Random Post: Part 12

Last Friday I was at Indigo with what seemed like a kagillion knitters to hear The Yarn Harlot speak. It was great fun and Stephanie was witty, charming and kept us in stitches. It was a lovely excuse to hang out with a posse of knitters and have a good time. I tried to be disciplined and take some pictures but I was too busy knitting. (I got a lotta summer knitting to do, people!) From the few I did take there was one that really summed up the evening's experience.

Of course I'm using a Leatherman® to undo this knot. Wouldn't you?

I guess you had to be there. Needless to say it was a blast and the energy in the room was pretty awesome. I've never been to a book launch like that before - so official and in a bookstore and whatnot. Check out this fantastic retelling of the night's experience. And my posse and I are "famous." Check to see who's getting poked in the head with an arrow in the "constantly knitting during talk" photo. Heeee!

To keep this post random, I've actually done some BUYING for my Knitters Tea Swap pal. I have to admit the shopping part has been easy but the actual buying has been somewhat difficult. I tend to guilt myself into thinking it has to be the BEST GIFT EVER which turns into a lot of pressure and guilt which is silly because this is supposed to be fun and not all heavy. Now that I've said that I had a BLAST shopping yesterday. Just to give a wee hint to my pal if she's hanging around. ::waves to pal:: I found a tea place that has an awesome selection of tea. It's called The Tea Emporium and I'm in love! Anyways pal, I'll probably be sending your package out closer to the deadline than expected but it will be sent before the 15th for sure! Weeeee!

Here's another one of my fave pics from Friday night. Even The Shy Knitter came out to play!

My identity will remain a mystery. Bwahahahaha!

Will YOU be at the TTC Knit-A-Long?

It's the most fun you can have Riding the Rocket. Now get yer mind outta the gutter... I don't mean THAT rocket! I mean the TTC. If you're a knitter (and I know you are), what could be more fun than going from yarn store to yarn store to yarn store to yarn store buying everything in sight all the while knitting? On top of that you get to meet some really cool knitters that you might not have met otherwise.

The big day is Saturday, June 9th! We have three teams starting at three different locations around Toronto. Find out more information and register at the TTC Knit-A-Long's official blog.

June 9th is also the International Knit In Public Day. I can't think of a better way to celebrate.

See you there!!

What type of Adjective are you??

I found this from Amy. Hee!

Jacquie -- [adjective]: Similar to butter in texture and appearance 'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

OMG! I won!

I'm the winner of the first content held for the Knitters Tea Swap! I get a skein of Schaefer Anne sock yarn kindly donated by Simply Socks Yarn Company. Woo-hoo!

Thanks to Suzie, organizer extraordinaire, and Allison of Simply Socks!

Happy blogiversary to me!

It's been one year. It hasn't been groundbreaking but it has been fun. It's kept me honest and outta trouble. I think that's a good thing.

What I Plan to Knit this Summer...

I'm taking Ladylungdoc's lead and entering in the Skeins Her Way pre-summer knitting contest. If you decide to enter, tell 'em "jacquieblackman sent me!"

1. A-Line Top from Jo Sharp Saturday (for me)
2. Sea Mesh Wrap out of Handmaiden Seasilk (first serious lace project for my friend Kyra)
3. Sunflower Tam from Knitting Nature (possibly for my Mom)
4. Angora Baby Booties from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts(3 pair), for pregnant friends (you know who you are!)
5. Magic Loop socks (First try with Magic Loop, for me)

Here's to writing your goals down! I know this list doesn't seem like much but I'm a slooooooow as molasses knitter. It's true.

EDIT: I've decided to add a few things to the list

6. Clapotis Cap out of Malabrigo
7. First Hat from Knit 2 Together
8. Begin Fitzgerald from Noro Knits ( with a finish date by October, for Paul)
9. Gauge and start some sort of sweater out of Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed (probably Pimlico Shrug from Knit 2 Together)
10. Finish Toy Bear from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

NEW EDIT: I thought to completely put me over the edge I'd add two more items

11. Three baby related secret things (they're very small)
12. Dye-Versions Wrap

TTC Knit-A-Long Registration is open!

Registration for the upcoming TTC Knit-A-Long is open! Date of the event is Saturday, June 9th. Get more information at the TTC Knit-A-Long blog site.

Don't forget that you will need to have a valid TTC day pass and there is a $2 registration fee.

See you there!

Knitters Tea Swap & Magic Loop

Two great things, that aren't necessarily going together!

First off, I'm set with my pal for the the 3rd Knitters Tea Swap. Woot! This isn't a secret swap so we get the opportunity to chat and get to know each other BEFORE we send out our package. I think that is a pretty cool concept. I've already introduced myself and have scoured her blog for ideas. I've been a wee bit distracted with the Yarn Harlot's appearance here in TO, the TTC Knit-A-Long, getting the incoming DKC's VP Programme up to speed (or at least making sure all the materials are gathered that she needs), weeding the yard and dealing with the kitchen renovation (that my Sweetie Pie has been doing an awesome job on) that I feel I haven't been in touch as much as I'd like. Plus my series of tubes were down for a whole day late last week and that didn't help anything. However, fear not KTS pal! I'm getting a little questionnaire together and will send it over to you shortly.

If you wanna give a wave to my pal, go visit her at her blog at kaleidoscoptic. She just got back from vacation and has posted some lovely photos. I'm sure she'd love to be distracted just a bit more!

