Testing

Prior to the latest earthquake, I lost the ability to post from home with my PC. I was able to surf all over but just unable to post through blogger. It started when I upgraded to Blogger Beta. But hey, I manage to solve this by upgrading my Firefox and setting the security to the lowest. So if I gonna disappear, means I've got virus somewhere. *sigh*

Anyway, back to the knitting front, I've got so much to update you people that I don't know where to start. First thing first, Peacock Feathers Shawl was off the block days before Christmas. And I cast on for Cherry during the holidays but found out I was out of yarn. So time to check out Ozeyarn.com for stuffs. Hope to get the last ball of cotton soon so I can finish the bands and seaming. So I cast on for Hourglass Sweater with Cash Iroha. The yarn wasn't as nice as I expect it to be. Maybe it's because I down sized the needle. Hence this project is rather slow going, with more time spent at work since some colleagues are on vacation. I think I need a break just to knit to my heart's content.

Boxing Day isn't called Boxing Day for nothing. I got 2 packages, one from Yarn Aboard and my order from Littleknits.com. I think i need to go pack the goodies and get them ready for the post office tomorrow. Tomorrow would be a good day if the heavens stop opening (it pouring everyday in Singapore). Hopefully I can go off work early afternoon. I will try to post pictures in the next post.

Madly Madli's Shawl

Life has to move along so here I am, back with real knitting content.

Madli's was finished recently and I only had the time to take some pictures of it. As usual, I wasn't able to find a photographer so no modeling again. After blocking, the length came to be taller than me.



Pattern: Madli's Shawl by Nancy Bush
Yarn: less than 4 oz of Jaggerspun Zephyr in Ruby
Needle: 3.5mm Inox (grays)
Size: NA
Time to finish: slightly more than a week

This is the second time I worked with Zephyr, its still terrific to work with. The final product looked great. And I'm still working with Zephyr currently on the Peacock Feathers Shawl in Teal. I'm 1/3 away from finishing Chart 7. As its being knitted from a cone, it became a little unportable. Also, as the number of stitches increased, progress was getting extremely slow. Anyway, here's the blob of teal:

Meanwhile, its time for bed. Nitez~

Patience

That's what I need most right now. And my favourite band is back for reunion with Patience.

Just have a little patience
Still hurting from a love I lost
I'm feeling your frustration
But any minute all the pain will stop

Just hold me close
Inside your arms tonight
Don't be too hard on my emotions

Cause I.........
Need time......
My heart is numb, has no feeling
So while I'm still healing
Just try........
And have a little patience

I really wanna start over again
I know you wanna be my salvation
The one that I can always depend

I'll try to be strong
Believe me I'm trying to move on
Its complicated but understand me

Cause I.........
Need time......
My heart is numb, has no feeling
So while I'm still healing
Just try........
And have a little patience

Cause the scars run so deep
It's been hard but I have to believe
Have a little patience
Have a little patience, woah

Cause I, I just need time
My heart is numb, has no feeling
So while I'm still healing

Just try and have a little patience

Have a little patience
My heart is numb, has no feeling
So while I'm still healing
Just try and have a little patience

What the F*&@!!!!

http://blog.hkcsl.com/p/b5/web/ViewBlog.jsp?msgid=5652

It's a clip on the slaughtering of dolphins by Japanese fishermen.

It might be a little slow loading up.

Think I will just stick to chicken, better still become a vegan. That was so sicko.

Rough Patch

I had one today. However I told myself that I can still hold my head up and walk with no fear of anything. Having brave through previous old fears, I must be stronger than ever for everything that's to come. Tears are not a form of weakness but the ability to face even more than I can bear. At the end of breaking down, its the beginning of picking oneself up and the strenght to start afresh.

It had been more than 3 years, since alcohol and cigarettes were part of my weekends. Gone are the days when I count down to friday evenings, where I hop from club to club and more clubs. I have my yarns and needles for company now. Something that's much more productive at the end of the day.

I shall pray to the Knitting Goddess for many more knitty days to come.

Quote of the Day:
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one opened for us" - Helen Keller

Titleless

Its been a while since I last blogged. I should have plenty to talk about, but as usual I'm lost at what to talk about. A blogger's block I guess. Anyway, I did some knitting during the mini escapedes. I was asked to open up my bag at the customs, for goodness sake it was just a brow tweezer. Not much pictures were taken, since I did not bring along my camera and the mobile phone's battery went flat after 10 shots. I better bring my charger along the next time.

So what I have been up to knit-wise? I started Madli's Shawl and its off the block this morning. While Madli is left to dry, I started Peacock Feathers Shawl. So far I'm done with Chart 3, wondering if I can have it block before Christmas. Meanwhile, I need to do the finishes for Central Park Hoodie and Molly Ringwald.

