AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/27/2004 09:46:12 PM
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BODY:
blah blah test
 
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/25/2004 06:25:32 PM
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BODY:
<span style="font-weight: bold;">moving day</span>
 
 I've moved my blog to typepad. I've decided not to make a big deal of it, so the new site will be evolving over time rather than being kicked off in a complete state today. But I will start posting there - and stop posting here - as of today. The new site will still include the insights, the wit, the charm, the pictures of squares. Thank you for visiting, and please change your bookmarks and links to:
 
<a href="www.larissmix.typepad.com/stitch_marker/"> www.larissmix.typepad.com/stitch_marker/</a>
 
 I have a new button you can take from there, too, but blogger isn't letting me upload it.  Sorry blogger, but no need to get passive aggressive at this late date.  Jeez.
 
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/25/2004 11:38:21 AM
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BODY:
 
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/24/2004 09:51:45 PM
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BODY:
<span style="font-weight: bold;">ice sixteen *</span>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squares8.jpg" />
 
 It was so hot today, freakishly hot for Portland. We broke a heat record with 103 degrees at 2:47 this afternoon.  I made an icy blue square. My 16th one. Not much to be learned about knitting from these squares, just fun.  Sorry for the lack of educational value, but my brain is a pool of molten stuff today.
 
 * Ice sixteen refers to <a href="http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/content.asp?Bnum=415">ice nine</a>,  a fictional and incredibly powerful form of crystalline water from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/038533348X/qid=1090731637/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/104-2998202-6101516?v=glance&s=books&amp;n=507846">this wonderful book</a>.
 
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/21/2004 11:42:56 AM
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BODY:
<span style="font-weight: bold;">circling their wagons, eating their young</span>
 
 1. The <a href="http://scrubberbum.typepad.com/moth_heaven">lacealong</a>.  Here's my gibson girl sleeve in koigu. The pattern is from the <a href="http://www.interweave.com/knit/interweave_knits/back_issues/SU_04.asp">Summer IK</a>.
 
 <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/gibson2.jpg" />
 
 The whitish line at the top is not a mistake (though that's easily possible; this is my first lace). That's my life line.  Yay.
 
 <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/gibson3.jpg" />

2. Cotton Socks.
 
Following the pattern for basic socks from the Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook gave me a loose, frilly cuff that looked like a creamsicle, which I instantly hated. But I knitted on anyway, in blind denial/determination. Then I made my first hourglass heel, which yielded <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">holes</span> lace.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sock1.jpg" />

It got better. I frogged and started over with a regular cast-on and 2x2 rib, and with a very tightly knit heel. By the time Captain Janeway had retaken the ship, I had new sock beginnings. Aaah.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sock2.jpg" />

3. The scrapalong.

My (s)crappy sweater is going to be frogged like <a href="http://afistfulofstitches.typepad.com/a_fistful_of_stitches/2004/07/avant_la_grenou.html">Exy</a>'s.  I have a new idea for a better shape, but I just can't face the math in this heat. On the bright side, little bits of my yarn will live on in Erica's <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/smiling_tiger/2004/07/scrappy_is_livi.html">amazing scrap cardi</a>.

4. Yard.

Not knitting, but knitting-related in that it's my new place <span style="font-style: italic;">to knit</span>.  Only 4 years in the making! The concrete table is one heavy mama. The two big Russian guys who delivered it <span style="font-style: italic;">used the handtruck</span>.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/yard1.jpg" />

(Next up on the household front, getting our sad little car back. It's going to take 20 more days and $5,400.)

5. Angel.

Even though I'm down on designing, I ordered some Lorna's Laces Angel for another idea I have. Amidst the throes of moving, <a href="http://threadbearfiberarts.com/">Threadbear</a> sent these in 2 days, and the shipping was 60 cents. Wow.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/angel.jpg" />

6. Finally, lest you think I'm not knitting or blogging enough (ha).

<a href="http://larissmix.typepad.com/cozy_of_the_week/">Cozy of the Week</a>
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/20/2004 12:24:31 AM
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BODY:
<span style="font-weight: bold;">angel tart</span>  
 <span style="font-style: italic;">
 free pattern, please distribute!</span>  

 My friend Kim &amp; I designed this little seed-shaped bag to try out two beautiful, luxurious yarns. It's reversible, it's fun, and it's free! Download it as a pdf file (using <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html">Adobe Acrobat Reader</a>) by clicking the name or photo:
 
<a href="http://larissabrown.net/blog/angeltartpattern.pdf"> angel tart pattern</a>
 
<a href="http://larissabrown.net/blog/angeltartpattern.pdf"> <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/tartsidepebble.jpg" /> </a>
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/19/2004 02:22:14 PM
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BODY:
<span style="font-weight: bold;">approaching more</span>
 
 For a brief time I thought I'd stick with my 2 major projects. But then I rewarded myself like a little puppy. I did a very hard 180-degree turn on my bike, going down a ramp at the park. It's hard to describe how utterly impossible this would have been for me just a month ago. So to celebrate my incredible improvement, I went <a href="http://www.lintinc.com">here</a> and bought some of <a href="http://www.wollfactory.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.wollfactory.de/50013794ae0f36801/50013794af14ac201/50013794b00841101.html">this</a> in #803.
 
 I'm using a basic sock pattern from the Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook, and I just learned how to do an hourglass heel. I really like this heel. First of all, it's actually heel-shaped. Secondly, it eradicates the need to pick up sttiches, one of the most dreaded acts in knitting, IMHO.
 
 I'm feeling kind of blue about designing knitted objects. My friend Kim &amp; I designed a tiny seed-shaped, reversible bag to submit for the summer knitty, and after deliberating about it as a summer surprise Amy finally turned it down. Also, I knit a prototype of a really wonderful project (I mean, this is a seriously good design, even I think so) to Deb Stoller. I knit it as per her request, and on a deadline she provided me, and now she doesn't write back to me anymore. I have worked with editors in other fields (I have a business book on the market) and I've never had this happen before, where an editor was engaged with you and then just disappears from your life. I think I am going to just self-publish any patterns from now on. I'll start with the one that was for knitty, and I'll post it here when I get home.
 
 As for the prototype for SnBII, I'm not sure yet how to proceed. Maybe I'll offer it for sale as a downloadable .pdf. I'll give you a sneak peek and reveal that it is felted. Mmmm, felt-y.
 
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/peek1.jpg" />
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/15/2004 09:50:36 AM
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BODY:
<strong>life lessons</strong>

Yesterday's square got to ride on the Tri-Met bus and then wait around at Enterprise and drive home in a Dodge Neon.  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squarebus.jpg" />

Yesterday's square learned some important lessons:

1. The bus has become a rolling social-service-substitute. Every person, regardless of how normal they look, will begin muttering and cursing and talking to themselves within 2 minutes of the bus pulling away from the curb.  This may or may not include the bus driver.

2. People don't respect the bus. They leave half-eaten pop tarts right on the seat.

3. The credit card <em>never actually covers</em> the insurance on a rental vehicle.
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/14/2004 10:09:25 AM
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BODY:
<strong>don't you wish?</strong>

Don't you wish your knitting could do your work for you?  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squares7.jpg" />

Here are my squares trying to write a grant.  It's sweet of them, but they have no idea what they're doing.
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/13/2004 11:48:14 AM
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BODY:
<strong>like strange flowers</strong>

Another beautiful <a href="http://www.burnt-orange.org/weblog/archive/post.php?id=31">psychedelic squares afghan</a>, and a hauntingly lovely thought about the apocalypse & acrylic yarn.
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/12/2004 11:06:46 AM
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BODY:
<strong>inspected by 47</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/rimsky.jpg" />

That's my friend Kim's cat, Rimsky, who is huge, like 22 pounds, but not at all fat. Just a great big gorgeous cat. He loves knitted things. What a wonderful guy.

It's nice to have something nice in your life, like Rimsky, when there's so much crappiness out there. Yesterday some vandals bashed in our entire car - all windows and lights broken, mirrors torn off, soft top dented, bootmarks all over the whole body where they walked on it, and the lock on the trunk busted. They did not steal the car blanket I made though. That's nice, I guess.  Blah.

p.s. KIM, put your cursor on the picture and right click, then click Save Image As. :-)
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/10/2004 11:17:16 PM
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BODY:
<strong>lum</strong>

When I was in college, and living in London, my friends and I would play this game called fictionary, using just a dictionary and pencils & paper. We'd choose a word that none of us knew, and then each write fake definitions that sounded real. You got points for fooling people into thinking your definition was the real one. 

Lum was one of our favorite words. The real definition is a chimney. My friend Laura's definition - that lots of people actually voted for - was "a pack of lemmings, while traveling."

The fact that I'm knitting a summery poncho somehow reminds me of this word. We're lum. We're all lum. And if you all jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, yes, I suppose I would too.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/mistral3.jpg" />
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/7/2004 10:00:46 AM
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BODY:
<strong>big daddy square</strong>

Believe me when I tell you this is a really big square.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/bigsquare1.jpg" />

How big?  Here it is with one of my normal 8" squares.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squarestogether.jpg" />

Why and how? In a fit of inspiration and generosity, which as usual came too late and while I have too much going on, I've decided to make an <em>additional</em> psychedelic squares afghan so I can give one to my friend who's moving into a new home in Seattle on September 1st. So it has to be fast. The squares have to be huge so that the whole blanket will take only 12 or 16 of them. Lion Wool-Ease Thick & Quick and size 19 needles do the trick!

Scrapalong news: <a href="http://www.rose-kim.com/rose%2Dkimknits/">Jessica</a> has a gorgeous finished raglan pullover. It looks highly organized and color coordinated compared to my scrap raglan. And <a href="http://www.christinesflowers.com/blog/">Christine</a> has some great progress (hers looks a LOT like mine). I think you've both inspired me to work on my scrappy tonight instead of these crazy squares. Nice job!
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/6/2004 01:15:29 PM
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BODY:
<strong>how many ways are there to photograph a square?</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squares6.jpg" />

Soon I'll have to start taking the squares out, to cafes, the symphony, maybe even <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">theme parks (see July 2nd post)</a>.

In other news, <a href="http://larissmix.typepad.com/cozy_of_the_week/">Cozy of the Week</a> is up (given a day off for our bank holiday, related to the national holiday in which we celebrate "independence" by blowing shit up and <a href="http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/news/newsbody.asp?article_id=186">scaring the wits out of poor little dogs and cats</a>).
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/4/2004 01:48:50 PM
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BODY:
<strong>the weight of a square</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squares5.jpg" />

There was a question in the comments about whether this blanket is going to weigh alot. Hmmm. I hadn't thought about it at all, I just really liked the cotton classic - the stitches, as seen above in today's square, look really, well, nice.  So I weighed some squares (which are, it turns out, a bit less than 1 oz. each), and I did a calculation based on a 100-square afghan.  My calculations yield a blanket of exactly 5 pounds, or nearly 2.5 kilograms. I could sleep soundly under such a blanket. If I were to wash it, though, it would be a different story. When wet, I might not be able to lift it over my head.

These calculations also indicate I'm going to need 80 oz. - or something like 47 skeins - of cotton classic (at 50 grams per skein, which is equal to 1.7 oz.). At an average of $5 per skein this is not something I'm going to dwell on, or discuss with my husband.
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/3/2004 03:10:11 PM
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BODY:
<strong>blackjack</strong>

This

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/blackjack.jpg" />

reminds me of this

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/blackjackgum.jpg" />

I guess this qualifies yesterday's square for the psychedelic afghan as one of my <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/candy_along/">candy along</a> projects. Only about 96 more squares to go!

Speaking of knitalongs, the scrapalong is moving ahead with a delicious striped "technicolor dream bag" by <a href="http://carrie.prettyposies.com/">Carrie</a> (June 29) and progress on gorgeous sweaters by <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/smiling_tiger/2004/07/scrappy_continu.html">Erica</a>,and <a href="http://www.rose-kim.com/rose%2Dkimknits/">Jessica</a>. <a href="http://knitti-me.blogspot.com/">Marie</a> finished <em>two</em> scrap projects already. Must. Knit. Scraps.
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 7/2/2004 11:33:48 AM
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BODY:
<strong>old problems, new beginnings</strong>

OK, so here is morticia <em>so close</em> to being finished. 

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/morticiabody.jpg" />

And here is the damn neckline. I've ripped it once and am reticent to work on it again as it stretches every time I touch it. I have 4 different types/sections of bound off stitches (front and back) and decrease areas (over both shoulders). My ideas - bad and maybe okay - have ranged from knitting a separate collar to attach over this mess, to folding it down inside and stitching in place, to just wearing it like it is as a sort of matrix-y thing. I have no idea how to finish this. Any and all suggestions, pointers, links are welcome!

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/morticianeck1.jpg" />  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/morticianeck2.jpg" />

I've also decided that I want, and need, to focus on fewer projects at a time. I have to enjoy my knitting more and not make it such a race to the finish line. And I have to devote significant time to art over the next several months. SO, I've chosen just TWO projects that I'm going to concentrate on for the rest of the year (after I've finished up the lingering ones, of course).

One is really complicated and luxurious, and I can only work on it alone and in quiet moods. That one is the Gibson Girl pullover from IK, which is my entry in the Lacealong.  The second I can do at parties, on buses, etc, and it's fun and offers a lot of color work. That one is the psychedelic squares afghan, which I'm making in tons of colors that match my house - namely greens, grays, and reds.

Here's a bit of both:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/gibson1.jpg" />

This is the koigu KPPPM for Gibson Girl.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squares1.jpg" />

And here are my first squares!
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/28/2004 10:11:35 AM
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BODY:
<strong>fo</strong>

Finally something finished, however small. I was beginning to feel like all I could do was start stuff.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/milscarf2.jpg" />

I actually really like this little thing. It's a multidirectional scarf knit on size 3 needles in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock (the Vera colorway).  It's for my petite mother-in-law, who at 98 pounds was unable to help me weed my garden because her weight was insufficient to leverage the roots out. My MIL who has to share a sandwich with my FIL, because even the daintiest sandwich is too big. You get the idea that she is physically so different from me that I can barely comprehend it. So this tiny, delicate scarf will be great for her. :-) And it was great practice for me on short rows and shaping, and a fun swatch for my first try at Lorna's Laces yarns.

<a href="http://crowingram.threadbearfiberarts.com/images/multi-directional-scarf.pdf">Here</a> is a pdf to the pattern, and <a href="http://purlgirl.blogspot.com/">here (in her 2/25 post)</a> is an alternative way of finishing the scarf, thanks to purl girl. Then there's <a href="http://larissmix.typepad.com/photos/finished_things/">this link</a> to my new gallery of finished things! I really love the typepad galleries, and I finally made mine.

BTW, Monday is <a href="http://larissmix.typepad.com/cozy_of_the_week/">Cozy of the Week</a> day!
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/26/2004 11:59:31 PM
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BODY:
<strong>knitting porn</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/knittingporn.jpg" />

I was even going to gauze it up with photoshop, but then I realized that with knitting porn - unlike, I'd imagine, with sex porn - detail <em>enhances</em> desire.
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/24/2004 06:02:38 PM
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BODY:
<strong>i am applying myself</strong>

To the seaming of morticia. 

I've already ripped three shoulder seams out. Give me strength. This site called <a href="http://helloknitty.com">helloknitty</a>, which I've never seen before, has been helpful. <a href="http://www.helloknitty.com/pdfs/Handstitches.pdf">Here</a> (it's a pdf) are the instructions for different kinds of seams. While I was there I also had to buy a pattern for a cute tank top. Had to. Focus schmocus.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/fridatank.jpg" />

UPDATE 7:33 PM:  I did it! I seamed. We have shoulders. We have set-in sleeves. Wow. They're not invisible like <a href="http://www.bolgenlaw.com/blog.htm">Claudia</a>'s (known for her invisible seams) but they are mine and done. I used backstitch to make a nice curved line around the armholes. I don't know why I was hung up on treating these as individual stitches, when what I really needed to do was treat this like fabric and a sewing project. So here they are!  Goodnight.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/morticiaseams2.jpg" />  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/morticiaseams.jpg" />
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/22/2004 01:42:30 PM
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BODY:
<strong>which scenario...</strong>

would you rather be involved in?

