:: My Urban Eyes ::
All that I see, and then some.
:: Friday, November 23, 2007 ::
Dear Mom,
I went and I saw the clock at the Westin St. Francis Hotel that you saw on Samantha Brown's travel show and said I had to see. The clock you've been reminding me about for months, the clock that all the people meet at because it's so cool, the clock that survived the fire because, well, it wasn't there yet. The room was dark but I still managed to get a picture:
It is indeed a very nice clock. And now I've seen it... so you don't need to bug me about it any more. -_^
Love, Karla
PS. I finished your socks. ^_^
Rat Socks
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici, Firefighter, one skein
Needles: US size 1 dpns, set of five
Pattern: Basic toe up sock with gusset and heel flap, over 64 stitches
PPS. Karla's First Thanksgiving dinner was a success.
For the record, that's turkey (from a frozen tin thingie... still tasted great, though!), stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, and sparkling apple juice. The biscuits made an appearance later. Along with being the first Thanksgiving dinner I cooked, it was also Ken's first Thanksgiving ever--he's been in the US for a couple of years but never had the whole dinner experience. He's a quick learner--he conked out immediately after dinner with the football game on, in truly American fashion. -_^
Labels: Knit, Life, San Francisco
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 7:01 PM [+] ::
:: ... 2 comments
Comments:
Awesome clock! Love the socks too!
Glad to know you HAD some type of Turkey for Thanksgiving!!
Love Ya!
Karri
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Glad to know you HAD some type of Turkey for Thanksgiving!!
Love Ya!
Karri
# posted by 
: 7:57 AM
: 7:57 AM:: Friday, November 09, 2007 ::
Tawashi Time
Japantown is wonderful. It's a beacon of all that is good and Japanese, from food and restaurants to kitchen supplies and origami paper. The brightest jewel, though, is the Kinokuniya bookstore. They have every Japanese novel I could ever want, daily Japanese newspapers, study books straight from elementary school classrooms (I'm loving the 4th grade books at the moment), and last but not least, craft books. So, I bring you this:
魔法のタワシ - Mahou no Tawashi - Magic Scrubbers
The cutest dishcloth/scrubber things ever. EVER. Here's my proof:
The ball is featured on the cover and is crochet. The middle square is garter stitch edged in crochet, and the spiral is crochet. Here are some other designs that I haven't gotten to yet:
And what is this last weird creature? Well, a duster, of course!
Whomever did the design had amazing color sense as well--next time I order dishcloth cotton I'm going to stock up on the solids so I can do these designs justice.
Needless to say, I'm in love. Kinokuniya is full of books like this, and you don't even have to know Japanese--an understanding of crochet (most are in crochet) and chart-reading skills are all you need. Craft on.
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 1:25 PM [+] ::
:: ... 2 comments
Comments:
They are too cute. What a great idea. They look like they are easy and fast projects. Hope your still doin fine, it was great to talk with you! Love Love Love
# posted by : 3:18 PM
: 3:18 PM
That book looks awesome. One of my absolute favorite things to do is go to Kinokuniya and browse craft books. I have one that I haven't made anything from yet, but I keep buying pretty cotton and linen for those patterns.
Awesome scrubbers!
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Awesome scrubbers!
# posted by : 5:07 PM
: 5:07 PM:: Thursday, November 01, 2007 ::
Of the Horrible Ends
Beadknitter left me a comment on the last post asking if I had any advice for dealing with the awful number of ends a striped sock creates. After weaving in all those monstrosities (and how did I spell that correctly on the first try?!) I couldn't help but have a tip or two.
--
Unless you only use two colors and carry each as you go there are going to be a lot of ends. There's no avoiding it. But fear not--it's possible to minimize the number of beasties you have to weave in. The first one is obvious: if you change colors less you'll have fewer ends. Wide stripes are the order of the day. Second, if one color pops up every other row (like the gray on the ball of the foot on the Random Stripe Socks) and the stripes aren't too wide you can carry the yarn from one stripe to the next without breaking it. It does add a little extra bulk, though, so beware.