Meanwhile here's picture of the week.
Taken at a roadside shrine of 4-faced Buddha, Bangkok, Thailand. Its a row of wood carvings of elephants. They were purchased by worshippers to be placed there. If I remember correctly, the biggest one would cost 10 000 babt per pair. That's quite a budget for yarns. =p

Mini Haitus

Will be back after a small escapade.

*sometime i just need to get out of this shithole*

I feel so spoiled!

I got home early today and started knitting. The tummy started to grumble, the lazy me chose to wait for Mom's return. And this is what my mom brought from the mailbox. The package which my SP9 promised is here! I let out a small scream when I opened it. I almost did the happy dance. My brother heard it and thought I had a cockroach in the room. LOL

Pamela, my spoiler, got me the following which includes a hank of Handmaiden Seasilk, swiss chocolates, 2 magazines (I was always curious about YARN), Yarn Harlot's latest book, a pair Ebony needles and a postcard written in very neat handwritting.

Thank you so much, Pamela!!!

Sepia mode

It has been 24 months. Time just passes without people noticing. I can only have different FOs as the tiny milestones during this knitting journey. I thank all those who has made this a fulfilling journey. Speaking of which I had a litte SEX last weekend to commemorate this second knitversary. Both yarns are in shades of blacks and greys. Pretty hard to capture these colors today so I shall leave them in sepia mode.

There's a knit out today. Ciao~

Of Pink and Blue

I haven't been using pink yarns for a pretty long time. I can't even remember when was the last time. I was having a crush for pink a while ago, so here's a WIP in pink . Molly Ringwald from Knitscene Fall 06, second pattern I'd knit from (CPH was the first).
I did quite a real bit of modifications, which is unlikely of me. I tried to knit this in the round, however it seems way too huge. So huge that it can fit 2 of me in it. Thus I had to rip 1 ball worth of yarn. What you see now is the finished front piece. I'll cast on the back after updating the blog.

Next is Rusted Root, not really rusted in my case. In the picture, its almost done minus the 12 rows of ribbing. As I'm blogging now, its being dried for washing after wearing for the first time. I worn it to the office and got good comments on it. Totally cool from co-workers who don't knit. I'll try to get a pic of me in it.

Back to my weekend knitting.

Unglam pics

or are they just funny? Anyway, I just happened to pass by these two places.
So is the postman going to deliver letters later?

I'm absolutely not allergic to coins and shillings. =P

And a sneek on Salina. Sorry for the spotty mirror and also the messy hair. Guess I was having a bad hair day then.And Rusted Root is on the block. I tried it on right after weaving the ends, the fit is almost perfect. More pics soon.

One more shawl

This shawl is already in the hands of the recipent. And I hope she likes it as much as I did knitting it.

Pattern: Diamond Fantasy Shawl by Sivia Harding
Yarn: 2 hanks of Knitpicks Gloss in Wedgewood
Needle: 4mm Addi Turbos
Size: NA
Time to finish: 1 week? or less?
Recipent: Aunt

I was running out of yarn when I was binding off 2/3 of the way. So the bind off had to be tinked. Instead of doing the i-cord bind off, I just did the regular one and was left with less then 2 feet of yarn. That was so close.

This is one of this patterns which I will knit for the second time. And also the first pattern which was repeated within 3 months.

Baudelaire for Socktoberfest: Finito

Just bind off and had the pictures taken before I start procastinating and blaming the weather. My bit for Socktoberfest 2006 is done!



Pattern: Baudelaire by Cookie A
Yarn: 2 hanks of Knitpicks Gloss in Cocoa
Needle: 2.5mm circulars, Addi Turbos
Size: Small
Time to finish: 2 weeks

I had a bit of problem trying to match both socks. Re-knitted the gusset and heel twice for the second sock. I guess its best to knit both socks at the same time. And thats precious lesson learnt. Also, Gloss is really lovely to knit with. This is the second time I've knitted with it. Stay tuned to see what's the first project I used with Gloss.

Thanks for all the lovely comments on Aegean FFL. I am still waiting for the right occasion to wear it. Most probably at the next wedding reception in December. Meanwhile off to cast on for Rusted Roots

Another Shawl Time

When was the last time an FO was documented here? Though there's not much FO updates, my needles have been kept busy. Anyway, here is the long awaited Aegean Flowers & Leaves.




Pattern: Frost Flowers & Leaves from A Gathering of Lace
Yarn: 8 oz of Jaggerspun Zephyr in Aegean Blue
Needle: 2.5mm circulars from Aero and Addi Turbos
Size: NA
Time to finish: 4 months ++

I could have finished it in less than 4 months, it was all due to distractions and the wait for needles to arrived. Never in Singapore can I find a 120cm size 2.5mm needle, somehow I managed to find 1 set online. All thanks to the internet.