A.
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/3314905-M.gif" />

B.
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/tuacashot.jpg" />

Yeah, I tend to like B myself. Scrappy sweater and tuaca, on the way to Kim's house to sit and knit late into the night. And now I vow to not use any more animated or cartoonified things on my knitting blog for at least 6 months. I myself don't even like them.

This week, besides doing some very boring knitting, I visited the new knitting cafe in Portland, called <a href="http://mabelscafe.com/">Mabel's</a>. They are having a grand opening, spinning demos, sale, etc, I think on the 25th & 26th. 

This is an idea I've been into for a while. Kim & I wanted to start a Craft Cafe called "Cozy" but I figured it was just a dream so I'm glad someone did it. I like the eclectic assortment of yarn they have; they mix Red Heart and TLC with gorgeous handspun and other expensive stuff. I like how that presentation says "No yarn is right or wrong" in a very physical way. It opened me up to considering some yarns I otherwise wouldn't have. They also serve quite possibly <a href="http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/">the best coffee on earth</a>.

My first impression of things I'd do differently are better/warmer lighting, and I'd like it to be more, well, cozy. It's kind of light and airy and has only one comfy piece of furniture. Maybe that will change with the fall and winter, and as more people gather there. I'm excited to see how it goes and to visit the grand opening! Maybe I'll see some of you there...
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/20/2004 09:10:27 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>the hundred</strong>

Yesterday I began - with more than a little trepidation - the seaming of morticia. That's what I'm now calling my soft alpaca sweater. Here, to show you why I've made this name change, is the one sleeve I've got seamed. (It's damn hard to take a picture of your own arm, but I guess most of you know that already).

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/morticiasleeve.jpg" />

The reason I'm so scared of seaming is because I'm not all that practiced at it, and I really like this sweater. I designed it, the pieces came out just perfect, it fits, it's fabulous, and I love it. But it is soft, stretchy, and see-through (so that all mistakes and fudges of the finishing process <em>will</em> show). Even on this sleeve, which went swimmingly, you see the seam (just visible along the bottom of my arm). I don't want to mess this baby up. I've considered taking (another) finishing class just for this sweater, but I want it now! So I'm going slowly. One sleeve down.

Beyond morticia...

After a crisis of art, knitting, work, everything--and money--I am moving my studio into a much bigger and much cheaper space whose only drawback is that it's in a basement. But it's in a fantastic neighborhood in a historic Victorian house. I'm going to make a wonderful studio out of it and it has enough space to combine my sculpture work and knitting in one place. I can further blur that line, working on knit designs, columns, <a href=http://larissmix.typepad.com/cozy_of_the_week/>cozy of the week</a>, and book ideas in the same place as <a href="http://larissabrown.net">my art</a>. And we are going to save $215 a month! Other +s: I get to use the kitchen. I get to use the DSL. I get to use the dumpster. And my landlord is one of my best friends, who has a lingerie shop upstairs and who serves champagne on the porch practically every night.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/STUDIO%7E1.jpg" />

So we move in a couple weeks. Two days ago I painted a wall in the new studio (the rest will stay white). Here it is with some <a href="http://elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=ONline+Linie+79+%2D+Evita&Season=&Company=&Cat=ALLY&ProductType=5&OrderBy=&Count=54">online evita yarn</a> for show.  I think from now on I'm going to collect cake plates and only store my yarn in cake plates.  Why not get a head start on being a crazy old lady?

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/studio1.jpg" />

And I've somehow gotten interested in this project <a href="http://www.masondixonknitting.com/">Kay</a> is doing called the <a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/afghans/st_st.htm">Psychedelic Squares Afghan</a>. I made my first square yesterday, and it is truly addicting (like most knitting is, but seriously these squares are fun). Mine is in black Cotton Ease and some old green tahki cotton whose name is long lost.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/square1.jpg" />

(I only got one square done yesterday, because I also did a 47-mile bike ride up into the Blast Zone of Mt. St. Helens with Martin.)

These squares would make a great scrapalong project, for those who are interested but haven't yet jumped into the pool.  Or you could do a gorgeous scrap sweater like <a href="http://www.christinesflowers.com/blog/">Christine</a>, or a yummy blanket like <a href="http://www.sitandknit.com/">Sharlyn</a>, or frothy poncho like <a href="http://knitti-me.blogspot.com">Marie</a>.

Finally, I have joined the lace-along at <a href="http://scrubberbum.typepad.com/moth_heaven">moth heaven</a> and <a href="http://www.kategilbert.com/blog/">needles on fire</a>. I'm doing the Gibson Girl pullover from IK in koigu. There is no one, <em>no one</em> on the face of the earth, who can sell me the koigu I want and accept PayPal for payment. Jeez.  I am now waiting for my yarn account to transfer over into my normal bank account so I can buy with a debit card. So in about 4 days I'll be able to order my lace yarn.  I'm going to focus, people. Just 3 projects at a time. Yeah, right.
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/17/2004 11:30:25 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kyoto, rest in peace</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyotorip.jpg" />

It's over for me and kyoto. I sold the yarn on ebay. All I have left is half a sleeve and a back, ready for ripping. They will make fine dishcloths or afghan squares. Shall we call the kyoto knitalong quits?  It seems so many people have had bittersweet relationships with this pattern, the beauty, the boredom, the shape, the shapelessness. Maybe I'll make the knitalong list a nice place in the well-intentioned section of my archives.

I'm almost done with my soft alpaca sweater. SOOO close. But I'm afraid to seam it up. It's so beautiful, and I just know I'm gonna f* up the neckline. 

In other news, I cast on for the <a href="http://www.rebecca-online.com/archiv/heft_25/bild_6.jpg">Ripped Top from Rebecca 25</a> (on the right) in some <a href="http://larissabrown.net/blog/silkgarden38.jpg">silk garden color 38</a> that I got from an ebay win. Unfortunately, Ripped Top is NOT just a charming glitch in the translation. I have cast on one two three four times for this top.  

The first time I had swatched, changed the gauge, etc. Was knitting the size 34/36". I'm a 36, and I was getting that sneaking, then sinking, feeling like jeez this is looking small for someone like me. I measured. OK, it's a gauge of 4.5 sts/inch (slightly stretched) and they have you cast on 74.  That's 32" around the hem, for a size 36 chick. Not gonna happen. Even far more than slightly stretched. My hips are BIGGER than my chest, baby. And even with this worn up high on the waist there's still a whole lotta slope to deal with. After casting on again and again and hating the way the colors were falling, I've decided to do a fifth cast-on when I have the stamina to face it one more time. Maybe lucky 5's the one. Ripped silk. Ugh.

So long kyoto...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyotoknitalong.jpg">
<span style="color:blue;">blue=finished</span>

<a href=http://gumdrop.typepad.com/knitting/>Allison</a>
Ann
<a href=http://www.aemcdraw.com/>Anne</a>
<a href=http://www.evandra.com/blog/>Becky</a>
<a href=http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=bootsvalentine&keyword=knitting&filter=all>Betsy</a>
Danielle
Gretchen
<a href=http://www.stepintomythimble.com/bloghome.html>Heidi</a>
Jeanne
Jenni
Jerylin
Katie
<a href=http://www.supurlfluous.com/>Laurin</a>
Larissa
<a href=http://jolieani.diaryland.com><span style="color:blue;">Marcela</span></a>
<a href=http://marta4565.blogspot.com/><span style="color:blue;">Marta</span></a>
<a href=http://traceyalicecox.typepad.com/>Tracey</a>
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/16/2004 04:16:05 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>What would I do without <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/smiling_tiger/2004/06/kinda_fun.html">Smiling Tiger</a>?</strong>

Uh, work billable hours?

Here's M & I as cyber portraits, and here's our real picture below for comparison. The real one is kind of old, so our hair is almost exactly like the cyber hair now. I've always wanted a job with a headset (I almost trained to be an aerobics instructor for this sole reason). Now I have one!  And M looks like he's set for a "totally 80s" weekend. Hee hee. 

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/lb2.jpg" />  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/80smartin.jpg" />

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/landmpic2.jpg" />

Knitting content to come later tonight, because there's a lot and I need to take photos...
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/14/2004 11:14:03 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>cozies</strong>

I've launched a new blog that I hope you'll all visit a lot. It's called <a href="http://larissmix.typepad.com/cozy_of_the_week/">cozy of the week</a>, and it marks my first foray into typepad, and, more importantly my move toward writing about knitted art, crocheted art, and stitched art. Please let me know what you think, and if you have any ideas! And please link to the site if you find you like it.

Now will one of you generous, kind geniuses who make buttons help me out with this one? I'd be in your debt.

p.s. We have a fabulous first finish in the Scrapalong -- <a href="http://knitti-me.blogspot.com">Marie's fantastic stole</a> (see her June 13 post). Way to go Marie!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/12/2004 09:57:31 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>little finishes are oh so sweet</strong>

Yesterday I finally finished a test of a substitute for the yarn in <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTbonbon.html">bonbon</a> - the bath puff pattern in knitty. When I first designed this, Gedifra Clou was available cheap on elann. Damn, I should have invested in a bunch of it. A lot of just 8 skeins was going for about $80 on eBay this week! My success as a yarn speculator took a big hit on this one.

In any case, here's the substitution, Crystal Palace Big Net.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/bonbonnet.jpg" />

I worked 24 stitches across, with the Big Net *<em>doubled</em>*, on size 15 needles. The bonbon is a bit more compact this way but has a really nice texture. I like this yarn better than the Clou, and it suds up a lot in comparison. Though I don't work for any of these places, you can get Big Net <a href="http://www.theknittinggarden.com/cp-bignet.htm">here</a>, <a href="http://www.straw.com/cpy/yarns/bignet_card.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.needletrax.com/knittingzone/CP_big_net.htm">here</a>. I hope this helps some more bonbons come into being!

My other little finish was a square for the <a href="http://masondixonknitting.com">afghanalong</a>, using some <a href="http://www.joslynsfiberfarm.com/">gorgeous, baby soft yarn</a> I got from the <a href="http://cyborgoddess.prettyposies.com">GSRP</a> Aran Box.  It's all coming together now...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/prettysquare.jpg" />

So with all this satisfaction afloat, can someone tell me what the *#$@ this is?  I tried to rip out 2 rows of my finished lime tee, so I could lengthen it. And I end up with not one string coming out, with which I'll now knit some more. No, not one. And not two. <em>Three</em> pieces of yarn coming out. HUH?  Let me know if you understand this.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/three.jpg" />
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/10/2004 06:09:20 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>for <a href="http://carrie.prettyposies.com/">carrie</a>, I like the cut of your jib *</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/hiback.jpg" />

* I'm quoting this from a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/038533348X/qid=1086916451/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/104-2998202-6101516?v=glance&s=books&n=507846">a novel by a famous writer</a>, by the way. You might not know that since you're just little. ;-) 
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/9/2004 08:56:34 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>raw cake</strong>

I love these <a href="http://www.knottygirls.com/knitting_drinks.htm">cocktail recipes</a> over at JenLa!  Licorice WIP is hilarious. And I know my friend Kim will LOVE the Pink Purl. 

I have only ever invented one drink, which I call Raw Cake. But maybe I need to give it a knitting name... hmm... any ideas?  It's 1 shot of tuaca and 1 shot (or more to taste) of stoli vanil, shaken together with ice and strained into a martini glass, served with a maraschino cherry in the bottom. If you really like sweet you can do a sugar rim.

On to the woolly stuff. Here's my scraptastic sweater coming along:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/scrap20.jpg" />

And a close up of some of the rows:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/scrap22.jpg" />

After thinking about it for just a second, I'm sure I don't want any cocktail that's related to this beauty. It reminds me of something bad that might happen somewhere between arriving at the dorm party and waking up with the two gay guys on the airbed. (This hasn't happened to me since 1990, I swear).

p.s. Support my nasty habits, if you need random yarn or craft supplies see <a href="http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=larissmix&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50">my auctions</a>.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/8/2004 10:38:54 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>scrap challenged?</strong>

Thinking of joining the Scrapalong, but lacking in scraps?  Check <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31733&item=8110159252">this</a> out!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/4/2004 10:17:14 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>a stunner</strong>

Okay, I was REALLY bored by all that stockinette alpaca. Really. And I've never even had any koigu in my life, ever. It was only fair that I buy Just One Skein. So here's my swatch for the <a href="http://larissabrown.net/blog/gibson.jpg">gibson girl</a> pullover from IK in koigu KPPM "solid" brown. (I mean, come on, I am SO not doing all that knitting for a droopy cotton sweater that grows down to my knees every time I wear it.) 

The camera can't actually capture this yarn. Believe me I took a dozen shots and can't get a single one to show even a fraction of the brilliance of this yarn. The camera is literally stunned.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/gibsonswatch.jpg" />

Now, where can I get my hands on 80 bucks?

p.s. All weekend I'll be stage managing a major opening for a new store owned by one of my very best friends. It's called <a href="http://ohbabyforyou.com">oh baby</a>, and it sells sexy lingerie "and more." (I got to test all the batteries for the more). If you're in Portland, come by 1320 NE Broadway tomorrow or Sunday for a free par-tay and lots of panties.

The Portland paper, The Oregonian, has a columnist Jonathan Nicholas who had this to say: 

Wednesday, June 02, 2004

UNDERCOVER OPERATION

The sensible, cotton-clad wives of Irvington were outraged. All through the neighborhood, phones rang off the hook. What the heck, they wanted to know, were their husbands doing on the mailing list of a neighborhood store selling "dazzling lingerie."

Turns out that "Oh Baby," just opened at 1320 N.E. Broadway, had bought a 10,000-name mailing list that addressed, almost exclusively, the man of the house.

Store founder Laura Fitzpatrick plans to target "women that have a lust for life." And an eye, apparently, for the mailbox. LIONS AND TIGERS, OH, MY.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/3/2004 09:15:11 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>and now for something completely similar</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/soft11.jpg" />

Stockinette goes on forever. How exciting when you finally get to "bind off 2 at beginning of next row." How amazing that you can make the interest in those two little bind offs last for several rows. And what a let down when you realize that their fascination was brief, and that you are still knitting.

In any case, I got the very strong feeling that if I didn't do some significant work on "soft," my alpaca lace sweater from last fall, that it would fade away into unfinished obscurity. I really didn't want that to happen. So despite the sun and the first truly hot days of the year here, I am working on a very warm, very black, alpaca pullover. Here is the body (done in the round, so it's double the amount finished you see here), and here is the lacy edge.  The sleeves were done ages ago, so there's really not that much left. ("There's not that much left. There's not that much left.")

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/soft10.jpg" />  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/soft12.jpg" />

Once finished, I'll post the pattern in case anyone else wants to do a lot of stockinette stitch. I have to say, the indescribable softness of this yarn in this gauge keeps me going. It makes it very tolerable to keep knitting. And in the meantime, I dream of koigu.

Oh, and in between all this stockinette I finished an entire FO that I can't show you because it's a prototype for possible inclusion in SnBII. I don't know how this all works, but I do know this. There are other people with blogs who are included in SnBII, who have received yarn support, and who are finished with their SnB projects and have even already written their patterns. On the other hand, the editor asked me to make a prototype without any commitment. So I bought my own yarn and did all the knitting, have emailed my photos, and haven't heard back. Maybe this is normal. As I said, I really don't know how this works. But I'm hoping for the best. :-)
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 6/1/2004 02:46:09 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>a thousand flamingoes</strong>

They can bring peace into your life just as well as cranes, right?  And they surely inspired this incredible poncho that was knit JUST FOR ME by my friend Kim in gorgeous yarns that are totally my color! I know she used 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Bulky, 1 of Berocco Optik, and some powerfully soft eyelash yarn for around the arms. Here it is at work and play. Click on the stitch-shot for an even closer view. 

