Hitchhiking...

Some days are good, some days are not and some days are just so and so... But today is just awesome.  I just finished doing the Hitchhiker, using again Cascade yarn - this time the handpainted version.  The yarn is not as squishy as the plain colored ones - remember how I praise the green yarn from the Green Holden Shawlette -, but still love the softness and the color, so vivid!

Knitting hitchhiker is a no-brainer pattern, just got confuse as to why the pattern didn't just states that the first two is a bind-off, only the first stitch would have to be purled.

After that, knitting it is a breeze.  I didn't even noticed that I already reached the 41st peak and would have to do the next 7 rows without the increase and on the 8th row, should be doing the bind off.

Again the yarn didn't fail me, Cascade has such a very adequate yardage, I still have 0.04 grams left.

HITICHHIKER

Pattern Source: Hitchhiker - by Martina Bhem
Materials used: Cascade Heritage Handpainted Sock Yarn [photo]
Hook size: 4.00mm
Project started: 22.07.2013
Project finished: 29.07.2013
Item size: Adult

*I'm thinking of buying the flexible blocking wires this month so when I make some circular shawls it would be easy to block them, or some shawls that just don't have a points in them.*

Something new

I bet you already had enough of me showing you the Holden Shawlette right? Well, I'm not, I love the Holden, but for now I will be showing you the new yarns I ordered for another shawls I'll be making and i.e. Hitchiker and Imagine When.

These are the yarns I got from Loopy Ewe, and I'm excited to start working with it.

Another yarn didn't get into the collage, it's a mellow yellow tone... again from Cascade.

Bought also some new knitting needles.. Hiya Hiya and Chiaogoo.<

So far I love the Hiya Hiya, so pointy and would be great for lace knitting, and look I even got a free needle inventory card. :)

To Knit Ishbel? or to Knit Socks? - that is the question

I can't seem to be satisfied with doing nothing during those in between projects and yarn order to arrive.

So I decided to cast on the Ishbel using Malabrigo Sock Yarn, but while I am already knitting several rows already, I suddenly have second thoughts whether to continue or to create my own sock pattern using the said yarn.

The sock design I'm thinking is lacey, similar to the lace on Ishbel... hmmmm

See my shawl pin from Lantern Moon sneaking behind?  I haven't used it yet, this came with my recent yarn order from Paradise fibers.   This shawl pin is made from Water Buffalo's horn.

Can't decide, what should I knit?

 

Friday is just another normal day to every person I know, except for me and my dh, it's a special day for us not just because it's our monthsary, but it's also our new venture towards a very special relationship that I know will work for the longest time.

I thank all the people who make this day a very meaningful and special day.  I'm looking forward to a more bright and fruitful future for my family. 1 Timothy 3:12  Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

Something about Thursday

Today is just one lazy Thursday, where every family members are doing nothing much at the house, everything is quiet and peaceful.  Beds unmade, cups waiting to be washed... and clothes to be folded.

There's something today that I really love... can't quite put a finger on it... but today is just something quite relaxing... I LOVE YOU THURSDAY!!!

I got this photo from a blog that I would like to share with you...

stumped! -

"So what's next?" I asked.

Contemplating on my next project, that's what! To be honest I still have a lot of house chores to do but I don't feel like doing it...

All I want to do is stare at the projects I can find on Ravelry - [these are my favorite patterns], and dream that I have the yarn specified on the project and knit to my heart's content.

Oh I almost forgot, I am waiting for the yarn I bought on Knitpicks [they were on sale - 50% off on their worsted weight yarn] so now I can do the granny square blanket! I'm so excited, I hope it will arrive soon... I just checked my order status and it's still "on process". I guess there were a lot like me who grabbed the chance to enjoy their sale, AND that means will have to wait for 2 to 3 weeks to get those yummy yarns here... I also bought a book called Circular Knitting Workshop... I'm still dreaming of making my very own sweater in round you know.