The pictures don't do justice to the real thing at all. I took the picture half an hour ago before the sky opens up. There goes the natural light. I have another shawl up for post very soon.

No pics yet

I have some pics in my mobile's camera, however it does take a little effort to upload it. And now I spent less time on my PC, the chances of uploading is scarced. I shall try again soon.

The weather is still as hazy as ever. This is the worst haze we have experienced since 1997. More stories on the haze situation HERE.

On another note, I am playing with the idea of having my own domain and webspace. still thinking of a name. I think my coding skills are already rusty.

Baudelaire for Socktoberfest

I'd better say HI before I dive deeper into my stash. I've been busy with knitting hence the blog was neglected. Loads of yarn arrived during the past week. Unfortunately, time is something which I do not have a lot.

I started Baudelaire for Socktoberfest. And I'm on the Leg portion for sock #1. Not bad for a day's worth of knitting.

You might be wondering that since I have the time to knit the whole day, why wouldn't time be spared for photo taking and blogging? Don't ask me why, my heart very much wanted to but the brain just keep telling my hands to not stop knitting.

Now I need to dive into my bed. Nights all~

Weather report

The air here is in a very undesirable condition. I don't mind the raininess or the heat. Just don't give me haze. I am suffering from a dry throat which worsen to a sore throat. The haze is pretty bad, skies look very gloomy as the sunlight trys to penetrate.
Enough with the downside, I shall talk about happy stuffs.

Note to my SP9 pal: do take a look on the side bar on info about me.

On another brighter note, my boss just handed me the long overdue confirmation letter. This means I will be shouldering more responsibility. More stress means I need more knitting. In turn I will be paring down more yarns.

During the weekend, I blocked DFS #2. Its now nicely folded waiting for its owner. Also Salina is currently lying over my shoulders. I will follow up with a pic of Salina.

On the whole, please support Consumer Friendly Yarns

Repeated

Anyone saw IK Gifts preview? You might find some of the stuffs in other IK's publications.

The Twilight Lace caught my eyes though.

Opinions exchanged

A lot of opinions and views had been exchanged on different forums and blogs. I was just wondering why would there be so much "politics" in the world of knitting. Aint we a jovial and amicable bunch?

There's no way I can stop people from exploiting others or those being exploited unknowingly. I can only shake my head in resignment for those unfortunate souls. There are too many facets to one issue and I'm simply too exhausted to care anymore.

Today, who sells me cheap and quality yarns will get my money. And here's what my mom brought me from the mail box. Two luscious skeins of Tilli Tomas Pure and Simple in Dusty Pink. (I think there's too much flash in the second pic)
And if you are interested to get some? Get from her. While stock last.

For good a cause

I spent the last evening with a group of ladies, including a few from the forum, crocheting & knitting preemie hats. Here's a glimpse of the session.
I'm half done on my crocheted hat. I hope to churned out more during the next two weeks before the next session. If anyone is willing to donate preemie items feel free to drop me a comment with your email. Donations can be in the form of yarns, needles or hooks too.

For the local Singaporean, you can get more information by registering at the Knitters Community forum.

Venue: Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints near Newton MRT station

Date: Every 1st and 3rd Tues of every month

Time: 7pm onwards

Chocolatey Meme

I got this questions via the Chocolate Swap. Consider yourself tagged if you are reading this.

Do you like to eat chocolate cookies and what kind do you like?
All crunchy, bitter-sweet, chocolate chips, double chocolate, triple chocolate. With or without nuts.

What kind of chocolate do you like?
Dark and bittersweet ones. Mint or orange chocolates too.

What are your favorite brands of chocolate?
No particular brands, but Meiji (Japanese brand) is my current favorite.

Do you enjoy chocolate covered candies, pretzels, fruits, coffee beans, cream filled, caramel, nuts etc?
Nuts and pretzels.
Do you like fudge with nuts or without?

Do you like solid chocolate bars with or without nuts?
I like both, but nutty ones get eaten up faster.

Do you like hot coco mixes.
I love hot chocolates.

Is their any particular chocolate treat that you would love to try?
Nothing too sweet would do.

Do you have any food allergies that your pal should be aware of?
Nothing so far.

What kind of yarn do you prefer?
cotton, wool, mohair etc.
Nothing that looks like a dead bird or striped from a muppet.

Do you have any fiber allergies that your pal must be aware of.
Natural fibers please.

What small knitted items do you prefer to knit?
Socks, scarves, hats, mittens etc.
I have a small collection of sock yarns. I'm looking yarns for Interlocking Balloons and Ene's Scarf from Scarf Style.