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/poncho4.jpg" /> <a href=http://larissabrown.net/blog/ponchobig.jpg><img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/poncho3.jpg" /></a> <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/poncho1.jpg" /> <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/poncho2.jpg" />

I've never received a hand-knitted gift before. It's so wonderful. Thank you Kim!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/31/2004 06:31:24 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>meatheads for sale</strong>

I made a little website for selling <a href="http://www.larissabrown.net/meatheads.html">knitting kits, patterns, and complete knitted meathead hats</a>. Let me know what you think! I'd love to get these out in the world. They enjoyed their month at the gallery and now they're back in my studio hiding their light.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/30/2004 04:11:44 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>a little lime</strong>

Larissa H sent me these photos of her delicious lime purse-with a fabulous lining-for the Cotton Along.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/purse3.jpg" />  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/purse4.jpg" />

She writes that the handles are temporary until she finds some she really likes. And this is her first finished project since she started knitting ("... er, a whopping 4 months ago") that she is keeping for HERSELF. Way to go Larissa!  Enjoy sipping a glass of wine with the purse nearby on your cafe table.

And in a creepy side note, not only do Larissa and I have the same name and use the same color of the same yarn, but we also both have dogs named Ellie/Elly.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/27/2004 03:30:53 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>the lime has landed</strong>

The Cotton Along is moving rapidly, and <a href="http://knitnouveau.com">Mercedes</a> (who rocks) is offering 10% off the Araucania Nature Cotton for anyone who's participating!  Wow. Email me to get signed up, then email Mercedes for the good stuff.

Seems like everyone is doing the lime. <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/smiling_tiger/2004/05/sour_power.html">Erica's lime cardi</a> is looking gorgeous, <a href="http://www.moonarts.com/blog/midnightknitter.html">Missa</a>'s cap sleeve is a wonderful lacy lime, I can't wait to see more of <a href="http://splityarn.typepad.com/split_yarn/images/70sshag5.html">Carolyn's lime boat neck</a>, and I think the other Larissa is doing a lime purse. (photo to come when finished?) So where's my lime?  Ok, ok. It shows a lot of skin, so be warned.  

Here's a rainy day action shot.
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/lime.jpg" />

A close up of the neckline - just 2 rows of 1x1 rib.
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/limeneckline.jpg" />

And the whole shebang. The color is more accurate in this one, but jeez look at all that pink skin! Get some sun, girl! I'm thinking of picking up and knitting it longer. As it is, I wear a white t-shirt under it if I'm going to be around people. What do you think?
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/lime2.jpg" />

Once my thousand other projects are finished, I have some tobacco color Nature Cotton for a cropped wrap sweater with 3/4 sleeves. I think it's pretty fun that the 2 colors I picked add up to a gin & tonic and a smoke on the veranda.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/26/2004 09:30:51 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>does chocolate candy count?</strong>

It's my birthday, so I'm saying it does. This chocolaty thing is now my candy-along project (at least the first one). It's katia bufalo, which is so very soft it's making a cheesecloth-like substance. I am calling it (at this point affectionately) Snag, since that's what happens with just about every other stitch. Damn pointy Denises.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/snag2.jpg" />

This will be more like a knit blouse than a sweater. In the Filati magazine (I've tried to photograph below) it's shown in a much thicker, woolier yarn, with ribbons shot through it "for style." I probably won't do that.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/snag1.jpg" />

In other birthday news, this is Ellie post-bath. I'm not entirely a mean mommy. I did give her a giant bone to eat, even while forcing her--because it was my birthday--to submit to two little doggie bows on her head.  And here are some wonderful flowers M got me. He also brought me cherries & coffee in bed this morning along with Simpsons videos, and bought pizza for dinner. (I like the flowers next to my decorative and accessible jar of knitting needles, which usually suffices as our coffee-table centerpiece.)

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/ellieday.jpg" />  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/flowersandneedles.jpg" />
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/24/2004 09:07:30 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>glob of tiredness</strong>

I just got back from a completely exhausting trip to Seattle, but I am adding new people to the Scrap Along. And thanks to Eklectika we have a button!  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/scrapalong.gif" />

Take it and use it well.  I'm also turning Eklectika green on the Cotton Along for her beautiful <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/~eklectika/">finished hoodie</a>.  More later, when I'm recovered.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/18/2004 11:34:09 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>a-longing</strong>

FIRST, welcome to the Scrap Along! We are going to knit things out of scraps of yarn (and we'll allow oddballs for volume). Any pattern will do. If you want to join us, email me (see address on sidebar).  The start date is now, and there is no end date (though fall seems to make sense, since these are probably going to be warm & cuddly sweaters, perhaps sweaters that one will prefer to wear in the privacy of one's own home).

Here are a couple of <a href="http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/ruana.htm">pattern</a> <a href="http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/fur.htm">ideas</a>.

Our inspiration is <a href="http://wild_deer.typepad.com/photos/knitting_gallery/">Shobhana</a>, and she has given us some beginning advice. Start with a LOT of small scraps, so you don't get thick stripes, and don't be afraid to put colors that "don't go together" next to each other. (I might add that slippery cottons make a mess of things; oh joy, I've already learned something.)

I could not wait to start my scrap sweater. So--after consulting with my husband the scientist about the meaning of "arbitrary rules" and the feasibility of a random yarn choice generator for my scrap pile--I started. And I went on and on and on. I cannot tell you how fun this is. If knitting is addicting like coffee, scrapping along must be like tuaca shots and heroin.

I will make a button, probably today. In the meantime, here's my first 4 inches, using <a href="http://www.glampyre.com/log/index.shtml">Stef</a>'s top down raglan pattern on size 9 needles.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/Scraps3.jpg" />

And here's the scary backside. Shobhana, is there some easy way to do this joining that I'm dumbly not realizing?

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/scrapsinside.jpg" />

SECOND, while the cotton along is moving at a brisk clip, the kyoto knitalong is listing like a melancholy drunk.  Anyone still knitting kyoto?  Please give me some updates!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/17/2004 01:53:11 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>cotton candy</strong>

It seems the Araucania Cotton is a force of nature, sort of like locusts or <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/broadripple_knitalong/">broadripple socks</a>. There's a whole lot of progress in the cotton world, and I've added a couple people to the cotton along today. Welcome 
<a href="http://splityarn.typepad.com/">Carolyn</a> and Jean-Anne!

I've had questions about where to get said cotton. I noticed it in brand new abundant bundles at the LYS yesterday. But online is another story; it seems to be pretty picked through. But one of our cotton-alongers, <a href="http://knitnouveau.com/">Mercedes</a>, sells it. And Jana at <a href="http://www.sirensongstitchery.com/">Siren Song Stitchery</a> has a bunch which I believe she'll sell via email.

This morning I finished my first nature cotton project, the lime tee. I love it! I'm wearing it at work, and will take some pics tonight. The color is gorgeous and the texture is so soft. Now come on <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/~eklectika/">Eklectika</a>, you have what 2% of your hoodie left to finish? <a href="http://www.moonarts.com/blog/midnightknitter.html">Missa</a> you're so close to finishing the cap sleeve, and I heard from the other Larissa today that she is done knitting her purse and just looking for some proper handles. I can't wait to see all these projects!

On to the candy.  I'm joining <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/smiling_tiger/2004/05/i_want_candy.html">Erica's candy-along</a>, knitting in the fantastic yarns you see on the top of my sidebar. I may never have the nerve to wear the resulting shrug, but it'll be absolutely summery and sweet.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/candy_along.gif" />
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/14/2004 10:00:39 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>cuttin loose, from the noose</strong>

And so much to show you!  Now that my camera is ba-a-a-a-ack, I'm sure you're pleased dear readers.

First, a detail of the finished meatheads as they are hanging in <a href="http://www.gallery114.org">the gallery</a> until May 29.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/meatheadsdetail.jpg" />

Next, the preppy treo cover. Duh.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/muff.jpg" />

And some yarn I bought at the beach. It's Paton's Divine in 2 pinkish reddish colors to stripe in a big fuzzy pullover.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/divine.jpg" />

And finally, thanks to <a href="http://wild_deer.typepad.com/stitches/">Shobhana</a> for her <a href="http://wild_deer.typepad.com/photos/knitting_gallery/coat.html">incredible</a> <a href="http://wild_deer.typepad.com/stitches/2004/05/fo.html">stripy</a> <a href="http://wild_deer.typepad.com/photos/knitting_gallery/scrapssweater.html">inspiration</a>, and to <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/">Erica</a> for calling my attention to it yet again. I am now going to make a scrap sweater! I've wanted to do this for so long. And now I have the professional grade scraps to do it. Here are 2 views of my scrap and oddball pile thus far.  Soon there will be an official Scrap Along for those of you who want to do the same with all your beloved junk.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/scraps1.jpg" /><img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/scraps2.jpg" />

As <a href="http://carrie.prettyposies.com/">Carrie</a> would say, fun times!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/14/2004 12:20:16 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>i'm just saying</strong>

I know it's the prerogative of the creator of the copyrighted thing, but I would hope that knitbloggers--including designers--are all considerate of each other about sharing. I mean, a whole lot of blogging about knitting involves sharing pictures of things we want to make. And a whole lot of online pattern selling business probably comes from this blog-driven traffic and sharing. If we can't show pics of patterns, all this inspiration (and commerce) gets a bit impossible.

I'm the coauthor of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0787956503/qid=1084562879/sr=8-5/ref=pd_ka_5/103-6093367-1745456?v=glance&s=books&n=507846">a pretty successful business book</a>, and about once a month or once a quarter I deal with people posting large chunks of my book, including entire chapters, on their website. 

It can feel strange when that happens, but I always think 2 things. 1) If you have a product out in the world, and on the Internet, hey it's gonna happen. It means people are using my book (woo hoo!), and it can be easily remedied. 2) I think about what the person is trying to achieve. My book helps nonprofits raise money. If a person is trying to help nonprofits by sharing my book (but it's clear they're not trying to make money for themselves or pass my book off as their own work), then M or I will contact them and ask them to do 2 things.  We ask them to cut way down on the amount of content they quote (if it's a whole chapter), or ask them to link to the free chapter on our website, and we ask them to put very visible links to our <a href="http://www.brownandbrown.tv">grant writing website</a> at the top and bottom of all pages.

Now, before y'all flame me, I don't send out or copy or post copyrighted patterns. I do plenty that's wrong in this life, but not that.

Howevr, from my perspective as an author I do want to <em>sell sell sell</em> the book. I don't see any point in getting upset and banning people from the pool party.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/13/2004 10:09:36 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>sure it's splitty, but oh so pretty</strong>

Still none of my own pics to share, so here's the cotton twist.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pink_mist.jpg">

While I would <em>like</em> an entire garment in this stuff, I would never knit one. It's madness to knit with, constantly splitting and creating messes that stick out of your work.  Casting off was ridiculous.  Every time I tried to slip a stitch over another one, I got permanent fray. I even had to use <a href="http://craftersmarket.net/fraycheck.html">this</a> to keep the ends down inside. For a silly little 2-hour project it gave me much grief. 

But it is pretty.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/12/2004 02:43:56 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>pink and green</strong>

Inspired by <a href="http://purljam.typepad.com/purl_jam/">Rock Chick</a>'s digging in her preppy roots, and by a pretty pink & green skein of Berocco Cotton Twist, I decided to revisit my days of dating <a href="http://www.delbarton.org/">Del Boys</a> and doing sports that required hunt caps.  I did a little one-day project and knitted up a treo cover.  (I have no pics until computer is fixed; how long????)

More pink. I also got this very surprisingly good diet ice cream:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/icecream.gif" />

And more green.  <a href="http://squibnocket.worstjewever.com/">Amy</a>, <a href="http://acunningplan.typepad.com/andsheknitstoo/2004/05/ive_been_busy.html">Steph</a>, and <a href="http://wild_deer.typepad.com/stitches/">Shobhana</a> have finished Nature Cotton Along goodies!  All of their names have turned green on my sidebar.  In the meantime, my very avocado-y Easy Bake Oven arrived in the mail last night, straight from the '70s, and my green Nature Cotton tee shirt is so almost done I can practically taste the limes in my g&t.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/9/2004 12:48:51 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>praise you like i should</strong>

Imagine, if you will or can, a <a href="http://www.muzak.com">muzak</a> version of Fat Boy Slim.  I am off to the beach, and this blog is on hold until Wednesday.

Happy knitting!
:-)
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/5/2004 11:16:42 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>admitting it is the first step</strong>

<a href=http://store.purlsoho.com/purl/products/yarndetail/409><img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/cherrykoigu.jpg"></a>

I want to make a Charlotte's Web.  Yeah, I know everyone's making one. They are so beautiful: <a href="http://acunningplan.typepad.com/photos/knitting_gallery/charlotte_on_the_fence.html">Steph's</a> blues just shimmer, and <a href="http://boogaj.typepad.com/photos/knitting/charlotte_on.html">BoogaJ's brown one</a> is breathtaking.  

So for those of you who've knit this sucker, I have two questions.  1. Do you want to sell your pattern?  And 2. Do you have any favorite colors of the Koigu you used?  I'm thinking of a combo that might be described as chocolate covered cherry, but there is little opportunity to see this yarn in person.  Any advice on lights, darks, etc?  

If you have pictures of yours to show me, let me know. I'd love to have links to all the different colors.  I can't spend the money right now, but sometime this summer I'm betting it's going to happen.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 5/3/2004 08:31:10 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>two-course cotton</strong>

I used to really hate knitting with cotton. I'd run from it, hair on fire. It was sticky, unforgiving, and tight while knitted, then loose and shapeless once in garment form. This cotton is changing my mind. The Araucania Nature Cotton is so fun that <a href="http://squibnocket.worstjewever.com/">some of us</a> have even purchased more while still working on our first projects.  Kind of like eating dessert while you still have meatloaf on your fork.

In this case, meatloaf:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/summercouch.jpg">

and key lime pie:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/limetee.jpg">

More of this cotton is turning into great things, like <a href="http://acunningplan.typepad.com/andsheknitstoo/2004/05/the_limey.html">Steph's sleeves</a> and <a href="http://wild_deer.typepad.com/stitches/images/ara0427041.html">Shobhana's turquoise top</a>. I can't wait to see more from <a href="http://www.moonarts.com/blog/midnightknitter.html">Missa</a> when she gets back to blogland, and from <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/~eklectika/">Eklectika</a> and <a href="http://gidget.typepad.com/">Mindy</a> when they post more cotton pics.  In the meantime, join me in praying for Erica so her soul can leave <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/smiling_tiger/2004/04/why_i_ask_you.html">pattern limbo</a>.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/30/2004 08:57:17 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>sick on candy</strong>

Right now I'm suffering from too much of a good thing, as I'm knitting sweat-shop style for an art show I have opening in one week.  I am alternately pining away at my WIPs and new ideas, while hating picking up the needles.  At the moment, I'm knitting an edition of 9 identical hats with cattle tags in them that I call "meatheads" (swatch below).  BORING and HARD on the wrists are my constant companions, as are my collection of awful sci-fi books on tape including several Star Trek "novels".  Once the meatheads are done I have a pillow embedded with hundreds of pencil erasers to finish (also shown below, my Dremel tool that M gave me, which I used to drill tiny holes in 313 erasers).  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/cowtagswatch.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/erasers.jpg">

After the show opens - and after I knit my samples for submissions to knitty and SnBII - I can get back to my fun knitting!  In the meantime, I am racking up new ideas too fast.  I want to knit the Gibson Girl pullover and Stripes Go Round from the new IK, and I want to knit this gorgeous tank in graduating colors of Koigu.  

