone calls and I still go on a yearly trip to wherever she is. Frances has been blessed with an amazing family. A loving husband Alain who I consider to be a brother, and four beautiful kids.
I am still in awe on how both Frances and Nancy juggle their busy lives, and still remain strong women and I am just their to support them both as much as I can.

So this week Frances and her husband came to the Big Apple. They have not been in the city in over 9 years and medical conference came in just in time for some pizza and cute FDNY.

We hit four out of five boroughs, the best restaurant in Little Italy, Chinatown (twice), the South Street Seaport, WTC, The Staten Island ferry, Times Square, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Rockefeller Center and of course the Bronx.

I found a Hooters in the city for a t-shirt for Frances and of course any one who grew up in NYC has some fond memories and connection to Mr. Softee ice cream, always with rainbow sprinkles and we shared many many margaritas and pizza slices before the weekend was over.

I am officially the best tour guide in the city !!!
Since Alain had a medical conference on Friday evening and all day Saturday, Frances and I had the city to ourselves for most of the time. It was great, and this time she was on my turf.
There was another trip to Chinatown for some goodies shopping and some Chinese food before Frances and Alain had dinner reservations and tickets for Lion King.
By Saturday afternoon Frances was barely holding on while waiting for the 'R' train on Canal Street.

Frances and hubby left on Sunday morning, braving a wild ride to the airport and carrying tons of goodies for the family and lots of great memories.

So by Sunday I was exhausted. I bonded with my futon and I was so tired that I could not even knit on stitch.

Can't wait till next year when they plan on returning.

One Drunken Hedera and an Orphan

2007-06-12T14:43:00.001-04:00

So they are finished...finally

I revived up my sock knitting skills and finally finished my pair of Hedera socks. The first one was a piece of cake...chocolate cake (my favorite). Like any simple lace pattern, it was easy to memorized and then I was good to go. Until I hit the wall, the dreaded second sock syndrome wall. It was a shock to me, I love making lacy socks and now that I have found a grafting technique that is easy to do, I have no issues...yeah right.
It took me a bit of time but they were finished this weekend. The last home stretch was made at Nancy's house sitting on her deck as her hubby grilled some turkey burgers. But the one main lesson to be learned here was the fact that Coronas and Lace do not go well together. I realized as I was almost to the last three rounds of the pattern that I had ignored the last 9 sts in the pattern. So with some discreet ktog and some psso I was able to fix the boo boo and it is barely visible. Heck the socks are mine and no one is going to be able to see the sock that low near my toes.

As part of this years resolution I did use up some of my sock stash. This is Knit Picks Essential Sock Yarn in the Cocoa colorway.

Even though it looks good, I think this yarn is better for a rib or just plain st st, I wasn't thrilled with the way the lace sts hold up. I have started a new pair of stocks as well as the famous Baby Kimono, but that will come later.

So I have become a little Etsy obsessed. All I really try to do these days is just look and drool, but I broke down bought something. Now before you all say that I was not supposed to buy any yarn, this is sock yarn and it was an orphan. It seems that the original intended buyer never came through, so I was able to get this yarn for a steal.

The yarn was hand dyed by WhiteWillow on Etsy and its in the Lichen colorway. It is 440 yards of merino wool for only $10.00. Now you see why I had to adopt it and give it a good home. The colors are deeper than they look here but I used the natural light on my fire escape instead of my apt.
I have also been looking around for someones birthday gift. I wonder what I might find...hmmm

PRECIOSA ...

2007-06-09T22:23:00.000-04:00

Here is what I know to be fact:
This beautiful flag is over 100 years old, created in 1895 as part of the new revolution to gain independence from Spain.
The flag became the national symbol for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 1952.
Red Stripes for the three branches of government.
White Stripes for liberty and rights kept in balance by the legislature.
Blue Triangle for "republican" representation of government in the three branches.
White Star is the symbol for the Commonwealth.

Over the years the flags meaning has changed from the spirit of revolution for independence from Spain to the similarity in color hues to the flag of the US in the tradition of "Old Glory" as Puerto Rico became property of the US as a Commonwealth.

Here is what I know from my heart.

This flag is a symbol of my parents and island from where they came.
I adore and cherish its history and power.
I do not need t-shirts or hats to prove that I am Boricua
I do not go to parade yearly to prove that I am a proud Puerto Rican woman. I carry myself every day the way my mami taught me ... a strong and smart woman.
It angers me when my "people" choose to be ignorant and stereotypical
I know my history
I know my language
I know my music and food

but don't get it twisted ... YO SOY BORICUA ... PA QUE LO SEPA !

So every year we celebrate in NYC by having the largest parade. The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and I will be there. There are times when I just get that urge, the need to be part of the celebration, to be loud and proud.
Yes it has had its controveries, and too many floats and too many dancers shaking their booties up 5th avenue and too many just being crazy.
But there is nothing better than seeing a proud parent with their child waving the flag, a old timer jibaro in his guayabera and straw hat still dancing and singing. The music and the pagentry... but its worth it, for as loud and crazy as it can be, and for the panic on the faces of the money makers on 5th avenue and for the chance to scream at the top of my lungs with mami

QUE VIVA PUERTO RICO !!!

Yo sé lo que son los encantos
de mi borinquen hermosa
por eso la quiero yo tanto
por siempre la llamaré Preciosa
yo sé de sus hembras trigueñas
sé del olor de sus rosas
por eso a mi tierra riqueña
por siempre la llamaré Preciosa...

porque ahora es que comprendo
porque ahora es que comprendo
que aunque pase lo que pase
yo seré puertoriqueño
yo seré puertoriqueño
por donde quiera que ande, ooohhh
por que lo llevo en la sangre
por herencia de mis padres
y con orgullo repito
yo te quiero Puerto Rico
yo te quiero Puerto Rico

I know what's enchanting
about my beautiful Borinquen
That's why I love her so much
And I'll always call her Precious

I know about her dark-skinned women
I know about the smell of her roses
That's why to my rich country
I'll always call her Precious

Because it's now that I understand
Because it's now that I understand
that regardless of what happens
I will always be Puerto Rican
I will always be Puerto Rican
Because wherever I walk, oooohhhh
Because I carry it in my blood
Because of my parent's heritage
And with pride I repeat
I love you Puerto Rico
I love you Puerto Rico

.... Precisosa by Marc Anthony

Summer Storage

2007-05-29T12:28:00.001-04:00

One of the many advantages of living in the Bronx instead of any other place is that even the one bedroom apartments are not too small. My building is a post WW 2 walk up and the space is descent size for one person. But I have way too much stuff for a one person, but I am working on changing that little by little.

Of course is doesn't help that I have a yarn addiction that has taken over my living room. I had to desperately clean up the corner of the room so that I could actually get to the window.
So after some searching, four day wait...a cab ride to the Bronx and the hauling up the stairs...I have this.
This comes from Target.com and it serves me well. I needed something that would look good and that wouldn't take up too much space.
Trust me .. it did not take me too long to fill it up.

I barely found space for the last four skeins of sock yarn. The first shelf is full of sock yarn, I have way too much Regia sock yarn.

All the Debbie Bliss yarn will be used up soon, I have to start working on some cute baby items and that will use up a lot of the baby cashmerino I have been hoarding. Now I have to find something to do with the eleven skeins of Lambs Pride I bought last year for a sweater which I still haven't used and don't know if I like anymore.

So who is getting addicted to Etsy? I am blaming Chante for my new found addiction to Etsy.

The little things

2007-05-26T13:18:00.002-04:00

So there is this tagging thing going on these days...sharing about share 7 to 8 things about yourself and then sending it to other people and so on. So I will do the random things about myself but I really don't have that many people to tag ... so I am flying solo.

1. Something that took me awhile to realize is that I am the youngest of nine kids, not 5 as I grew up with. I have four brothers on my mom side who I grew up with and then there are the kids my dad had a long long time before I came around. Those other siblings weren't a part of my life. My dad didn't make the effort to have us know each other, so my new found connection with another brother and sister did not happen until my dad's passing.

2. I secretly have always wanted to be a backup singer. One of those standing behind a mic stand doing the ohhs and ahhs. Just enjoying the singing and the touring but the one problem is that I cannot sing. One chance to sing backup for a salsa band is all I need ... lol

3. Remember all those Freddy films and Chucky movies, those infamous horror films that came out in the 80's and 90's ... haven't seen any of them and I never will.

4. Someday I will get on that hot air balloon. Almost did it in San Diego but my mom would have had a heart attack if I went up in the air.

5. In my closet I still have my Donny and Marie dolls. There were a Christmas gift and they are still in good condition. I loved watching the Donny and Marie shows and all those variety shows in the 1970's. My Donny doll was heavily involved with my Barbie doll for a bit there.

6. It is ironic that out of most of my friends I am the one who is still single and with no kids. Trust me is not from wanting or the looking for 'mr right' but I was always the one who was domestic and should have been settled down by now.

7. I LOVE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICHES ... enough said

8. I was once totally obsessed Montgomery Clift and I even found the brownstone that he lived at in 60's. I still have issues with his friendship with Liz Taylor.

See I am just a simple, good girl from the Bronx.

New Orleans...part 3

2007-05-17T16:47:00.000-04:00

One of the best parts of my trip to New Orleans is hanging out with my friend Cindy and her family. Even though Cindy now lives in North Carolina, she travels to her family in New Orleans. This amazing lady is Dot..or Grandma to everyone else. Dot has officially renamed me Caramel and I love it...but she is the only one who can call me that.
At 85 and standing strong, Dot is still independent as she is the matriarch of the family and it is beautiful to see how everyone rallies around her.
The whole family welcomed me to the city...and that is a big family.

Cindy made every effort to make the city come alive for me. From taking to the Garden District and showing me all the beautiful homes to all the parts which are still struggling years after Hurricane Katrina.
It is amazing to think of the hardship that everyone is still dealing with on the daily basis. Even in the oldest areas, the old "money", the homes are not the same. There is that feeling of total frustration and fear of flooding happening again.

There is an underlying amount of love and warmth in this city but it is still clouded with fear and uncertainty.

My last night in New Orleans was all about Bourbon Street. Starting with an amazing dinner to too many margaritas and lots & lots of dancing. Cindy and I had a fantastic time strutting our butts down Bourbon Street..and we were not the only ones.

Lets just say...what happens on Bourbon Street stays on Bourbon Street.

Brunch of course was at Brennan's ... Bananas Foster enough said..( which was created by Cindy's husbands grandfather) .

All I know is that I have to back to New Orleans. The beautiful and lovely people, they were helpful and grateful for all the visitors and on top of all that...the are still so proud of their home.

I love New Orleans ... Part 2

2007-05-13T21:59:00.000-04:00

The four days that I spent New Orleans were just enough and then again not nearly enough time to enjoy this wonderful city. I spent the first day on my own walking around the French Quarter but then on Friday I met up with Cindy.

Cindy flew in to Baton Rouge from North Carolina and she drove to meet up with me. The skies decided to open up and let the rain come down. I have never seen rain like that in my life, but we were not letting that stop us at all. We headed to the Central Market to have my first muffaletta... yes I did try all the food that was to be had.
I had to make a stop at the oldest voodoo shop in the Quarter...weird for a good Catholic girl like me.

Of course I would choose to go to NOLA during Jazz Fest. Since it rained on Friday, the festival was packed on Saturday and the heat was amazing. I have never felt that kind of heat in such a short period of time and I am still dealing with the sunburn a week later. Cindy wanted me to get the full Jazz Fest experience from all the food to the Southern Comfort hurricanes, but when the sun decided to beam on me and her daughter Kaitlin, we decided that it was time to go. The event was amazing and the people plan there year around this week long festival.

The beauty of the city was enhanced for me when Cindy drove me around the town. All the plantation style homes, the oldest homes in Louisiana and of course Anne Rice's home which is beautiful and now it belongs to the city again. The St. Charles trolley is not running yet which was so disappointing. Cindy took me to some of the oldest parts of the city, along with seeing Tulane and Loyola Universities.
The hardest parts of the city to see where those that were still dealing with the after effects of Hurricane Katrina. I can't even express the how hard it was to see those homes with water lines where the water settled, and those 'x' marks made by the rescue teams. The canals that overflowed and the walls that broke. The water had no where to go...I can't even imagine living and trying to survive those days.

So of course I had to make the effort to find a yarn store in New Orleans. The one I ended up going to was not the one I was looking for but it was quick find and on the corner of Jackson Square. The ladies at the Visitor's Center wasn't surprised when I told her I was looking for a knitting store....hmmm

I found this sweet store called The Quarter Stitch. Now this a new store and they specialize in needlepoint and they have a lot of novelty yarns but they had the one thing that made me stop and shop...KOIGU.
So I found myself some of the coolest purple sock yarn but this is how they wrapped the yarn.

I DON'T WANT TO OPEN UP THIS PACKAGE...THE KOIGU IS INSIDE........HELP ME !!!

The ladies at the shop were hilarious, telling me stories of working at the New Orleans Zoo and their amazing gorillas.