Take careful consideration of where you place the seam. I started with my seam down the back of the socks (least visible, I thought), but after turning the heel I had a minor dilemma--do I place the seam at one edge of the sole so I don't walk over it, or do I put it smack dab down the bottom of the sole so it's completely invisible? I went the invisible route--the yarn I used is really grabby and tends to felt, so I figured that any discomfort from woven in ends would flatten/melt away after a wear or two.
There's also Meg's Jogless Jog to help prevent unevenness where you change colors. The website says that the seam will lean left with time, which is true if you're doing colorwork with a vertical element like checks or fair isle. With simple stripes, though, it's easy to keep the color change at the beginning of a needle and truly straight.
And then, when it gets down to it, there will still be pesky ends to deal with... but think of how much worse it could have been! -_^
--
I'm tempted to write more, but I should really be in bed--I open the store tomorrow. Just know that I (and my knitting/crocheting) are going well, and next time I post hopefully I'll have pictures of some amazing タワシ to drool over. (You'll see once we get there.) ^_^
Labels: Knit
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 9:55 PM [+] ::
:: ... 0 comments
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:: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 ::
FO Parade!
If you can make a parade out of two things, that is. (Two's company, three's a crowd, four's a parade?) Let the finished objects begin!
Random Stripe Socks
Pattern: Plain Jane--top down, heel flap, wide toe; stripes culled from this Random Stripe Generator
Yarn: Knit Picks Palette in Fog, Pool, Sky, and Blue
Needles: size US 0 (2mm) dpns, set of five
If you sneak around you'll discover that the picture was taken a while ago... before the ends were woven in. Yes, it's taken me a month to do that. Yes, I'm ashamed. At the same time, this hasn't been a "must wear" pair of socks. I made a shorter cuff than usual in hopes they'll look good with my skirt. Palette is pretty scratchy and designed for felting, so we'll see how much (and what kind) of wear I get out of these. Nice to have them out of my knitting basket and in my sock bin.
One Christmas present down!
Pattern: I used this feather and fan from Extravayarnza, adding another pattern repeat
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in Firefighter, one entire skein
Needles: size US 5 interchangeable circs (24")
I really like how this came out. The pattern was tons of fun to do... I'm falling down the lace rabbit hole! If I were to do it again, though, I would use size 4 needles (I don't have any now) to give the fabric a little more oomph. (Closeup of the stitch pattern in this post.)
It has really nice drape, though, and will keep my mom's neck warm during River Rat games. And the team colors? Red, black, and gray (okay, white), of course!
Being a lace project I should probably block it, but I'm afraid that the fabric will grow tons and get even thinner. I think I'll keep it as is for now and block it upon request once mom sees it in person.
After finishing those I'm embarrassed to say that there's still quite a bit on the needles. There my second Monkey sock, which I hope to have finished in time for the LYS Shop Hop on Friday. Right now I'm on the heel flap... luckily it's a light colored yarn so late night knitting is a go! Ken's scarf has been neglected lately... basically because it's a light sucking black and I can't manage it after dark. (Note to self: IKEA. Better floor lamp. Soon.) My 11 to 7 socks are languishing now that I'm up to the heel flap... the first sock had the first un-fun flap I've done. My Cables for Christmas project is also languishing, the culprit of straight needles (give me my circs or give me RSI!) and yarn with no give. It's getting done bit by bit, though.
As far as life goes everything is well. Just finished a stretch of nine opening shifts in 12 days. It's offical--the third open in a row is the day your brain fries. Luckily being an opener we have tons of regulars who make my day, everyday. Tomorrow I go into work at 11:30... it feels like an amazing gift, those hours and hours I'll have tomorrow morning to hang out and do my thing. If I'm going to be awake at 6 am I may as well get some knitting done! -_^
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 4:52 PM [+] ::
:: ... 6 comments
Comments:
I tried to open as little as possible, but I flat out REFUSED to open more than two days in a row. And that was a very rare circumstance. I probably wouldn't have survived a third day.