<a href=http://www.interweave.com/subonlycontent/><img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/tankfront.jpg"></a>

Someday.  When these f'ing hats are finished.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/27/2004 10:46:53 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>in the queue</strong>

I was reorganizing the billion (well, 76) movies in our netflix queue yesterday and thought it would be a fun blog thing to list the first 5.

1.  <a href="http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?trkid=3257&movieid=60023832">The Sopranos, end of Season 3</a>
2.  <a href="http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?trkid=3257&movieid=797307">Network</a>
3.  <a href="http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?trkid=3257&movieid=60024091">Hardihood</a>
4.  <a href="http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?trkid=3257&movieid=60025677">Blue</a>
5.  <a href="http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?trkid=3257&movieid=60025027">About Schmidt</a>

(Wow, if I'd actually set a rule to go to #6, you'd see that M & I have actually requested <a href="http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?trkid=3257&movieid=651726">this</a>. ) 

Then I thought it would be a lot MORE fun to list this.  Here's my knitting queue. 

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/angeltarttn.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/bufalotn.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/cottontn.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squiggletn.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/peachestn.jpg">

Lorna's Laces Angel and K1C2 Tartelette for a secret project (shhhh!), Katia Bufalo (the sacred yarn, for what I don't know), Araucania Nature Cotton for my Summer Couch sweater, Fantasy Naturale and Crystal Palace Squiggle probably for a summer shrug, and a huge cloud of Peaches & Cream colored mohair from Danette Taylor Designs for Grace. 
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/25/2004 08:07:11 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>spring flings and ample body parts</strong>

The bombay sapphire cami is finished and is very beautiful. But god -- how can I say this in a positive way, so my friend Kim won't chastise me --  what an inspiring challenge my body will be this spring as I apply myself to the evil machine of <a href="http://weightwatchers.com">ww</a> and fitness!

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/bombaysapphire.jpg">

So as not to scare anyone, I'll keep the following photos hidden unless you dare to click.  And in any case I'll keep them small. But the challenge involves <a href=http://larissabrown.net/blog/legs.jpg>these legs</a> and <a href="http://larissabrown.net/blog/arms.jpg">these elbows</a>.  Yikes.

In other news -- the stash, how she's grown.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/stash4.04.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/24/2004 09:36:45 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>brought to you by</strong>

The Araucania Nature Cotton Along is a barrel of monkeys, baby.

For example, <a href="http://acunningplan.typepad.com/andsheknitstoo/2004/04/love_the_yarn_h.html">Steph</a> had a great time winding her yarn the other night. <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/~eklectika/">Eklectika</a> is racing along on her hoodie in the most beautiful deep blue, and there's <a href=http://www.moonarts.com/blog/wip-cotton-candy-two.htm>Missa</a>'s sweet spring design that I want to copy as soon as my next shipment of Nature Cotton arrives.  

I started Summer Couch yesterday, after making many mathematical adjustments to otis.  No pictures yet, because I may be ripping all I did. But the stuff is fun, fast, and soft. 

Yes, I did order more.

<a href="http://www.cotton.org/">They</a> would be pleased.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/22/2004 12:14:39 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>fo</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/finishingwithsqueek,jpg.jpg">

Squeek and I worked on finishing in the sun, and came up with a bombay sapphire cami (woo hoo), but the straps are a bit too long and I'm going to redo before showing it as 100% complete.

In the meantime, here's a non-seasonal yet finished object -- Martin's heavy socks.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/heavysocks.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/19/2004 09:32:00 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>we play little boys and girls</strong>

<a href=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30&item=3188230454&rd=1><img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/oven.jpg"></a>

When I was about 6 years old, I had an EZ Bake Oven.  I loved that damn thing.  I made many a little round cake that my sainted parents were happy to eat. But the best thing I ever did with that oven was ram it into the door of my room and wedge it there, to keep out my best friend's big brother and his friend Randy.  There's something divine and poetic about me and Lynn holding the boys at bay with our oven.  

In keeping with the '80s lyrics thing, I'm going with some Tears for Fears as my title today.  This weekend my friend Kim and I played house.  We made a casserole, just like when we were little, and made our husbands eat it. (My husband said it "had a stink," but everyone else thought it was good).  Then we made clothes with our hands.  Kim's Remarkably Expensive Shawl, my bombay sapphire cami.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kimshawl2.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sapphire3.jpg">

Kim's shawl features some gorgeous straw/gold Donegal Tweed and Magenta Gatsby. Wow.

And today the postman came with some yarn from <a href="http://www.laurentiansales.com/rainberryblue/blog/">Peggy</a> in Canada.  It is so beautiful!

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/palmuros.jpg">

The color--Palm--is the one I wanted and that elann was out of.  I believe I am going to start my b&b pullover over in this color.  It's <a href="http://larissabrown.net/blog/knitting 256.jpg">a lot of work down the drain</a>; I'm thinking of taking the cookie dough colored start and cutting it in half to make into arm warmers.


--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/19/2004 08:25:47 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>ruby, salmon, lime</strong>

That's <a href="http://elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=Araucania+Nature+Cotton&Season=&Company=&Cat=NEW&ProductType=&OrderBy=&Count=31">what is left</a>. No, I don't work for elann, I just want some company on the cotton-along. The road to hell is paved with good intentions and all that. So: Go for it!  Or I might have to buy more. This stuff is so-oft.  Check out <a href="http://www.moonarts.com/blog/tk-nature-cotton.htm">Missa's</a> and <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/smiling_tiger/2004/04/halfassed.html">Erica's</a> soft limes.  Mmmm.  They kind of go well with my gin & tonic cami.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/17/2004 10:04:19 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>go on, everybody's doing it</strong>

Well, a few people are doing it so far.  Knitting something, anything, in <a href="http://elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=Araucania+Nature+Cotton&Season=&Company=&Cat=NEW&ProductType=&OrderBy=&Count=31">araucania nature cotton</a>. The cool people include <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com">Erica</a> (making a Phildar cardi), Amy (making a banff-style cardie, but with slimmer silhouette, in lilac), and Larissa (making <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTotis.html">otis</a> in tobacco, which I'm affectionately retitling Summer Couch '73).

Anyone else?

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/cottonbutton.jpg">

Please copy the button and comment or email me to join!  I'm off to recruit.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/16/2004 10:33:09 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>blue</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sapphiredetail.jpg">

spring fling update:  now that the sun is out the bombay sapphire cami is photographing right, looking more like its namesake.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sapphire2.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sapphire.jpg">

now if I hadn't spilled a glass of wine into my laptop last night I'd be able to see this properly myself.  duh.

PS:  Is anyone interested in an Araucania Nature Cotton Along?  Tomorrow I'll post a button and get something set up if I have any takers!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/14/2004 09:04:16 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>we belong to the night, we belong to the thunder *</strong>

What is this?

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/springyarn.jpg">

Why it's a butt ugly picture of some ravishing yarn.  

Because it's night, and because I can't wait for daylight, we have here a very bad representation of my spring fling materials.  Clockwise from the top: "code pink" cotton fluff called <a href="http://sequink.typepad.com/knit/2004/03/too_much_work.html">squiggle</a> from crystal palace to go with more candy colored stuff called fantasy naturale in an as yet unknown format; a blue blob of <a href="http://www.straw.com/cpy/yarns/bignet_card.html">big net</a> to try with the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTbonbon.html">bonbon</a> pattern; the bombay sapphire cami up to its waist in classic elite imagine "blue note;" and <a href="http://elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=Araucania+Nature+Cotton&Season=&Company=&Cat=ALLY&ProductType=5&OrderBy=&Count=1">araucania nature cotton</a> in "tobacco" for <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTotis.html">otis</a>.  

As I did with the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATThoneymoon.html">honeymoon</a>/bombay sapphire cami, I'm renaming otis.  This yarn...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sofayarn.jpg">

...looks so much like an old sofa at my grandmother's shore house, I think I'll call this sweater "summer couch '73"

* Thanks to <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/">Erica</a> for the Pat Benatar memories. She was my favorite, man. I used to sit in my closet with the door slid shut and belt out her songs. How excrutiating.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/13/2004 09:31:01 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>crystal blue convergence</strong>

It was a hot day and I wanted to use some languid blue yarn. The kind with silver in it, and cool rayon bits that resemble ice cubes in a crystal clear bombay sapphire g&t. It was one of those knitting moments where I just opened the liquor/yarn cabinet, pulled the blue stuff out of the stash, went to knitty and <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATThoneymoon.html">the very first pattern I opened</a> was spot on for gauge, texture, and yardage.  6 skeins of Classic Elite Imagine in Blue Note, a dull name if ever there was one for a stunner of a yarn. 

I started before I even knew what I was doing. How far did I get?  Far.  But my camera batteries gave out this morning.  So I give you an old shot of the yarn that I tried to pretty up with Photoshop.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/blue2.jpg">

And here's how it looks when I "pixelated" it.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/blue3.jpg">

So I've given in. I'm spring flinging with <a href="http://alison.knitsmiths.us">Alison</a>'s knitalong.  I'm calling it the <a href="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sapphire.jpg">bombay sapphire</a> cami, though the designer calls it honeymoon. I'd like to wear this for my art opening on May 6th, with a matching drink, we'll see... 

And how cool, <a href="http://www.moonarts.com/blog/midnightknitter.html">midnight knitter</a> made me a button for my site!  I love it, like I love my hot pink magnet of a heart. Thanks!

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/stitch-marker.gif">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/12/2004 05:15:43 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>bonbon & clou</strong>

I've had a few inquiries about where to get the yarn for the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTbonbon.html">bonbon</a> pattern in knitty.  

The yarn is Gedifra Clou, a very thick ribbon yarn made of nylon.  There are a few single skeins and 2-skein lots for sale <a href="http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&krd=1&from=R8&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&query=clou">on ebay right now</a>.   Also, several German online sources seem to have it, but I don't read German and don't know about ordering from them.

Another option I've been meaning to try is <a href="http://www.theknittinggarden.com/cp-bignet.htm">Big Net</a>.  It seems it might be more droopy, and might need to be worked on smaller needles for stiffness, but would make a more elegant puff that would suds up nicely. Please let me know if you have any Big Net around and decide to give it a try before I do!  Finally, you can knit it with strips of tulle cut from pieces from the fabric shop (I read this idea on a craft bulletin board, and I'm sorry I don't remember who posted it).
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/11/2004 11:34:53 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>poppyseeds</strong>

Pretty black double seeds - I'm half done with the kyoto sash. The double seed stitch is doubled vertically but not horizontally, which I really like about it.  It makes a long-looking stitch. It's nice.  It's going so much faster than the stockinette parts, and since I'm remarkably short-waisted I'm going to make it just 5 inches long, so it's halfway there already.  It's sweet to be able to take my knitting photos in the sun.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/doubleseed.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/10/2004 05:17:17 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>clearing a couple things out</strong>

Not much, but if you like Uros there's <a href="http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=larissmix&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50">some to be had</a>

--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/10/2004 12:05:37 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>sublimes in spring</strong>

My friend Kim and I have been talking about "the sacred yarn." The yarn we have in our stashes for which it seems no project is good enough. No pattern will do justice to its loveliness. Every idea we have for it seems like it will lead to regret. The yarn is so good by itself, just sitting there, why screw it up?

Today I did the unthinkable and knitted with two such yarns.  I made two little swatches, very small ones indeed so as not to waste the sacred yarn.  And I have two ideas, unformed maybes, perhaps good enough for these gorgeous materials.  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/swatches.jpg">

On the left we have Katia Bufalo in Charcoal Brown swatched on size 7 needles, which could, COULD, be destined for the <a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/kate_along/">Kate Along</a>.  It's so soft and springy and charcoaly yet brown. On the right Elann's Peruvian Collection Uros in Capri Blue swatched on size 10s, a fuzzy cloud of wonder. For this I'm thinking of designing a very loose, flowy sweater along the lines of <a href="http://purljam.typepad.com/photos/knitting_finished_2004/lc_front.html">Rock Chick's Laurel Canyon</a> shawl.  Sort of Laurel Canyon: The Wrap Sweater, with the body in Capri Blue and accents in Silver Sage.

Just maybe.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/7/2004 09:34:13 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>these are the people in my neighborhood</strong>

While knitting this kyoto sleeve...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyotosleeve1b.jpg">

...on the bus I overheard the usual Knitting In Public comments, like What are you making? I'm a knitter too.  I'm making a vest (ick, why does that word skeeve me out so?  VEST.  Ick.)  An astute girl, about 3 years old, whispered to her mom, "She is knitting."  OK, these were normal sort of nice comments. But get this one:

A young woman sitting next to me said, so articulately,

 "Is that one of them kits you get at the mall?"

I'm thinking many things at this point. Like, do you have any idea how much I spent on this Colinette Giotto?  Are you a moron? Have I been to the mall in 18 months? 

Oooh, they sell yarn at the mall?
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/6/2004 09:59:39 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>shimmering in a halo of antiquity</strong>

That's how Colinette describes <a href="http://www.colinette.com/col_giot_collection.htm">this yarn</a>.  The first time I used it, it was more like awash on a sea of wet toilet paper, with all the gapes and holes and double drop stitches they recommend in all their patterns.  The sweater grew to <a href="http://www.larissabrown.net/blog/big.jpg">enormous proportions</a>, and I frogged a whole bunch of it during <a href="http://alison.knitsmiths.us">Alison</a>'s rip-along.

This time I'm using it on much smaller needles and together with some cotton classic to keep it from growing like a pair of circa 1989 stretch pants. And I'm pleased to say it's breathtaking.  I'm even more pleased to say it represents the end of the boring back of kyoto, and the beginning of the first sleeve.  Thank *'ing God.

Can you tell which piece of this sweater I'm enjoying more?

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyotosleeve1.jpg">


<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyotoback.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/3/2004 09:32:53 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>glittery sugar bomb</strong>

I am so happy, finally a sweater I like, a sweater M likes, a sweater that fits and is a good color.  Hot damn.  How can I tell M likes it?  He said today that it was "more convincing" than my other knitted works, and he took all these photos of me which he's never done before.  (yes, that's STILL Christmas decoration festooning my living room).

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/zelda1.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/zelda3.jpg">

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/zelda2.jpg">

Oh, and there's how much yarn I had left, on the arm of the chair.  It was damn close.  Closer than I like.  I am relieved and pleased that there was any left at all.  For the last two hours of knitting, I was swinging wildly between believing I had way too much yarn left and knowing that I would have to frog and get rid of my giant, beloved bell sleeves.  Neither happened.  Yay!

And another wonderful thing, Friend Kim--the one with the Remarkably Expensive Shawl Project--brought me this completely wonderful unexpected gift today--a giant, truly tremendous, beachy summery bag.   Shown next to it, with her also-striped-but-smaller bag, is the humble beginning of the Remarkably Expensive Shawl.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/summerbag.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kimshawl1.jpg">

Beyond all this goodness, I got to meet <a href="http://www.supereggplant.com">Mariko</a> this week, while she was in Portland.  We went to <a href="http://stumptowncoffee.com/cafes/index.html">Stumptown</a> together for some luscious coffee, and I got to see one of <a href="http://www.supereggplant.com/archives/000216.html">her awesome little bags</a> in person.  It was so fun to, as she put it, "get the whole version of a person." 

I am also DONE DONE DONE with the dentist, 10 of 10 cavities filled.  Let the spring begin. 
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/2/2004 02:09:15 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>spring knitty</strong>

Hey, I thought we'd have to wait a couple more weeks for this, but <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/index.html">here</a> it is!
And along with it my first published pattern.  

<a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTbonbon.html"><img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/THUMBbonbon.jpg"></a>

It's so goofy, but I'm so proud. :-)  Anybody want a skein of Clou to make a bonbon?  I have an extra.  Let me know in the comments below and I'll send it to the first one who actually wants to make one of these suckers.