Part 3 in a few days.

New Orleans ... I love the Big Easy ! part one

2007-05-09T11:31:00.000-04:00

So earlier this year when trying to decide where I wanted to go on vacation, I went through what everyone goes through...all the websites and travel magazines and trying to see what I could afford.
I decided on the one place that I have wanted to go to for years and the place that needed my money more than those Spaniards.

NEW ORLEANS ...

My fantastic friend Cindy ( who left me to move to North Carolina ) had lived in New Orleans all her life. A school teacher who left her hometown after the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Cindy was blessed in evacuating her family and her loved ones early but she did see everything we saw on television first hand.
So after making the decision to move and looking for a new job, Cindy ended up in NYC working at my store...and my bookstore was never the same again. She brought with her all the heat of Louisiana and lots of love to share with everyone.
So after hearing all the stories, I made the decision to go visit this amazing city and contribute to their "recovery"
Cindy arranged her new life in North Carolina around meeting me in NOLA to show me her hometown the right way.
I was so lucky to have Cindy be my tour guide...and she pulled some strings for me while there.

If anyone ever goes to visit NOLA and they want to stay in the French Quarter, I highly recommend the Hotel Montleone. Now its a little pricey and I lucked out with a very good deal, but its so worth it. With its famous Carousel Bar and amazing service, this hotel is just one block away from Bourbon Street and the Acme Oyster Bar.

On my first day in New Orleans I was on my own. After checking in and plotting my route I headed out to explore. The French Quarter is not big and so easy to get around, it reminded me of Old San Juan. I headed straight to Jackson Square and of course the first thing I saw were musicians playing up a storm.

Jackson Square is beautiful. With the St. Louis Cathedral at the top and the Mississippi River at the bottom, it was full of musicians and artists and fortune tellers. The Cathedral is the oldest active cathedral in the US. The area is surrounded by some amazing buildings, the architecture is beautiful.

The apartments surrounding Jackson Square are some of the oldest standing apartments in the US and they were not damaged by the flood.

So if anyone who loves coffee and delicious goodies must go to the Cafe Du Monde the minute they hit Jackson Square. OH MY GOD...this was heaven.

Cafe Au Lait and Beignets before ...

Cafe Au Lait and Beignets after...

I took the Riverboat Natchez tour up the Mississippi River, it was a two hour ride and as you went along the river we were given ample information and history of the area.

I was able to get some pictures of the infamous Ninth Ward from the steamboat. Seeing a FEMA trailer park which is still the home to many who did not leave after the flooding. The trailers are still all over and there are still many people living in them because they do not have anywhere else to go.

As you can see the river wall is not high at all and you can see how easy it was for the water to take control and destroy homes and lives. The walls and levees were no match for this amazing river. From 250,000 residents in this parish, only about 25,000 remain. There is so much more to tell you later on about the outlying areas which I saw with Cindy on Friday.

After finishing up the riverboat tour and finding a yarn shop in the Quarter (you all know those are the knitters travel rules), I headed back to the hotel to relax and then treat myself to an amazing dinner... yes I did try turtle soup. Walking down Bourbon Street in the early evening is an experience and later in the evening its wild.

Anyone can have a great time just walking around the French Quarter, going in and out of shops and just being in awe of this city that has been through devastation and its trying to survive and recover day by day.

Im back.

2007-05-07T16:47:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone.

I am back from the Big Easy....

Just a little hung over and sunburned from Jazz Fest. I had a great time and I will blog about it sometime this week.

For now just to show that there is still knitting in my life...here is the Hedera Sock from Knitty.com that I am working on.
I did take the sock with me to New Orleans but I had to take the sock off my circular needle and put it on dpns. What a sock shock to my system, it slowed me down so much. I didn't continue after two rounds.
I put them back on my circular needle this morning to continue with my magic loop love fest.

Still knitting from my stash, this is yarn is from Knit Picks.
I did have a little yarn diet detour in New Orleans...but yarn bought on vacation is allowed.

More to come.

What a Heel !

2007-04-30T20:09:00.000-04:00

What a heel! and I do not mean the last guy I dated.

So what happens when you get sock obsessed? You finish your first pair of lace socks in under two weeks. I really wanted to show off these socks at my knitting group this past weekend and I wanted to be just like Chante.
This pattern is from the Favorite Socks book put out by Interweave Press, they are actually on the cover but in a different color. I used up some Spirit Trail sock yarn that I purchased last year in Rhinebeck. I simply love the color and this pattern was so easy to remember.

The most exciting part of it all was my toe. I have had no luck in perfecting the infamous kitchener stitch, but I know that I am not the first to suffer the woes of grafting those toes. I did panic and I even looked at some online videos...nothing helped...NADA
Until I turned to the little booklet that taught me the Magic Loop, it has a simple little paragraph with four little steps...and that is all I needed. The toe took me a minute to finish and then I was doing the cha cha in my apartment.

I loved my heel most of all...it was perfect ( the tears of joy )

So this past Sunday, we had a knitting day at Nancy's house.

As her hubby Rinaldo grilled some great burgers with lots of cheese for me and the kids played, the ladies knitted and purled and grafted some roving and spun some yarn.

I really had no intention of trying the spinning wheel which Rinaldo and I bought Nancy for Christmas. But in honor of my mami and her love of spinning wheels, I tried it.
Don't get it twisted... this picture is not speaking the truth. It was harder than I thought. I was trying to breathe and not let the roving fly all over the place.

I have decided for now that I like my yarn in the old fashion way.... ordered from a catalog on the Internet.

Our lovely teacher Chante was having a ball on the wheel and she came with her little portable one. She makes it look so easy...yeah right.

Nancy is so eager to become a great spinner and I have no doubt that she will be the "mad spinner" in no time. She has the lovely light coming in from her back yard and she knows it will take some time to master.

Tisha was too scared to touch the wheel and she didn't even get to do any knitting either. Her yarn was all knotted up and it took hours for Nancy to unravel it.

Now I have started my first Knitty pattern. I am doing the Hedera socks and they are lovely.
Do you think I like knitting lacy socks .... yep

So friends.. I am heading to New Orleans this Thursday morning. I figured if I am going to spend my hard earned money anywhere, it would be there and I know they need it. I will meeting one of my good friends Cindy who lived in the Big Easy until Katrina hit. She has set me up for a wonderful weekend and my first stop after arriving at the hotel ....

The Cafe du Monde....Beignets anyone ?

I LOVE NEW YORK ...

2007-04-10T22:05:00.000-04:00

The city of Brotherly Love...hmmm

For everyone who knows me, knows that I am a tried and true New Yorker...Bronx girl forever, but I do consider myself a world traveller, both coasts of our country and I have even stepped off this continent a few times.
So when my home girl Nancy got tickets for us to go see the KING TUT exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, I jumped at the chance to drool over the artifacts of the Boy King and to see a new city.

After several trains we arrived in the city known for is historical content and its loving heart.
We walked by this lovely sign and we took the time to see some of the famous buildings...dear William Penn must be tired of being on top of City Hall.

Ben Franklin holds court over the Franklin Institute and he is looking pretty good for his age. But you would think that the lighting would be better, he really needs to talk to someone about that.

Not being able to take pictures inside the museum we had to make due with that we had. The major pieces of the exhibit were home in Egypt where they belong. ( Or the Egyptian government had to worry about my travel companion and her love of everything gold and shiny)
I was totally in awe of the amazing workmanship on the pieces in the exhibit. I can't fathom how it all was done, all with simple tools and hard work. Heck I complain when my printer doesn't have enough ink.

We even had the chance to swing by the Liberty Bell and see it in all its glory. I couldn't believe the long line that we had to go through to have our bags scanned and to be reviewed by security.

So by the end of the long train rides and all the walking ... we all decided on one simple thing...

WE WANTED TO COME HOME !!!

Lets just say that we came across some interesting characters and situations that would make our great city seem boring and like a cream puff.

I was in total shock to see what I was a witness to while on the road and in person. It makes me wonder what are the priorities of the state government and city officials, do they really see what is happening in there state. I admit to the fault of NYC ... all its good and bad, but I have never felt worried or scared while just walking down the street during the day with my best friend, god son and some other dear friends or having a quick meal at the mall.

So the city of brotherly love... I am not sure that is so true anymore.

The best part of all the travelling was having the chance to work on my new sock. Its from the new Interweave book ... Favorite Socks. I am actually working on the ones on the cover using some of the Spirit Trail yarn I bought at the Sheep and Wool festival. I am having a great time working on these socks. For being my first charted pattern, they knit up so fast and I am having a ball working on them. The best thing is that the socks are for the best person I know...ME!

I hope that everyone enjoyed their holidays and hopefully spring will show up someday soon.

Holden ...Oh Holden

2007-03-15T19:48:00.000-04:00

So in the past couple of months, I have completed a few projects. A sock here or there, a hat here or there and a few quick scaves for gifts. But here is the biggest accomplishment of the year.

May I introduce you to the most handsome dog on the Upper East Side .... HOLDEN !!!

Holden is owned by Catherine, a bookseller at my store. She had been talking about how cold it has been and how cold her dog Holden would get. Holden is a picky doggie and so spoiled... he is extremely fond of Godiva stuffed bears. But he does not like anything heavy against his skin.
So I offered a handknit doggie sweater.

By the end of the night I found this pattern in the new book Men Who Knit and the Dogs Who Loved Them.
We chose the ever faithful Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky in black and walnut instead of the Lorna's Laces ( seriously ... merino wool and silk for a dog sweater ) and within a few days I was working on this extremely simple sweater.

So Holden no longer shivers during his walks in Central Park and he is getting hit on by all the poodles in Central Park ( those bitches ).

I am quite proud of my first dog sweater...

Where I spent my winter vacation !

2007-03-13T22:35:00.000-04:00

So I hear that people have been looking for me. A little upset that I have not blogged in some time.
Have I been missed?

I have been spending my winter in the best place I know. There is this small little hotel on Mosholu Pkwy that connects easily to public transportation, near some restaurants and a private bath.
The great thing about this place.. and I do believe that more hotels should provide this service...there was a big yarn stash and lots of books and needles to knit with... I was amazed .. I slept with the owner.
Don't worry everyone.. I am back, rested and feeling bloggerish ( is that a word ) and I actually have some goodies to show everyone soon.

So what is the gossip? Anyone sharing knitting needles behind others backs? I don't want to know of anyone raiding others stash without them knowing, that would be just too much to handle. Any dirty knitting tricks I missed.

Please forgive me ... I have missed you all.

Happy New Year .... First Project Complete !

2007-01-02T11:43:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

So its 2007 ... another 365 days - so what do you have planned? Vacations? Remodeling? Dieting? ... or just a whole lot of knitting.

Here's wishing everyone a fantastic new year full of love, joy, health and fun.

So to start this year showing off ... here is my first finished project of the new year. About 3:00pm in the new year I finished this scarf for the Red Scarf Project. Not to take away from my knitting greatness ( I was in my pj's all day watching movies) I used up two skeins of Rowan Ribbon Yarn to work up this seed stitch scarf.

It looks great and the I have already started another hat using some of my stash ( Karabella that I bought 4 years ago).... I am taking this knit along to heart this year.

My kind of Knit -a - long

2006-12-27T12:34:00.000-05:00

Lets just say I am not a knit along kind of girl. I like doing things at my own pace and when I want to do them, but this one interest me. In this past year I had tried to put myself on a yarn diet...that did not work at all. I have tried to use some of my stash for projects but with stores going out of business and those evil sheep and wool festivals I gained more weight...literally.

I got this from Nancy's blog... and she got it from a few others. Its an industrious knit along.

The corner of my living room can be mistaken for a small yarn store and I need to lighten the inventory.
I have already started using my stash for the scarf for the Red Scarf project and I have to finish some caps.
So luckily there will be enough to use up a lot of my stash in this coming new year.... can we all say socks socks and socks.
Hey...maybe I will finally start that messenger bag ... hot damn !

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

2006-12-24T23:42:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all !!!

Hope Santa is very good to everyone and that no one gets coal or acrylic yarn in their stocking.

FELIZ NAVIDAD

Twas the night before Christmas ...

2006-12-24T20:08:00.000-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a thing was organized, no not in my house.

It has been a while since my last blog entry and for this I apologize but I work retail and that is all I have to say.

The few knitted gifts that I planned have been wrapped except for the cardigan that I was planning to give my mom. I really should have started a lot earlier than I did, she will get it this winter... considering it is 55 degrees in December she will have it ready for the summer snowfall.

I have worked the last six days and it is finally catching up to me and if it wasn't for the nap that I took today...I would be asleep underneath this table.

So for now this is my quasi entry for the night....more to come.

I promise there will be more soon.....

Get the cookies ready for Santa !!!

My Thanksgiving Day.... Im Pooped

2006-11-23T22:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all !!!

Time for rest for all.

