Knitted Zombies!!!

Did you know that knitted zombie cards existed?! I saw these about a month ago, and I HAD to have them:
Here are a few close ups

These cards are created by Hannah who knit those charming zombies herself. Check out her stuff on Etsy.

I ordered the Shaun of the Dead series right away, since I loved Shaun of the Dead. That's how I like my zombie movies- as quirky British comedies. I've never seen Dawn of the Dead (too scary for me). I can’t watch stuff like that. You know what happens? Without fail, I’ll spend the entire next two weeks waking up in the middle of the night, desperately needing to pee. And I’ll be afraid to get out of bed and go to the bathroom.

I am aware that I am, by all outward signs, an adult. But I’ll tell you right now- At 3:00 a.m., it’s a long trek from the bed to the bathroom. Who knows what’s out there. Could be zombies. Not likely, I know. But there could be.

My post-horror film thought process goes something like the average eight year old’s:

I don’t want to get out of bed, because if I’m not under the covers, something might get me. There weren’t any zombies in my apartment when I went to bed, but that was hours ago and who knows if they have fought their way in since then. I might not have heard them, I’m a heavy sleeper. Okay, I have to get up and go. I’ll go fast. Good thing there’s a night light in the bathroom. Too bad it’s not some magical, zombie-repelling night light. They should make those, I bet they would sell really well. Okay, now to get back to bed without getting eaten by zombies. I can do this. I can do this! And… under the covers! Ah, safe. Zzzzzzz.

This is why I prefer lighter films, or at least a drama. No one wakes up in the middle of night afraid to go to the bathroom because Hugh Grant or George Clooney might be in their apartment. Unless they've recently been turned into zombies.....

Happy Halloween, everyone!

FO- Gallery Jacket

I live in a basement apartment, so bear with me on the lighting.

Pattern:Gallery Jacket

Yarn: Knitpicks Swish Superwash in Lemongrass Heather

Needles: 5.5 mm straights (I crammed those stitches on!)

Size Made: Small (34")

Modifications: I made this a fair bit longer. This was easy enough to do- The part where you put stitches onto stitch holders for the front sections is where the armholes divide, so I just kept holding it up underneath my arm to see where it fell against my body.

Also, I accidentally didn't do the shawl collar. I knit everything but the sleeves on the subway, and I didn't have the pattern in front of me. I didn't notice I had missed that part until I had already seamed the shoulders on both sides. I tried it on and decided that it works this way, too. And it gives me an excuse to make another one in the future!Notes: I didn't block the body much, but pinned and spritzed the sleeves. I'm using a kilt pin as the closure, but I'm thinking that a great chunky belt would be stylish, too. I also briefly considered adding belt loops and a little kimono-style sash. I tried a few different ways to wear it , and it's pretty versatile:
When I was doing the sleeves, I was a bit concerned that the purl rows at the edge were going to be a bit weird, but I like the way they turned out:I can't tell you how much I love this. It was such a pleasure to knit, and I love the simple styling. I wouldn't be surprised if I made another one. Thanks to Cirilia for a great pattern!

Tagged!!

Anne at Another Shopgirl tagged us! Read on if you'd like to know 8 random facts about us.

The Rules: once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you. Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged.

8 Random Things:

1. Julie: I am completely useless at shoe shopping. I hate doing it and I have no idea what I like or what looks good. I always need someone to come and help me. Then I hold up a shoe and ask them, "Do I like this?". It is the only time in my life I need to be told what to think. If I go by myself, I always regret the shoe purchase.

1. Jen: I've had mostly male friends for the majority of my life. I don't know why, I guess I feel I just get along better with the boys. It's only in the last few years I've started to have close female friends.

2. Julie:I am surprisingly handy. I install light fixtures, put down flooring, love painting, own my own power tools. And I adore assembling Ikea furniture. I wish all furniture needed to be assembled at home.

2. Jen: I'm crazy good at calming people down. I can rationalize things out and talk people out of the crazy tree when they are acting nutty and ready to do something rash. Julie can back me up on this. I should be a negotiator.