And now I want to knit <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTgrace.html">grace</a> right away too, even though I still haven't made headway on Karen's last knitty design--kyoto.  Maybe grace in my extra uros... Or <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2391798630&category=36596">something else wonderful</a>...

--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 4/1/2004 01:37:37 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>my hot pink magnet of a heart</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pinheart.jpg">

The pins are so much more friendly now that they're stuck to this heart, rather than rolling around dangerously in the bottom of a junk bowl in <a href=http://larissabrown.net/blog/stash1203.jpg>my knitting/booze cabinet</a>.  I was even happy to do all this blocking on the zelda cardi.  I love the bell sleeves I adapted (at left), though they look long long long.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/cardiblocking.jpg">

Now if only it would fit me right.  I tried on Kim's same cardi in large and it fit me. I got gauge. I made a large.  I blocked it just right.  It's too small around my front.  What gives?  I'm going to have to spray down the front and stretch it a bit more.  And I still have a row of single crochet to add to the edges, which may give just the extra width I need. 

While blocking this I realized I have very few pins.  I found myself carefully pinning a piece, then later going back and stealing pins to less-carefully finish another piece.  Every piece sank to the lowest common denominator.  In the end it all blocked fine, but while I was at an antique shop looking for a button I picked this up for $1.  Now I'm ready for any sweater, even one with five separate pieces and sleeves the length of Jersey.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pins.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/31/2004 07:59:52 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>gems for spring?</strong>

Every stop at the LYS is born innocent.  We were looking for a pattern for my friend Kim. She had some luscious chenille already in her stash.  Little did I know a whole new relationship might blossom, that it might be the first day of the rest of my life. I'd never seen Noro Gem Stones before.  Or I didn't know I had (apparently it's used in a purse in SnB).  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/gemstones.gif">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/gemstones2.gif">

Across a crowded room, I saw a sample tee in the gorgeous, green--recognizably noro but without the usual weird inappropriate color jammed in--colorway, and I was hooked.  I'm bound and determined to make something out of it. I almost bought one skein for sleeve-ends on my kyoto, but I am committed to using my expensive, frogged Colinette Giotto for that.  

So what will happen with Gem Stones?  And how will I earn the money?  There may be some ebay listings in my future.

BTW, I spent ZERO DOLLARS on that trip to the store.  Wow.  

Kim spent more than zero dollars. She walked out with a pattern for a huge, voluptuous shawl and--to go with her chenille--two skeins of Donegal Tweed in golds, 2 skeins of magenta Gatsby, and 4 skeins of Diamusee.  In the category of Why Do Sisters Do That?:  that night at a family bbq, Kim's sis said--in front of her husband and god and everybody--"Wow?  How much did you spend on all this?"  I jumped in with my best academy award quality, throw-away line:  "It was an amazing sale."
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/30/2004 11:33:23 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>transwarp knitting</strong>

Both the cardi and these socks are moving so fast it's hard to believe.  The one below is #2, with just a foot to finish.  Knitted in bulky yarn from <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/id=62675554">this ebay seller</a>.  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sock2.jpg">  

And with M out of town, I've watched 9 Voyager episodes in the past two days.  I've gotten well into season 4 on my Voyager-In-Order marathon.   We're now in the Sassy Captain Janeway phase (at first she was Dewy <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/janewaysmiley..gif"> and later in the series she gets Bitter, but right about now she's pretty fun.)

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sassycptjaneway.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/28/2004 10:35:30 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kandy-o</strong>

<a href="http://smilingtiger.typepad.com/smiling_tiger/2004/03/rock_chicks_pos.html">Smiling tiger's post</a> reminded me how much I used to love The Cars.  Amazing.  And those jellies shoes.  

I've always been a sucker for shiny things.  Today I put a down payment on a major investment, my own little kandy-o (the company calls the color kandy mango).  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/donna.jpg">

It's 20.15 pounds of love, what <a href="http://purljam.typepad.com/purl_jam/">Rock Chick</a> might call sex-ay.  It's for <a href="http://www.cycleoregon.com">this</a>.  I can't wait!  For once I'm spending money on not-yarn.

p.s. Why is it that virtually every time I try to type yarn it comes out yearn?

p.p.s.  Martin, here's our 1st Amsterdam flower...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/flower.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/27/2004 11:30:59 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>my first cardi</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/zeldacardi.jpg">

And boy is it a fast one.  I'm lovin' this.  Two strands of <a href="http://secure.elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=Classic+Elite+Zelda&Cat=NEW&ProductType=5&Count=7">Zelda</a> in Zinc and size 13 needles.  Mmmmm.  Steel-y delicious.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/26/2004 07:28:42 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>you like me, you really like me</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sallyfield.jpg">

Thank you for all the comments!  It's nice to know there are so many other knitters out there.  The big winner was popsicle, with a great idea to include the green instead of the silver/gray.  Silvergirl was a close second, and honorable mentions for prepschool and retroappliance.  I'm going to use at least 2 of these combos, and I'll get back to you on how they look when I've got something to show.

Ciao!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/24/2004 03:23:40 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>is this thing on?</strong>

An utter lack of comments about my various and compelling sweaters, swatches, and pet shots has led me to wonder--again--does anyone read this blog?  So I'm going to take a poll to see if anyone's around.

I can't tell you what secret project this is for, but for an accessory (not a main piece of clothing) which one of these combos do you like best?  Just what you think is pretty.  

beeline, popsicle, prepschool...
 <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/beeline.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/popsicle.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/prepschool.jpg">

prepschool2, silvergirl, retroappliance...
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/prepschool2.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/silvergirl.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/retro.jpg">
 
Or any other combination of these colors that seems nice? 
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/23/2004 07:42:26 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kyoto progress</strong>

Not on own kyoto, of course.  But there are two blue names in the knitalong sidebar and two wonderful new handknit sweaters in the world!  A finished kyoto by <a href="http://marta4565.blogspot.com/">Marta</a>, and another by <a href="http://jolieani.diaryland.com/040322_81.html">Marcela</a>.  How's everyone else doing?
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/22/2004 10:24:46 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>little finishes</strong>

The "his" of the his-n-hers miata blankets is finished, just in time for M's trip to racecar driving school on Friday.  Here it is shown in the rare and wonderful sun, with pet for scale.  And a detail of the cables.  The yarn is Lion Thick & Quick for washability and very fast knitting.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/hismiata1.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/hismiata2.jpg">

Also finished, my first swatch for the TKGA Master Hand Knitter Level 1, also shown with pet for scale.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/swatchwithout.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/swatchwithcat.jpg">

And my 5th afghan square, for the afghanalong at <a href="http://www.masondixonknitting.com">mason dixon knitting</a>.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squareinsun.jpg">  

Now if only I could finish something big so I could, in all good conscience, move on to this.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/zelda.jpg">

I shudder to think, let alone make known here in public, that I am going to knit something out of Hollywood Knits with this beautiful yarn.  I hate <a href="http://65.215.194.132/Merchant2/htmpages/corrections.htm">the book</a> for its pomposity.  I mean, <a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=6309">Suss Cousins</a> could go up against Sting anyday.  But this yarn is truly meant for the Serendipitous Cardi.  And I've never made anything with a  button before, so I picked one just to meditate on for a while.  My friend Kimberly says it doesn't contrast enough with the yarn. We'll see.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/zeldawithbutton.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/18/2004 09:32:32 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>no. 1 sweater</strong>

Today I wore the very first sweater I ever made.  A pilly, barfy colored blob of a sweater, which I love.  I made it about 7 years ago (even though I've been knitting for about 30 years, the first 23 were strictly devoted to rectangles and freeform).  It's a top-down one-piece pattern from Fiber Trends that I can't find anymore (please let me know if you have this pattern and want to sell it). 

A couple lessons learned on this sweater still hold true:

1.  A color that's really cool in the skein may be too much for an entire field.
2.  Superwash is very wonderful for washing and drying but can be very stretchy and formless.
3.  Well, this is really "rule no. 1" in my book:  If a sweater makes a 5'10" 120 lb. model look dumpy, don't knit it.

Anyway, as I said I still love this sweater.  I wore this today to dog agility class. I stopped for coffee on the way and I got a compliment on the sweater, from the barista.  How cool that I can wear my lumpy old no. 1 sweater and still get a nice compliment.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/no1.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/16/2004 10:39:08 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>let's face it</strong>

I'm never going to make the pippi kneesocks, and I'm removing the knitalong from my sidebar.  In lieu of stripey good socks, here's a spring horror.  You're supposed to be able to eat it (how, I know not).  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/cakes_00144_t.jpg">

I think it makes a better inspiration for something in <a href="http://www.peacefleece.com/webyarn.htm">peace fleece</a> instead.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pfwhite.jpg">
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pfchickie.jpg">
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pfwhite.jpg">
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/skpk1.jpg">
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pfwhite.jpg">
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/bur1.jpg">
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pfwhite.jpg">

<em>Thanks to <a href="http://popculturejunkmail.com/">Pop Culture Junk Mail</a> for the link to this tower of springy, inedible Martha Stewartness.</em>
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/13/2004 10:20:03 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>not done, but...</strong>

I stuck a fork in it anyway, thanks to <a href="http://www.stepintomythimble.com/bloghome.html">Heidi's</a> lovely, delicate stitch markers.  Now every time I finish a return row I get a little forky treat.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/fork.jpg">

Here are a few more inches of cookie dough cables, of which I'm inordinately proud and very close to.  Very strangely in love with.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/prettycables.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/11/2004 08:04:06 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>lush + angel, 2gether 4ever</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/hearthat.jpg">

The red is <a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/article_yarn.asp?article=/review/product/010125_a.asp">Classic Elite Lush</a> and the variegated hearts are <a href="http://www.lornaslaces.net/yarns.asp#">Lorna's Laces Angel</a> in Mixed Berries, the color chosen by <a href="http://classmatespreschool.com/teachers.html">my sis Lynette</a> for her birthday present.  I love both these yarns. They feel so soft, yet are springy and substantial.  They work perfectly together, and when the Lush blooms it will match the Angel's aspect perfectly, probably obscuring my little hearts, but oh the beauty of the angora, who cares?

Thanks to <a href="http://acunningplan.typepad.com/andsheknitstoo/">Stephanie</a> for the <a href="http://acunningplan.typepad.com/andsheknitstoo/patterns/silk_garden_beanie.html">beanie pattern</a>, and <a href="http://suspiciouslynice.typepad.com/">Kate</a> for the hearts from <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/PATTcheesylove.html">cheesylove</a>.  I'd say this is a pretty cheesy, lovey hat.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/hearthatdone.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/10/2004 10:41:59 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>small world</strong>

This is my next door neighbors' daughter.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/katie.jpg">

Just thought I'd share that bit of weirdness, since I see her all over the blogs these days and her parents are not five feet from my back window.  They just had a patio put in.  And since I've been working so hard I've had virtually no time or energy to knit, this vaguely resembles knitting blog content.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/8/2004 04:53:34 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kyoto-a-gogo</strong>

Look at <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/users/astuce/2004/02/29/">this gorgeous thing</a>.  


--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/6/2004 09:04:14 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>cookie dough</strong>

When you cream together the butter and brown sugar, that's what this uros mocha looks like.  And the edge in cream makes the whole deal look like Ben & Jerry's.  I want to mix dark chocolate chips into it.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/bb1.jpg">

This is the beginning of <a href=bedandbreakfastpulloverIKWinter2003-thumb.jpg>b&b</a> from Interweave Knits Winter 2003.  It's too much fun -- my first real cables, and my favorite yarn.  I'm twisting all my right side knits to keep it tight; between that and the charts this one is pretty much the opposite of kyoto (which it is lying on in this photo).  Good to have both kinds of things to work on.


--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/6/2004 12:00:46 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kyoto lessons</strong>

From Jeanne, a Japanese major, we learned that the main picture of Kyoto on the knitty website has most likely been flipped -- the neckband is supposed to be left-over-right according to the directions, but in the picture it is right-over-left.  This is important because in Japan, kimono is worn left-over-right.  Japanese ghosts wear kimono right-over-left.  In the photo, the designer is toast.  I'm hereby resurrecting her.  Behold, the power of photoshop.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyotoasis.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyoto2.jpg">

And from <a href="http://www.evandra.com/blog/">Becky</a>, we learned to cast on a number of stitches divisible by 4 for the sash (rather than the number the pattern calls for).  She tells us the numbers should be adjusted to 172, 180, 192, 212.

<a href="http://www.stepintomythimble.com/bloghome.html">Heidi</a> has a beautiful sash in the works, <a href="http://jolieani.diaryland.com/">Marcela</a> is getting very close to the finish line.  My kyoto is still mainly a gleam in my eye; I'm just 2/3 of the way through my first block.  How's everyone else doing?
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/5/2004 09:34:21 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kyoto inspiration</strong>

A finished one!  Not by one of our knitalongers, but see <a href="http://www.sitandknit.com/">here</a>.  And for a Japanese flavored alienation while you knit, see <a href="http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?trkid=73&movieid=60031214">this</a> (which I did last night and it is awesome!  Thanks Netflix!)  I think, though I'm not sure, she goes to Kyoto in one scene.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyotophoto.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/3/2004 08:28:37 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>boobs in spring</strong>

Well today is truly a banff day in Portland, rainy and cold.  But in an hour or so it may be a spring wonderland, so I present sweetness.  I realized yesterday that I never posted an on-person picture of this one, and I think it's one of my best knitted works ever.   I used the knitty pattern, and calculated some simple waist decreases and increases, and I shortened the sleeves to 3/4 length with a slight bell shape.  It took 3 skeins of Manos in Wildflowers and 2 skeins in Black.  I call this the boob sweater, thanks to the strategically placed stripe that makes me look voluptuous.  (and yup, those are christmas decorations still festooning my living room).

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sweetnessdone.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sweettexture.jpg">

I highly recommend <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/PATTsweetness.html">this pattern</a>.  I want to buy every beautiful yarn I just really like and make one of these fast & furious babies with it.  I love how the sleeves go in as you knit, so when you finish the neckline the whole thing is practically done (just a few minutes of underarm grafting, and you're good, but you can try it on instantly!)  Thanks Amy and Theresa for this wonderful pattern.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/2/2004 03:11:49 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>drat and butt</strong>

A hard morning, hit my head while getting off the bus, the driver kept lurching and made me drop my laptop case, same time as I discovered 100 stitches dropped off my freaking denises.  I made m. try to email me blog pictures and it took up hours of his day for nothing.  So right now this is all I have to say:

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/Y/yourgoodfriend/1041829460_lllikebutt.gif" border="0" alt="you smell like butt"><br>congratulations. you are the "you smell like<br>butt" bunny. your brutally honest and<br>always say whats on your mind.
<br><br><a href="http://quizilla.com/users/yourgoodfriend/quizzes/which%20happy%20bunny%20are%20you%3F/"> <font size="-1">which happy bunny are you?</font></a><BR> <font size="-3">brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a></font>


(BTW, m. has been so sweet to me today, I'm putting this little pic in of us in Amsterdam.  He's the best man in the world.)

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/mandme.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/2/2004 08:21:02 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>in like a lamb (goat, bunny, silkworm)</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/stashbox.jpg">

Big knitting day yesterday.  The Aran Box landed in all its weird glory, full of wonderful things and awful things in equal proportion.  (And yes, that's what some tribes call sunlight hitting the carpet in the picture).  I put in a lot of stuff that I didn't photograph, which included enough Tahki Soft Cotton in a rusty clay color to make a tank, fun fur, a knit check, bamboo circs, oddballs of cotton novelty yarn, and Sirdar and Ann Norling patterns.  I took out these gorgeous things below (thanks <a href="http://www.gestaltknitting.com/">Stonering</a>, Lisa in Oregon, and Susan! (where's your blog? Susan?)