Today like millions of people in this country my family and friends celebrated Thanksgiving Day. There are many of us that are scattered all over this city and we don't get to see each other often. So Thanksgiving Day is our family day. For years it was New Years Eve but it has moved earlier and earlier in the past few years.

It was my turn... to be the one to get the turkey together. Well my mom and I shared the turkey duty. I have been watching her for years, I know the routine like I know how to knit and purl. But my mom is my mom and she has to step in... so the turkey was 75% me and 25% her. I must say so myself... my turkey was fabulous. The pernil ( roast pork shoulder) was perfect and of course the rest of the food.

This was our table before the hungry masses attacked it.

And this is after !
I was pushed and shoved as I carved the big bird.

I am so Thankful for my family and friends.
They are so deverse and amazing ... through the good times and bad... we are always there for each other.
The family had a great time and we all had a blast. We joked laughed and had a few too many drinks. There are pictures of family members dancing in a black short bob wig... but those are for those important blackmail moments.

Of course no party would be complete without my best friends. Nancy has been a permanent fixture in my home for the past 26 years and I get pushed aside when she comes in. Now everyone is in awe of her beautiful family.
Mark has been around for 15 years and besides the fact that my mom askes for him and if he is coming ... he comes for the food... he also makes me sit down and eat since I spend most of the time making sure everyone is fed and happy... its the hostess in me. I feel the love ...

So now its time for some rest... and I actually have tomorrow off... can we all say sleep and knit.
My crazy holiday season starts this weekend and you all can find me at register #10 at my store or making sure all the new stock hits the sales floor.

Have a great weekend

A blog without pictures....oh damn

2006-11-19T12:42:00.000-05:00

Hello All

So what is a blog about knitting without knitting pictures?

A journal entry without the goodies.

I don't know whether it is the blogger system today or my computer ( chances its my older computer ) but I cannot get the pictures to upload.

Lately I have been busy getting my store ready for the holiday rush and working to hire up some extra holiday help. I have been doing retail for a long long time and I really don't get a chance to enjoy the holiday season as much as I did when I was a kid. I do enjoy Thanksgiving Day and the whole family coming to my moms and this year she will have a surprise ( don't tell her but my nephew is flying up from Florida to surprise her -- don't worry, my mom doesn't read my blog )
Since most of the kids in the family under the age of five are in Florida except for my niece Nyrie there isn't the big hoopla for the kids, the tons of gifts and me having to wrap them all. Everything is quiet and simple but I do go to Nancy's house Christmas Eve, its our tradition. We do our thing with her boys and just hang out for the evening. I am usually exhausted by the end of the night and they are rolling me off the couch so I can get home. Maybe someday if and when I have my own family I will create my traditions.

I have to at some point sit down and write a gift list. Except for the few goodies that I am knitting, I have no clue what to buy my family and friends. Yesterday I hung out with my friend Heather to go shopping finally. Heather got some gifts and I bought myself three DVD's and CD's, a pair of pants and a top. Don't judge ... I need some spoiling too.

As for the knitting goodies they are coming along. I have become a Magic Loop guru. I have finished two pair of wool thick socks to wear at home ( see the nice pictures.. love the color).
I just finished a cap using my BrooksFarm Four Ply that I bought at Rhinebeck ( love the way it stripes.. don't you agree ) and I am starting the famous Odessa today and another hat set using the Lopi I bought in Iceland for Mark...of course in blue and black.
The major project is the cardigan for my mami, the back is almost done and then it will be the my best friend for the next month.

How is everyone doing on their gifts this season?

Rhinebeck Roadtrip

2006-10-27T14:05:00.000-04:00

Overnight stay at the Best Western in Poughkeepsie and a new job as a doorlady ...$65.00

Assorted Brooks Farm and Spirit Trail and other goodies yarn haul ...$165.00

Apple Crisp ala mode .... $5.00

Riding in the mini van with Nancy, Katy and Sue .... PRICELESS

This past weekend was the infamous Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival. It was my first time at any sort of wool extravaganza and let me say it was a little overwhelming at times. The amount of wool, roving, fleece and handspun was wild.
I had the absolute pleasure of riding up to the festival with the best bud Nancy and of course Katy and her mom Sue.
We all had our budgets planned and a plan of action... sock yarn first and then the rest of the fair. Of course all the Socks that Rock was gone in 2.5 seconds when the doors open but I was very happy with my Spirit Trail and a good deal on Lorna Laces and Koigu.

I am simply in love with my Brooks Farm haul and some people in my life will have some great gifts this holiday season.

Overall the festival was fun, I don't know how often I will return and I did hear that it was not as exciting as last year and it is getting as crowded as Maryland...It was amazing to see so many lovers of our craft in one location.

I had a ball joking around and handing out with Sue and Katy. It was the first time that I have met them, and they made the long ride on I-9 so much fun.... silver diners, subaru dealerships and FDR will never be the same again.

At the blogger meet up I was able to see some familiar faces again, and I met some new friends. It was like a knitting fashion show and high school reunion all in one. Who would believe that fried articokes could cause such havoc or people hiding to eat fried dough in private would be so scandalous.

So I have finished my first Magic Loop sock, its a worsted weight winter sock.. and it does knit up fast. Lets see how much I like it when I am working on #1 needles. But it will be great when I have to do all those hats next week.

Duck ... Duck... No Goose

2006-10-22T18:19:00.000-04:00

Here's my duckie, well... here is Zoe's Duckie.

I was asked by a co worker to make a duck for his niece Zoe. It seems that there is a love for ducks in the household and he wanted her to have a special duckie ... later on I added her name to the front of the duck.
I find a certain amount of joy in knitting up toys and putting all the final touches on them. One of my favorite toys book is Knitted Toys by Fiona McTague. I have made the dolls and I will make more from the book in due time.

I used Dale of Norway- Baby Ull on this duckie and with Treasure Island closing I have to settle for another type of stuffing that wasn't fun to work with. I was on a time constraint so I couldn't order in some special stuffing.

Sorry for the short post today...I have to swatch for my mom's cardigan.

Next time .... Rhinebeck Recap.

A Summer top...Just a little late

2006-10-07T23:22:00.000-04:00

So I finally finsihed it... just a little late. Here is the summer tank top from the Sexy Knits Book that was released this summer. I had started this in late June for a co worker Denise. She loved the pattern and asked me to put it together.

Something that could have been done in a month or so took me three
Something that I could have done on circular needles, I did on straights
And this Summer tank top 2006 will be worn Spring 2007.... Oh well

After Denise understood that I would not have the top ready for the end of the summer she was happy when I was finally done when it was handed over to her.

I was so happy to finally see it put together and looking like a top. Its the first adult top that I have put together that worked. It looks like something wearable, and pretty.

The ruffle edge was the hardest part, and the most tiring thing to do. I was up putting it together until 3 in the morning finishing that edge and then casting off those 400+ stitches. Cascade Fixation was a lot easier to work with than I thought even with the elastic in it. And completed piece is a little heavier than I had imagined, but most important thing to me was that IT FIT PERFECTLY !!!

Here is the pretty Denise modeling the tank top for me and it fit her perfectly. I was so worried since the top has a stretch to it.

And the back looks good too.

I am so proud of me ...

Have Knit Out ...will frolic

2006-09-17T22:27:00.000-04:00

Today was the KNIT & CROCHET OUT 2006 here in NYC at Union Square Park. As many know this is the major knitting event here in this wonderful city and it is attended by hundreds of people. Last year I couldn't attend but I made a point of making sure I had the day off and no other plans.
Nancy and I met early this morning along with her oldest son/my godson Avery. He has learned to knit and is working on his own Harry Potter scarf. ( the first one I made him mysterouly disappeared at school)
We made sure that we got to the park about 20 minutes early to score some goodies and to see what booths were there this year. All the retail businesses from the city were there as well as the major stores like Michaels, AC Moore and of course people from LionBrand, Clover and Bernat.
Most were giving out patterns and magazines and yes I waited 40 minutes on the Clover line for free needles. The line was ridiculous and the Clover guys ( no women ) were too pushy but for some free bamboos we wait.

The Yarn Harlot herself, Stephanie Pearl-Mcphee was there this year and she was roaming all over the place and she was one of the mc's at the fashion show. She was hilarious especially as she tried to sound happy about all the crocheted items.
She squeezed into a booth to take a picture of Amy Singer of Knitty fame.
She was there signing any of her books and talking what she talks best.

Today was HOT ... I got a darker tan today than I did when I was in Florida last month. So about 2 we were done, the heat was too much and we had hit all the booths and it was time for lunch. Nancy's co-worker Tisha and her son Aaron had joined us by that time and we took a leisurely walk to UNOS.

The crowds were diverse and they were all having lots of fun.

Avery here was melting from the heat but he patiently waiting on line with me for his mom's needles, she has trained him well.

Some of the best booths at the event were charity related. Warm-Up America was collecting squares and both Save the Children and Knit for Kids were there giving out important about their organizations. Please take a few minutes to look up these groups, we all have extra yarn that would be perfect for these charities. There are not asking for major projects but they are asking for just at bit of your time. They have action kits and additional information which will guide you all to how to donate your knitted and crocheted items.

I finally got my Knit Picks yarn for my moms cardigan and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the Summer Tank Top. Of course pictures will come soon.

Have a great week!!!

THANK YOU KATRINA !!!

2006-09-12T21:39:00.000-04:00

OH WHAT A SURPRISE !!!

Today I received one of the sweetest and most generous gifts I have ever received. I had a package waiting for me at my door from the lovely Katrina.

Katrina was my spoilee from the One Skein Secret Buddy exchange, the one I was spoiling in Oregon. She has a beautiful family and does some great handknit pieces. I don't know how she finds the time to do all that she does.
So I was so surprised to get a package with two of my favorite things:
a Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino book which I don't have and two skeins of Baby Cashmerino yarn in the coolest purple color. Its not too bright but perfect for me and I know exactly what I am going to make myself and the sweetest thank you note.

She didn't have to do this for me ( she had her own secret buddy to spoil ) ... but I am so grateful and overwhelmed by her kindness.
I practically skipped to the train station as I was going to my knitting group. I told everyone about her gift and they were all so jealous.
We share a love for all that is Debbie Bliss and of course the color purple.

Thank you so much Katrina for your appreciation and friendship... I am so lucky

I tried to make the color stand out against the orange towel, I should have waited for daylight but I wanted to blog about this immediately when I got home today.

This weekend is the Knit Out at Union Square park ... hope to see some of you there. It should be packed but that is part of the fun...3000 obsessive knitters.

I picked up the summer tank top again, I did no knitting while in Florida and I am feeling so guilty since the summer is almost gone here in NYC.
The lesson has been learned, I need to plan things out better before committing to them.

Sickie in Orlando

2006-09-08T23:51:00.000-04:00

So I travel 1000 miles to come down to Florida to visit my family...my brother Abraham, my sister in law Vilma and their kids....and their kids kids and guess what happens to me ....
I get sick....a horrible head cold and cough that lasted me for almost three days. I hate that in and out of air conditioning and it didn't help that I got caught in the rain while in the pool and I had to run into the cold house.

I spent three days sleeping and trying to breathe in between cups of tea and nyquil. My mom enjoyed taking care of me but I am on vacation...so it really sucked.
I couldn't spend more time with my niece Nina and her two beautiful boys because I did not want to get them all germy.... I know that bummed my niece's plans.

By Friday I actually was able to breathe out of my own nose and my ears unclogged and I ventured out of the house. My sister in law Vilma took pity on my and took me to Downtown Disney. We had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and then just walked around for a bit.
I have done the Disney and Universal thing too many times but at least I got to go out for a bit.

My mom and sister in law have an amazing relationship... its the ideal and sometimes surreal. They get along, they bicker, they laugh and have a great time together. My mom adores Vilma like she was her own and Vilma loves my mom so much. ( my brother and sister in law were set up by our mothers over 30 years ago)

This is the hunky man in my bed all week... Ladies his name is Chico....single no kids and has his own pad ...or should I say wicker basket...
He is so happy when he sees me, loves me to pet him and feed him and loves to cuddle...Go figure the man of my dreams is four legged.

This is my hunky nephew Abraham...or Abe .... He has started his first year of college and he manages to work and take a full load of classes. Abe was my partner all week if I wanted to do anything...like buy him a very expensive calculator at Circuit City or dinner or a movie. He is a smart and funny young man so I don't mind helping him out if I can.

I wished I had the energy this week to do something else than sleep and veg.. but maybe that is just what I needed.

Hope everyone had a good week...

Finally some knitting stuff

2006-09-03T21:36:00.000-04:00

I finally have the opportunity to sit down and do some blogging .... yes I know that it has been a long time since I have actually did a knitting entry.

Last month I went to Lakeland which is near Tampa and about an hour from Orlando. I went to visit my other best friend ...Frances, but more about her later.

