Seduction

First, I have already finished Kimono sometime last week but I haven't blocked it. So I will only post about it when I'm done with blocking ok? :) I must first borrow the blocking wires :P

Now back to the topic.

Ok I must admit. I finished the first sock long ago (read July) and this was very much in danger of SSS. As I said I didn't enjoy the pattern very much, because it was 'a bit weird'. But then, the second sock actually was quite a breeze. I think I got used to the weirdness. I really contemplated starting the second sock in the first place because of the pattern. Of course fearing the Lonely Sock, I decided to cast on and finish the second one anyways.

Thankfully, the second sock didn't suffer as many mistakes as the first (which I have ripped and saved in the train, which there's a funny row of wrong stitches on the heel, and which there's a slight remnant of a would-be ladder on the sole, and a couple of wrong rows).

I always tend to finish my knitting projects in the evenings so lighting is terrible. I'll try and take better pictures another time but here goes anyways.





Seduction Socks made with Knitpicks Palette in Sunshine on Boye DPNs, 2.75mm.

Oh and yes... the most important thing I learnt with this sock is the right twist stitch. :)

more stuff!

I'm doing the last rep on the Kimono. AS said 'It seems a bit too long' because it's for my granny and she's shorter than I am. But I was at rep 19 and 20 is a round number. I should make it 20 reps, right?

I received the sugar n cream before the weekend and then during the KO, we also got our Rakuten spree stuff!

So here's my Sugar n Cream for the warshrag/ballband dishcloths I'm planning. (thanks, Mun!)



And here is the Rakuten stuff.





We're ready for another Japanese yarn spree already, rofl.

Kimono updates

No I'm not done yet.
In fact, I haven't been knitting since Sunday. I attempted like two rows on monday though, and that was about it.

Anyways, I still think I should give a little updated here.

Here it is on the new sofa.







Hmm.. Let's just say I'm past the three-quarter mark if I were to make 20 repeats of the pattern. heh.

k that's all for today... work awaits. :(

OM........

A few months ago, I fell absolutely in love with Wollmeise. I guess I just received my Phildars and was waxing lyrical about European yarns. And Wollmeise's Sockenwolle really made me all dreamy~~ So I had to announce to everyone 'I love Wollmeise's Sockenwolle and I want to get them!'

Unfortunately there wasn't any opportunity and the urge kinda ebbed a little... until (the wonderful) Lois managed to snag 2 skeins! (see her entry here)

Ack I can hardly breathe when I see this yarn. Here it is in Maria's Deepest Purple.

THANK YOU SP 11!!

:) the package finally arrived on thusday!



We were a little worried about the package since it took a little while. I guess the public holiday before that didn't help either. But the package was a wonderful surprise and filled with lotsa goodies for me and my pups! Millie and Mollie were not forgotten and had some treats there. I have a very beautiful coton yarn Catania, in a very light gray. That's absolutely great since my stash (if you have seen it) is generally purple and blue. (same joke about my wardrobe sometime back) HAHAHA. I tried the gummies yesterday (they are half gone now) and these are SO Sour! reminds me of the Sour Lemon candy I used to eat when I was a kid. And there's a nice purple photo frame plus, a box with nice and simple stitch markers! (hmm i wonder if my SP made them)

Here's another look at the yarn



Thank You SP! :)

Book Quiz

So I was reading Rain's blog entry and saw the quiz. Since it's a short one, no harm taking it yeah?

Turns out I'm as confounded as she is.

You're I, Robot!

by Isaac Asimov

While you have established a code of conduct for many generations to
follow, your demeanor is rather cold and calculating. Brought up to serve humans, you
have promised never to harm them, to follow orders, and to protect yourself. Living up
to this code has proved challenging and sometimes even drives you mad. If you were a
type of paper, you would be pulp.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

I never read this as part of any of my Lit syllabi. So I can't tell why I liked it so much. I suppose a couple of my classes on the human-machine interface kinda re-lit the fire but hmm... I guess always had a sense of affinity for robots.

Confounded? Yep. Take the Quiz Here and let me know if you do.

Tagged!

I been tagged by Rain~~ hehe so. Since it's friday, I can afford some time to do something unrelated to my research. *Ahem.* At the same time I'm trying to think of different things to say aside from the other Meme I did in June. So here goes.

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

1. Did I tell you I'm claustrophobic? I am. And I have problems taking the lift or walking in certain underpasses. Just yesterday I was watching some travelogue on tv, and the people were going into a cave. I was nervous already. However, I have absolutely no problems in planes as long as I'm at the window (bestbest!) or aisle.

2. I wanted to be a Forensic Pathologist since I was 12. I stopped living that dream when I was 17 because there was no way I could do it being in Arts.

3. I DO NOT like spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. I also tend not to like abbreviations very much but that started to cost a lot on sms.

4. My favorite season of the year is Winter because it's freezing cold - and that's good for me. :)

5. I suffer from hyperlaxity in joints. Well. I don't suffer a whole lot but my joints are problematic enough to render hospital visits, tailored physio classes and the consideration of sleeping with a straight-jacket on.