I also enrolled myself to another one of craftsy online workshop - this time it's called Fit your Knits by Stephanie Japel. That's where I also got my One Skein Shrug at that time they were offering it as free online workshop.. so happy I took it :) I was just one of the lucky ones who stumble upon it while cleaning their inbox and saw the notification *grinning*.

I feel so lazy today, I just either want to curl up in bed or do surf the net... that all.. nothing else.. Oh gees, but I guess I have to pull myself up and do the unthinkable.. HOUSE CHORES!

unable to comment...

(posted via blogger.com)
okay guys, so sorry about the boo-boo, I have fixed the bug, and you can now placed your comments here on my blog. I has something to do with my html code I think, and it's now okay..
hope to hear from you guys.
hugs !

beads for the first time

Knitting and crochet accessories doesn't come here often, and sometimes I find myself drooling and frustrated over the internet whenever I got the chance to see some of it like stitch marker, holders and cable needles.


When I saw a video on DIY stitch marker and row counters, I was inspired and decided to learn how to do some beadings. So when I was in Manila, I bought several beads, eye hook, jump rings, toggle and lock, round and flat pliers for creating loops.

I kinda get the hang of doing the loops, but still need more practice, I'm enjoying this new hobby of mine, doing stitch markers... Now if I could just find a store/stores that carries beads for such purpose.....

Here are the results of my first try on DIY stitch markers .






And of course I'm still wishing I can get hold of Knitpicks lace yarn sampler. I want to get my hands on the riverstone shades (neutrals shades of cream and brown). I'm such a fan on neutral colors, don't ask me why cause I too am curious




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Now playing: Michael Buble - Its Time - (2005) - 07 - The More I See You
via FoxyTunes

Holiday, Yarns and Knitting

Been very busy, so it's just now that I am able to put anything on this site.

My family and I had a very nice holiday in our hometown. I was able to meet Mona of Knittipina, and her sister Joy. It was so nice meeting my fellow yarn addicts so I hope next year we can hook up again and maybe meet new friends like say - Mimi of Crochet and Other Stuff and Gene of Gene + Experiment. I also got lots of goodies from Joy and some of the stuff I ordered through Mona - needles and book from Knitpicks.

Here are the photos...







You can see here the knitpicks, and also I got the chance to visit my favorite yarn shop in Makati - Dream Yarn shoppe by Tita Lilli. I bought several knitting accessories - split ring markers, cable needles and saw these dpns that I can't resist it comes with different colors, so I bought two sets, which by the way if my budget would've allowed I could have bought 4 different ones I also got the chance to get the last remaining yarn guide tool (not sure if that's what you called it) the one that you put on your index finger when you're doing color knitting so that the yarns will not get tangle up with each other while knitting them. Bought some Bernat Afghan yarn two skeins for each four different colors, Patons Kroy sock yarn, and 7 cones of Monaco raylon crochet and embroidery threads (removed the spool, it's causing some heavy weight on my luggage)

And you think I left my knitting back home? no way I brought the Tunic with me and was able to do most of the front part of the tunic in Manila and finished it after I got back. I added my youngest daughter's initial on the left side and this is my very first attempt in color knitting as well.

I'm now doing the first sleeve, I getting so excited over this, I can't wait to block and seam them together. Am still hoping I'll be able to finish the Tunic by the end of June. Here's keeping my fingers crossed.

But before all these things, I was able to finished a simple lacey head band before I went to Manila, and here it is...

Me while waiting to board our plane from Bahrain to Manila, I let my youngest daughter borrowed my camera as she was so bored and tired imagine we have to wait 5 hours for the flight (it was a connecting flight - from Riyadh to Bahrain) and it can be tiring to a little girl that have to wait that long. Good thing she was able to take a 3hr nap and woke up feeling refreshed.