The one thing that Frances had to do for me was to take me to the nearest yarn/knitting stores. Frances is not a knitter but she did to me this favor. We found a fantastic store in Tampa called Knit 'n' Knibble.
A great store in which I could have spent a couple of hours and then have her pick me up later. The store has plenty of class space and a cafe in the back. I asked the owner if I could take these pics to show everyone. I was able to buy the Magic Loop book and a few needles while there.
The staff was so friendly and they even tried to help me find a pattern for a cardigan for my mom.

The other store which I went to was one called the Yarn Basket in Winter Haven. This store is still suck in 1974 and the only modern thing in the place was the LionBrand ( which I have no problem with) and the Clover needles. The pattern book in which I found the pattern for the cardigan was from 1972. So if you are looking for patterns for cozy and granny square blankets thats is where you should go. I only spent about 15 minutes in the place... that should tell you how dated the place was.

This is Frances.... and Goldie her new Golden Retriever.
Frances and I were next door neighbors and we have been friends for as long as I have known Nancy. We did our first holy communion together and we have been tight ever since. Her family moved to Miami when she was a teen and we never lost contact. I have followed Frances to Florida, Maryland, California and back to Florida.
She has a beautiful family and a loving ( and hunky) husband who adores her. So I make the effort to go visit at least once a year and do the mommy thing.
This visit Frances and her husband took me to Cocoa Beach to the Ron John Surf Resort.
The place is a great resort near Cape Canaveral ... not one sighting of Major Nelson or Jeannie anywhere. The beach was amazing but I will spare you all the pictures of me on the beach.

So Im in Orlando this time visiting my brother and his family. My mom is with me and I finally got to meet my niece Nina's second son Jordon and my niece Connie surprised my mom by driving up from Naples and I finally got to see her daughter Aliyah.

Shame my nieces and nephew have kids before me...( tick tick tick goes the clock)

So after this blog entry.. I will be watching these ... I totally hooked on the Gilmore Girls now.

And hopefully by the end of the week I will almost finish this: The summer tank top. ( crossing the fingers )

Soon I will be starting a cardigan for mom and a ducky for a friend....Finally some really knitting.

Have a great week.

WHERE IS MY TYPEWRITER !!!!

2006-08-26T23:43:00.000-04:00

Yeah I said it... TYPEWRITER

Remember those simple days when you sat at your desk, took out your notes, poured a cup of soda or iced tea and you sat at your desk and you carefully put in your first sheet of crisp 8" x 1" paper in your typewriter. I can't even remember the name of my lovely cream electric machine. My mom bought it for me before I finished junior high school and it was wonderful. My mom knew that I needed it for school and that I would take great care of it. So many papers and reports were typed on that machine and it even served other members of my family well.

So why do I miss my old typewriter?

Because I have had a hellish time getting my router to work. Not like a day of problems but three long days of trying to get my desktop to communicate with my router. Nothing has worked, not hours on the phone with customer service, not me bitching on the phone with Nancy and not me buying new ethernet cords. So do I return the router, do I call friends to help, do I go buy a wireless router or do I break down and call Geek Squad.

I go to my mom's for dinner
I enjoy a bowl of ice cream
I download some cd's into my Ipod
I somehow connect this laptop to some wireless network (don't tell anyone)

And I unplugged the router ( evil thing )

I am frustrated.

This is what I get for just wanting to have a simple laptop that I can use for DVD's in bed, download pics for email or just do some blogging from bed.

So if anyone has any suggestions let me know before I make router stew.

Oh yeah... I have got some knitting done too ... I had to destress somehow.

I'm back

2006-08-24T11:19:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone.

This will be a short post. I have so much to do and I have been having a hellish time getting my wireless system up in my apartment. Thats what I get for trying to be current by buying a laptop. Poor Nancy has been dealing with all my computer issues... she is about to disown me soon. Back I go to my old typewriter.

So sorry that it has taken me so long to blog since I came back from Florida but work has been busy and I have been using all my spare time to work on my one skein project and the tank top as well. I have the late summer knitting blues and I have to fight myself to pick up the needles.
Florida was lovely and hot... I was able to go to two knitting stores which I will blog about soon, forgive me for my tardiness

Hope everyone is having a great summer.

Finally ..

2006-08-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

If no one has noticed ....

The past couple of days have been impossible to believe here in NYC. The 101+ degrees have been unbearible and for those of us who HATE such weather it has been horrible. My poor mami has been home for the past 4 days, but I didn't want her out in that weather at her age.

Finally today the weather has broken and things are better but still warm but the humidity is down.
And after all this heat I am heading to Lakeland, Florida on Sunday.
Everyone knows that I have known Nancy for over 25 years, but in Florida lives Frances and her beautiful family and I have also known her for over 25 years. We were next door neighbors and we actually met when we did our Holy Communion. Frances is married to a hunky man and has three handsome boys and a beautiful little girl. So on Sunday I am flying to Tampa and spending the week down there floating in her pool...lol

I still have that sexy tank top on the needles and stupid me I should have down the project in the round. The front has a lot of shaping for the bust and I thought it would be hard in the round but I was wrong, I could have done it that way. So the piece will go to Florida with me and I want to have it done by the mid of the month... it is a summer top.

This is Carmen... I made her the striped bikini for the Gay Pride Parade in June. I hounded her for picture and she finally brought it to work. I didn't make her put on the bottom in front of the staff but she did put on the top.
I do see where I could have adjusted the some areas on the top piece but I had to do it quickly. She was happy with it and the colors look great on her.

I hope that everyone is having a great summer.

See you all when I get back from Florida...

Adios

Updates...

2006-07-21T21:13:00.000-04:00

So have been a bad bad blogger as of late, I guess the blogger blues have set in. Also the horrible heat and humidity here in NYC have not helped any. I had no desire to sit in front of my computer even for 5 minutes to check my email. Today is much better, the amazing thunder storms this evening have cooled things off and the lovely breeze is making me very happy.

I have even started two new projects:

The first is the sexy tank top which I mentioned in my last entry. I had to order Cascade Fixation for the project which was harder than you could imagine. Yarn Market and Patternworks did not have enough of this particular color. I had to get 6 skeins of number 9946 - Easter for the top. So after doing a web search I discovered a great site and my new favorite web store. Its called Angelika's Yarn Store and it is based in Lakeside Oregon. I called the store on Saturday afternoon, I got in touch with the owner, she had my order out that afternoon and it was in my greedy little hands by Monday afternoon. I had also ordered some Lornas Laces and it was all there in less than two days.

The second project is for my ONESKEIN secret buddy. I have decided to start the project early and it most likely will go with me to Florida next month. I am making the cabled booties for her. She lives in Oregon and she will need to keep her tooties warm. I chose my favorite Lornas Laces color and its my first real cable project. I aim for them to be perfect ... cross my toes and fingers.

So I am going to start the tank this weekend and the booties will be my travel and work project.

How is everyone doing on planning all their holiday gift?

Hello Everyone...

2006-07-09T11:10:00.000-04:00

It has been more than a week since I have blogged... I am so sorry. My computer has not been behaving lately and to top it off, I have not been really working on much this week.

I have finally become inspired to work on a summer dress for a little girl plus planning my next two projects. One of the projects might be from this book ... Sexy Little Knits by Ashley Paige. I got an advance reading copy at work and since there is no way in hell I can fit into any of the projects in this book unless I don't eat for a year, I didn't think I would be using the book. One of the lovely girls at work wants a very cute rib and st st tank top from the book. It is made with Cascade Yarns - Fixation and it has come shaping to it. I would love to make it and it might lead some hired knit work.

So yesterday after spending the day with my friend Mark going to see Superman Returns, having dinner downtown on MacDougal Street, we headed to Brooklyn... Yeah I said Brooklyn.
I have no issues with going to Bklyn except that I really don't know it well and I need extremely detailed directions once there. We headed to Bergen Street to a bar called Vegas for a meet up with some of his friends. I was hesitant at first since I didn't know anyone but I trust Mark with my life and I know that he wouldn't take me anywhere weird. We finally ended up playing double pool games with some cool people, too many beers and having a good time.

So after three trains to get home ( I hate the mta during the weekends ) I came home to find my One Skein Package stuffed in my mailbox. It was the perfect end to a cool day.

Its like my Secret Buddy knows me.... HOW DID YOU KNOW I LOVE LOVE LOVE LORNA'S LACES YARN.
It is called Irving Park and it has orange, purple, fuschia and blues. Its shepard worsted 100% superwash wool, 225 yds. The colors are so pretty and some of my favorites.

Thank you so much ... Secret Buddy !!! ..... You rock.

I hope that everyone else is getting the great goodies like me... Don't be jealous.

Have a great week... smooches

Thank you Secret Buddy

2006-06-28T12:35:00.000-04:00

Thank you One Skein Secret Buddy. I received your package yesterday, well actually it arrived on Monday but it was at my neighbors apt and since I got home really late I had to wait to yesterday to get it.

I LOVE IT... How did you know I love Frida Kahlo. Schaefer Yarns are great and I now have 400 lovely yards to whatever I want for ME! ..... Im drooling.. the colors are amazing.

Thank you for the lovely note and I hope that all is well with your family. Have you been spoiled by your secret buddy yet?

Once again... thank you so much.

On the day in 1969

2006-06-27T01:06:00.000-04:00

Does everyone know what day is it today?

In 1939, the final seen in Gone With the Wind was shot ( did you know it was supposed to be "frankly my dear, I don't care !")

In 1958, Truman ordered troops into Korea

In 1975, Sonny and Cher got divorced.

And for all you Tom Cruise fans, Days of Thunder was release in 1990, but the most important thing was this :

On June 27th of the year 1969 ... Nancy was born.

Nancy and I have been friends ever since Mr. Poloso sat us next to each other in the 6th grade, he had no clue what he was doing - 25 years and counting.

And if I know Nancy ... I know that someday she wouldn't mind having a gala in her honor here.

The Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Or have a private viewing of this amazing exhibit ... her alone with all these Egyptian goodies.

Hatshepsut: From Queen to Pharaoh

And if she really really pressed the issue, and if I could fit into that cat suit and sneak into the joint ( yeah right )... she would kill for this sculpture by Rodin.

But instead my friend Nancy will have to be happy with some goodies that I got her, and my undying love and adoration.

She is a beautiful woman

An amazing partner to her husband and an amazing mother.

In the good and the bad times she was a good daughter who grew into good friend to her mother in time of need. A daughter who had an great relationship with her Daddy.

The friend who knows all my secrets and still still lets me into her house.

The only one who understands the importance of chocolate babka, raisin cake, and a great pot of coffee during all those moments of spiritual unrest.

And the one who will be there when the days are long and hard or there to answer the phone when I call asking :

"YO " do you wanna go to a Crue concert next month? Who cares that will be 52 years old at the time.

Happy Birthday Nan! ... Haven't we come a long long way!

Finally ... the bikini is here

2006-06-25T21:08:00.000-04:00

This has been the hardest blog entry since I began blogging. It seems that my computer and Blooger are having issues with eachother. Every time I tried to upload some pictures my computer was not happy and it would just stop and freeze up. Let me just say that my computer is a little older and I am looking into getting a new one ( but I have not broken the news to my machine.. but I think it senses something)

I have been working on a bikini for a co-worker for the past month, it was a "let me see if I could do this project" - project. The interesting thing about this bikini was more the fact that it would not be one solid color but six and in even stripes, it was to be the colors of the rainbow to be worn at todays Gay Pride Parade. I used the pattern from the great new book "Greetings from the Knit Cafe" and the yarn was Palette from Knit Picks. The hardest part was finding the true colors of the rainbow ... bright and vibrant. This yarn eventhough it is 100% wool, it matched the gauge and colors. So I told the young lady at work that this bikini is just for show, not to go a pool or beach water. She understood and was happy with the end results. The top did give me some problems when I realize I miscounted a whole 13 stitiches and I had to unravel the left boob, and I was not thrilled with casting on 380 stitiches at six rows each for the ties but I did it ( that was 6840 stitches on number 1's)

I don't think that I would ever make this bikini again with this yarn, the pattern was for a lycra blended yarn, but it was interesting to put together.

Yesterday was great SPIN OUT ! Now it was supposed to be held in Central Park but the pouring rain through a wrench into those plans. After much debating and some last minute luck the event was held at a recreation center on the East Side. Cara the organizer of the event is a great knitter and a spinner.

Here is Nancy taking a spin at the wheel. She wants one badly but she's not sure which is the best to get for a beginner. Ann was letting her play with her wheel for a bit and then Nancy and I tried spinning yarn from a drop spindle. Let me say that using a drop spindle is not for me.
It was amazing to see so many people spinning and knitting ... all ages helping each other and just having a great time.

This week I was on vacation, I did not have any plans except a few movies and the museum, but I ended up being sick most of the week with a horrible head cold and a nasty cough. I had no desire to knit and all I wanted to do was sleep. Guess my body was exhausted from running around my bookstore and it need to crash. Doesn't it was seem that when you have no plans your week always flies by. But I do have a commitment to finish a baby sweater and a hat or two for the Dulaan Project.
These projects didn't take much time and they used up some stash which I have no plans for. I love the fact that my simple items can help some needy kids so far away from me.