Nine opens in under two weeks? That is inhuman!
Keep plugging away on your 11 to 7s, they are so worth it when they're done.
Nine opens in under two weeks? That is inhuman!
Keep plugging away on your 11 to 7s, they are so worth it when they're done.
# posted by : 12:01 AM
: 12:01 AM
I'm happy to have stumbled over here from Ravelry (I'm BrownBerry over there). These are 2 great FO's and certainly worth their own parade.
Yay for finishing Christmas knits already!
Yay for finishing Christmas knits already!
I think your socks are beautiful. At first I thought it was a self-striping yarn. When I read that you striped them yourself, I gasped a bit. :-) I can't begin to imagine the ends you had to weave in.
Hi. The socks and scarf are beautiful! I have a question. Do you have any advice you could give to someone who is about to start her first striped sock (where I actually have to change yarn colors-yeep!)? I could sure use some. I was going to email you but I can't see the address anywhere on your blog. My email is thebeadknitter@yahoo.com
Hi Karla, Thanks for your kind comments on my Trekking XXL blue socks in the SAM KAL4. I like them, too! I don't have the ball band, but looked up Trekking XXL and found them on the WEBS site, Color 71, UPC 192203, QTY -- 10, price $13.95/skein. Enough for a pair, with plenty to spare. Also have some in dark to light purples - love them! Thanks, Paulette
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# posted by : 9:35 PM
: 9:35 PM:: Sunday, October 14, 2007 ::
Happy Blogoversary!
I can't quite believe it, but this blog has been around for five entire years. Five! Sure, there are some months (and even some complete seasons), without a post, but if you're ever interested in what classes I was taking my senior year, that's in here, along with some of my forays into acting. Not to mention nine months in Japan (here's days two and three).
So, if those are the last five years, what will the next five hold? Got me. How about the coming year, then? I'm looking forward to starting a career as an independent radio producer, so this site will probably head back into the podcast/audio/radio direction. A new domain, new hosting, and (somewhat) new look are all in the works. As I get comfortable with my equipment I plan to produce some polished audio pieces and release them in a podcast. Kinda like my audio blog (does anyone remember that?) but with reported stories, soundscapes, and interviews instead of my own ramblings.
2006-7 (I still think of my life in academic years, somehow) was a year of setting up and getting settled. '07-'08 is earmarked for discovery and transition. Here's to striking off in a new direction!
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 9:27 PM [+] ::
:: ... 0 comments
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:: Thursday, October 11, 2007 ::
Getting Stuff Done
I go through phases of "do nothingness" and "get everything done-ness". The former is full of free time but also a load of guilt, while the latter offers less sleep but more satisfaction.
There are a couple things I've been kicking myself in the butt about that finally got done. First of all--ordering more of my radio equipment. I already have my mic in hand, but it's a pretty expensive paperweight without a cable and something to record on!
As you can see interview subjects for a mic that cannot record are hard to come by, so I resorted to collecting ambient sound. Car alarms, anyone?
This morning I ordered a mic cable and a 500GB hard drive to house my aural pursuits. The only major piece left is my mini disc recorder--amazon doesn't sell it any more so I've turned into an ebay stalker. My goal is to be comfortable with my equipment by Christmas so I can take some cute recordings of my cousins and the rest of my family when I go home. We'll see how it goes.
I've also been working on the knitting, of course. A quick roundup:
This pretty yarn cake (Claudia Handpainted Yarns in Stormy Day, from this swap with Sam) is fulfilling its destiny as a pair of Monkeys.
The first one is a little tight on me, but knowing how superwash merino is they'll be fitting perfectly in no time. I'm now on the second sock, second repeat.
After much swatching (over a foot of scarf in half a dozen stitch patterns) Ken decided on this basketweave for his Christmas scarf. The yarn is Knit Picks Elegance and it's so soft and fun to work with. I'm going to use every last inch of yarn and see how far I get... here's hoping for 2 meters!