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Now playing: David Foster And Olivia Newton John - The Best Of Me
via FoxyTunes

living one day at a time

What have I been up to? My April has been a roller coaster ride, actually it started on the later part of March, when I was diagnosed to have multiple gall bladder stones with the size averaging to 11.4mm. If haven't been exposed to knitting and crocheting I wouldn't have any idea how big is an 11.4mm is! I was afraid and at the same time determine to stop the attacks, it was so painfully, I can't hardly stand and move at all, I was nauseated and having a hard time breathing.

I did a little research and found out that when you're already having series of attacks, it is highly recommended by doctors that your gall bladder be removed by Laparoscopy Cholecystectomy. Stones on gall bladder is caused by the following: (info below is from NDDIC )

• Sex. Women are twice as likely as men to develop gallstones. Excess estrogen from pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, and birth control pills appears to increase cholesterol levels in bile and decrease gallbladder movement, which can lead to gallstones.

• Family history. Gallstones often run in families, pointing to a possible genetic link.

• Weight. A large clinical study showed that being even moderately overweight increases the risk for developing gallstones. The most likely reason is that the amount of bile salts in bile is reduced, resulting in more cholesterol. Increased cholesterol reduces gallbladder emptying. Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstones, especially in women.

• Diet. Diets high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber increase the risk of gallstones due to increased cholesterol in the bile and reduced gallbladder emptying.

• Rapid weight loss. As the body metabolizes fat during prolonged fasting and rapid weight loss—such as “crash diets”—the liver secretes extra cholesterol into bile, which can cause gallstones. In addition, the gallbladder does not empty properly.

• Age. People older than age 60 are more likely to develop gallstones than younger people. As people age, the body tends to secrete more cholesterol into bile.

• Ethnicity. American Indians have a genetic predisposition to secrete high levels of cholesterol in bile. In fact, they have the highest rate of gallstones in the United States. The majority of American Indian men have gallstones by age 60. Among the Pima Indians of Arizona, 70 percent of women have gallstones by age 30. Mexican American men and women of all ages also have high rates of gallstones.

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs. Drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood actually increase the amount of cholesterol secreted into bile. In turn, the risk of gallstones increases.

• Diabetes. People with diabetes generally have high levels of fatty acids called triglycerides. These fatty acids may increase the risk of gallstones.

My husband and I decided to deal with it head-on and both of us agreed that I shouldn't have to postpone the imminent which is - to surgically remove it- so I was scheduled for a laparoscopy on the 2nd of April, brought to the O.R. at exactly 9:30am, 1hr earlier than what was advised, staff prep me up, had small talks, while they're hooking me up to several machines. I saw my doctor (he is the Consultant Surgeon of the hospital, was well recommended by nurses) and assures me that I'll be okay,next lost consciousness.

Don't know if the operation was finished already when I was coming in and out of consciousness and was even aware that there was something they were taking out or putting into my throat - don't know for sure which is which but when I was fully aware of my surroundings, i felt my throat hurts, not to mention my whole body.
Had two visitors, Kuya Jun and Kuya Toto (was touched by their gestures, they remember me! )

Since I have all the signs that there are no complications, I was allowed to go home the next day, got home at around 4pm.

Hubby was such a darling, attended to me the whole time, even though he was tired (he didn't get a decent sleep at the hospital) and stressed out. As for my two tykes, my, they were super! They were able to manage to stay overnight at home all alone by themselves! I'm so proud of my eldest - Angel-, she took really good care of her little sister Abbie.

Doctor placed my gall stones in a sterilized plastic bottle,and I took it home with me. This will serve as a reminder that I should have to be more vigilant in taking more care of myself because there are still people who depended on me (husband and kids).

Back at playing badminton two weeks ago and now I watched what I eat, and little by little telling my kids what happens to our body if we do not take care of our body seriously.

And while I was in bed at home, I made a cellphone case and it went to a dear friend - Kuya Toto, I hope he liked it, it only took me two days to finished it and here it is...

achievements this week! {*whew!}

some achievements this week...

last friday was a great night for us, Abbie was in a dance number showcasing her dancing talent...