So far behind

I have quite a handful of FOs yet to be up on this blog. So what's the purpose of blogging when I don't blog about FOs? DUH! *slaps my forehead* moreover, I still have a backlog of FOs from 2005.

The backlog list so far:
- 1952 cardigan using Jaeger Trinity
- Cropped cardigan from Knit1 summer 06.
- Frost Flowers & Leaves
- Fiery Bolero from IK
- Swallowtail Shawl from IK

I think I should be awarded with a PhD in Procastinology.

Anyways, Salina's seaming party is postponed as Central Park Hoodless is busy on my needles. CPHoodless is on the last stretch before seaming begins and stitches pick up for the fronts and collar ribbings. Its destined to be hoodless as I'm left with 2 balls of yarns out of 10.

Bye for now. Off to work.

Sweaters post

There hasn't been any post on sweater projects for a long time. I have loads of yarns for at least 5 sweaters. (As if I need a lot of sweaters in this weather.) Well, here's 2 which are in 2 stage of work-in-progress.
All pieces are done, all Salina need is a seaming party. I find it too dark to seam at night, so I shall do it this coming weekend. I find that a fresh mind in the morning hasten the seaming process.
I started the Central Park Hoodie out of bordom and I need some simple cabling. I will most probably make it hoodless.
The pics are really crap, but this is the best I can get.

In swapping news, I have join the SP9 and Chocolate Swap. The latter sounds so yummy. I'm still waiting for my Lace swap package and my Yarn Aboard box is still traveling.

100 things about me

1. I have been called Lois since 1997.
2. I was born in 1980.
3. I was born in Singapore and had been staying in the western part for over 20 years
4. The time I shifted my home, I was almost 5 and hardly any impression of the shift.
5. I had travelled a few parts of Asia and Australia.
6. I used to have 6 roboroskiis, who had leave me 2 years ago.
7. I hate to eat the king of fruits, Durian, the smell is lovely though.
8. I remembered going for dancing lessons at 5.
9. I love my primary school uniform, especially it collar which looks like a big stalk of lotus leave. Don't ask why I still like it
10. I was in the Student Council during secondary school days.
11. I graduated from Ngee Ann Poly with a Diploma in Quality Assurance Engineering
12. However, I did not persue a career in the engineering Field
13. My favorite vegetable is mushrooms.
14. I prefer chocolate over vanilla
15. I speak English, Mandrin and Cantonese.
16. I cannot stand smoke.
17. Even haziness will keep me sneezing non-stop.
18. I like movies with sequals
19. I do love to take up Japanese or Korean, for the sake of understand anime and dramas
20. I can't cycle for nuts.
21. But I can do inline skating.
22. I took up volley ball practise for extra curricumlum activities.
23. I grew to hate ball games.
24. I stand at 163cm.
25. M&Ms keep me happy.
26. I can't cook.
27. But I can bake. or have baked.
28. I gave up on a degree course half way through.
29. I stayed in the same room as my grandma for more than 10 years.
30. I first crocheted at 11.
31. I camped only once so far in my life.
32. I like in-flight dinning food.
33. I am second youngest among cousins.
34. I do like to swim
35. and I can't thread in water.
36. I read a lot of Enid Blyton.
37. Especially Famous Five series.
38. I have short and quick temper.
39. I forget easily too.
40. I baked my fries instead of deep frying them.
41. I read no magazines other than knitting related ones.
42. I can bearly put down my knitting to read books now.
43. I wish to be not working but knitting 24/7 everyday.
44. I can't take beef, but I love the swedish meatballs at Ikea.
45. I took Midsummer Night's Dream for literature class.
46. I love comedies, romantics one would be a plus.
47. I wear 37 for Birkenstocks.
48. When I hear a song I like, I can listen to it over and over without tiring of it. I will usually sing along if no one else is around.
49. I can't snap my fingers
50. I have yet to get my driving license.
51. I collect loads of postcards.
52. I'm monkey in term of Chinese Zodiac Sign
53. I have been shortsighted since 8
54. I had my ears pierced at 4.
55. I had another 3 piercings 17 laters, but I'm left with 4 piercings, 2 in each ear.
56. I prefer nachos to popcorns.
57. I have no favourite perfume, anything fruity, citrusy and flora will do.
58. My two lower front teeth sproutd before my milk teeth dropped.
59. I also love cheese.
60. I use my mobile to tell the time, since I hasn't worn a watch as long as I had my mobile.
61. Sleepless in Seattle is my favourite movie.
62. My other liking is eyeshadows.
63. I only listen to the radio duing office hours and on my way to work.
64. I love tom yam soup, teppanyaki, Cantonese cuisines like dim sum.
65. My chinese name is given by my aunt.
66. I hate singing.
67. I have never tried waitering.
68. Sidney Sheldon used to be my favorite author.
69. I had organise a bbq for class gathering.
70. My first real toys was a bucket of Lego bricks.
71. I got my first Barbie doll at 12.
72. I love to multi-task.
73. I hate to do the dishes
74. I dislike cold and gloomy weather.
75. I can't live with internet, if only I can.
76. I prefer to take short-cuts
77. I prefer lime to lemon.
78. But I like lemon tea.
79. I like room cluttered.
80. I do not have a microwave oven.
81. My SO does not know of my yarn obsession.
82. I prefer lig gloss
83. But I seldom apply it.
84. I tend to be implusive
85. I like ballards and sentimentals.
86. Insects with wings frighten me.
87. I have tried smoking and never like it. Thank goodness.
88. I groomed my eyebrows.
89. I am very close with my brother, although we are at each other's throat 30% ofthe time.
90. I have wanted to do this 100 things many times over.
91. I'm not a person to make small talks.
92. Did I mention I like escargots more than mushrooms?
93. My grandparents were from China.
94. I used to do origami.
95. I do not believe in lucky numbers.
96. I'm loudspoken.
97. I like vodka lime.
98. I used to hate beers, but Hoegarden is growing on me.
99. I like to cry, is a way to relieve.
100. I so love to KNIT.