Keeping with the let's-keep-the-gift-getters-informed theme, here is a scarf I'm making for mom. The yarn is in the team colors of our Albany River Rats so I asked, would you rather socks or something showy to wear to games? The scarf won hands down.
The pattern is a basic feather and fan. I'm working this Knit Picks Felici loosely on size 5 needles to see how much length I can tease out of 440 yards--seeing as how I'm a quarter way through, I think it'll work out fine.
At work I've been opening a lot lately. Now, I know I sound crazy when I say this, but the 4:15 am opening shift is my hands down favorite. It starts with 45 customer free minutes of set up, two hours of fun regular customers, lunch around 8 am, then three hours of rush that fly by. Home by 12:30. Woot. It isn't sustainable five days a week, but three or four? I'm there. I'm currently in the middle of nine opens in twelve days, with only one day off (today), so if you want to see a crazy Karla, stop in sometime next week. I'm pretty sure you'll find a sweet, caffeine laden short chai in my hand and a tired look in my eyes... until I get my paycheck, that is. -_^
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 11:58 AM [+] ::
:: ... 2 comments
Comments:
So much pretty knitting...I'm impressed that you manage to take pictures on your day off. Though I guess when you get home at 12:30 everyday there's plenty of daylight left for photography...
Also, I love feather and fan scarves :)
Also, I love feather and fan scarves :)
# posted by : 4:00 PM
: 4:00 PM
I'm so proud of you. i know the initial capital(ol?) investment must have been a bit tough, but you're there! Yay! I can't wait to hear your podcasts again!
-E
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-E
:: Sunday, September 30, 2007 ::
They Were Giants
John Linnell, my favorite, on keyboards. In the middle ground is John Flansburgh and farther back is Dan Miller (left) and Marty Beller (right, drums).
Photo by Woo over at Flickr via a Creative Commons License
Just came back from a They Might Be Giants concert, and it was amazing! I went alone, but at a Giants concert you're never alone--I got into great conversations with Andrew, Kari, and Jonah about everything from which t-shirts one should wear to a show (from a different band, obviously) to Ira Glass and all things radio. You know that speech you give about yourself when you meet someone new? "Moved out here a year ago..." etc? Well, these people actually knew what I was talking about when I said I wanted to be "an independent radio producer for NPR". That never happens. Only at a TMBG show.
As for the show itself, it was amazing. The band has said that The Filmore is one of their favorite venues and it sure looked it. They treated us to whole bunches of rare and semi-rare songs, including Mr. Me, Ant, and Istanbul. So much good stuff.
Not to mention that they had a full horn section! Such a treat.
So now it's a shower (it was really hot, and one of those places where you stand the whole time) and sleep before work tomorrow. Hopefully my eardrums will recover while I sleep!
Labels: Life
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 11:48 PM [+] ::
:: ... 3 comments
Comments:
I'm going to be a fangirl for a moment:
OMG Squee! You got to see They Might Be Giants? You. Are. So. Lucky! I saw Weird Al back in June, and he was amazing. :)
Lucky you! Great picture of 'em, too. :)
OMG Squee! You got to see They Might Be Giants? You. Are. So. Lucky! I saw Weird Al back in June, and he was amazing. :)
Lucky you! Great picture of 'em, too. :)
# posted by : 5:42 PM
: 5:42 PM
awesome! i didn't even realize they were in town. though i can't afford any shows right now anyway.
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# posted by : 7:12 PM
: 7:12 PM:: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 ::
There is Only One Mosquito in This Town
And she bit me. Four times.
Well, from the bite placement it looks like two double dipped, but I won't get too picky about it. One mosquito is much more realistic than two.
When I was a kid mom said my blood was actually honey to help explain why I kept getting bit up but my brother got nadda. "You're just too sweet, honey!" Then it was better consolation then than now.