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/outofthebox.jpg">

My haul:  that's angora wolle in a pinky orange, for socks (mmmm), and a very pretty pastel-y <a href="http://www.joslynsfiberfarm.com/">Joslyn's Fiber</a> wool that just called to me, oddly, since I usually hate pastels.  It's just so soft and such obviously high quality yarn.  Regia Sock yarn in my favorite kind of dark brown, and handspun mohair and silk from Susan.  What gorgeous stuff.  My herding doggie loved smelling these, since she doesn't get near real sheep or goats more than once a year. 

I figure I took out and put in about $45 worth of stuff.  I hope that's accurate.  I may also go out and buy something nice to put in the box, since it's a little bit of a sad mix in there right now.  Pretty fun, and my stash area is much neater now.

In other big news, banff is finished!

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/coffeebanff.jpg">

My sweet husband just doesn't like a lot of things I choose to knit so it's hard when I finish something and he's the only one around to show it to.  At first banff seemed very unflattering, but it's growing on me.  It's incredibly warm (1900 yards of Lamb's Pride is in there).  I learned (re-learned) about seaming, which I haven't done for years, and I fairly successfully picked up and knit the collar for the first time ever.  I'd call it a success.  I'd love to have a slightly smaller-waisted version now, which may be a future project. 

But right now I'm ready for B&B, pinup queen, and designing a few of my own works...
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 3/1/2004 07:49:45 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>afghanalong</strong>

Hey, my 2 little squares are in <a href="http://www.masondixonknitting.com/">the sidebar</a>.  I'm famous!  To celebrate, I ordered more Peruvian Collection Uros, which magically reappeared at <a href="http://www.elann.com">elann</a>.  <a href="http://purljam.blogspot.com/">  Smelly or not</a>, I love this stuff.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/27/2004 06:31:40 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>fuzzy contact</strong>

In dog agility, there is a term fuzzy contact, for when you and your dog accidentally touch while running a course.  Like wet nose to hand or something like that.  This project somehow also merits the term.

The ironic thing is that this simple fun fur scarf was the most loved of all the holiday presents I made for anyone.  My friend Laura wore it once and it started unraveling from the middle, where the two colors meet.  Honestly, I don't even know what the hell happened.  This is what it looked like (yup, those are <em>loops</em> sticking out of each former garter stitch row).  It looked like someone took a bite out of it.  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/fuzzy1.jpg">

So after ignoring it for weeks, I did this:

Put two knitting needles several rows down from "the area" in both directions.  Then cut the scarf across the middle.  I had never cut my knitting with scizzors before.  It was liberating.  And sort of like performing surgery on a muppet.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/fuzzy2.jpg">

Then I frogged back to each needle and made sure all stitches were accounted for (by holding up to the light; not easy with this fluffy stuff).

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/fuzzy3.jpg">

Then did a 3-needle bind-off and what do you  know.  Fuzzy contact.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/fuzzy4.jpg">

I only did all this because Laura really loves this scarf.  I gave it to her at work and she wore it all day today.  Nice.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/25/2004 08:36:38 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kyoto lives!</strong>

And dear god is it boring.  I haven't knitted this much square since I was 5.  But it's very beautiful, <a href="http://secure.elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=Elann+Sonata&Season=&Company=&Cat=Bargains&ProductType=5&OrderBy=+Order+By+Bargain+Desc&Count=46">Elann Sonata</a> in Dark Olive.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyoto1.jpg">

For variety, I've given in and started a <a href="http://douma.net/Karen/knitting/AccessoryStuff/Multidirectional_Diagonal_Scarf.htm">multidirectional scarf</a>.  And I have to admit this pattern is really fun to knit.  Maybe there's a reason why everybody and their mother is making one.  This one's in the Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock and I think it's so delicate and small it's going to be for my tiny Mother In Law.  She is truly small, like under 5 feet and 98 pounds.  She can wear it to church.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/milscarf.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/23/2004 09:00:07 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>coffee & sweets</strong>

My coffee colored banff is moving along, slowly since the sleeves are so gigantic.  Despite not finishing anything, I went to a really wonderful LYS yesterday, called Lint.  I bought this sweet little ball of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Vera and some Crystal Palace bamboo needles (size 2).

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/vera.jpg" border:1px>

Like I need more yarn.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/moreyarn.jpg">


p.s. I haven't blogged much the past few days because I had to revamp <a href="http://www.larissabrown.net">my art web site</a> since the radio show was playing this week.  Take a look if you have a minute and are interested; I kind of like it. :-)

--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/20/2004 01:43:15 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>leftovers</strong>

I'm clearing out again, woo hoo.  My stash is overflowing into the bedroom and things I'm done with must go.  This is just the first, but I'm listing a bunch of stuff (I intend to anyway) today and tomorrow:

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2381896156&category=3105">3 skeins of Manos in Wildflowers</a>
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/19/2004 04:47:32 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>shameless self promotion</strong>

I'm on this show on NPR this week, talking about my sculpture work (including one knitted piece).  Larissa Brown, that's me.  Sorry for the plug, but it's my career y'know?  If you're interested and you miss it on the radio, this link will allow you to hear the piece:

<a href="http://www.wnyc.org/studio360/show.html">Studio 360 This Week</a>
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/19/2004 04:29:59 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>ok, got that out of my system</strong>

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/L/larissmix/1077232917_pink.jpg" border="0" alt="pink aluminum"><br>You are pink aluminum.
Retro, straightforward and fun, you love classic<br>things. If they're 99 cents at Goodwill all the<br>better! You are moved by striking colors and<br>tasty morsels, and you like a stitch-n-bitch<br>session in the sun.  Just remember, while<br>you're being kitschy cool, don't get too cold.<br>Ice cubes are best kept in your cocktails,<br>baby!
<br><br><a href="http://quizilla.com/users/larissmix/quizzes/What%20kind%20of%20knitting%20needles%20are%20you%3F/"> <font size="-1">What kind of knitting needles are you?</font></a><BR> <font size="-3">brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a></font>

It takes a long time to make a quiz.  Whew!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/18/2004 09:14:42 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>chocolate pudding</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/froggedsleeve.jpg";border:1px black>

That's my frogged banff sleeve.  I left the big ribbing in and just decreased the "body" of the sleeve, so I won't look like Henry VIII.  Seems to be working!  I already want to make another banff in a different yarn, but I must finish and love this one for itself.  So I need to keep at it and try to enjoy it.

In lighter news, I got a cool book in the mail:  Anna Zilboorg's <em>Magnificent Mittens</em>.  And the hat next to it is one I finished a few years ago from her hat book.  I'm saving it for my someday baby (ok, it accidentally came out small).

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/mittenbook.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/gphat.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/17/2004 10:13:13 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>huge, great</strong>

The sleeve from banff had its own weather system.  I know it's supposed to be big, even really big.  But the schematic shows the width of the sleeve as 18".  Mine was 24" across!  It was big enough to be the front of a sweater all on its own, and it was eating up yarn like nobody's business.  I frogged it back to the ribbing, and I am having to make several decreases after the ribbing to make this sleeve a human size.  This is very frustrating.  I hope I end up with something wearable.  Drat.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/14/2004 11:49:44 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>sweet thing</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sweetness.jpg">

Block me, baby.  That's <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/PATTsweetness.html">sweetness</a> with some added waist shaping, worked in Manos wildflowers and black with size 10 needles.  Once it's blocked and dried I'll give a body shot.   I haven't finished a sweater in years.  What a feeling!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/11/2004 10:24:38 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>sock</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sock.jpg">

M felted his hot chocolate socks so badly they now only fit me.  So I'm making another pair for him, from the "Heavy Socks" pattern by Irene Macrae in Spin-Off's Socks book.  This is some of the yarn from Uruguay (<a href="http://stores.ebay.com/id=62675554">here's the link one more time</a>).  It's soft and knitting so fast, and the colors are making a very cool spiraling pattern.  I wish I could take a decent picture of the pretty olive green and black and cream.  Here's their own photo of the yarn, from <a href="http://handpaintedyarn.com/index.php">their Uruguay website</a>.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/arenal.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/9/2004 12:09:40 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>not exactly knitting porn</strong>

I was in North Carolina for 4 days, seeing my best friend's play opening, so this post is a bit more about food and not yarn.  We stayed in the <a href="http://www2.davidson.edu/administration/auxil/aux_ghouse-hist.asp">Guest House at Davidson College</a>, and it was gorgeous.  Far too nice for what we had in mind:  SciFi channel, "Forensics Friday," and take out.  We ate everything in Davidson NC.  Grits, eggplant parmesean, martinis, Irish coffees, Krispy Kreme donuts, oh and I had my first ever taste of <a href="http://www.sonicdrivein.com/">Sonic</a>, where "Chili Makes It Better".  Back to the diet.

And I did knit while I was there.  In fact, I completed a silk garden beanie from <a href="http://acunningplan.typepad.com/andsheknitstoo/patterns/silk_garden_beanie.html">Stephanie's pattern</a>, and gave it to Jeanmarie.  It's gone to Brooklyn, so there is no picture but my friend has a warm head.  And I got a lot done on sweetness, which they let me carry on the plane both ways.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 2/3/2004 07:47:54 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>early morning update
</strong>
It's very early (for me) 7:39.  But I'm sick of looking at my hot pink chickami every time I open my home page, so here goes.  I'm the human ball winder (that sounds vaguely nasty), since all this came in the mail yesterday (variegated handspun bulky and sock yarn from <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/id=62675554">this eBay seller</a>):

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/yarn04.jpg">

I came up with a new method for hand-winding center pull balls off the swift.  I stick the yarn end through my wedding ring, then wind around my hand in several directions.  Once done, I just pull my hand out and my center pull string comes out!  Cool.

So many projects going on.  I felt guilty about that, but then I read some blogs and realized many other people do too.  Like <a href="http://www3.telus.net/knittingmaniac/">this blog</a> I hadn't read before, where Carissa has a gazillion projects on the needles, all of them gorgeous.

What've I got?  If you're the slightest bit interested:

<em>Sweetness - 40%</em>
From <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/PATTsweetness.html">the knitty pattern</a>.  I'm working this in Manos del Uruguay, half Wildflowers and half Black.  I've got both sleeves done (adapted to be 3/4 length), and I'm casting on the body in black today.  I actually have all the yarn I need, so that's exciting.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/sweetsleeves.jpg">


<em>My Soft Sweater - 50%</em>
This one is in the most gorgeous, soft black alpaca, and I started from a pattern from <a href="http://www.interweave.com/knit/interweave_knits/back_issues/W_02.asp">Interweave Knits Winter 2002</a> called the Lacy Bell Pullover, but I've changed it drastically to where it's not recognizable as that sweater anymore.  I'm a bit stalled, because I realized my round knitting is a lot tighter than my flat knitting, and I have yet to decide if I want to compensate for that on this body, which I've already begun.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/soft.jpg">


<em>The Miata Blanket(s) - 15%</em>
Martin & I have a very small house and a very small car (a '95 Mazda Miata).  We love driving with the top down at night, but even in the summer it can get pretty cold.  Since I signed him up for <a href="http://teammiata.com/thunderhill/photo.htm">Miata Performance Driving School</a> for Christmas, I was going to make a romantic two-person lap blanket that perfectly fit the Miata for our drive to California.  Well, now I've realized 1) Christmas is way past and I still haven't finished, and 2) two blankets make more sense than one, even though it's not as romantic.  That way we can each tuck in around our legs.  So the new goal is 2 small car blankets by March, in time for the trip.

These are my first ever cables. The yarn is huge; I put the US 10 dpn I'm using as a cable needle in there for comparison.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/miata.jpg">


<em>Banff - 60%</em>
Waiting for yarn - drat!  Otherwise this sucker would be done!  It's in 2 strands of Lamb's Pride Worsted in Roasted Coffee.  Yummy, and practical since none of my frequent spills will show.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/banffbodyparts.jpg">


<em>Kyoto - 10%</em>
My little project, so lonely in the not-really-even-cast-on pile.  I've done lots of swatches though, so I'll call it 10%.  It's ironic, since I am hosting the knitalong for this sweater, that I haven't given it enough love and attention.  But I seriously think it's the weather (cold).  I want to knit warm fuzzies as fast as I can, and kyoto is just so springy I keep thinking "later."  I have some new inspiration for this one, since <a href="http://gumdrop.typepad.com/knitting/">Allison</a>, <a href="http://www.stepintomythimble.com/bloghome.html">Heidi</a>, <a href="http://jolieani.diaryland.com">Marcela</a>, and <a href="http://www.evandra.com/blog/">Becky</a> have all started theirs.  Way to go -- I'll catch up soon.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/littleyarn.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/30/2004 11:05:16 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>cotton candy</strong>

The chickami is finished (yay), and I really like it.  However, it's made me remember many of the things I never liked about cotton.  Its shape firmed up very nicely after a long trip in a hot dryer, but I can just see how this will stretch all the time and turn shapeless at the bottom (like I need that).  My husband thinks it's ugly, so rather than recruit him I took this awful photo myself.  What pride I take in all this!

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kamifinal.jpg">

I did learn a few things.  My flat knitting is way looser than my round knitting, so when I divided at the underarms, I used 2 different size needles for the front vs. back (thanks, <a href="http://www.knitdenise.com">Denise</a>!).  That allowed me to tighten up those purls.  And I made a size too big (cotton gets smaller, but not that much smaller).  Also, I learned how much weight I've gained since the last time I wore something sleeveless, circa September.  Wow.  All in all, I liked knitting this and would like to do another one in a better color now that I realize what a whole lotta pink looks like.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/30/2004 12:33:56 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>vulcan knitting</strong>

I love when you get near the end of a knitted project and you really begin to sense the logic of the pattern.  All I have left is i-cord on this chickami.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kami2.jpg">

Speaking of logic, I'm also into <a href="http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/VOY/episodes/index.html?season=3">season 3 of my Voyager marathon</a>.  Watching every episode in order is the very perfect way to get knitting done and satisfy my Voyager obsession, while also sating my desire for completeness and accuracy in all things, including my TV viewing.  Just saw Tuvok and Janeway meld.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/voy146.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/27/2004 05:33:37 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kyoto knitters</strong>

Hi to all of you.  <a href="http://gumdrop.typepad.com/knitting/">Allison</a> is back from traveling, and ready to think about kyoto.  And she has noted on her blog that there are others already working on this sweater, and some who have (gasp) finished it.  Check out a couple places to see and read about others' progress:

<a href="http://pub124.ezboard.com/fknittymagazinefrm14.showMessage?topicID=5.topic">Knitty "coffeeshop" 1</a>
<a href="http://pub124.ezboard.com/fknittymagazinefrm25.showMessage?topicID=14.topic">Knitty "coffeeshop" 2
</a><a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9789&whichpage=2">Knitters' Review forum</a>

And <a href="http://www.amimono.blogspot.com/">Lizzi</a> has finished hers, but won't show the goods (yet).

More to come...
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/26/2004 09:26:29 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>mad</strong>

at self. Note to self: don't get so excited about finally decreasing that you skip part of the instructions.

You can clearly see in the photos of Banff a couple days ago that I didn't bind off 4 on each of 2 rows (after the ribbing/16 rows, before I began decreasing).   Guess what?  I'm not doing it all again, so that's how it's going to be.  The front will be 2 rows longer than the back, so maybe I'll have to do something about that.  Duh.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/25/2004 12:11:58 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>swift</strong>

As in fast--a cute little finished object that I made with a swatch of manos.  <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/PATTdimsum.html">Feline dim sum</a>, being hogged by Ellie on the left (under her front paws), and it's intended recipient, Squeek, on the right. 

