Late/Early

Merry (Late) Christmas, and Happy (Early) New Year!

Also, Belated Happy Hannukah, Current Happy Kwanzaa, and what else happens this time of year? Ah yes, Whoops, Forgot Winter Solstice!

Knitting? Yeah, we've been doing that too. We promise!

<3 MUCH LOVE from the Black Heels n Purls Knitting Society

Longest Update in the History of the World, Part II

I LIVE!!

Dude, it has been a million billion years since our last update. I barely made it through studio again, and now I've got the pleasures of finals to wade through. Hurrahhhhhhh.

Anyways, KNITTING. LET'S DO IT.

1. Artichoke Socks



I'm still not done with these, I haven't actually worked on them since... uh... October? Awful.


2. Basketrib Headband



I slightly hate this thing. It's not to gauge, because I don't believe in swatching (the only swatches I'll own are the ones on my arm, etc). It looks interesting, though. I think a little blocking will do it some good.

3. Squishy the Jellyfish



I love Squishy the Jellyfish so so much. He's made mostly from random yarns in the stash, on the wrong size needles (as per usual), so he's tinier than the Jellyfish in progress, currently unnamed.



4. Moo's Bunny Hat



Here's a pattern I had to make up on my own, since I don't own the book the original pattern came from. It's for Marilyn's daughter, I think I was supposed to have finished this yonks ago. Haha, "yonks."

5. Wollmeise Clapotis



This photo doesn't do this yarn or pattern justice. And good LORD it is taking forever. I should have used size 6 or 7 needles, not 4s. BLERG.

6. Baby's First Noro



It's what I'm calling my first Noro scarf. I could probably knock it out in like a day, but I'm distracted as usual. D:

7. Dr. Who Fetching



Made for Sharon, who sent me Series One and Two of Doctor Who with the 10th Doctor. DAVID TENNANT! I love him. Ambrrr Tennant has a nice ring to it, yes?

8. Cottonease Funtime aka Bamboozled



This is a really fun and quick pattern. It's been through the washer quite a few times, and is still fantastic. Love it!! I actually took this photo with my iSight on my MacBook Pro.

9. Foliage



Here's Hott Steve rollin' and strollin' with my Foliage. I don't question what Hott Steve does.

Well, I think that's it. I could be completely wrong, we'll see.



WORD TO YO MOMMA.

PS - Squishy says be sure to check the blog these last few weeks of December, as we'll actually have time to update now!



(Project links and whatnot coming soon)

- Ambrrr

Longest Update in the History of the World, Part I

Hello blog-land.
I'm not quite sure if this will actually be the longest update in the history of the world, but I feel there are many, many wonderful things I must share with you.

Ambrrr and I have survived another semester of college. I'm not quite sure how we pulled it off, but I'm glad we did. Yesterday was our last day of classes, so today we finally found some time to have the photo shoot we've continually delayed due to school-related obligations.

We fought the ridiculously muggy 80 degrees that New Orleans has adopted this December and discovered a balcony of the business school that was more than willing to participate in our shoot.

I am proud to present "Things I've Knit This Semester But Haven't Really Posted About Yet Because School Owns My Soul":

1. Sock
I have only knit one of my Hedgerow Socks. I have utterly no motivation to knit the other one.
Here's ambrrr graciously modeling for me:

Details:
Pattern
Yarn: Katia Mississippi 3
Needles: US2

2. Rae's One-Row Scarf
I needled a mindless break from some more complicated knitting and tried out this one-row pattern. My friend Rae is allergic to wool, so I knit in acrylic. Vanna's Choice. Mostly because I'm beyond amused that Vanna has yarn. The color is pretty. I love the pattern. And anything with tassels has my heart.


3. Super Fetching
I made some fetching with a few added cable rows at the cuff and hands.

I also like to call them "fighting fetching"
I used Bernat Cashmere blend. I really like the yarn, but on the 6 DPNs, the fabric is so dense that they're almost too inflexible. They are effectively warm.

4. Ribbed Lace Bolero
This is one of my favorite things I've ever made. Unfortunately I've only worn it a few times, because it's either much too warm or much too cool. Silly New Orleans.

Yarn - Cascade 220
Pattern

5. Purl Bee Beret
This is my favorite thing ever. The color is nothing I would usually wear, but something about it is so wonderful.

pattern
Yarn - Knit Picks Palette
Needles - US2 Addis borrowed from Ambrrr. It was the first time I'd used Addis. I love them. I want them. It hurt me to return them.