Today is actually a day off so I'm going to see if I can get through a Random Stripe Sock or two. I have to clear off these dpns so I can get to the new stuff! Here's what I'm considering:
- Another pair of Vog Ons, but toe up so I can use every last scrap of yarn. Especially good because I have just one skein of that stuff left.
- A pair of Monkeys in the yarn that Sam gifted me. I think the light color will show off the pattern really well. I've considered knitting these up in my dark "Mixed Berries" Lorna's Laces, but it would do neither the yarn nor the stitches justice.
- I think the yarn I started my Lozengers in wants to be a Marigold sock. Does the second ball want to become it's mate? We'll see.
- I would also love to give Cable Net a whirl, but the charts scare me.
So later it's off to the laundromat for me... not so awful because it's quality knitting time! I can't bring myself to say that I'm looking forward to it, though.
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 7:27 AM [+] ::
:: ... 1 comments
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:: Saturday, September 01, 2007 ::
Updating On
An update of what is on (and now off) my needles.
している（していた物も）アップデートしたいとおもう。
Dusk Socks
Pattern: Plain Jane stockinette sock with an Eye of Partridge heel (my new favorite)
Knit Picks Memories in Rocky Mountain Dusk (discontinued)
Size 0 US dpns (2.0 mm)
The yarn was pooling something awful, but I managed to get a pattern I like by knitting very tightly. As a result, the socks are a little tight, but still wearable. Have a bad feeling they're going to felt something awful, though.
毛糸は変な色のパッタンをしいたし、ぴんと張って作った。大丈夫になったかな～。それで、少し小さすぎるけど、履ける。残念だけど、この毛糸は時間経ってフェルトしてしまう可能性は高いそうだ。
Numerous dishcloths are on and off the needles, but nothing interesting to write about. Next we have a failure of sorts:
色々な布巾できたけど、面白くないし、写真はない。次は失敗みたい：
Lozenger socks from Knitting Vintage Socks. Love the pattern, but the long repeat and my lack of properly sized sock needles throws a wrench into things. This will wait until I get true US 1s.
「Knitting Vintage Socks」という本のロゼンガーソックスだ。パッタンがすきけど、かんぺきなサイズ編み針持ってないし、何も出来ない。ほんまのUS１の編み針かう時で待ってるね。
My random stripe socks. I used a random stripe generator online to come up with a sequence I liked and would use up my stash yarn well. Trying out a new cuff length--I want to see if it will look good with my skirt. I love planning socks to go with outfits that include my skirt. ^_^
ランダムストライプソックスだ。このストライプのサイトを使って、好きなパッタンつくった。持ってる毛糸を使ってきりたい。新しい長さやってみる・・・スカート似合うかな。服と似合うため靴下を作るの好き。^_^
This will become a dishcloth. Not very amazing, but I like the way the picture turned out. ^_^
これ布巾になる。すごくないけど、この写真好き。^_^
And this: これは：
Is part of some secret Christmas knitting. Don't want to give away the whole thing, of course!
クリスマスのための編み物だ。もらう人はこれ読んでいる可能性があるし、全部見せたくない、ね！
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 12:50 PM [+] ::
:: ... 1 comments
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Swappy Goodness
My swap package was delivered the best way possible--in person!
Sam's husband needed to make a last minute trip to San Francisco to procure a visa so we had a few hours to see the yarny sights. We started with a tea lunch for two at Leland Tea Company. That first sip of Tiffany, their house tea, is always heaven. Forgot to take pictures of the beautiful spread.
Then we walked over to Artfibers--yarnie heaven! I swatched some beautiful purple yarn (Valparaiso, I think it was called) while Sam picked out yarn for a couple of sweaters. I was so entranced by the fiber I didn't take any pictures.
Unfortunately that was all the time we had (we were able to make a quick Starbucks run, though!). It was then I received my package, and man, was I spoiled!
Look at all the yarn and tea goodness!