This is done during office hours. =p

Stashing again: ACT II

I hasn't been not knitting at all. In fact, I'm on sleevie island for Salina. Here's proof: I think I have a little mess at the lapels. *sigh* hope things turn out fine.

I got my last package for SP8 and also a bag of Rowanspun DK in Rush on the same day. (Pic was taken last week)
Did I mention I have many sleepless nights due to a spree? Air mails from the States never take more than 14 days. This particular package took 7 weeks to reach me. I will never ever order from this retailer for fear of losing sleep and hair over the delay. A loot full of Rowan Calmer, Cascade 220, King Tut Cotton, Noro Lily. However, only 15% of them belongs to me. and since this morning my stash has grown to a staggerly 204 balls of yarns.

I MUST KNIT FASTER
I MUST KNIT FASTER
I MUST KNIT FASTER
I MUST KNIT FASTER
I MUST KNIT FASTER
I MUST KNIT FASTER
I MUST KNIT FASTER
I MUST KNIT FASTER
......

Knitting: Impractical?

Is practicality in your thoughts when you are putting up your To-Knit List? Do you knit for practical usage or because you really need to knit that oh-so-pretty-i-must-have-it sweater?

I tried to use whatever I have knitted, but then I know that I can always frogged it and have the yarns recycled for something else. Not that I will do it to my FFL. Yes, the Frost Flowers & Leaves Shawl is indeed huge, approximately 5 square feet in size. Who would be using this as a shawl? Even yours truly who's standing at 5ft 5 won't need this. But this is going to be another milestone in my knitting journey. I'm gonna challenge myself with a major project each year. They may or may not be practical in any sense.

Anyways, sometimes the knitted piece's practicality is no longer an issue. It is seen as a piece of art or a heirloom. I might not leave behind a legacy or a huge stack of color bills, but heirlooms which may worth all the time in the world.

On another hand, which I've been frequently asked by non-knitters, are you going to wear this in our climate? I would just smiled back and continued on my knitting. Nonetheless, I'm afraid of the cold. The family calls me the cold-blooded. A simple lace wrap would keep me nice and toasty in the office, while a heavy stole companies me in a freezing cinema theatre.

The next time you see me turning blue, wrap me up in your thickest sweater.

Frost Flowers & Leaves Update #5

I think the photos will tell a better story.

After 4 months of working on this project. I finally have this shawl blocked. Its actually dried and off the block. I shall have it modelled soon.

Midweek treats

I really hope this week is getting better, it can be as I am expecting more packages. It's like buying yarns has became my full time job. Anyway, all the yarns had already been called for.
From the far left,
- Woodland Sage, Gloss from Knitpicks, between Diamond Fantasy and Swallowtail Shawl
- Blessed, Rowan Yorkshire Tweed 4 ply, won from a contest. (something from Vintage Knits)
- Cream, Merino Stretch from Schoelle Stahl. I shall knit this once again as I'm not satisfied by the result previously.
- Cactus, Soho Summer from Jo Sharp. Cherry shall turn into a cactus.
- color 97, Cash Iroha from Noro, a choice of either Raspy from Rowan Denim People or the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
I got to get them into ziplocks right now. And more edging to go for FFL shawl.