Secondly, I've successfully taught myself Magic Loop and I'm a convert! No more DPNs for me. I still have the other sock to do but the first look me a little more than a week. Much better than my last pair of socks that took several months to complete because of all the hand fatigue. Details on pattern, yarn, etc when I finish the other one. In the meantime, jam to this mix of Ted Steven's talk about the internet:

Are you seeing the Yarn Harlot?

I'm going to be there! Does anybody wanna meet up beforehand and grab a little din-din?

Sock Break

I got tagged by Dr. Steph and I needed a break from knitting socks so I thought I would go at it.

Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and need to read your blog. (Although I might pass on this step. Who needs an aggressive meme-er anyway?) The facts:

1) I've had IntraLASIK eye surgery

2) I was in an all female version of West Side Story in University (I got to play a Puerto Rican male. And I was hot.)

3) The only car I've officially owned was a 1971 VW Beetle

4) Eggplant tastes like metal to me

5) I tried Sudoku, understood it and didn't get addicted

6) I love the poetry of Sandra Cisneros

7) I taught myself Magic Loop last week and am working on some socks (although I wish I had the booklet to reference)

I tag Lorena, Betharoopie, Peggy, Susan, Lisa, the other Lisa and Sophie

TTC KAL West Captains Needed!

The TTC Knit-A-Long needs captains for the west team. The date is Saturday, June 9th, and the team will be starting at Village Yarns. Drop a comment if you're interested. :-)

My Knitlist (from Not An Artist)

Bold for stuff you’ve done, italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing.

Afghan/Blanket (baby)
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting (what is this???)
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with DPNs
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

CONTACT Opening was AWESOME!

What a lovely evening! Thanks to all that came to support me and take in the TUEAM show. Those who couldn't come by, the show will be up until August 3rd. The folks at The Charlotte Room are the nicest around.

No Sheep For You Launch Party

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Amy had her No Sheep launch party at Lettuce Knit on Wednesday. She fed us and made sure we didn't go home empty handed. I came home with practically a truck load of stuff. Ok, really an arm full. But it was all great stuff - books, yarn and accessories. I brought my camera but I only took like a small handful of pics. I have to say that I like the flickr toys. Thanks Ms. Snark for the introduction!

Who's got the best cell phone plan in TO??

My contract with Rogers is going to expire next month and I think I want to switch. If you live in TO and love your mobile service please leave a comment as to who your carrier is and why you like 'em so much.

Knitters Tea Swap 3

Forgot to mention that I'm signed up for the next Knitters Tea Swap. ::waves to any tea swappers out there:: I happened to be home in time to get my name in. I guess space filled up quickly and I feel pretty lucky that I made it in. I haven't been this excited since the Not-So-Secret-Secret-Pal Exchange I did a few months back with Ms. Snark. Woot!

CONTACT Show Opening!

Besides knitting, I like photography. I especially like taking photos with the Toronto Urban Exploration and Meetup Group. I've had a few informal showings with the group in the past, but this Saturday I'm going to be in one of the largest photographic festivals in North America, CONTACT, thanks to TUEAM. If you're in Toronto than you should come by The Charlotte Room (19 Charlotte Street) between 7:00 and 10:00pm on Saturday, May 12th, for our opening party. Everyone is invited, so come on out!

Clappy Scarf and a kitchen renovation

What a crazy weekend! Friday I finished the Clapotis Scarf for the DKC's Knit For The Cure drive. I kinda feel I've been working on this forever as I was trying to work on other things at the same time. Finishing the scarf wasn't what was crazy. What's crazy is that we tore out the kitchen cabinets in like 2 hours. Who am I kidding? I had nothing to do with it. Paul and Dom did all the work. And Dom was even sick! These dudes totally rocked. However I did assist in a Home Depot, burger, beer/wine run.

During the removal of the cabinets, Paul decided he was curious to see what type of insulation (if any) was between the inside wall and the outside wall. He discovered there was insulation (which was a surprise). However it was comprised of cardboard and tar (which was also a surprise). I bet you can only imagine what Paul wants to do first before we do anything else.

Sunday morning I shunned grubby house stuff and met up with Sophie to do a little damage to our wallets. I bought a slew of books - a few which were back ordered so they couldn't be photographed.

In addition to the books I bought 10 balls of Jo Sharp's SoHo Summer DK Cotton for the cute a-line top from Jo Sharp's Saturday book. I actually swatched last night and it's pretty close to spot on.

(I have more Jo Sharp yarn that I bought about 6 months ago and I think I'm going to do the Bianca's Jacket from Interweave Knits Fall 2006. I still need to swatch though. I guess these will be the projects that will take up most of my time for now. Next I will need to cast on the Hand Maiden Sea Silk for a wrap I promised a friend. But really this is just a side not to myself)

Sunday afternoon I couldn't avoid helping out any longer. I donned safety goggles and a face mask and wielded a hammer and crowbar to start removing the walls in the kitchen. I have to admit I like throwing around a hammer especially when it comes to destruction. I had most of the nasty-assed tiles removed and a nice size hole started before we decided we had to set up a temporary kitchen in the basement. I can see the fun has only just started.

CLAPOTIS SCARF
Started: April 4, 2007
Completed: May 4, 2007
Pattern: Clapotis by Kate Gilbert
Pattern Modifications: I made it a scarf size so I think I only 4 increase sections.
Yarn: Patons Impressions hand-dyed wool (donated to the DKC)
Color: #3504
Needles: US7/4.5mm Addi Turbos
Notes: This scarf was made for the DKC's Knit For The Cure.