6. I also have ezcema and have a lot of allergens (from dust and ashes to come detergents and soaps to seafood - which i love - and now wet grass!). But the good news is I'm not allergic to most of the other things (I'd like to think) and of course I'm ok with fur~. hehehehe

7. Um.. I like Snoopy. haha really~ I don't think many know about it especially since I haven't been acquiring Snoopy products like some people do Hello Kitty. But yes. I like Snoopy. Very much.

8. This is totally random but if I were a superhero, I would be Random. My powers allow me to randomly pick another superhero's powers in the vicinity. If you like, I can also randomly pick a fight. I've already drawn my character in the appropriate skin-tight costume. wahaha. (Actually I wanted to say 'I like to draw as well, and I often draw comic book characters' but this is more interesting.)

Ok! So here are the people I tagged.

Genevieve

Barbara

Yvette

Camille

MLC

Jackie

And whoever would like to join in~ :) Have fun!

Leo

I'm done! I'm done!



Leo from Knitty
Yarn: Sirdar Denim DK approx 8 balls
Knitted with Addi Turbos

The introduction to the pattern at knitty fitted my search requirements (i.e. no funky cables, no multi-colored work, not too thick, no horizontal stripes etc.) and when I had the Ok, I immediately picked up the needles to cast this on. So many of you know how I am with my UFOs, and so many of you know this project via this blog too (especially Cindy who was there on the very day I bought the yarn years ago! December 2004 - YIKES. lol!) I just want to thank everyone for cheering me on, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! :D

thank you thank you thank you!

finally i can tag this with an FO! w00t!

just a short one

because i want to tell you that i have n00bs at the stash...

first up possum's arrived. (yayy!)





then some cotton novia





and some miami.



ok no more yarn buying for now.

About the Leo. I've finished knitting the pieces and have seamed them except for sides of the sleeves. I'm going to do that tomorrow i guess. Then I have to do the neckline. :) I really don't want to rush but if I finish this by friday that would be great. *crosses fingers and toes*

yayy!

Ok no pictures today but for some of you who know me, you know this sweater project has been hanging around for far too long.

Well. I've finished knitting:
The Back
The Front
The Left Sleeve
The Right Sleeve

Therefore.
All i need is to weave in the ends and seam the whole thing! yayy!!

AS called me all of a sudden. Talk about good timing. He's gone over the JKT for the last weekend there. Maybe if I can figure out how to seam these things properly by next week, he might have a chance to see the whole piece on Friday! Whee~~

Sleeved~!

I haven't been diligent in blogging about the progress of the Leo at all... But yesterday I finally reached the beginning of the sleeve cap and I thought it's about time~!

Here are the sleeves in progress!



I can't wait to get the sleeve caps done... Although I have a lot to read and write, I am keeping my fingers crossed. I think I should be able to finish the pieces before AS comes back. But whether I can seam them together and THEN do the neck edging too remains a question. I'd need more hours (like about 48 per day?).

w00t!

Leo's front and back!

See!



Ok I will weave in the ends but not now :P

AND

I can start the sleeves tmr! Woo hooo!!!!!!!

Advertising

Of course... this isn't yarn related (unless I'm thinking of using Millie's collected fur for spinning?) Leo is doing well and I'll have some pictures soon I hope...

Well as said, An Advertisement Here....

Millie's in ASD's 2008 Calendar and I'm told to take orders for myself since it ran out very soon after they were on sale last year. Ms KS Mummy of Princess Millie therefore wants you to know that she's taking orders. Proceeds will go the ASD so it's for a good cause. Take a look at the link here for more information.

So drop me a note soon and place an order, or just drop by to one of the outlets listed at the bottom of the page and pick one up! :)

Blog Action day~

Non-yarn related but my main blog is registered for Blog Action day. So why don't you click on the link below and check it out~!

Spoild!

Lookee what I have here!



I'm really touched to see the beautiful handspun yarn there (i love the color!) and the carded alpaca too!

And most of all, the drop spindle there is absolutely beautiful!

Here, have another look:



I forsee another obsession....

Thank you for taking out the time to prepare these fantabulous gifts, Jasmine! :)

roxorz!

Rockin' Girl Blogger Rain nominated yours truly~~! (Thanks, Rain - You Rock!~) So yes, I now get to flash this badge around my blog too! :P

Behold, ROXORZ~!!!



I'm having a difficult time since I can only nominate 5 persons, but here goes:

Lois: She knits so fast and her FOs are always fantabulous! I love what she's recently done with her blog's layout too!

Cindy: I often write 'my friend who taught me knitting' in a number of my questionnaires. Well, this friend is none other than Cindy. All thanks to her that I'm clicking the sticks in addition to my mouse now :)

Genevieve: My Rockin' pal from SP10. She's got two blogs going (like me) and I love reading them both!