So its back to work tomorrow and my knitting group meets on Tuesday evening at my store. Hopefully some of the members of my group have a few knitted objects for me to send out to Arizona for the project.

Guess who I met today ?

2006-06-16T20:30:00.000-04:00

Today was one of those days when a knitter goes ...Oh my GOD ! That's Debbie Bliss.

At Seaport Yarns this morning I had the pleasure of meeting two of my favorite knitting gurus....Debbie Bliss and Nicky Epstein. Debbie Bliss was in the US for a few trade shows and then she was going to several stores in NYC and NJ before heading back to London. It seems that she and Andrea - the owner of Seaport Yarns have become friends over the years and she had this morning to come by the shop. Me like the geek that I am got up bright and early eventhough I got home late from my store last night and headed to Fulton Street downtown. I was the first one there, it was only from 9:30 to 1pm.
I must say that she is the loveliest person and so grateful to hear feedback and talk to those people who spend time with her books, yarns and designs. While helping her uppack some of the knitted pieces from her suitcases, Ms. Bliss was hilarious and showing me the new cashmere yarns and the proofs of her new book Simply Baby which was supposed to be at the event but instead was stuck in customs. The book is going to be beautiful and the projects are so adorable. There were so many finished items to try on and this most amazing jacket that starts out with five stitches and is almost like a spider web.

So about half and hour later Nicky Epstein walked in. She and Debbie have been friends for years and they immediately started chatting away. I love her Over the Edge and Knitted Flowers book.
We were treated a discusssion on how she goes by designing her lines and the whole process from stetches to book. She has a unending deadline and there a lot more to come for us who love her books.

After I got one of my books signed, I decided to head down to the Seaport and hang out and do some knitting. Today's weather was lovely and the tourist were out in full force. I didn't realize at first that the bench I chose to sit on and have my lunch was the most popular one there, or at least the area of the Seaport. It hit me a second later... dah .. you are facing this :

The Brooklyn Bridge

So...I have been working an this bikini for over two weeks, and its due next week. Then I realize today that one of the cups of the bra is smaller than the other. Somehow I miscounted and I had to take the who cup apart. I cannot look at it today again, but it will be my buddy for the next couple of days. I will work on adding the elastic to the bottom for a bit tonight and finish that part at least.

I hope that everyone who lives in NYC and is free on 6/24/06 can come the the SPIN OUT in Central Park that day. It should be great day and a lot of fun. I will be tagging along with Nancy that day and I finally get to meet Cara.

The Bronx is up and the Battery's down.

2006-06-11T20:12:00.000-04:00

So this past week our friends from Iceland came to visit our fantastic city. They arrived late Saturday night and left way too fast. On Sunday there was a BBQ at Nancy's house. We had a great time, with the great food and the nice weather. It was great seeing Ingileif and Linda again so soon and Asthildur- the cutiest 9 month old in Iceland.
On Monday I made dinner for our travellers. I had promised them a true Puerto Rican dinner. Using Nancy's kitchen and some cooking goodies the we use, I made arroz blanco, pollo guisado con papas, ensalda con aguacate y habicuelas rositas (translation ... white rice, stewed chicken with potatoes, salad with avocado and pink beans). There was a lot of food and it was a big hit. I really don't have the chance to cook big meals like that. I love too cook for friends and make a big presentation when I have the chance.

On Tuesday I met up with the ladies for some more sightseeing around the city. Linda really wanted to see the
Statue of Liberty and I could not let her leave our fair city without at least going by it. So we took the train down to the South Ferry station and there you can catch the Staten Island Ferry ( for free) and it goes right by the Statue of Liberty and then you land on Staten Island. Many tourist do this ever since 9/11 and the ferry runs all times a day. It was great seeing Linda's face when the ferry was going by Lady Liberty.

I was able to get some pictures of the beautiful family together on the ferry and on the Subway. Asthildur had everyone on the train totally in love with her, she made friends everywhere she went. If anyone goes into Toys r Us this week and notices the empty shelves, well that was because Ingileif and Linda bought it out and took it all back to Iceland with them. We had a great dinner at Planet Hollywood and then I left the exhausted ladies to go back to their hotel to pack and get some rest.

They arrived home safely and I think they have finally caught up on their sleep. It was great seeing them again and taking them around.

As for my knitting.... well I have to make some serious progress on the PRIDE bikini this week. The bottom is almost there and the top wont take too long. I just have had no time to work on it at all, and since there are so many colors involved I cannot carry it around in my bag.

Hope everyone is doing better on their projects.

No knitting today

2006-06-03T20:48:00.000-04:00

Hello all.

Sorry to say that there has been no knitting today.
"No knitting...but why...what's wrong ? "

Simple... I am so tired !!!

The past week has been hectic at work and it started off with having to work on Memorial Day while everyone else was at the park or at some bbq. Being yelled at by nasty customers who wanted to spend there entire day making a mess in my store. GO OUT TO THE PARK .. SPEND SOME TIME WITH YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE.

Then there was the overflowing sinks in my kitchen for two days and having to bail out the water into a bucket and dumping it into the toilet. Finally the cause was found. My downstairs neighbor had her washing machine on for two damn days, not realizing that the water was backing up into the pipes and onto my kitchen floor.

So I was late for work, on the day of a major book signing of over 150 people and then all this rain. So my head hurts, my arms are sore from hauling buckets of water and to top it off, every screaming kid on the Upper East Side was at my register today at work.

So am I am bitter.. and venting to you all and I am heading straight to bed because I have to get up early tomorrow again.

So no knitting today, it has been in my bag all day... I looked at it and smiled but even the pleasure of the knit and purl couldn't help me today.

Take me out to the ball game

2006-05-28T11:41:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone ! I tried doing this post yesterday but my computer was not having it all, I think its giving me the hint...time for a new one.

Eventhough I have been working on many projects this week, I do not have any pictures yet to show anyone. So I decided to show these wonderful pictures of my outing to Yankee Stadium on Friday night. My nephew Abraham is visiting from Orlando and he wanted to go see a game. He grew up here in NYC but then his dad moved to Florida. So being the great titi I am, I got last minute seats for him, my mami and me.

Its not like I have to travel miles and miles to get to the Stadium, I go by it everyday on the subway. I grew up three blocks from the Stadium and some of my most cherished childhood memeories are playing around the stadium and once in awhile catching a glimpse of a player before they headed in.
I was able to get this shot of Derek Jeter just before he hit his 2000th hit and then his 2001 hit. It was great that he was able to do it at home and of course he got a standing ovation.
I am a diehard Yankees fan ... good or bad

Here is my hunky nephew Abraham. He's 19 now, a hard working college student...ladies you should see his eyes. It gave my mami some time with her grandson...of course as she munched on Cracker Jacks and watched the game.

Eventhough it stayed sunny most of the day, the skies opened up at the bottom of the 8th inning and there was no way we could stay. The umbrellas were no use at all. I was soaked and it was hilarious seeing my mom running in the rain like a young 50 year old (she's 76).

All in all a great time.

Solo in the City

2006-05-20T19:36:00.000-04:00

Today was a beautiful day in NYC. One of those Spring days that we yearn for after all the snow and cold weather. Not even having to deal with waiting for buses or slow local train could make it bad.
But the one dangerous thing about being single in the city is not having someone to say
"Back away from the yarn Maribel, put it back ... for Heaven's sake have some self control!"

I decided to go check out the new store KnittyCity on the Upper West Side today. The store has become very popular in a short amount of time, and the word of mouth has been good. It is a lovely place and when I walked in there was a class going on in the back room, and a mother and daughter taking lessons at one of the tables.
What pleased me the most was that they do have a large variety of yarns, they even carry some Lion Brand and a large selection of Cascade 220 in some great colors.
I ended up walking out with some Freedom cotton denim for a messenger tote bag I want to make from the Greetings from the Knitting Cafe book.
And for those of you who have to sneak your yarn into your homes, you might want to bring a bag with you, KnittyCity has clear bags ... so everyone can see your haul.

I finally finished the Baby Cardigan and goodies that I started a few months ago. The baby for who this gift is meant was born almost two months ago, but since I made this set in a 24 months size, it will be some time before she wears it.
The sweater was made from the Special Knits for Baby by Debbie Bliss and the booties are also from Ms. Bliss but from her Quick Baby Knits book. I love some of her patterns and nothing could be better against your hands but her baby cashmerino yarn.

The beret was from the Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns.
I totally fell in love with the beret when I finished it, not a mistake or twisted stitch anywhere.
Damn I'm good!

For my OneSkein secret pal

2006-05-16T11:49:00.000-04:00

HEY THERE SECRET BUDDY !

Here are the answers to your questions.

I am required to send you these questions.....however I have one of my own....are you really allergic to wool? the thought of that makes me tear up.....
I am not allergic to wool ( I really don’t think I am ) but I have noticed that some of the chemicals they put on the superwash wools bother me. I really haven't made too much for myself in wool, and the item I did does make me itch a little but I still wear the scarf....heck its Lorna's Laces yarn .. wouldn’t you !

1. Which yarn is most like your personality (you can be specific or general with your answer- brand, type, color, fiber, whatever)?

There are so many yarns I love, how can I answer this question. I prefer soft yarns, the kind that you want to molest in the yarn store. Silky but not shiny( those metallic ones..yuk) One of my favorites for baby stuff is Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino .. I love the feel of it. Karabella yarns are lovely, things like that ... cushy and mushy I call them...LOL

2. What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with?
I try to match the colors with the person I am knitting for. I don’t do too bright day glow colors, but for kids knitting I try to go for brighter colors. For myself I am a major earth tone kind of girl and deep purples and reds.

3. Have you ever used variegated, or magic, yarns?
I have used variegated yarns, magic yarns for socks, and variegated yarns for a few scarves.

4. Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns?
I am not against some softer acrylics for machine wash items, there are some better quality blends these days. I use wools, cotton and some alpaca. It all depends on the project, but my mom has learned not to buy me any cheap yarns at flea markets unless I am there.

5. Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn?
Doesn’t make a difference to me but if I buy a hank of anything then I like it to be center pull when it gets balled up.

6. Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them?
I would not mind using them at all.

7. How many and what projects have you made in the last year?
In the past 12 months I have made countless socks ( slipper socks for gifts) scarves, shrugs, a doll, too many hats, and some baby dresses.

8. Will you be knitting any gifts this year?
Of course, I am hoping to get some some guilt off my back and use a lot of the yarn I have spent my money on to make a lot of holiday gifts this year. Also some baby shower and birthday gifts.

9. What is your favorite one skein project?
I like the cable scarf and the felted items.

10. How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it?
I am too scared to count how many pieces I have, but it has too be at least over 200+ skeins, there goes that yarn budget.

11. Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use it or part with it?
Not at the moment. I have to stop being so co-dependant with my stash.

12. Do you knit less or differently in the summer?
No, I do a lot of knitting at work on break or before my shift, in the lovely air conditioned space. I sit in parks after work to relax. I try not too to too much in white outside as to not to get it dirty, I am a walking klutz and I will drop it in the first puddle I come across.

13. Do you belong to any knitting groups (online or offline)?
I do belong to one knitting group that meets monthly but I am not adverse to joining another one but my schedule is tough sometimes.

14. Pal, please confirm for me your mailing address (some East Coast zip codes may have lost the beginning Zero value and appear as four digits).
This I will send in the email

Hopefully these will help you .. if you have any other questions ...ask away.

Hey Abbott......I've been a BAD girl !!!

2006-05-10T21:24:00.000-04:00

I have no self control. No will power what so ever and this time is not over a big piece of chocolate cake. Its yarn!

The Lion and the Lamb in NYC has lost their lease and they started a 50 - 70% off sale yesterday. I got there around 5 after work and before my knitting group at my store. The crowd wasn't too bad but it got bad quickly. So many customers were coming in that they had to stop them from entering since the place is too big. Besides the high end yarns and goodies they also carry an amazing collection of needlepoint goodies. Heck I spent nothing compared to the woman who spent $800+ in needlework canvases and yarns. I heard that there was a fight today, women yelling at each other. Okay people .. knitting is a civil hobby.

Here is my haul ...
Just some Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino ( my favorite for baby stuff ), Tahki - Baby, some Dale of Norway Baby Ull and some Regia sock yarn.
Oh and some Addi Turbos at 50% off too. I had only on Addi needle and I won't tell how much that one cost me at full price.

I finally finished the Baby Sweater and now I have to redo the booties. I found another pattern I love. So the gift giving will have to wait for a few days now. The baby is still a newborn, so I have some time.

The exciting news is that I got my ONE SKEIN KNITALONG buddy today. I am so excited to start this exchange. I am not sure if I am supposed to say her name on my blog as of yet. But she lives across the country, in a state that I have not been to yet. This is going to be so much fun.

HELLO THERE SECRET BUDDY !!!