Opps, before I forget. Did I mentioned Yuvee was in Singapore the last weekend? I managed to meet up with her the day before she left for home. We agreed to meet at the usual yarn store. Fortunately we walked out from the store unscathed.

Blogspotlight Show #2 Local Knitters' Blogs

Another 4 noticeable knitting blogs have sprung alive on this little island.

Hooked on Yarn by the lovely Karyn. I saw her Sweetpea Shawl from SnB Hooker, and it was so pretty. Hope she's uploading pics soon.

Next three are from the Swallowtail Shawl KAL. Jollin, Regg and Matilda. Wish them success in the KAL, specially Jollin who has quit using Alpaca Cloud.

Frost Flowers & Leaves Update #4

On the home stretch here. Two weekends and I'm half done with the edging. So it isn't as tedious. And that means half the stitches had came off the needles. Here's a picture of one corner.
I started with 12 oz which is made up of a 8 oz hank and two 2 oz yarn cakes. I think I'm gonna left with 4 oz worth of Jaggerspun Zephyr in Aegean Blue. Most probably gonna destash it. any takers?

And thanks for the concern about my outburst in the earlier post. It must be the lack of knitting that caused it.

By the way, I finally got a new phone after 2 two years. The picture above was taken by this new gadget. I need to get a 2 gigabytes MiniSD card so that I can have those PDF patterns stored on the phone.

Ignorance is Bliss?!

Yeah, it is but not to the one who's being ignored. If I did something to deserve that, kindly tell me. Keeping mum will not help.

I see the turn of a friendship. Titanic sank, relationships breakups, who say friendships wont make a turn for the worst?

What a good way to start a weekend.

26 years and 4 days

Yep, that's roughly my age on the GMT 8+ timezone. One of the female species on planet earth who knows how to crochet for more than half of her life and has converted to knitting more than 18 months ago.

Anyways, I decide to draw 3 names for the give away. Incidentally, all 3 have pins on my Frappr Map. (in no particular order)
Elliphantom
Kessa
Valerie
Can Elli and Valerie leave your emails in the comments. I will be contacting you for your mailing addresses.


Thanks to all those who have been leaving comments and pins. Its warming to know that my blog is being read and I shall continue to blop (blog-hopping).

Further on, I had a wonderful evening spent with the SO. After a sumptuous dinner, we walked over to Esplanade, it was so crowded. The bay stretch was crowded with early birds who's there to snap a good place to watch the fireworks display. I was indeed lucky to have fireworks displayed on my birthday. No pics to put up as most of the night shots were yucky. I guess its time to get a new camera.

Back to my needles, FFL is on the home run. And its like a far stretch. I'm not even a quarter done since sunday. I'm just hoping there's not much distractions. *cross fingers*

Overwhelmed Days

Things are pretty unsettle these few days. With some of the orders not reaching me on time. I'm getting really stressed out.

I will have the names drawn during the weekend for the giveaway.

I will keep this short as I need to get some rest. <3

Happy Birthday to Singapore

Its the 41st birthday of this tiny little island we call home. And lucky me, Mom got 2 tickets to this year's NDP. I started Jaywalker Sock #2 so I can have something to knit along the way. We set off at 2pm and reach there after 3pm. Every audience received a goodie bag, which includes drinks, tidbits, clap-o-sticks, mini fan, cap and touch light and etc and etc.

Slowly we waited as the stadium gets filled up with people. This is my second time in this stadium for something event like this. First time was about 10 years ago during my secondary scool days. Mom was kind of excited as this was her first time in this stadium. This was a very memoriable event cuz this 33 year old stadium is going to make way for a sports hub, which means no more "Kallang Wave" and the last NDP to be held within this premises.

Going to the real thing made so much different to the other NDPs which I had watched on TV over the years. Everything is so alive! The performers, lightings, laser effects and sounds. I may not have a bird's eye view of the parade, but the feel of being part of NDP make this year's parade a whole new experience for me. Last but not least I shall leave you with a short clip of the parade's climax.

Close, so close

I'm less than 20296 stitches (according to the excel sheet) away from finishing Chart 3 of FFL. No pictures to show, as its still a blue blob like last week's pic. The only difference is its mass and had occupied a larger area on my lap.

The weekend had been hot and dry. I was hoping for some rain to cool things down. The fan was on for as long as I was home. It seems like the dry season is here permanently.

I am so eager to finish FFL and have it block up. Before that, I need loads of junk food. Off to cook myself some instant ramen.

I just read the FFL KAL, and seems like the edging is going to be very boring. Hence, its gonna take more time than I expect. T_T

MORE RAMEN PLEASE!!!

New Magazines on the Block

If you do not already know, Rowan 40 is out. I found the patterns not as interesting. Only a couple caught my eye.