The yarn is Claudia's Hand Painted in Stormy Sky. I've been looking for a lighter sock yarn to do Monkeys up in, and I think this will be it! I've also been wanting to try Louet Gems, and Claudia's uses that very yarn as a base. 一石二鳥！
And here's the tea! In the pretty canister is some Golden Monkey. I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but it's supposed to be really good with milk, mmm. I'm drinking the Moroccan Mint right now--spearmint with green tea. Kinda like Tazo's Zen, but better. ^_^ And I love this mug... did you go far back enough in my blog to see that I took pottery classes in Japan, Sam? I find myself staring into the mug, trying to figure out what kind of glaze would leave such a pretty blue tint.
Thanks for everything Sam--it rocks! ^_^
Labels: Knit, Photos, San Francisco
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 10:36 AM [+] ::
:: ... 0 comments
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:: Monday, August 20, 2007 ::
From Waaay Back
Ken and I were in Japantown two weeks ago and witnessed something touching--two old friends who haven't seen each other in years meeting, by chance, in a bookstore. What made it more special was that one friend had moved to the US, while the other was simply visiting from Japan. Turns out they knew each other from waaay back. Some force brought them both to the magazine section of the San Francisco Kinokuniya and bang, instant nostalgia. Not only for them, but for every Japanese speaker within hearing distance. You couldn't help but be touched and smile. 「ぐうぜんだね！」
二週間前ケンと私は日本町に感動したこと見た：本屋で何年間会わなかった友達は偶然で会った。面白いところは一人アメリカでいるけど、一人は日本から旅行した。昔々の友達そうだった。なんとなく二人はきのくにやの雑誌に来て、懐かしくなった。二人だけじゃなくて、日本語が分かる客さんも。感動した。"What a coincidence!"
That was their way back. I haven't posted knitting projects in a while, so this is my "waaay back".
それはあの二人の昔のこと。最近私はあまりニットの物をポストしていないし、これは自分の「昔のこと」。
First, completed projects. 最初、出来た物。
'Vog On, Sockdown, 'Vog On
Pattern: 'Vog On by Aleta Fera
Knit Picks Memories in Yukon (discontinued)
size 1.5 US dpns (2.5 mm)
Really nice pattern--I like the way the lace worked out. Easy to memorize once I groked it. Did make a couple of modifications, though: I didn't like the floppy picot cuff so I did them a la Cara instead. Also decreased the toe to 16 instead of 12. It only took one skein so I'm going to repeat the pattern with the second, but do them toe up so the cuffs are longer. Must use every yard possible! ^_^
作り方好きだった、とくにレースのこと。分かった後覚えやすかった。変わったことある：書いている「ピコットのもすそ」好きじゃなかったしケラさんのもすそ使った。（英語でCara・・・私はカーラ・Karla・・・近いけど違うね！）最後のステッチの数は１２つの変わりに１６つまでニットした。５０ｇだけ使ったし、もう一足作るつもりだ。糸全部使いたいし今度足の指から始めるかな～。
I like the way the photos came out, too. I set my camera on self-timer on top of a thick book then shot away. I also put it in burst mode, so I got a two-for-one deal! -_^
写真は大丈夫かも。厚い本の上カメラを置いて、自動タイマーをして撮った。一回二枚撮ったし、「一つ買って、二つ目は無料セール」みたかったですね！-_^
Orange-y Clash-y Dishcloths
Pattern: Mason Dixon Ball Band Dishcloth
Peaches 'n' Creme, orange and pink lemonade
size 6 US circulars (4 mm)
Using my Mason-Dixon pack to venture into new worlds of color. Can't say how successful I am with it, but it was fun to make, and will surely keep dishes clean somewhere!
メーソン・ディクソン・パックを使って新しいカラの世界入った。いいかどうかわからないけど、楽しくて、どこか誰か使えるね！
Lemon Lime Washcloths
Pattern: Baby Genius Burp Cloth from Mason Dixon Knitting (much smaller, obviously)
Peaches 'n' Creme, white and lemon lime
Size 6 US circulars (4 mm)
My bath poof was annoying me. I like knitting. Instant solution.