Barb: Barb's always has these great links she shares on her blog. The one of the latest - knitwars has got me hooked!

Dipsy: She's having a break now but updates her blog with pictures and patterns ever so frequently!

Okay Ladies, your turn to nominate and Rock On! :D

Leo Pro

Some progress on Leo... the Row counter now reads '20'

That means another 4 rows to 12"

Here, have a look. :)



no measuring tape because i can't find it.

I haven't been working much on this yesterday and today. I was really tired after a movie yesterday (as usual) and then I was preoccupied half the time today. I'll definitely get to 12" tonight though. and then that means 4 more inches to Armholes!

Meanwhile I'm still very amused by the movie, my new bag, and all sorts of other stuff. Check them out here.

A little Update, A little Change

I realize not many realized I was making the Leo. I guess the promise of that never-ending sweater had its effects; I just think that yarn is destined to be never ending, so I never announced what I was doing to it.

I guess it's about time to show what little progress I've made though.

So thursday was our National Day and with it comes a lot of memories for me. I've attended three of these parades in my life and of course once was with AS; Our registration anniversary is on the same day; this year, I like really love one of the songs because I relate to it so much and also, I've decided to move my blog on that day.

AS usually has to work on National Day - for rather obvious reasons if you know where he works. (*hint: armed forces*) This year, he's not working technically, but he's not around.

So what better things to do than to try and make some progress on his Leo?



I figured (when it was 2" long) that if i did an inch everyday, I'd be shaping armholes in 2 weeks. But of course I never did an inch a day. Maybe 1/2 an inch. But I'm making progress. The last time I checked (which was late thursday night), it was 6" on both the front and back.

Really!

See.



I hope the photo doesn't curse it to be 6" forever. (because that was what happened awhile back at 41cm...) But hey, if it's 6" on front and back, that means I'm knitting a bit faster than before. And that is good news. HAHA.

Oh yes, I went to Barb's site yesterday and saw this link. Maybe (just maybe) I'll be a little more motivated to be KnitWar-ring now~ It sure looks like a typical RPG game hehe (thanks for the link, Barb~!)

Meanwhile, I'm going to do up the sidebar of the new main blog today and maybe turn the 6" to 7". hehe

SP11 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I like knitting with wool but the weather here is too hot, so bamboo comes up as my next favorite~ I like cotton mixes as well and would love to try silk soon. I really don’t like acrylic very much…

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

They are all in a huge plastic box organized by size. I don't have that many hooks but they are in a pencil case.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I’ve learnt knitting about 5 years ago from a friend. I took a long break in between so I guess I’m a beginner pushing intermediate? :P

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes, it’s right there in my side bar.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I like lavender and fruity scents. I’m usually quite alright as long as the scent is not too overpowering.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Oh yes I do, I love sour gummi and candy canes.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I can crochet some amigurumi and used to do cross-stitch. Origami works as well. But knitting is the only one on my list now. I don’ spin (yet).

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Rock and classical work for me. I sometimes listen to bossa nova and ballads as well. And yes I can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love purples, blues, and grays. Greens are ok with me as well. I’m quite ok with everything but don’t really like pinks or bright reds.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married with no kids. I have a cat, two dogs and three hamsters.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Nope.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

It’s socks and socks now!

13. What are you knitting right now?

I have two pairs of socks going, the Leo for the hubby and the Kimono.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Sure!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I prefer circs. Both bamboo and aluminum are fine; I’ve not tried plastic knitting needles but I don’t think I’ll like using them.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

I have a yarn winder, no swift (yet)

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

It was 3 years old but I’ve frogged it. Now the oldest is about 6 months old?

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! And maybe National Day too.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Um… Yarns? Hehehe. I collect comic books though.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I’d love to get more dpns in particular sizes such as 2mm, 2.25mm, and 2.75mm. As for yarns, I’d love to get my hands on some Wollmeise! It’s hard to get sock and lace yarns here. There's a skirt pattern i'd love to get but i can't remember its name now. hmm... I’ve got no subscriptions at the moment but try to get my hands on Phildar collections as much as possible.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Entrelac is next on my list.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes! I wear Euro 37, US size 6.5.

23. When is your birthday?

7th January.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Yes I am! It’s ayumi.

mmm.... gift! .... mmm

Met Nadège on tuesday for a really overdue lunch (thanks to the bug i caught).

Anyways it was a great catch up as expected and wow!~ she brought me Phildar!

here you go:



I must say Riviera looks like some funky yarn, but it's really so soft and nice, i can already tell what the knitted project would feel like. I'm so tempted to get more of it!!

Thalassa was a personal request (that turned out to be a gift) actually and it's a cotton-seacell mix. A GREAT mix i must say since it makes the cotton much smoother.

I had a kitty photo frame and a kitty keychain with these goodies too.

No knitting done in the meantime. not even a stitch.

too busy with that interview/presentation to the panel today and not feeling too great about it.

but oh well.

i'm sleepy so maybe some stitches tomorrow.