GREETINGS FROM NEW YORK CITY

Finally ... some pics

2006-05-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

So..I went to Iceland and it is amazing to see the reactions of people when you tell them that you have gone to this land far far away. Heck it was only 5 hours away. But it was beautiful and amazing. Here are some of the pictures that I took over there, some of my favorites for your viewing pleasure. Nancy was with me of course, since it was her family we went to see. Here we are on our last visit for some last minute shopping of yarn goodies. The Alafoss store is a dangerous place. We were in nirvana !!!

I loved the open road ...

This creator was amazing.. no chance of this old volcano blowing again..anyone want to go for a swim ?

Iceland's most beautiful baby ... Asthilda Emma

And her parents and our amazing hostesses...Ingleif and Linda. They were fantastic and so loving to all of us. ( I am still waiting for a certain recipe ..hint hint)

Even though this is a man made geyser.. I love the picture and the sun shining in the background.

I am still munching on the most amazing chocolate covered raisins that I got over there as I type this blog entry, trying to make them last.

The beauty of this country, the generousity of the people and its peacefulness are overwhelming.

Presents from the Philippines

2006-05-03T01:18:00.000-04:00

Today at work I got some presents ... and all girls like getting presents. One of the lovely booksellers at my store, Marvelyn just returned from a month long trip to visit her mom in the Phillippines. Knowing that I am a knitter she bought me a bag full of this lovely yarn. It is called Carmencita and it is distributed by Coats (jp coats) in Manila Bay. It is an acrylic yarn but oh so soft and cushy. There are about 12 small skeins of blue, pink, red and lilac and white variated yarn. Each is only about 35 meters, so I dont think I can make a big project with them but they will make some nice and warm booties for the winter season.

I have been so frustrated lately by a washcloth...a stinking washcloth. It is one of the pretty ones from the new Mason Dixon Knitting book. I have been planning on a set of these dishcloths as a house warming gift for a friend and it is getting the best of me. I am so pissed about it, so I put it down, so I will start the towel for now and then I will get back to them again

Has anyone made them yet ?

I have just learned that the Lion and the Lamb in NYC has lost their lease and is going out of business, this means major sale !!! I believe it starts on 5/9 and last only for days, 50-70% off of everything in their store. HOT DAMN !

Big Girls Rule ...and we Knit too !!!

2006-04-28T21:23:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don't know me and many of you do not know me personally, I am a BBW - Big Beautiful Woman or as I like to say, Beautiful Brainey Woman. I have always been a full figured, bbw, plus size or how they say in my neck of the woods..I'm just thick girl!

So being a knitter I have not really made myself anything but the usual socks and scarves. I have yet to find a really nice project that is made for my body, not a over sized tunic or a long badly knit top too tight for my boobs.

UNTIL NOW... OH MY GOSH.. The one book that I have been waiting for was released last week and its perfect. You all know what I am talking about its .. BIG GIRL KNITS by Jillian Moreno and Amy Singer. This book covers the three B's .. butt, belly and boobs and how to knit your items correct according to how you are built. To be honest with yourself by measuring yourself and knowing what yarns are not good to use as a full figured woman. They go through so many things and even how to adjust other patterns.
I am so ready to start making some of the summer tops and then of course the sweaters. They are flattering and not just four huge pieces seamed together.

I highly recommend it for the plus size knitter who wants to finally make something for themselves or if you want to knit for a beautiful plus size woman in your life.

Another cool book which has come to my attention is Greetings from the Knit Cafe by Susan Mischer. a former ad executive so now owns a knitting store...gotta envy her. It has some fun and pretty patterns and some recipes. I have been hired to make the bikini for some of the skinny minnies at my store, of course pictures to follow.

Ciao Ciao

Let me show you my goodies

2006-04-23T22:13:00.000-04:00

Before I start sharing all my Icelandic pictures with those of you who read my little blog here, it is only befitting that I share with you all the wool goodies that I got on my little jaunt across the Atlantic.

Ingileif (Nancy's cousin) is a fantastic tour guide, and she lives only about 5 minutes from Alafoss - The factory outlet for Lopi Yarn in Mosfellsbaer. Now we went in there twice during our stay and we did have some issues figuring out how we were going to get all that yarn in our suitcases. But we had some self control ( I did have more than the Nancy - she had two large bags). The place is amazing and they are so nice and helpful.

This is my stash and I like the goodies that I bought myself. There is some Hjerte Sock yarn from Denmark, some Kambgarn Lopi Sock yarn ...in a wine and pumpkin colors and some Lett-Lopi in black and dark blue.

Here is my sock yarn! Boy are my tooties going to be warm this coming winter.

And eventhough you cannot see the colors well( I am sorry about that) this Lopi yarn will make a great hat and scarf for a good friend this winter.

I also bought to skeins of wool for a co-worker and I almost came home with some major chunky yarn, but remember I am on a yarn diet. Of course all the goodies that I ate in Iceland might actually get me to go low carb again....NOT

In the days since I have been back I have been working hard on the Debbie Bliss baby cardigan that should have been finished before I left, while recoveing from a horrible head cold. So in the past two days I have finished all but one sleeve and my hand is hurting because of it. It feels great in my hands though, I just love working with Debbie Bliss' baby cashmerino. Can't wait to finish it and show it off to everyone.

Meet the Boy Rag Doll ----- Ethan

2006-04-21T10:46:00.000-04:00

Hello All !!!

Before I start my entries on my amazing trip to Iceland over the Easter week, I have to introduce everyone to the boy rag doll that was a present for a beautiful baby girl.
This is Ethan.

After two months of constant knitting and shaping, my handsome friend here was complete and cute. The hardest part of the whole thing was the hair, almost one whole skein of Dale of Norway Baby Ull was used on this little boy's head.

Baby Ethan here went to Iceland over the past week and was presented as a gift to an absolutely precious and adorable little girl called Asthildur Emma.

Ethan came complete with a wardrobe and he will get new outfits as well for future occasions.
Here is a nudie shot of the boy rag doll, I am not trying to be scandalous or anything, but I just wanted everyone to see how the doll looks without his clothes. If anyone wants to do this doll, I would highly recommend it. It taught me how to turn a heel, seaming and how to seam in elastic and how to actually make a sweater with some instarsia.

Here is Nancy's doll for Asthildur. All dressed up in lilac and purple. And the baby has a matching Anouk dress in the same colors.

Here she is .... the precious daughter of Ingileif and Linda.. Asthildur Emma !!!! This picture cannot in any way due justice to the beauty that is this little girl. So loving and warm, her smiles along can melt you. In the days that we were in Iceland I had the priviledge of playing with Asthildur, and she can keep you smiling for hours.

You will see more pictures of Asthildur and her beautiful country over the next few days. I have to organize the pictures and make that I have all the right names for all the places.

I want to thank Ingileif, Linda, Jolee and Asthildur for an amazing time in Iceland. They opened their homes to me and of course to Nancy and Avery. They spoiled us rotten while we were over there and never hesitated to make our trip even more special.

Voy para Islandia

2006-04-13T20:57:00.000-04:00

I am going to Iceland !!! Tomorrow is the big day when Nancy, Avery and myself head to Iceland to visit Nancy's family.

The funniest thing is the reaction that I get from people when I tell them I'm heading to Iceland, and then I have to explain everything. Its hilarious. Today I was able to convert some hot american dollars for cold icelandic kronsas. I was able to get 5000 kronas which equalled about $78 bucks. They had another person come in the day before and by some as well... guess who - Nancy..she beat me to it. But I have some of there currency to enter their country with. I should really finish packing, and I don't like leaving a messy apartment ( because that means I come home to a messy apartment).

I know I have not blogged much this week at all, my work schedule was hectic and I did have to concentrate on some other things. But I promise things will be better when I get back.

Some great news I got was my confirmation for the ONESKEIN pal exchange yesterday, I am so excited.

Talk to you all soon.

Bon Voyage !!!

FELIZ CUMPLEANOS ..MAMI !!!!

2006-04-11T10:35:00.001-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMI !!!!

Today is my mami's 76th birthday and she is still amazing and force to be reckoned with. This picture is from the surprise 75th birthday party I put together last year. My mami loves flowers, so the theme was roses. Today we are meeting for lunch since I have to work late, but Thursday will be our day.
My mami was born in Mayaguez, a small town in the southwest part of Puerto Rico. The oldest of four she had to become the mother for all when her mother died. My mami moved to NYC in 1948 and began a hard and determined life. Having raised four boys and me, my mother worked as a seamstress and took in piecework to make ends meet. My mami has been through so much over the years but she still continues to amaze me everyday. She is a grandmother of 7 and the great-grandomther of 4 and a loving mother, sister and friend.

Te Dios te bendiga siempre ... te adoro.

FELIZ CUMPLEANOS ..MAMI !!!!

2006-04-11T10:35:00.000-04:00

P is for Proud !!

2006-04-08T21:14:00.000-04:00

Okay okay...I have not blogged all week, and I have already been told that that is unacceptable.
It has been a busy week for me. My schedule is not a normal 9 to 5 and there are days when I get home at almost one in the morning and I am ready to pass out.
My brother was admitted to the hospital this week again, he had a major drop in his red blood cells from a combination of medications that he must take daily. He had liver transplant two years ago and other issues since then. I am his health care proxy and his doctors know me well.

Then in between all of that I am finishing up a certain rag doll, I feel like a hair transplant specialist. Hair plugs are my new specialty, and my new vocation if I ever give up on retail.
At the moment he look like a Bay City Roller or Peter Townsend, but still very adorable. I will post a picture of the doll after he is given as a gift... can't totally ruin the surprise.

I have had the opportunity of teaching some co workers how to knit. Recently Gary here asked me to help him get started on the pointy sticks so he could knit something special for his first granddaughter who is due any day now.

He completed a pair of booties and a bib from Bernats Cotton Tots and he started his first hat on dpn's. He is trying to master the dpn's and everyone at work is loving his knitting skill. He and Charlotte, his lovely wife are going to be fantastic grandparents.

Now... I live in the amazing and always misunderstood borough of THE BRONX . Nothing anyone can ever tell me will stop me from loving it and being proud to be a Bronx Girl. Of course we have the Yankees (did I mention the 26 World Championships), the Bronx Zoo and the amazing Botancial Gardens. The Bronx is the birthplace of Edgar Allen Poe, James Baldwin, Ralph Lauren, Rita Moreno, Colin Powell, E.L Doctorow, Stanley Kubrick and Bobby Darin. I has had an amazing resurgence in the past decade and continue to thrive.

I live on a lovely parkway that lead up to the entrance of the Botancial Gardens. During the spring and summer the trees and parks are in bloom and beautiful to walk along. The other day when walking home I noticed the most amazing thing. There were numerous trees planted alone the parkway.

I have had noticed that many of the older trees are dying, they have served us for a long long time. So they neighorhood, along with the parks department have planted more to prepare for the future. They are still young but so beautiful and I am so proud to have them there for the years to come.

So this week I'm working six days straight including the weekend, I have to finish the doll by Monday night and did I mention that I am leaving for Iceland on Friday! .... I have to start packing by Monday and put all my things in order. NO PRESSURE !!!

S is for Spring, Sunday, Skein and STASH !!!

2006-04-02T13:47:00.000-04:00

Flash my STASH ! Thank God my mom doesn't read my blog...Me flashing my stash, I am a good Puerto Rican girl !

OH .. my yarn stash .. I can do that. I have spent the last few hours going through my piles of bags in the corner of my living room putting my stash into some sense of order. You can call it Spring cleaning in a minimal sense. I have this Sunday off and eventhough I should be sitiing on my futon working on my doll which has to be finished this week, I realized that I needed to do some major cleaning. Now don't get me wrong, I am in no way a cleaning machine, but things had to be put in order, floors swept and mopped and whoever is using my stove...they should really clean up better.. oh thats me. I guess one of the pluses of living alone is that no one sees the mess unless I let them in.

As eveyone who has read my blog from the beginning knows, I have a great cube which holds all my knitting toys and a lot of chunky yarn. ( the blog is called the knitting cube ..dah ) But it wasn't enough. I recently bought this great holder at the Container Store and I filled it up today .

I emptied all the bags from the various stores and arranged the bag by project (hahahahaha) The Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino on the left hand side is currently being used for a cute cardigan. There is a lot of sock yarn and some great yarn for some kitchen items and some more kiddie stuff.

Now after I emptied some more bags the carrier which did have some space was full to the brim. It is a lot deeper than I thought it would be and I am so proud of myself.

This is the plastic container in my bedroom. It hold more chunky yarns and 3 Suss kits that I got on clearance at my store. Yeah BN carried yarn kits about two years ago. I am not saying that they were too expensive but they were, and they went on clearance after a few months. So I was able to get about four kits for a buck apiece. The cotton yarn is good and it would look nice on my niece. This container holds some goodies from a Smileys hotel sale, and I am not allowed to go there again.
As I moved bags and junk I found these goodies. I had this full cone of Lily Craft( one pound) in blue that I bought on clearance for about $4 dollars. Its perfect for a bunch of dishcloths I want to make a friend who just moved into her first apartment.