私のタオル好きではなくなってきた。ニットするの好き。かんぺきね！
Woah, that became way longer than I was intending, so I'm going to take a break here． I'm trying to keep up with my Japanese, so I thought writing this post in both languages would be a great step. Don't know if I'll do it every entry, but I'm going to try to!
わ～長くなってしまった、ごめん！日本語を勉強したいし英語と日本語で書いた。多分間違い多いけど、勉強は勉強、でっしょう？毎回両方で書くかどうか分からないけど、書いてみたい、ね。
Labels: Knit, Photos, San Francisco
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 9:50 PM [+] ::
:: ... 1 comments
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i really like how those socks came out. i have some memories in cape cod laying around, maybe i will make a pair...
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# posted by : 9:00 PM
: 9:00 PM:: Sunday, August 05, 2007 ::
Yarn Crawl!
Talk about fun. Bunches of knitters from the Bay Area converging on the city to check out the yarn shops. We didn't even get to all of them (Imagiknit, you'll be next!) but we still had a blast. And of course, pictures were taken!
(flickr)
At our first stop, Urban Knitting Studios, Sarah shows off her Arietta Cardigan. Awesome "fair isle". The shop itself was nice--your usual stuff, decent selection of most everything. Finally saw Panda Cotton in person, but didn't pick any up.
(flickr)
Blurry, but it's our second stop, Artfibers! We could have spent a lot longer here--the yarns are amazing and they have a swatch area where you can test everything out. I tried to crochet a couple of the yarns, but they really seemed better suited to knitting. Gorgeous colors.
(flickr)
Here's Ryn playing with some of her new roving on a drop spindle. It was spinning up really nicely... man, there's a hobby I do not need to take up. -_^
(flickr)
Want to here "ooooooo"s go up in a yarn shop? Yank out an iphone!
(flickr)
And a group shot of everyone at Artfibers. The yarn I'm holding is totally something I grabbed from a drawer so I wouldn't be yarnless in the shot.
After that we took the J Church to Noe Knits (sorry, no pictures). Nice shop, nice owner and everything, but the sock yarn selection was really, really, really skimpy.
All in all a great time, and I'm looking forward to the next adventure!
Labels: Knit, Photos, San Francisco
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 5:59 PM [+] ::
:: ... 1 comments
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:: Sunday, July 29, 2007 ::
Fire - 火事
About an hour ago, while sitting here knitting, I smelled something. Something... scorching. I made sure that it wasn't in my kitchen (a slow stewing disaster of a forgotten shortbread, perhaps?), and then I saw the smoke out the kitchen window. It reminded me of a Brooks Chicken barbecue--waves of white smoke from charcoal and chicken. Then the sirens started wailing. As I stood on my own fire escape I saw six fire trucks screaming their way to the scene. So of course, like many other curious citizens out there, I had to go, rubberneck, and take pictures.
(flickr)
(flickr)
(flickr)
This gives you some idea of where it was. It wasn't the corner building, but two to the left of that. It's really early yet, so no news of how it happened. I didn't see any ambulances speeding away from the scene, though, so I think and hope everyone is okay.
Labels: Life, Photos, San Francisco
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 6:08 PM [+] ::
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:: Monday, July 23, 2007 ::
Crazy Fun
So, your friend gets a new Macbook. What's the first thing you do?
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Take funny pictures. ^_^ The shot above so made me feel like They Might Be Giants... I can only hope to be as cool as them one day.
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Ken's a friend I met, of all places, at work. Whenever we hang out the Japanese flies between us, dumbfounding any passersby. We then talk about their silly looks "behind their backs in front of them"... knowing a second language can be a road to evil, sometimes. Here I'm trying to match his usual picture pose.