Next up is Debbie Bliss fall collection of Pure Cashmere. The patterns meant for this range was also blah. The aran sweater in there cover takes 19 skeins of yarns, but do bear in mind that each skein is only 25grams with 45 metres. The yarn takes 5mm needles and the tension is 18 sts 25 rows. Anyways the rest of the pattern takes just a few skeins.

However, Lousia Harding surprises me with her winter collection of patterns. Not that I wear wool in this climate.

I'm still tapping my fingers for the Rebecca Fall/Winter issue

Phildar will definitely come out with thick and fluffy kind of designs, which are just undesirable in this climate, again.

FFL is up to 70% completion. So i think i still need to work like 5 rounds each day which meant I need to work on it 5 hours each day. Now, I need 36hours a day.

Row call

I did one just after finishing 3/4 of the 6th repeat of FFL. So here's the report.

Total No of of balls : 137
Total meterage: 23200.5metres
Total weight (grams): 9100g

The above excludes the following :p
- 1 cone of Jaggerspun Zephyr
- Yarns which are going to be destashed
- Yarns which are still on their way to me.

I just ordered 9 hanks of Noro Cash Iroha from Webs Noro sale and also 6 balls of Jo Sharp Soho summer for Cherry. And not forgetting the recent knithappens.net spree and the knitpicks.com order. The figures are going in one direction which is North.

On a happy note, I think this figures are not staggering at all. And better still, I think there's plenty of room for expansion (In terms of figures not the space).

And if this is the first time you are visiting this blog, you are most welcomed to join my birthday giveaway.

On swaps

my SP8 hostess posted this question "Someone has stolen your stash and all your books: now what are you going to do?"
- This would be the best excuse to start stashing without feeling guilty.
- I should start a new life without knitting, take up something like going to the gym 3-4 times a week.
- Get back into my social life.

But then, I really want to do the first one. Knitting has become a huge part of me. It would be painful to let go of it.

Recently I have participate myself in a couple of more swaps. First on hand would be Yarn Aboard II. And I have a messenge to my pal. Dear Pal, whoever you are, I think I did not mentioned in the questionaires that I wish the least for fair isle sock yarns. Anyway, you should have a lot of time to plan my box.

Next up is Knitters Lace Swap. If you are my pal, do listen up. I'm fine with most lace weight yarns. If you are sending me Jaggerspun Zephyr, please send colors in neither Aegean Blue nor Teal. I have loads of them to last me many projects over.

Frost Flowers & Leaves Update #3

It's been more than 3 months since I started on FFL. In between there were distractions and I can't help but felt the lace pattern was monotonous. Good thing about monotonous is that I don't have to refer to the chart for every single stitch. The pattern is systematic but I still managed to live with a few mistakes. I just hope that once the shawl goes through blocking, everything will smooth their way out. Now the stamina to finish this off and I might even add another repeat is getting stronger.

Here's the pile of FFL, over my mole hill of clutter at, 46% away from completion.
and Dear Sarah,
The needle will defintely come handy for knitting 2 socks at once. Thus the chance of developing Second SOck Syndrome is minimized. I will be keeping the copy of mag you sent me and probably donate the extra one to the library or something.

On another note, I think it's time get a new phone, with all the functions packed in a candy bar. I might have more pictures in the future as this gadget packs a 3.2 megapixel cammie with Carl Zeiss optics. I have seen the pics taken by it and definately justifiable for the price. I can only be happier if I can get it at a fraction of the retail price.

Hectic and relaxing

It had been a hectic week with the opening ceremony in the office. and I need to prepare 4 quotations for one of my major accounts I'm managing. Finally got them all out yesterday. *sweats*

Anyway, it had also been relaxing once I got home, cuz I got to knit and do stuffs I want to do. And most of all, I got another package from my SP8. I haven't been scouting around for my SP's blog, so far I only knew her first name's Sarah. So I guess her identity is still safe from me. Check out the picture on the right. The bar of dark chocolate is da BOMB!

And a message to Sarah: Somehow I have gotten both the needle and the magazine. So I guess, you can start looking for somcthing else. =P
I think the magazine is a bit hard look for. So I guess I should kind of relieved you from that.

With the new needle, I went back to Frost Flowers and Leaves again. So from a huge hair net, its now big fish net hanging on a 120cm needle. Knitting with such a long circular is really taxing, cuz I need to move the stitches after knitting a few dozens of stitches. I really hope to finish FFL before that day. It would really be nice. I'm like 6 rows away from completing the 5th repeat, which tells you that I'm about half way through the entire project. So if I were to complete 4 rows each day, the probability to complete by then will be higher.

Less talk and knit more.