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/ellie.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/squeek.jpg">

And something swift in the mail!  Seen below in action winding up 665 yards of alpaca.  I would've had a snowball's chance in hell of winding this stuff without the swift, so I'm really glad it got here all the way from the Netherlands just in time to start the body of my soft sweater.  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/swift.jpg">

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/alpacaball.jpg">

Also in the mail:  manos in wildflower, which I think I'm going to use for a modified <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/PATTsweetness.html">sweetness</a>, when I get something else finished first.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/manosnew.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/22/2004 11:57:53 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>found an answer!</strong>

<a href="http://www.geocities.com/jbtocker/copyright/copyrfaq7.html">This page</a> has a detailed explanation of copyright and derivative works, if anyone's interested.

--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/22/2004 05:16:43 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>when does a pattern become my own?</strong>

I have a question that sounds ridiculous, but alas I'm serious.  If I start working from a published sweater pattern, but I:
* change the yarn
* change the needle sizes
* change the hemline
* change the neckline
* knit it in the round instead of flat, and make new calculations for that

At what point am I designing a sweater that I would be free to write up and publish myself?
Does anyone know how much has to change?  Like with recipes, I think the copyright guideline is 4 different ingredients before you can rename and publish a recipe.  Mmmmm, food. 

p.s.  I saw on <a href="http://suspiciouslynice.typepad.com/">Kate's site</a> that there's a TV show called <a href="http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-19800/">Most Extreme Elimination Challenge</a>.  I'm sorry, but this sounds like something my dog experienced after eating the entire Thanksgiving turkey pan.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/21/2004 01:47:47 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kyoto in action</strong>

<a href="http://jolieani.diaryland.com">Marcela</a> has joined the kyoto knitalong, even though she started hers way before us and already has a <a href="http://jolieani.diaryland.com/040103_4.html">sash</a> :O  She also appears to have a cat named Squee, which is what I often call my cat (nee Squeek, seen below).  Welcome Marcela!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/19/2004 11:26:18 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>world tour
banff, kyoto, and cannon beach...
</strong>
The banff back is finished, and the yarn is looking rich and chocolately (Lamb's Pride Roasted Coffee, worsted weight with 2 strands held together).  This is one stiff fabric.  It can practically stand up on its own.  On the way back from another trip to Cannon Beach yesterday, I realized it is the exact same color as the winter alders along the streambeds.  Gorgeous against the white and gray sky.  Here it is alone, and modeled by the lovely Squeek.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/banffback.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/banffsqueek.jpg">

As for the kyoto knitalong, there are 9 of us now.  <a href="http://www.stepintomythimble.com/bloghome.html">Heidi</a> got her yarn and brought along her friend Gretchen to join.  I'm done swatching for the time being (more math when I get to the sash, but I'm going to knit the sleeves first since those are a slam dunk).  Any more news on kyotos?  Email me <a href="mailto:larissa@brownandbrown.tv">here</a> until I get comments up and running again.

In other news, work continues on the black alpaca lacy bell pullover.  Both sleeves are finished and I need to knit the body.  I heard we're going to get two more months of rain, snow, and cold.  Maybe I'll get to wear one of these sweaters this year.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/15/2004 11:57:02 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>kyoto kickoff</strong>

With just minutes to spare before midnight, I'm posting with best wishes for the official start of the knit-along.  To kick off my own kyoto, I went to the LYS and bought some silver cotton viscose to use for the sash.  I figured it would be more silky than the sonata in pink, and I'd wear it more because it's a more neutral color.  It looks white here, but is really gray/silver.  It's thinner than sonata, so I have some math to do to make the sizes match up.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/cottonviscose-nystan.jpg">

I know a few of us are planning to lengthen the sweater.  <a href="http://www.evandra.com/blog/">Becky</a> wrote to me about her plan:

<em>I'm thinking of doing a slight flare, like is used in the Rosedale
cardigan pattern (which I'm knitting right now).  That technique is:
knit even for four inches or so; then begin waist shaping,
decrease one stitch on each side of the two side markers, every 4th
row, for a total of 4 decreases; knit even for a couple inches; the
decreases are then matched as you go up by increases every 4th row.

I'm also planning to knit the extension as all one piece with the sash,
rather than trying to have there be three main pieces to the sweater.</em>

I'm planning to do something similar, but with a more drastic flare that takes place over just 4".  I think... More on that once I get the swatches done and start knitting.  Let me know your updates!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/13/2004 07:55:37 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>new banff material</strong>

I'm going to rip out what i've done with the manos (too variegated for this pattern).  And I want to order some Lamb's Pride Bulky.  I swatched with Chianti, and the stitch definition is gorgeous but the color is too purply pink.  Has anyone used Roasted Coffee, Aubergine, or Medieval Red?  What do you think of any of these?  I haven't seen them in person, and the colors are different on every online site.  Here they are in the above order:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/roasted.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/aubergine.jpg">  <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/medieval.jpg">

My concern is that I want a deep red/brown sweater, but I don't want it to be so dark it's murky.

Oh, Blogspeak is down, so feel free to <a href="mailto:larissa@brownandbrown.tv">email me directly</a>.  Thanks for any opinions.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/12/2004 11:13:22 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>ripping at one-quarter impulse
</strong>
The ripping goes slowly (lots of interwoven skeins involved, and lots of knots).  But it's the perfect activity to do while watching every <a href="http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/VOY/episodes/index.html">Star Trek Voyager in order</a>.  I'm up to 1st season, episode 15, and I have 5 very small balls of Colinette Giotto in the Venezia colorway reclaimed.  Oh goodie.  In the next episode I get to hear B'Elanna say "Get the cheese to sickbay."

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/belanna.jpg"> <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/col_giot_venezia_thm.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/12/2004 08:28:19 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>mmmm manos</strong>

featured in Kim's first-ever sock (in woodland)...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kimsock.jpg">

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kimsock2.jpg">

and the ribbing for Banff (in wildflowers)...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/banffribbing2.jpg">

--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/10/2004 10:26:56 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>banff body</strong>

I'm getting ready to start Banff soon, and I've been making very serious swatches (for me anyway) of 4" in both directions, on various size needles, washed and dried before measuring.  I'm still not getting the right gauge (I'm 1/2 stitch short and 1 row short, so this already-big sweater would be truly voluminous). Drat.  I don't want to have to do another swatch, this time down to size 8 needles for a pattern that calls for 10s.  But I guess after all this work I might as well.

Also, I want less of a puff above the ribbing, both on the body and arms.  The pattern calls for increasing 8 stitches around the waist in the row right above the ribbing.  I'm trying to redo the pattern without this, and it's a (fun) challenge for me.  We'll see...  I read <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall02/FEATdiyknitter.html">this</a>, and got excited but also even more confused.  Has anyone ever done one of these 2-D body plans?  What do they look like?  Half your waist or the whole dang 32" across?  Duh...   It's pretty ironic that I've decided to do all this math for a sweater that's pretty huge and forgiving.

<strong>bank account victory</strong>

My friend Kim and I visited a new yarn shop in town and didn't spend a dime (well $8 for parking (!), but none at the store).  It was interesting, very cold in the store and the owner didn't seem to want us messing up the yarn.  The prices were awfully high; it was more of a boutique.  We're probably not going back there, but it was fun to leave without any money spent.  There's a first time for everything!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/8/2004 10:49:45 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>icing</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/i205pres_pid66.jpg">

No one can go anywhere with <a href="http://www.tripcheck.com/RoadCams/RoadCams_Portland.htm">all this ice in Portland</a>, so it's another big knitting day!  I can work on my alpaca lacy bell pullover, but it's giving me sore wrists and I need to wear my wrist supports.  Here are the sleeves in progress.  I keep draping them over my arms and admiring them.  They're so soft...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/alpacasleeves.jpg">

The other night I finally finished the popcorn shawl by turning it into a ballerina-style wrap with braided strings.  I don't like it.  But I think the intended recipient actually will.  She's statuesque and a model, so it will have a very different effect on her.   In the meantime, here it is on 5'2" rounder me:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/popcorn.jpg">

Now I'm back to dreaming about yet another sweater.  A very warm one, all in Manos.  Maybe with the ribbing from Banff but a smaller body (so I won't look like a sack of potatoes in it).  I'm selling a bunch of stuff on ebay to make the money for a Manos sweater.  Soon!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/5/2004 02:07:28 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>perfect day for "fireside"</strong>

Here's the view on my patio from yesterday--outrageously snowy for Portland, Oregon.  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/snow.jpg">

And here's the first finished object of 2004.  A pair of "fireside socks."  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/fireside.jpg">

Designed by Joan Gooth-Buchanan, from the Spin-Off publication called Socks (how appropriate).  I made these with a yarn that is very much like Manos, but half the price.  It's handspun, handdyed pearl color yarn from <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/id=62675554">Serendipity in South America</a>.  After a very short trip in a hot dryer (like 90 seconds), they felted very slightly and firmed up perfectly.   They were fast (a 2-day project), since you cast on just 28 stitches to begin the sock (on size 10.5 needles).  This is a good, gratifying pattern for a knitter who hasn't done socks before, as I learned by using this to simultaneously teach my friend Kim (who is using Manos).  These are a birthday gift for a good friend, and they're going in the mail today.  I like that feeling :-) 

I also made a tiny, impatient but adequate swatch for my lacy bell pullover in the black alpaca.  That's with size 15 needles at the top and down to 7s at the bottom (which is how the sweater gets its lacy sleeve-ends).   I thought I would need to use big needles, like 10s, to get 4 stitches to the inch with this fine yarn. But this swatch is telling me--no matter how many times I measure it--that I am right on gauge both horizontally and vertically by using 7s!  Whatever.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/alpacaswatch.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/4/2004 12:32:48 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>black alpaca</strong>

I'm not even going to take a picture, because a digital image won't do it justice.  There was no way I was leaving NW Wools without the black alpaca.  It was soft, and dark, and I need to knit a winter sweater before it's too late to enjoy.  I kept circling the store and going back to pet the skeins. After about 4 or 5 visits to this yarn over a half-hour time period, I realized I was acting like a crazed junkie.  I bought 2 (665 yards and $23 each!)  I can't wait to do something with this.  Just a soft long-sleeve sweater.  Mmmm.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/2/2004 01:55:17 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong><em>giotto enorme
</em></strong>
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/big.jpg">

Here's my entry in the rip along sponsored by <a href="http://alison.hansels.net/blueblog/index.html">Alison</a>.  

This was the incredible growing ribbon sweater, that didn't seem too big while I was knitting it.  When it was done, all I could think was "What a remarkably expensive disaster." (that's a lot of Colinette Giotto in there).  This sweater was supposed to be big and drapey, but God!  Soon it will be come a pretty spring tank top in my own size.   Thanks for the motivation Alison!

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/rip_along_button.jpg">
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 1/1/2004 06:16:17 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>brand new year
</strong>
We are snowed in, Portland style, which means we have a couple inches and everyone can't drive.  Sledding abounds.  It's wonderful!  I'm knitting away at my chickami, but it looks just the same.  So I had to change something--how about my blog colors? 

Happy New Year everyone!
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/31/2003 12:30:55 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>Happy New Year!
</strong>
2003 Year in review...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/tinymail.jpg">

<strong>Messiest material:</strong>  Typewriter ribbon, typed with hundreds of worries.  This sweater, entitled <em>mail</em>, was one of my sculptural works, which I showed at Gallery 114 in Portland in September.  The picture above is a detail from the sweater.  (more of my art works are at <a href="http://www.larissabrown.net">www.larissabrown.net</a>)

<strong>Biggest knitting accomplishments:</strong>  My first design (coming soon, after beta testing), and socks Martin will actually wear!

<strong>Biggest knitting disaster:</strong>  The giant growing ribbon sweater, of course in a very expensive Colinette yarn

<strong>Best knit gift I made:</strong>  The <a href="http://www.larissabrown.net/blog/finished.html">mint candy scarf</a>

<strong>Most appreciated gift:</strong>  Laura’s <a href="http://www.larissabrown.net/blog/finished.html">fun fur scarf</a>

<strong>Best knitting gift, given to me:</strong>  <a href="http://www.knitdenise.com">Denise needles</a> from mom

<strong>Favorite yarn this year:</strong>  <a href="http://www.yarns-and.com/SCollezione/SCYritratto.jpg">S. Charles Ritratto</a> or Berocco Zap.  Despite both of these being novelty-ish, they knit up easily, didn't tangle, etc.  Ritratto wins very first place, because it was also stunningly beautiful and delicate, and one ball lasted me through two entire projects!

<strong>Worst yarn:</strong>  Austermann Barcelona, the periwinkle knitted up like a baby cookie monster!
<strong>
Best place to get yarn:</strong>  <a href="http://www.elann.com">elann</a>

<strong>Favorite knitting book:</strong>  I only have a couple, but the one I really like right now is the Twisted Sisters sock book, a gift from my friend Kim.

<strong>Favorite magazine: </strong> <a href="http://www.knitty.com">Knitty</a>

<strong>Favorite pattern:</strong>  <a href="http://www.chicknits.com">Chickami</a>

<strong>Any knitting resolutions:</strong>  No.  I've got enough trouble eating my fruits and vegetables.

<strong>Happy New Year to everyone.  I hope it's full of wonderful yarn and projects that come out perfect every time!
</strong>
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/30/2003 02:49:19 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>who me, mood swings?</strong>

My last 4 posts are hilarious.  I'm not appreciated.  I'm thankful.  I hate my yarn.  I love my yarn.  Having a blog proves just how ridiculous my ups and downs are. 

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/derrr.gif">
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/30/2003 01:27:07 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>feeling underappreciated</strong>

I can talk about this here, since none of the culprits read my blog.  But geez, you'd think that some of the people who received handmade gifts would thank me for them!  I mean, some of these were really nice things, like the best I've ever knit and not at all "home made" looking in a bad way.  I have 2 friends who have thanked me, one who is brimming with love for her fun fur scarf (thanks Laura, sweetie).  But other than that, I've had zero reaction.  Not even an email saying, hey I got this thing,  it wasn't lost in the mail.  Duh.  Forget doing all that work again!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/28/2003 10:24:25 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>thankfulness
</strong>
<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kami.jpg">

My chickami is moving along, and matches perfectly with my hot pink thank you notes, which I'm getting psyched up to write to all the people who gave me wonderful gifts this year.

Since I scrapped the Barcelona (see below, and see <a href="http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=larissmix&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50">here</a> ), I'm now using <a href="http://www.personalthreads.com/climagine.htm">Classic Elite Imagine in Blue Note (#9205)</a> for Jeanmarie's tank top.  The blues are lush and gorgeous, and I love looking at this yarn despite the fact it's so tangly I have to keep it in a baggie and let it out just a few inches at a time.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/blue.jpg">

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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/27/2003 09:09:36 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>*^blech^%*
</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/barcelona.jpg">

I cannot knit with this.  It looks incredibly rich and beautiful all wrapped up in a ball.  But It's so stretchy and fuzzy, it knits up like a bathmat, and it's so gauzy it actually keeps sticking to the dry skin on my thumbs.  I'm returning it to Elann.  This project - the tank top for my friend's birthday - may be cursed.  I got some Classic Elite Imagine instead, which is gorgeous, but I keep having problems like tangled skeins and such.  I think I need to let this one go for a while, and give her a present for Memorial Day instead ...

By the way, if the above sounds like just your sort of thing, you can see my related <a href="http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=larissmix&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50">eBay auction</a>.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/25/2003 06:40:27 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>merry christmas</strong>

I hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday!  I finished my next to last knitted gift, then cleaned up my room and put away all my toys.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/stash1203.jpg">

And my yarn for kyoto is here!