And there was a time when I didn't know if I wanted to knit at all. I tried it and I was not sucessful at all, I didn't get it. But then I went to the Knit and Crochet festival in Union Square park with Nancy. I entered a raffle that Michaels was holding at the end of the day. I won the Needle Master and this huge bag of Bernat yarn. It holds 15 skeins of their yarn in blues, greens and cream colors. I have no idea what do to with it...none !
The Needle Master allowed me to learn to knit and purl on circulars and set me on my knitting obsession.

I might use some of the colors for an afghan, the kind that I can use on the those cold NYC winters or maybe some charity knitting.

Now mind you, I do have one more area in my apartment that holds yarn. Its a small basket at the bottom of my wall unit (sorry no pic). Its just a few misc skeins that are just waiting to be used.

So that is my STASH. Not as bad as some I have seen, quite respectable if I say so myself. I have put myself on a yarn spend down, the 3/20 entry and I am determined to work on it. Someone or something in this apartment should be on a diet.

Is anyone going to sign up for either the Secret Pal 8 or Oneskein secret pal exchange?

Have a great week.

Madam... Its a BOY !

2006-03-28T20:04:00.000-05:00

In the past couple of days, I have knit nothing but this boy rag doll and for the next two days I am taking a break! Not that I don't love doing it.. I actually had to make him socks ... socks could you believe it. Then this weekend I went to Nancy's house to work on stuffing the dolls so that they are similar in size. It was a six or seven hour marathon of knitting, stuffing and girl time. Her hubby took the boys out for a few hours so we had the place to ourselves. I was ahead of the game, Nan had to do some lightning fast knitting and seaming to catch up, I had already had my doll stuffed and was working on adding elastic to his pants.

Here is Nan as she finished sewing up her doll and I think that she was actually trying to strangle the doll and get out all her frustrations.

Here is my boy, of course not my first... I did make the girl doll last year.

He is still naked and has no face yet ...but isn't he cute.

Has anyone bought the new Yarn Harlot's book. It's called Knitting Rules and I picked up on Friday at work. My staff is starting to worry about me since I walked around with the book like it was my new baby. Hey it was .. I lead a lonely life :-(

The book is a departure from all the hilarious knitting stories that she shares with us, it has tips and my favorite thing is all the things she wished someone had shared with her when she started knitting.

But then the weekend was complete when the Yarn Harlot herself...Stephanie emailed me back. OH MY GOD...it was almost like Christmas in March. I mentioned on her blog about me getting her book already and loving it. She was gracious and grateful and took time from her busy day to say 'thank you'. Just goes to prove that as knitters we are so happy to hear from each other, we reach out and we are tried and true.

So I am going to finally do some casting on for the baby sweater which is needed asap while I soak my ankle in epsom salt..who knows what I did to it.

Lets play catch up

2006-03-24T23:19:00.000-05:00

I have to play catch up on one major gift that I received for my birthday two weeks ago. My very first needle holder that doesn't come from the Ziploc company.
Nancy got me this fantasitc purple holder as one of my gifts that were delivered to me at work.

Knowing that purple is my favorite color Nan had this made for me in different hues of purple and complementing colors like lime, blue and lime. Its great and I've begun to fill it up. She got it from Allison especially for me.

Now I did say that was putting myself on a yarn diet, a reduction on the stash that will save me hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
I am not going to totally stop buying yarn if need be but I have to make every attempt to use what I have. So today when I got in from a movie with my brother and Mark, I had this goodie in my mailbox.

I had to do an exchange with KnitPicks and they finally sent me this great sock yarn. I need 2-3 balls for a pair of socks and I am planning on socks being my plane knitting when I go to Iceland in 3 weeks.

So I must say " I DO BELIEVE IN YARN FAIRIES ... I DO BELIEVE IN YARN FAIRIES"

I is for Intarsia

2006-03-23T21:27:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to fill you all in on my latest happenings. Today was my Intarsia class at Seaport Yarns. The class was very productive and I got to begin and finish a small intarsia chart and I was very proud of myself. Everyone in the class had to bring in three different yarns to complete this project and next week will be a lesson Fair Isle and then Lace.

This is the front of the swatch and it looks good, it looks like a diamond and some squares.

And this is the back before the the ends get tucked in... not the prettiest thing.

As for my other knitting project, I am really busy putting together those pieces for that phantom doll that I am working on.

I hope that everyone is having a good week and that all your projects are progressing well.

No more yarn ???

2006-03-20T19:24:00.000-05:00

Could I really do it?

Has anyone ever had that one moment when you say " I am not buying anymore yarn this year!"
Well I have had that thought running through my head over and over again. Don't panic I am absolutely not giving up knitting.. that would be physically impossible but I have really been thinking about a life budget, and that would mean a yarn spend down...downsizing the stash.
Don't call Bellevue and Nan... don't panic, there will be no worries of me raiding your stash while at the house... Let me explain my train of thought.

At work yesterday I became interested in a new release called Not Buying It by Judith Levine. It is a quasi-autiobiography of this couple who decide to voluntarily simplify their lives by not spending money on anything non essential for a year. No movies, no dinners and no mascara. Everything was brown bagged or home made, and only those vital items where bought. The couple was heavily in debt and they were constantly fighting about money. This gave them the time to regroup, communicate with eachother and friends they barely saw. They took long walks, utilized the parks more, free days at museums and all those great and free events in the city. They paid off their credit cards and even lost a few pounds by avoiding the donut cart and chocolate at the drug store. They have some advantages of course of two homes and no kids to spend on but they realized that they were just spending way too much on stuff they did not need.

But I need the yarn ... right?

I spent over $250.00 less than one week on yarn two months ago and I haven't touched it yet.
I use a large gift certificate for some gorgeous Lambs Pride wool and I have yet to start that sweater.
I then went to another store and spent almost another $50 bucks on some Debbie Bliss which is sitting on my knitting cube still. This doesn't include the sock yarn in bags and the new storage bin that I bought at the Container Store because the knitting cube is full.

So what I have decided is this. I have been thinking about getting my own home, I earn enough to put myself in debt with a mortage and all the repairs. I have to realize that I don't need so much junk, and my mom needs to understand that I don't need a new dish rack just because she likes hers better. I have to downsize my spending now.

Of course then there is ICELAND. I will be traveling to the fair isle in three weeks, and they are known for their yarn and wool and yarn and wool. So with the money I have put aside for my vacation and extra spending money I will be stocking up on some wool goodies.

So....I am promising myself to use up at least 75% of the yarn that I have in stash for my projects this year. I have to do this. If not for my future home but for my sanity in knowing that I have some will power. If not over the Haagen Daas then over the Lornas Laces.

This will be hard, almost like putting a carb-aholic person in a Krispy Kreme store alone for a day and telling them not to nibble on a glazed donut.

MY NAME IS MARIBEL AND I AM A CARBO-AHOLIC

MY NAME IS MARIBEL AND I AM A YARN -AHOLIC.

A Frankenstein moment

2006-03-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

Instead of posting all the pictures of my weekend in D.C., I realized that I hadn't had much on the knitting tip lately. I have only a few weeks to finish the Boy Rad Doll from Knitted Toys.

Last year I completed the Girl Rad Doll from the same book as a gift for beautiful baby girl in Florida, and this year I am completing the Boy Rag Doll for a beautiful baby girl in Iceland. Its great to know that my rag dolls are going international.

So this weekend despite being in D.C. I was able to get some knitting done. I can't knit on buses, I get motion sickness but on Saturday night while watching television at my friend Donnell's apartment I was able to finish up the arms for the doll. I have now the pleasure of putting the body together today and starting the clothes. My biggest concern right now is the hair and making sure it doesn't come out. Don't want the dolly going to the Hair Club in Iceland in a couple of years.

I learned how to link today, Nan gave me the breakdown on how to do this. As simple as it was I am not the best at things like this, so she had to walk me through it. So no more ugly links on my blog.

Oh beautiful ...

2006-03-12T21:13:00.000-05:00

This past weekend in celebration of my 37th birthday, I took a weekend trip to our nations capital ... Washhington D.C. I have a great friend who lives right outside of D.C. in Arlington and he was willing to deal with me all weekend. I took the notorious Chinatown Bus Line and had a great time. The weather was amazing and my friend Donnell spoiled me rotten. I made him take me to the National Mall and we went to the Smithsonian to see the Celia Cruz exhibit and just to take a nice long walk.

I wont get into a blogging moment about our nations politics and how things are or should be. I did take a few pictures around town. No matter how things are at the moment, I love the architecture of the buildings, and I am an eternally optimistic about their meaning and what we still could be.

( but I would highly recommend that they clean out the reflecting pool soon... smelly and the ducks will need healthcare soon)

And being a tried and true New Yorker, I was shocked that there was no eating on the Metro or the lights that alert you to the trains coming. There transit systems is great and its still in its infancy.

I was going to take out my needles at the Lincoln Memorial but I was concerned with being stopped.... and I don't think that dear ol Abe needed socks anyway.

And as for the "doll" mentioned in my last post ... all I have to say is "WHAT DOLL ? YO NO VEO NINGUNA MUNECA !!! "

A MILLION THANKS

2006-03-09T23:24:00.000-05:00

I want to thank everyone for all their birthday wishes. Today was a very good day.

When I arrived at work today, I had this amazing package from the Hershey Gods. Nancy had this tower package sent to me. It has so much chocolate and cookies that I will be visiting Jenny Craig and Lucille Roberts soon.
It came with a one pound solid chocolate cake with my name on it. My staff was trying to sneak it from my office all day. Thank God it is good for six months

I have been wanting to go to Serendipity 3 for dinner for the longest time.
So finally Mark.. the dearest man in my life and a fantastic friend ( ladies he is single ) took me to dinner there finally. We have this new restaurant tradition for our birthdays.

The desserts were amazing and of course I had their famous frozen hot chocolate. Mark had the will and determination to start his hot fudge sundae but it conquered him.

I enjoyed the frozen hot chocolate and my burger was great !

And who am I to let great ice cream go to waste. Mark enjoyed taking this picture of me --------->

And I almost got away without having the embarassing 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' sing-a-long. Since I had embarassed Mark at his birthday dinner in December he was determined to embarass me.

So while I was on line at the new Container Store on Lexington Avenue buying a holder for my monster stash, he proceeded to tell the cashier that it was my birthday. And they all broke out into song. All the cashiers at the container store, all 8 of them started to sing. And Mark was in his glory. He was jumping and laughing like he had just won lotto.

Its okay... its all love ... much love.

And I promise ..knitting pics soon to follow.

I haven't aged a bit !

2006-03-07T17:43:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME .... 37 years and still counting and I haven't aged a bit.

In realizing that I was getting nearer to my birthday I decided late last night that I was going to put a picture of me and my beautiful mami on this blog... the one I have of my first birthday party.
And of course with pictures of my mami .. there have to be pictures of my handsome brothers.

I am the youngest and the only girl. Yes there were times when I was spoiled but most of all I felt protected and loved. I had my own personal bodyguards and to this day I know that they would protect me where ever and forever.

This lady is Lolita ... My beautiful mami ...and she is still the amazing and gorgeous.

This handsome man is Junior and eventhough he is no longer with us ... I know he watches over me everywhere I go.
This smiling man is Al, always constant in my life and I am so happy he is healthier every day.

This sailor is Abraham. He lives in Orlando but always just a phone call away if I need him.

And then there is Radames, always such a innocent soul who loves everyone.

All their love and protection and strength have been a constant in my life, and helped me become the woman that I have become.

I have been truly blessed !

Every girl should have had such a lucky life to grow up with four handsome brothers and a beautiful mami.

Te quiero mami.. Gracias por ser mi mama y por dar me vida !!!

Crazy for Cashmerino

2006-03-06T21:41:00.000-05:00

I have raided the stash.

Recently I have had a little self control problem. I went yarn crazy. Crazy I say. All for the love Cashmerino. With some great yarn and craft stores closing I stocked up, I bought enough yarn to complete some projects over the next few months. Some of the goodies I got was several skeins of Debbie Bliss's Baby Cashmerino in many colors and last night I finally swatched for a gorgeous cardigan in this fantastic baby knits book by Debbie Bliss.

It will be in a soft lavender and the baby girl isn't here for another two months so I have to get a knitting.

I must wish Angelia of http://angeliasknitting.blogspot.com the best on her birthday tomorrow.

Thank you for making my entry into the world of blogging an absolute pleasure.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY... LOTS OF LOVE, JOY AND HAPPINESS !!!!

Who said I don't need any more knitting books !

2006-03-04T11:24:00.000-05:00

One of the perks of working for the company I do ( http://www.bn.com) is the discount and the free books. I am not going to lie, it makes it hard to walk by all the new great books, especially all those new knitting titles that are rolling in to my store. But I have some self control, just a little and I walk away and just look and drool. But every once in awhile I break down and buy one or two. This is my recent purchase, a felted knitting purse book. I am not a fancy girl who likes small little cute bags or those under the armpits girlie bags. My bag needs to have space for a few things including my knitting. This has a great pattern for a satchel bag with a great shape that I will be making for myself.