Frogging Fetching

I was working on Fetching on impulse the other day. I was sorting out the stash and saw this lonely ball of Rowan Cashsoft Aran, poor thingie. And I remembered that a particular pattern in the latest Knitty requires only a ball of aran weight yarn. Although I was about 10 metres short of the original yarn, I just went ahead and cast on.

As I approach the finishing of Fetching #1, I started to get paranoid of not having enough yarn.
But then again, I think I should have more than enough if I were to cast on 5 less stitches. So Fetching is making a trip to the pond.

More books

I think I should ban myself from the internet and from going out to the bookstore. These are the damages so far.
Anyway, the past 48 hours were spent sleeping, eating, caught a movie with SO, knitting and finished 6 dvds of Goong. I was so tired after 2 dvds of Goong that I was sleeping through half of this show. I guess only guys like the SO would prefer this genre.

On the knitting front, Petunia is almost 50% done. Mom is urging me to have this knitted for her. I'm still considering cause its really a beautiful piece. About 98% of the knit stitches are done through the back loop. I will try to get a close up of the stitches if possible.

I also got buttons for the Knit1 Summer cropped cardigan. I got 5 x 1 inch diameter buttons instead of the recommended 3 x 1.5 inch size. I ill continue this if I got stuck with Petunia's pattern.

Oopz, did I mention that Vogue Knitting Fall preview is up? An issue worth getting as I'm only attracted to the socks.

Pic of the day

Its the three things I stick with when the SO is not around.
- Japanese lace top, I shall name it Petunia, shade of the yarn.
- 11 copies of Death Note
- and both of them are placed on the TV, which means I'm watching Goong series.

And have you done frapp-ing me?

Another Update?

I seem to be updating daily. Well this is to help those who are interested in my contest to keep up with the commenting. Of course you can comment my past entries from the July 14th onwards.


Anyways, I was checking out my mail before I head to work this morning. And I came to know that my pal for Yarn Aboard II is Amanda!!! What a pleasant surprise. I found out from the questionaire that we have more than a bit in common. First of all, we are Birk fans or at least we wear Birks a lot. Second, we are not into self patterning and fair isle sock yarns. And we both like chocolates too. Which means whatever I might like would also make Amanda delightful.

Knitting has been on a hiatus till I finish 11 copies of Death Note and I might knit a bit while watching 24 episodes of Goong aka Princess Hours. I need to have a second take of Death Note cuz the meaning of the storyline takes time to digest.

Back to work for now. And remember to place a pin on my frappr if you have not.

Back for tangy

I knew what was wrong with me. Anyways, after reading the comments, I decided to start Jaywalker #2 but *gasp* I cant find my yarn! and I cant remember which needle size. And that put me off sock knitting for the time.

I wanted to start something so I went through a small box of stash. A ball of Sirdar Snuggly 4 ply said Hi and I was reminded that its meant for this. Grab the right needle and went on to knit till my eyelids came down. It was too boring and not challenging at all. Moreover I wasnt watching CSI or any interesting TV shows. Left it aside and crept to bed since I slept at 3am+ the previous night after catching Pirates Of The Carribean: Dead Man's Chest for midnight show.

Then after on Sunday morning, I went through another bag of stash. This Petunia shade of yarn was calling out to me. I remembered that it was meant for a Japanese pattern. I frogged it months ago since I can't get 3 of the stitches to look right after seeking the help of knitters. I decided to rewind it and give the pattern a second try. And wala~~ I'm into the third repeat. (I hope to upload pics today)

So I guess, I was probably up for something tangy.
I'm craving for lime juice! or a shot of this.

PS. Get 5 extra tickets to my contest by adding yourself on my frappr map. It's just that easy!

On a slump or what

I do not know why, but PMS is definitely not the reason. I'm facing a slump-like phase. FFL was done with 4th repeat two nights ago, and I knew I have to start something new till I get a longer circular needle (80cm is not longer enough). However, I'm sitting here pondering which project to start. Total dilemma!

Should I (in no particular order) start or continue first?
- Jaywalker #2
- Lotus Blossom Tank from IK Summer 06
- Cherry, my only concern is running out of yarn.
- Pomatomus from knitty.com winter 05, will there be pooling if I were to use Lorna Laces Shepherd Sock yarn?

I guess the above will creat topic for discussion so you can earn more tickets. Haha! Here's a pic of the prizes. I added a couple of key chains and the lime green bag. The mohair yarn is from a Japanese brand which I chance upon on my last Taiwan trip. It should be a good replacement for Rowan Kidsilk Haze.

And yeah, thanks for all the early wishes.
i have not thought of how I'm gonna split the stuffs or should there be only one lucky winner?