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyotoyarn.jpg">

Now I'm knitting, and writing about knitting, while Martin is writing checks to the charities we picked out this year.  <a href="http://www.libraryfoundation.org">The Library Foundation</a>, <a href="http://www.portlandopera.org">Portland Opera</a>, <a href="http://www.portlandwaldorfschool.org">Portland Waldorf School</a>, the <a href="http://aclu.org/">ACLU</a>, Drug Policy Foundation, <a href="http://www.sistersoftheroadcafe.org/">Sisters Of The Road Cafe</a>, <a href="http://friends.org">1000 Friends of Oregon</a>, <a href="http://wallacemedical.org">Wallace Medical Concern</a>, etc.  This is our big day for check writing :-)

Happy Holidays!
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/23/2003 04:49:22 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>cookie monster + bo derek / 2.3 =</strong>

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/hair.jpg">
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/21/2003 10:45:59 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>sparkles & spring
</strong>
My stole of Kureyon & Sprinkles is really finished, bow and all.  It looks so good, I'm even willing to show my tired face in it.  The satin bow goes down to my waist, and will look great in something classier than this Target T-shirt.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/stole.jpg">

And ...

Thoughts of spring and cotton and green.  I've never made a button for the web site before, and still haven't figured out how to make one into a link. But here is my amateur attempt, for the Kyoto knitalong.  There are 3 of us so far:  myself, <a href="http://www.evandra.com/blog/">Becky</a>, and <a href="http://www.supurlfluous.com/">Laurin</a>.  We're going to start this around January 15th.  Comment here if you'd like to join--we could use the company!

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/kyotoknitalong.jpg">
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/20/2003 02:15:15 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>clueless but chic</strong>

Since I'm very close to finishing my gifts, I decided to treat myself to making a swatch for my chickami.  That I did, and it came out a bit different from the pattern, so I did the math and adapted the pattern.  Turned out I could just follow the pattern for 2 sizes bigger than I want -- cool, that's easy right?

Then I was so ready to go, I <strong>had</strong> to start.  So I started, and I knit about 10 rows. Then I realized I'd made my swatch--and checked my gauge--on the trim size needles (#3), not the body size needles (#6).  Hmmm, the pattern does not specify the needles to use for the gauge.  And it seemed like the right thing to do at the time.

So now I'm lost, but may be making a roomy chickami.  It won't be outrageously large, just 2 sizes bigger (I wanted a 38 and I'm knitting the directions for the 42).  So I'm going to continue, and have this be an adventure in knitting.  I figure:  a) I'm probaby bigger than I think anyway, b) a roomy, breezy tank could be useful, and c) I can shrink this cotton a bit.  Am I an idiot to think these things?  Time will tell.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/chic1.jpg">
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/18/2003 03:14:43 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>alongs</strong>

I've corresponded with two more people who want to do a <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/PATTkyoto.html">Kyoto</a> knitalong, and it's looking like a January 15th start! Please comment if you want to be added, and also if you have ideas about the pattern, yarn choices, colors, etc.

 Also, <a href="http://alison.hansels.net/blueblog/index.html">Alison</a> has suggested--and I agree!--that a one-day or one-week rip-a-long would motivate us to undo well-meaning old projects and give them new life.

I'll post the Kyoto knitalong on my sidebar, and I'll post again when I hear more about the rip-a-long.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/18/2003 12:16:41 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>stoles</strong>

While at the beach, I got my first ever skeins of Noro Kureyon.  I mixed them with a thin sparkly yarn called <a href="http://www.yarnexpressions.com/yarn_catalog/k1c2_sprinkles.html">Sprinkles</a>.  Recalling all I could of a pattern I liked from knitty, I made a couple stoles. One I decided is finished as is, and the others need to be finished with bows (but less shiny and red than the one in <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/PATTeve.html">Melissa Lim's eve pattern</a>).

How I adapted the pattern:
I cast on 3 stitches, on size 15 needles, with Kureyon and Sprinkles together. Worked in stockinette stitch, and every knit row I increased at both ends.  When I had 25 stitches on the needles, I stopped increasing and worked stockinette (slipping the first stitch of every row) until I had about 18" more. Then I decreased to match the other end.  These are wonderful little stoles. I like the way they curl a bit around the edges, and I'm blocking them lightly so the curl will stay in.

Here are (l to r):  
Kureyon #90 with Sprinkles in Magenta
Kureyon #51 with Sprinkles in Black
Kureyon #95 with S. Charles Collezione Ritratto (gold) - hard to see, but I can't get my flash to work any better this late.
I kind of got addicted to these over the past few days...  I also have Kureyon #115 waiting for the final one, and maybe I'll be sick of them by then.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/stoles.jpg">

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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/17/2003 11:07:53 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>sun and sand and yarn</strong>

Wow, I got a bunch of yarn in the mail today. From <a href="http://www.elann.com">Elann</a>: <a href="http://secure.elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=Elann+Sonata&Season=&Company=&Cat=Bargains&ProductType=5&OrderBy=+Order+By+Bargain+Desc&Count=55">Elann Sonata </a>in desert rose for my chickami.  Crazy big ribbon stuff called <a href="http://secure.elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=Gedifra+Clou&Season=&Company=&Cat=Bargains&ProductType=5&OrderBy=+Order+By+Bargain+Desc&Count=2">Gedifra Clou</a> in Sun Festival for a tank. And a bunch of fur that seemed like a good idea at the time (called <a href="http://secure.elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=Valeria+di+Roma+Cisne&Season=&Company=&Cat=Bargains&ProductType=5&OrderBy=+Order+By+Bargain+Desc&Count=32">Valeria di Roma Cisne</a>) in Almond and Chocolate.  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/elann.jpg">

From ebay:  2 beautiful, luscious skeins of hand-dyed and spun yarn in a color called Pearl from <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/id=62675554">this seller</a>.  This yarn is so shiny and beautiful, with some whitish, almost undyed spots, and it's sticky and woolly. Perfect for my Vogue Knitting Shrug.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/shrugyarn.jpg">

When I was at the beach I wanted so badly to knit something beautiful in the colors of the sun reflected on the sand and the grayish blue, stormy skies.  I guess this does it!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/17/2003 10:48:59 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>emergency getaway
</strong>
I was going to have a meltdown, so Martin encouraged me to take a short vacation, wedged in between work and holidays.  I spent 3 days here:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/cannon.jpg">

and it was fabulous.  I had my own oceanfront room with a balcony complete with seagulls watching me as I watched them.  And a fireplace, coffepot, and all my knitting!  What more could I want?  I visited the yarn shop in Cannon Beach (okay twice in 2 days).  It's called <a href="http://www.sirensongstitchery.com/">Siren Song</a>.  I have a lot to report on that front but will wait until I can take some photos and post them (tonight).
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/13/2003 05:43:51 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>Kyoto anyone?</strong>

Is anyone else planning on knitting <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/PATTkyoto.html">this</a>?  How about a knit-along after January 1st?


--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/13/2003 10:45:54 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>stitch and bitch</strong>

There were some <strong>beautiful</strong> projects here last night!  Mostly scarves & hats.  My friend Kimberly was making a gorgeous scarf in a "Turkish stitch," which I need to learn.  And I got pretty much nothing accomplished, since it was my house :-)

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/party.jpg">

--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/12/2003 07:36:45 AM
-----
BODY:
I have lots of things started and nothing to report on knitting.  Getting ready for a Stitch and Bitch party at my house tonight, so I'm focusing on making pumpkin bisque and chocolate chip cookies.  :-)  I think I'm going to employ some of my non-knitting friends to wind several massive skeins of ebay yarn into balls.  Or maybe employ one of them to rip out the incredible growing ribbon sweater that I made of Colinette Giotto last summer that is at least 3 sizes too big for me.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/10/2003 08:50:21 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>six feet of seeds
</strong>
I'm at 5 of 9 gifts down!  I have realized that during every scarf there's a moment where you "turn the corner," and it's suddenly long and you realize you will one day finish.  I turned the corner on the seed stitch scarf that looks like mint candies and <strong>finished </strong>it last night, and I'm <strong>really</strong> happy with it!  I think I'm going to type up this pattern as a design exercise, since it came out so "professional" looking, if I do say so myself.  Here it is on Ellie:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/mintelle.jpg">

And here's a detail of the fringe:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/mintdetail.jpg">


--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/9/2003 04:20:31 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>no better, this is it</strong>

I am tired of trying to be a better person (Weight Watchers, Pilates, drinking water, working enough in my studio, etc).  I am not--NOT--going to go on a yarn diet too.  Here's the proof; the latest addition to my sidebar:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/noyarndiet.gif">


--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/9/2003 10:28:08 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>stash</strong>

I recently realized that I have what qualifies as a "stash."  And soon after I realized this, the perfect opportunity came along -- the <strong>Slip Stitch Pass</strong>.   A knitter named Amy at <a href="http://www.cyborgoddess.prettyposies.com/">cyborgoddess </a>has started this and the deadline to sign up is tomorrow, December 10. 

This comes right on the heels of my first two yarn shipments arriving from ebay purchases -- one a truly <em>gigantic </em>skein that has to be unwound -- and a set of <a href="http://www.knitdenise.com">Denise Interchangeable Needles</a> from my mom :-)  Yay! 
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/7/2003 09:32:02 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>moving along
</strong>
The zap scarf is now a two-tone scarf, since the yarn store was out of Sable and I need to get this finished and into the mail.  It looks pretty good together, though.  I'm liking these half-black, half-something-else scarves.  

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/zap75.jpg">

This one is in stockinette stitch (for no good reason), and so it is curling slightly.  This <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/FEATdiyknitter.html">knitty article</a> talks about good ways to block, and what methods are best for what kinds of yarn, including these plastic-y faux furs.  It's pretty inspirational.  Makes it sound easy, and kinda makes me want to block.  Weird, huh?
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/4/2003 10:52:57 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>green bean</strong>

I just whipped up a hat in about an hour and a half -- so I'm 3 down on my Christmas gifts!  It's Lamb's Pride bulky, color Oregano,  held as a double strand and using <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/h2ohatpattern.shtml">this pattern</a>.  It took almost exactly one skein and two Star Trek Voyagers (without the ads).

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/greenhat.jpg">


--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/4/2003 05:49:44 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>raspberry truffle</strong>

I couldn't bear to finish the gift scarf in <a href="http://www.skacelknitting.com/body_yarns.html">Zitron</a> Belle Epoch without using some of the cashmerino.  So I added a tiny raspberryish ruffle to each end.  I ruffled and unraveled three times before I got a scale I liked with the fuzzy scarf.  Here it is finally:  I picked up 20 stitches in the cashmerino, purled across once, then knit in the front of back of each stitch for two rows.  Then cast off.  It's very girlie and cute, but understated.  I think anyway...

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/truffle.jpg"> <img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/closeruffle.jpg">


And here's my progress on the scarf that I think looks like mint candies.  The <a href="http://brownsheep.com/lp.html">Lamb's Pride</a> color is called aran and the tiny candy stripes are <a href="http://www.yarnexpressions.com/yarn_catalog/images/scharles_ritratto_62.jpg">S. Charles Ritratto</a>.  I have to decide what I can do to the ends of this scarf to make it look less like something grandma made out of Red Heart.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pillowmints.jpg">


--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/2/2003 03:43:29 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>pillow mints</strong>

BTW, it's not ribbon candy this scarf looks like, but "pillow mints."  The ones like these, but with the tiny licorice or orange stripe down the center:

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/mints.jpg">
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/2/2003 03:34:54 PM
-----
BODY:
If I'm going to continue knitting this much, and then writing about it both online and in a hard-copy journal, then I have to add some other activity to my life.  I'm sitting here at work thinking about running.  Dreaming about running in the cold (it's hot and sleepy here in the office).  I'm sitting here bidding on new running sneakers on ebay...   OK, so I'm going to continue my Pilates and also start running again.  I feel a new rule coming on.  If I knit, I also have to run or do Pilates that same day!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 12/1/2003 11:28:21 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>ribbon candy</strong>

It's pretty clear I have food on my mind; all my knitting reminds me of stuff to eat.  The newest scarf I'm working on (described herein) reminds me of ribbon candy...

Tonight I met <a href="http://www.shetha.com/blog/">Shetha</a> at Lucky Lab--a pub just around the corner from my art studio.  It was really easy and good to meet someone else who knits; I hadn't gone to one of these get-togethers before.  So now I will!  She told me what seed stitch is, and now I'm using it on my next gift scarf.  It's a bulky one, thank goodness, because I'm running out of time. Bulky <a href="http://brownsheep.com/lp.html">Lamb's Pride</a> in creme held together with a very thin candy-colored mohair mix (it's <a href="http://www.yarnexpressions.com/yarn_catalog/images/scharles_ritratto_62.jpg">S. Charles Ritratto</a>). The seed stitch gives it a beautiful complexity.  I'll post a picture soon.  Thanks Shetha.
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 11/29/2003 05:50:07 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>inspiration?</strong>

Here is the fun fur scarf finished and in action.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/champagne.jpg">

I knitted it on size 15 needles, instead of the smaller size called for, so it's very springy.  I recommend using metal needles with this stuff.  It allows you to make a clean grip of the furry yarn, and you can hear and feel whether you've picked everything up, even if you can't see under all the fuzz.   However, I used plastic, in the wrong size; I'm very reluctant to buy any more needles, since Mom is getting me <a href="http://www.knitdenise.com">this</a> for Christmas! :-)

So on to the next start...
I bought this beautiful dusty pink cashmerino and stunning "belle epoch" for a sister gift.  I intended to make a scarf with both held together, but it came out ugly. Then the little swatch in this picture was--similarly--much less beautiful than the balls of yarn themselves.  I'm wondering what I can do with this for a nice gift, with just one ball of each.  I was thinking of elegant, long arm warmers with a fringe around the hand.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/pinks.jpg">

Anyone have other ideas?  Or a pattern?  I'd love to hear from you!
--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 11/29/2003 01:33:06 AM
-----
BODY:
<strong>champagne fizz</strong>

Finished my first Christmas present tonight - a 60" long fun fur scarf, half in black and half in champagne.  I'll get a picture of it up soon.  It was so fast and easy.  I definitely recommend it as a last-minute gift!  Here's the <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kff-scarf.html">free pattern</a>.
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AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 11/26/2003 03:31:09 PM
-----
BODY:
<strong>hot chocolate</strong>

Here are the giant chocolate-colored socks I just finished for my husband.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/hotchoc1.jpg">

The pictures don't quite communicate just how HUGE these socks are.  They are knitted very tight on size 7 needles with Rowan Big Wool.  Colors are a variegated chocolatey mix for the MC and variegated red/orange for the toes.  The pattern is knitted with a double strand of some hand-dyed wool from Uruguay.  I'm not kidding when I say these socks are hot.  They are so warm, he can't wear them in the house. Only in the garage and outside.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/hotchoc2.jpg">

Next up are the gifts.  Here are a couple in progress.  The Zap scarf for my sister is made with Berroco Zap in Sable, held together with Daletta.  It's all stockinette stitch, not that it matters with all this fur.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/zap.jpg">

And the fun fur scarf for a friend.  I just finished the champagne half and am on to the black.

<img src="http://larissabrown.net/blog/fun1.jpg">


--------

AUTHOR: Larissa Brown
TITLE: 
DATE: 11/25/2003 05:17:29 PM
-----
BODY:
Well, I'm at 0 of 8 gifts completed for this season, but three are on the needles.  I'm newly obsessed with knitting, even though I've known how to do it since I was five (30 years!)  It seems I need to have a blog to share pictures and progress, so here it is.  Just joining the huge rushing stream of blogs out there.  I'd love to share links, free patterns, yarn reviews, etc. 

The 3 gifts on the needles are a fun fur scarf, a Berocco Zap scarf, and a big "popcorn shawl" that really resembles popcorn and is so soft and really easy. The latter is made from <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/homespun.htm">Lion Homespun</a> in soft cream.  I don't normally use Lion yarns, because they seem like a cheap alternative to nice wool.  But with all the projects I'm doing right now, cheap sounds pretty attractive. And I've had several people tell me they just love the yarn, even when I'm just walking around with my knitting bag.  So whatever-- at 5 bucks for a whole shawl I'm game.  I'll try to get some pictures up here tomorrow.

Lb
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