3. Julie:I lived in Istanbul, Turkey, for 2 years (2002-2004). Living in a foreign country changes you in ways that only someone who has done it can ever truly understand. I knitted so many socks while I lived there, that I hardly ever knit socks now- I'm all socked out. But here's a very old in progress shot of the last pair I ever made:3. Jen: When I was a kid I used to travel everywhere with my parents, who loved going anywhere warm. You name the island below the equator, I've probably been to it. But as an adult, I hardly every travel any more. But that's getting fixed soon- next month, I'm going to Tobago!

4. Julie: I don't have any single girl friends, everyone is happily coupled up. I, on the other hand, do not have the luxury of a warm body next to me every night, or even on the couch. I have to keep reminding myself not to settle for Larry* (see footnote).

4. Jen: I'm an Asain wannabe. I look waspy and blonde, but really, on the inside, I have shiny black hair and almond shaped eyes. Every boyfriend I have ever had has been asian, and I speak some Mandarin. Mostly so I can talk with my boyfriend's parents.

5. Julie:When I was a kid and adults would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always told them a psychologist for the criminally insane. I never really wanted this, but I got a big kick out of their reaction.

5. Jen: When I was a kid, I wanted to be an opera singer. Anyone who has ever heard me sing knows that was never going to happen. Ever.

6. Julie:I write a weekly column for the Saturday edition of my hometown newspaper, The Sudbury Star. Somehow, I get to ramble on (and on!) about my life, and people read it. I'm as shocked as you are!

6. Jen: I've been addicted to snowboarding for about 7 years. I may not be the best, but I can shred hard and keep the boys on their toes.I'm really looking forward to this year- it's my first year back since my knee injury. I've got my season pass and I'm all set!!!

7. Julie: I make an amazing pie crust pastry from scratch, and everyone asks what my recipe is... it's the one on the back of the Tenderflake box. Seriously. Best pie crust of your life.
7. Jen: Years ago, I made a pork roast for my then-boyfriend's family. I bought one of those pre-seasoned, already completely done (all you have to do is heat it up) and I passed it off as my own that I made from scratch. His family was so impressed, they wanted the recipe. So I panicked, and just made it up. When they tried to make it, of course it didn't turn out the way the store bought one did. I had to fess up.

8. Julie:I'm working on a novel, and am about 75% finished the first draft. It's got no working title at the moment, but there is some knitting in it! One of the characters (not the protagonist, but a major character) dreams of being a knitwear designer.... the character is based on Jen, although I don't actually know if she really would like to be a knitwear designer. I know she would like to have her own yarn shop, though.

8. Jen: When I was really into graffiti art in my younger days, I used the tagname of 'Satincare'. I chose it because back then I thought that nothing was sexier than smooth, shaved legs! Obviously, I watched too many commercials on TV.

As for tagging... how about Glenna, Jessica, Erin, Marce, lekkercraft, Kelly, and Phoe. I know that's only 7, but...tag- You're it!!!

*Footnote: Larry is a family joke. My aunt worked with a teacher who wanted to settle down, and was dating this guy named Larry. Larry was a part time Elvis impersonator. He was cheap (and constantly broke), unrealiable, and just plain retarded when it came to relationships. He would cancel their plans to go out with his friends, he would let her pay for dinner all the time, and only came around if he couldn't find anything better to do, and didn't make an effort to do things that he knew made her happy. Everyone else in his life was a higher priority than her. This girl still thought that he would grow up and become someone worth dating. One night he was supposed to pick her up from work, and she was relying on him since it was late and there was no other way for her to get home. He called from a bar, told her he had met some friends instead, and couldn't come and get her. She broke up with him. Met someone way better shortly after that. She is now happy with the much better new guy. Larry is still an Elvis impersonator and a loser.

Thus, my family's catch phrase: "Don't settle for Larry!" Because apparently, there are far too many Larrys in the world. And Elvis impersonators.