And here is pure silliness:
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:: Kazen @ Always Doing 12:03 AM [+] ::
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:: Friday, July 20, 2007 ::
Eleven to Seven
My sock of the mo':
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They're called Nine to Five, by Nicole Hindes. I love how easy the twist is to do, and no cable needle is required! Progress is slow but rewarding. I shortened the ribbing a little bit, and I think I'm going to make the sock a little shorter, too--I want to wear these with my ballet flats, maybe with a skirt. I'm so happy that San Francisco has so much good skirt weather. Well, during the day, anyway. -_^ I call these "Eleven to Sevens" because that is the most dreaded shift at work. I'll take a 4:15-noon any day.
My "non-sock" knitting project has been Mason Dixon Ballband dishcloths--so addictive! Something else to put in my "hope chest" for whenever I get my own place. Don't let the phrase fool you--no cedar here, just assorted grocery bags and plastic totes filled with yarn-y stuff.
In other news, on Tuesday I had my first bad sushi ever. Not bad as in bad tasting, but as in bad for my tummy. Woke up in the middle of the night wondering why my stomach chose that moment to mutiny. Needless to say I'm not going to that place again.
I think I may have said this before, but I'm on the cusp of buying a microphone. I asked around, looking for a store that might have one in stock so I can play with it before I buy, but alas, San Francisco is lacking in that respect. (A guitar center was my best bet, and while a very nice store, is understandably lacking in interview mics.) So as soon as I can muster up the courage I'll be clicking for it on Amazon. Also on the list--microphone cord, headphones, external hard drive, mini disc recorder, blank media... not all at once, of course.
Another weekend at work--tourists, we're ready for ya!
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 7:32 PM [+] ::
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:: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 ::
After Failure, Okay-ness
First, the failure:
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Jaywalkers
Pattern: Jaywalkers by Grumperina
Knit Picks Memories in Rocky Mountain Dusk
Size 1 dpns
The main reason I frogged this was the pooling--ick. I also should have done it on size 0s, or shortened each repeat. I understand why the pattern is so addicting, I'll just have to try it with some other yarn.
On to okay-ness:
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Same yarn, oh so much better results. A 68 stitch sock on size 0 dpns, plain Jane stockinette. I've finally mastered the trick of knitting without looking, so the bulk of this was completed while watching some documentaries, not to mention Japanese dramas. I'm currently turning the heel, which is (unfortunately) a must-look endeavor. I must say, though, that I like the color of the yarn in the skein more than in the sock. Not that it's going to keep me from wearing the sock! -_^
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 8:12 PM [+] ::
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:: Wednesday, July 04, 2007 ::
Owie
Having tendonitis stinks. It's an injury that's always under the surface, just waiting for the perfect moment to attack. Finishing the Cascade socks did it to me this time--I'm back in the realm of the gimp-y. (Is "gimp" only used for those with limps, though? I feel like it should apply to my wrist somehow.)
I had the self control to swear off fiber arts for an entire day. 24 hours! I admired my strength. But then when I picked up the needles again the pain was still there. So I've been wearing a brace at night, wrapping and/or splinting my wrist at work, and staring at yarn with a sense of longing.
The worst, though, is figuring out how to spend my time. Surfing the net? Out. How about watching some tv? I'm all caught up on my downloaded shows, and the other day I watched a zillion documentaries online, so I'm kinda sick of it. Knitting and crochet are obviously out. I can listen to the radio... but I usually knit to keep my hands busy. I don't know if I have the patience to just sit and, you know, listen. I guess I can read (about knitting, maybe?).
~sigh~ It's going to be a long week.
:: Kazen @ Always Doing 7:27 PM [+] ::
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:: Monday, July 02, 2007 ::
More Socks!
Yea for finishing what you start.
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Navy Charade
Pattern: Charade by Sandra Park
Knit Picks Essential in Dusk
Size 1 dpns
I was really tempted to mess with the toe on this with more sudden decreases. But I told myself, "Trust the pattern, it won't lead you astray". And it didn't. The socks fit like a dream and don't even threaten to slouch. Awesomeness.
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:: Kazen @ Always Doing 6:16 PM [+] ::
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