But the one thing that I will never understand is the colors that some of these designers pick for there bags. There is no way in hell that I will be carrying a fuzzy pink handbag, not unless it was given to me by a GORGEOUS man with an engagement ring inside, and even then I would have to question how well he really knows me.

I had a great dinner at Rosa Mexicano on Friday night with Minnie and Pat. Their food is great and they make the guacamole right in front of you, and all I did was spice it up a little. We then end up at the Pig n Whistle. This midtown bar with some other co-workers for a few drinks. It was perfect way to end the long day with some friends I haven't seen in awhile, and of course catching up on all the company gossip, and who doesn't like that.

Have a great weekend everyone... Happy Knitting !!!

Have snow ... will cable !

2006-03-02T21:53:00.000-05:00

Picture this ... Your day off, snowing outside, a big cup of coffee, Montgomery Clift on t.v. and your knitting. Perfect day off right, well except when you have to leave your warm apartment to head to a cabling class all the way downtown. But its paid for and you have to go.

Here is my end result... Look ma im cabling.

Now I did learn the basics of cabling from Nancy but this gave me a good hand and some tips. The class was full and I must say that I was very good at it.

Now I want to cable something soon, and of course I will share with you all.

Puerto Rico .. Here they come !

2006-03-02T13:49:00.000-05:00

Yep I have proof... I finished them. It wasn't easy but they are done and ready to board a plane for the Isla del Encanto, mi Boriquen Hermosa... Puerto Rico.

The socks for Minnie's mami are done and I will be giving them to her tomorrow over dinner. Minnie and her siblings are going to Puerto Rico to celebrate their mothers' birthday. So we are going to dinner at a Rosa Mexicana here in the city as an early birthday dinner for me. Minnie and I like trying out new restaurants in the city, and I have been dying to go there.
I hope that her mom likes them and will wear them in good health for a long time.
Currently on my needles is a Lorna Laces bulky scarf. I had a hell of a time finding a pattern for this yarn. Its variated and bulky, so it had to be a simple pattern. I found a diagonial pattern in the Lion Brand - Just Scarves book. I like the way it looks and I want it long enough to wrap around a few times.
And since I don't have the time this weekend to go to Nancy's house to use her ball winder, I have to carefully ball up this hank tonight. I surely can knot up some warn rushing the balling up process. I think I might have to get a yarn winder soon, but then again I like going to Nancy's house and bothering her to do it....LOL Hey what are best friends for....

Tuesday's Meme

2006-02-28T21:52:00.000-05:00

Well I got tagged, I can't remember the last time I played tag but here it goes. I was tagged by Angelia today.

Here are the ten songs that popped up on my Ipod when I did the shuffle function. 2130 plus songs and these are the ones that come up .. go figure

Here goes nothing:

Rapture - Blondie
The night is still young - Billy Joel
Pastime Paradise - Stevie Wonder
Middle of the Road - The Pretenders
Monkey - George Michael
Tu Amor Me Hace Bien - Marc Anthony
Edge of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks
Live Wire - Motley Crue
Calle Luna, Calle Sol - Hector LaVoe
All I wanna do is make love to you - Heart

Well off I go to work on my scarf and I did finish the socks. Pictures will be posted very soon.

Congrats to my best friend and her GOLD MEDAL. Next Olympics ... Spring Board Diving.

Titi ... what ya doing ?

2006-02-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

On Sunday morning I got beckoned to my mami's apartment.

My brother would have babysitting duty of his 2 and half year old granddaughter Nyrie. She is beautiful but a handful. Since I don't get to see her as often as I use to, I have to find ways to con her into coming to me or even letting me hold her. She loves her grandpa and she spent the first 20 mins hiding behind him until I pulled out the cheetos. Nyrie is a talking machine now and has a question for everything. So while I was cooking ( did I mention my mami is out of town and my brother hates cooking) I pulled out my yarn and started to work on my scarf. I got two great skeins of Lorna's Laces bulky at the Point last week on sale last week. It is a mix of the best colors of chocolate, grey and a dark yellow. I LOVE IT.

But Nyrie loves playing with my yarn and taking it for a spin on the living room floor. She has a fondness for my Clover Flexi needles too! She thinks they were pencils and wanted to color with them.
Titi ... what are you doing? I'm Knitting ... What's that? ... Its yarn Nyrie... oh Yarn...
Titi ... what are you doing? I'm Knitting ... What's that? ... Its yarn Nyrie... oh Yarn...
Titi ... what are you doing?
So this went on for about 5 minutes.

I was more than willing to sacrifce the two feet of scarf ( and I wasn't crazy about the pattern) to have Nyrie spend some time with me .. her Titi.

For the love of knitting

2006-02-25T11:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Weekend to all my new friends !

I have a love for knitting socks, I am still on the learning curve, the right yarn, the right gauge and different techniques - but I enjoy them so much. I did make about six pair of bulky socks for holiday gifts for some friends and I made a pair of stripped ones for a co-worker Anita who feeds my knitting obsession by taping Knitty Gritty for me ( I don't get the DIY network). If you are still seeking help with turning that heel, there is an episode of Knitty Gritty that did socks alone, and I followed it step by step.

So recently I started a pair of socks for the mother of one of the best friends any girl could have ...Minnie opps..Minerva to the rest of the world. She saw the pair that I made for my mami and she asked me to make a pair for her mami in Puerto Rico. Of course I would make them, her mom is amazing and I would love her to have a pair of hand knit socks made by me. So Minnie picked the yarn from the Knit Picks catalog and I ordered it and casted on the same day the yarn arrived - hey they have to be done by the 3rd of Feb before her trip to the motherland but

I HATE THE YARN !

Well maybe not hate but I dislike it so much. It's a sock yarn with elastic, and I didn't realize it had elastic before ordering it, and its driving me crazy. It has a elastic pull to it so when you are knitting it stretches and when you are going dpn to dpn it creates a gap, so you have to tug at it to keep it seamless. So I am rushing through these socks as fast as I can. Knitting on the train to and from work, before my shift and during my break. Of course they will be a perfect as possible, but I can honestly say I will NEVER EVER use that yarn again.

Here is how they look so far, and I am about to start the heel flap on the second sock, so I will be knitting all weekend to finish them. The first one does look good and I am happy with my patience level in knitting them up.

And to everyone finishing up before the Knitting Olympics are over tomorrow CONGRATULATIONS on a great effort and wonderful team spirit.

Who needs Fed Ex !

2006-02-23T22:23:00.000-05:00

Today after a long day at work, I went to my knitting class at Seaport Yarn with Nan. It was the last one, and I will be going to the intermediate classes starting next week ( cables, instaria, fair isle and lace) . Nancy is a pro already... the bi**h... but anyway. I came home to find a Fed Ex slip on the floor in front of my mailbox. This is the package that was supposed to be delivered in 6-9 days.

I needed a new 20 inch television for my bedroom, nothing too fancy and affordable. I don't watch much t.v. in my bedroom but you know those days when you just do not want to get out of bed or can't fall asleep. I went to Circuit City with my brother yesterday and got this for a good deal and free delivery. Did I ever mention that I live in a walk up .... FIFTH FLOOR. Deliverymen are my heroes. But this one came the next day, I wasn't home and he left it with my first floor super.
So I could:

Leave it there and wait for my future husband to carry it upstairs for me ...NOT
Go down to my supers apt when I can't sleep and watch a little tv
Throw some rope out the window and haul it up the outside of the building or
Carry it up myself.

Thats what I did.. step by step and stair by stair but I did it. Its already in use ! There have been many a bookcase and computer bought up these stairs in ten years but I usually had help.

So needless to say .. no knitting tonight, no writing in my knitting journal. It has become an two advil kind of night.

Thank God for Advil !!!

Oh my gosh...it's a shrug !!!

2006-02-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

So here she is. Miss BN 2006 ! No really this is one of my fantastic booksellers Jennifer. She asked me if I could make her a shrug. So I showed her the one from the most recent cover of KNIT IT. She wanted the heavy thick and quick yarn, and the goldenrod color, she is is very much into earth tones.

I have read that many are having problems with this shrug. I don't know if it's a conversion issue or a gauge problem, but I had no problems except my laziness in finishing it. I finished it right on time too, it was freezing this weekend and Jennifer wore it at work telling everyone that I made it for her but then she was scared that it would get snagged. I had no problem in seaming it considering that Nan and I have been taking a series of classes at Seaport Yarns http://seaportyarn.com one of which seamless simple seaming and putting your garment together.

I hope that eveyone else completes their shrugs without too many headaches, or too much frogging.

Smooches !

Didn't I tell you they would make fun of me !!

2006-02-19T19:36:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone !

I had an early shift at my store, and I had a surprise waiting for me on my office door, but I didn't notice it at all until my head cashier Stephanie showed it to me.

Over the past few years depending on my shift at work I sometimes get to work anywhere from 15-30 minutes early. Hey its quality knitting time. My Ipod, coffee and my yarn. My booksellers know not to bother me until my shift begins. Leave Maribel alone ... "she's knitting !"

<----- This is Stephanie, one of my head cashiers and one of the booksellers who have taken up the pointy sticks because of me. She is currently working on a Vogue Knitting Pattern - a cute bag for her mom. Everyone at work thinks I am starting a cult, there are now about five knitters at my store because of me. Bookselling is stressful! So last night while on her dinner break, someone said that she was morphing into me. She has my needles (size 17's) reading the same book I recently finished - The Fiery Cross ( love love love the Outlander Series ) and she had her gladwear for lunch. So they got her a pair of glasses, a cup of coffee and some water and she put her earphones on to mimic my ipod earphones.
WHERE IS THE LOVE??? Everyone was cracking up, they thought it was me ... but I'm chubbier and I have curly short hair. I'm I upset that they see me as this crazy manager who knits all the time and spends too much time with her needles, or the manager who runs the knitting group, or someone who is way too obsessed with her yarn. NO.. im not upset, it's all so true. But there is one thing I know for sure. I am the one who has taught them something so special and pure. The love of knitting and that there is nothing wrong with fondling a skein of merino wool in public.

This post was supposed to be about the shrug I finished... but this was so much more important to share. I promise tomorrow all the pics !

It's my blog ...and I will bring you to your knees if I want to !!

2006-02-18T23:34:00.000-05:00

Okay so this entry has nothing and I will say it again nothing to do with knitting or any fiber craft.
After work today I had plans with one of my best friends. In this blog you will get to know that I have some of the best friends in the world. Some local and one in Lakeland, Florida :-)

Today was dinner with Mark .. the poet in my life. I have known Mark for over 14 years and he has been a rock in my life in so many ways. So it was dinner at a Peruvian place and a movie.
It was freezing today, and the wind was whippin' my butt like I was a naughty girl.
So on the way to the movie, we stopped at Radio Shack. You see Mark needs perfect sound and enough bass to move an elephant.
We walked by this window of a massage place with this horrible video in the window of someone getting a massage. Some people should not be wearing pink and purple latex in high definition on First Avenue.
I mentioned to him that I had a full body massage about two weeks ago. I wonderful birthday gift from Nan last year ( she knows me so well).

He asked in a shocked voice " you let someone put their hands all over you". I said yeah and dammit someone should put their hands on me! ... DID I MENTION I AM SINGLE !!!

Mark .. my friend my poetic hero fell to his knees !!! Everyone at Radio Shack started to laugh.
I had him on his knees ... go figure at Radio Shack. But all this because he was shocked that I would say that to him.

After all these years he was shock and surprised..but thats one of the reasons I love him so....

Smooches

The cube spilleth

2006-02-15T22:35:00.000-05:00

Everyone has heard the story of why I named this blog "the knitting cube". It helps me hide a lot of the stash that I have been spending my money on lately in some of the great stores in Westchester County. One of the hardest things to do was to go to Goldman's Yarns in Hartsdale to stock up knowing that they are closing their doors after 60+ years. They are finally retiring and boy do they do deserve it. I have bought enough to get through some projects for a few babies and some kitchen stuff for my mami.

The cube spilleth over ....

And what you all don't know is that I have a lot more. I know I am not the only one- come on we all are yarn addicted. Has everyone heard the stash horror story on Brenda Dayne's Cast On Podcast this week, it is hilarious.

But what about the projects on my needles. I am not officially doing the Knitting Olympics, I didn't sign up in time and I was somewhat daunted on what to complete. I had just finished knitting a hat and 70 inch scarf in three days for one of my favorite managers (and I sprained my finger) and I had started a shrug and this rag doll was the the brain.

So I have started the doll and the shrug is almost there, and a new scarf will be started tomorrow. So where does this leave me .

NO MEDALS FOR ME :-(

But I have decided to take the knitting journal that I bought last year and write down as many projects that I can remember, the yarn used and to whom I gave it to. Keep a record for my future and to see how far I have come.
So maybe I will just get an honorable mention.

Keep the pointy sticks moving.