Montego Bay Scarf II, III, VI

I love the smell of a finished montego in the morning.... :P I don't know what it is about this pattern that takes hold of me. But I become posessed and knit for hours on end, past my bedtime in hopes of churning out a few more rows. This montego took about 9 days of streetcar rides and way way too many episodes of South Park. I love it though, and the subtle color changes are why fleece artist fibers cost what they do. I hope to get an action shot for ya on my next Montego post. On Sunday, the weather was beyond beautiful so I met up with my homeboy Travis and took a stroll down Queen west for sea silk and smoothies. My girlfriend wanted Sangria and Amethyst for the next two, but upon seeing Sangria in person(yuk)I made the executive decision to go with Origin instead. Glad that I did too. I mean look at it. Beautiful. Here's a quick tease of the amethyst. Loooooove it.

Because We All Love a Good Preview

The Interweave Knits Winter 2007 preview is up!! And get this- there are new models.

I did some skulking on the Ravelry discussion board on this issue, and it seems that a lot of people felt that the new models were a bit too 'supermodel'. Personally, I love the fact that they are different models, but some felt that they were a bit on the thin side. Some felt that the poses and the general feel of the magazine were a bit too high fashion. But then Eunny Jang, IK editor, weighed in, and said that they were trying some new things with the photography and models. I'm interested to see the continued evolution of IK.

Gotta love Ravelry, where even the editor of the knit magazine contributes to the conversation. I think IK just went up about another 100 point in my esteem, just because that kind of approachable behaviour. Yay, Eunny!

Here's a quick roundup of my faves from this issue: This is definitely going in my queue, although I'm very interested to see what others do with it- if it's not spot on, is that bust area completely unforgiving? I love the acres of stockinette- I love knitting stockinette, I find it very Zen (and very good for zoning out on the subway). And how about making this a bit longer, so I don't need the sequined Studio 54 tank underneath? Yeah. Longer.
I love this henley, but I'm not sure what I think about that collar. I love that lace detail, and despite my love of stockinette, I think it would look better if the lace pattern went all the way down. Hmmmmm.
Love this fair isle vest! Although I have a weird coloured collection of buttoned shirts, I would want to work all their colours in, so I could wear it with all of them.
This is brillant. No more removing of mittens to fumble in my purse for my subway pass in the winter! Although I like my mittens slightly less pointy, so I would round that part out a bit more.
I love this Celtic Tote, but I also love the brown leather jacket and the orange cap. I want this whole outfit, really. I'm interested to see other people's colour choices for this one, which is sure to be popular.

Stay tuned- A Gallery Jacket update will be up before the end of the week!

Yay for the Mail!!

I got two goodies in the mail today! First up: An adorable set of knit-themed cards that I ordered from Bamboo Village Press (Etsy). You can check out their wares here.

I also got my yarn from Jessica (who was thankfully destashing!). Check out this lovely cotton/viscose blend: The yarn has this really gorgeous sheen to it, and I'm already spending way too much time on Ravelry stalking some suitable patterns- any ideas? There's 1209 yards of the stuff. Ah, I love the mail. Especially when it's knitting goodies, and not bills.

The Look of Love....

I was waiting for my yarn from Knit Picks to arrive so I could finally start my gallery jacket. I know I should be using the 32" circs for this, but I've put myself on yarn and needle buying diet (The yarn and sweater backlog is getting ridiculous, and I've run out of yarn storage and decided I could make do by jamming all 202 stitches onto my 5.5 mm straights:

Can I say how much I love this colour? Love this. It's Knit Picks Lemongrass Heather in swish superwash. I'm so singularly posessed with having this gallery jacket that I've unwittingly put everything else on hold, all in my determination to knit this as fast as possible. Sure, there are other projects I should be knitting, but you know how it is in the first blush of love- you want nothing more than to spend every free second you have with your beloved. Ah, Gallery Jacket, how I adore thee......

I'm heading up north to my hometown of Sudbury for the weekend, where I plan on getting a ton of knitting done, and teaching my mother how to make the perfect pie crust. I'd rather teach her how to knit so she'll stop asking me for sweaters. For the record, I already knit her a sweater, she just wants more.

By the way- I don't know if Joe Fresh exists outside of Canada, but they have these great ads, reminiscent of the old Gap ads (where they danced to music, with the white backgrounds? remember Swing Khakis, and all that?!). I love the songs that they use in their commericials, 'Mixed Up' and 'The Dream', by a Canadian singer, Rhonda Stakich (kind of reminds me of Feist). They actually have them available for download and you can watch the commercials, if you're interested: http://joefresh.ca/Video_en.aspx

I've never shopped there, but I'm thinking about it now. What with the cute songs and all. Damn it, catchy advertising WORKS!!!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

So.....