As well as Angel, who participated (dance) on the Teacher's Day program just this morning Sunday. I'll post the video after it has been uploaded on my FB, (which btw is taking forever, since it's only >100MB.

As for me, I just finished my second socks this time it's a toe-up basic stockinette socks, I made this for my eldest daughter Angel. She liked it very much, showing below is her wearing the socks.

This time, showing you the socks on a steel hanger which i also made as a sock blocker, Since I can't find any sock blocker here and probably there is none as well in Manila this did the trick. I found the diy (do-it-yourself) on the net, it was easy to do by the way. I lost the link, so if you can give me the link, i'll post it.

So what next for me? I'm now knitting a swatch so I can do the colin sock... to see what I am talking about, there is a yahoo group for this one and you check it here.
Colin's Sock KAL, I just love the heel that he did on his, so I am going to make one for my DH.

I seem to forget to take a photo of my Kimono Wrap, oh well, on my next post then.

Below are some of the newly acquired yarns this January & February....
The first one is probably a discontinued yarn by Patons, I hope someone can tell me if it's not...

The next is Lion Brand Sock Ease and a Lace cone, but actually it looks more like a Fingering yarn the label says it's number 1...

This is one is Katia Extra Pel, I am thinking of making a bolero from this yarn, i bought four of these

And the last is from Swiss Fabric, not yet sure what to make of these, but will make some swatches and then will see..

Nominated... me??? awww shucks... *blushing*

Wow! I am so flattered to have been nominated for the Kreative Blogger Award. I have never been complimented to such an extent for my works. Thank you to Patrizia (my cyber friend, whom was introduced to me by Susan-another cyber buddy -oh Susan if only you have a blog you're one of my nominees ). I could have listed more ladies but some have no blog site, and they are Dixie, Gigi and Susan from Australia.

I have nominated the following talented bloggers/knitters & crocheter whom have been in some way or another been my inspiration to knit fearlessly and be more creative and proud of what I have accomplish as a knitter/crocheter so far. Thank you and hope you'll motivate more knitters/crocheters whether beginners or expert crafter like yourselves.
And so without further ado, here are my nominations for the Kreativ Blogger Award...

1. Jhocy
2. Gene
   
3. Mimi
4. Dagny
   
5. Mona
6. Patrizia
7. Technitter
8. Anna
   

And here are the rules for the nominees:
1. Copy the award to your site.
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate 8 other bloggers.
4. Link to those on your blog.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.

trying to look for someone who can help me out on this one....

I've always been awed and fascinated on the works posted on those Japanese and Chinese magazines like Ondoria nd Let's knit, not to mention Keito Dama... I even attempted and succeeded in making a hat from a Chinese mag... but I still haven't had a guts to attempt knitting from the said magazines... one day soon I hope, it's one of my plan this year to make a knitting wearable or even accessories perhaps...





And so I came upon this book...


Aren't they gorgeous or what? and there are alot more pretties in there too... but these three what strike me the most.




So go ahead and make them you say? Well I can't understand japanese writing and diagrams on how to start or go about it or even understand what kind of yarn and needles need to make these beauties. Oh but I can understand crochet symbol, no problem about that, only the diagram like this...

If only someone would be so kind as to teach me how to read them, I'd be truly grateful.

And oh I bought some yarns like Sockease from Manila (asked a friend to get it for me), and some mohair from Katia, yes a new brand carried by my lys. I hope there will be other type or brands soon. I'll post them once I took their pictures...

not bad for starters

style="font-family:lucida grande;">miss you guys!, been offline for several days, and I miss postings! lol so what's been keeping me off my puter, well here's why...It's the 2nd Elite Badminton Club Invitational Badminton Tournament has just concluded last October 24, and our team Apollo bag the 1st Runner Up, i got the 1st Runner Up for Ladies Double in category F, considering I only had a month practice. I wasn't able to perform well on the last two games, but overall I'm so happy.


I know I promise you guys photos, so here they are. There are more photos, but I'll just upload them on my multiply photo page.

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