I finished the Rushmore-insipired red beret for the Wes Anderson swap:
All things considered, it turned out really well. Except for one teeny, tiny, problem:
Caution: when that pattern (Winter 2006, Interweave Knits) says the hat is small, damn- is it ever SMALL! I noticed it seemed a bit on the small side, but I checked my gauge beforehand, and everything seemed fine. I thought it would stretch out a bit once finished, that it was just being bunched on the dpns. These were obviously silly lies I told myself so I could spend the day watching movies and knitting a red beret that is suitable only for small children and stuffed bears. I admit that I don't know my swap pal well enough to hazard a guess at the circumference of her head, but if she is over 4 years of age, there's no way it's going to fit her.

TEAMKNIT! BRUNCH V.02

French toast, fresh fruit, momma's strawberry jam, sweet potato fries, assorted bagel bites mmmm. After working a whole week, there is nothing better than a huge saturday brunch with crew. I was supposed to bring the white potatoes, but I left them on the train by accident! So... we had to ration out the remaining sweet potatoes. We also listened to a lot of new music so I'm going to leave you a playlist at the end. This is probably going to be a joint post, because I know Julie has one or two of the whole spread. Freds bagels are the bomb sh!t Giant blackberries, golden asian pear and blood necarines Julie Darling, making her amazing sweet potato frittes.. mmmm.... Teamknit Brunch v.02 Radiohead - In Rainbows Annie - Anniemal Midnight Juggernaught - Dystopia The Vanity Project - Glitterbug Kanye West - Can't tell me nothing Justice Essential Mix - BBC Radio 1 Gini - La Musique Yelle - Je ve te voir Fujiya Miyagi - Transparent Things, Photocopier, Ankle Injuries, Collarbone, Click on: pitchforkmedia.com hypem.com

Calling the Red Berets

I'm feeling a little more confident about swapping now, so I've joined the Wes Anderson swap on Ravelry. Basically, I'm knitting a couple of Wes Anderson-inspired things for my swap pal. First up is a red beret, similar to the one worn by Jason Schwartzman in Rushmore:
Except I'm aiming for my beret to be a bit more flattering than the one in the movie. I'm using the Tweed Beret pattern from the Winter 2006 issue of Interweave Knits.

Since fall is pretty much here and I've had to face the fact that it's only going get colder, I went to my garden and harvested a ton of mint. I washed it, and then tied up bundles with red yarn and hung them all over my apartment to dry:
Close-up of two of the bundles: I'll have an entire winter's supply of mint tea. And as a follow up, that wedding I went to last weekend had flowering Chinese tea as the little take-away goody that they give at weddings: I didn't have a clear teapot, so I used my coffee bodum. Isn't that gorgeous? Makes up for the fact that the tea had next to no flavour at all. I've learned to throw a green tea teabag in there for a few minutes before adding the flowering tea, to round out the experience.

Montego bay is a Casualty Killer

Fleece Artist Sea Wool, from Lettuce Knits in the Straw/Ivory colorway. The photocard that it's sitting on is from Casualty, a skate brand dreamed up by Joey G-a super cute dude from NYC. He does all his own screen printing and the original members of TEAMKNIT! are fortunate enough to have been sent some previously. I smell a bandana bandito photoshoot. Mind the color balance, I'm on stolen time at the moment. I have to run out and get a present for Victoria, a girlfriend of 20 some odd years. What does one get, for someone who means the world to you, has known you since diapers and has everything she could possibly need-and then some? Accessories?* I never seem to have enough scarves, hats, earings....hmm... Perhaps I have some time to whip her up some mice for her new cats. They are so totally adorable so I have to show you. This is Six, a pure bred siamese female at about 3lbs I snapped a picture of her lying next to me, excited that she matched my top. Six was nonplussed. Wait till I get some shots of her newest addition, A HAIRLESS SPHINX! *kicking myself for not starting a potterybarn afghan for her. Jules- it's ON!