6. Bamboozled!
I realized I really love headwear. I want nothing more than to have fantastic head accessories every day of my life.

Pattern
I clearly had to copy ambrrr and use Cotton Ease. I really liked working with it. Trying to come up with a new head band design for the left overs.

7. A Scarf Askew
I found this pattern on the Rav (my username is uhlissa. friend me!) and really liked the simplicity. I thought it was very sophisticated, without being complicated. In a fit of ambition I planned to knit all my Christmas presents. This is for my step-dad, who has the most intense blue eyes ever. I hope the color will be complimentary.

I used Wool Ease on US8s, and it went pretty quickly. I'm having some issues with getting it to lay flat. I left it pinned down while I was out of town for Thanksgiving, and sprayed it with some water, but the acrylic blend resisted the water. I'm going to have to try again with a greater quantity of H2O.

8. Diagonal Lace Scarf
This is for my step-mom. It seemed like a good opportunity to try out a yarn I would never really buy myself. It's Bernat Bamboo blend. It's one of the softest things I've ever felt. I'm not too wild about the color choices, but I felt like this pink is something my step-mom would enjoy. Knitting with the Bamboo blend was nice. I was apprehensive about the knobbly yarn texture for a lace pattern, but decided to go for it. I'm happy with the final result.


Gratuitous photos, because clearly I haven't posted nearly enough yet.

Scarves!

Ambrrr modeling my beret and my sock! She's pretty awesome.


That Is All!
<3 Uhlissa

Post #100!!

Hello World!!
Contrary to popular belief, I still exist.
And this is the 100th post to the Black Heels and Purls. I'm pretty excited about it.

In a much needed day of personal space and alone time, I finished off a few WIPs today. And by a few, I mean two.

The first is my purl bee beret. It's my new favorite thing ever. Ambrrr keeps trying to trick me into committing to wearing it every day until the end of the semester. I'm afraid to commit, but not convinced I won't wear it every day anyways. I made it out of Knit Pick's Palette in golden heather. I was afraid the color would be atrocious next to my face, but I'm so in love. I'm about to cast on for another one in some other Palette I have laying around. Purple and greenish-bluish stripes, I believe.

Secondly, I finally finished the second of my fetching gloves. I've had 1 1/2 done for over a month, and finally just sewed in my last loose ends. I'm not particularly thrilled by them, but then again they never had a chance being finished just hours after my new hat love.

I've finished a few other projects since my last post (September 27...whoops).

- ribbed lace bolero out of cascade 220 in a light gray( I love it so much I have cascade sitting around to make myself another and one as a christmas present for one of my roommates)
- one of my hedgerow socks in yellow katia mississippi 3
- a one row scarf in vanna's choice in a beautiful blue (for a friend who's allergic to wool)

Trying to get started on some christmas knitting, but I just want to make myself more berets.
Plans include worsted weight socks for my mom, maybe in the bernat cashmere natural blend, a ribbed lace bolero in turquoise cascade 220 for one of my roommates, a scarf for an aunt who has been asking for one for at least a year, and I'll have to come up with some more things, like knits for my two other roommates, and something for ambrrr, of course. For right now though, I'm about to dig through my stash and cast on for another beret....

Oh, and, ambrrr and I just ordered from knitpicks. I got a bit carried away. I decided I wanted to try my hand at some lace knitting so I've planned a few scarves and shawls. ambrrr's making jellyfish, I believe.

Ok, that's all.

Pictures coming as soon as I get around to taking them. Tomorrow? Ambrrr and I keep discussing photo shoots and then not having them. Whoops.

Happy 100th post,
<3 uhlissa

So, how's about that Halloween?

Yeah, that was crazy. Pictures this weekend? We'll see.

In other news, I'm running a sale at my Etsy shop Green Lotus - 50% off shipping and FREE SHIPPING for additional items for the entire month of November. Whoo!




Acting like a crazy used car salesman, Ambrrr

Not Dead!

I swear. It's been a crazy month, blogland. Cra-zay, even.

I've got a bunch of WIPs for you, as well as FOs, so hopefully I'll get those up this weekend. Studio is kicking my butt, and tonight is Halloween!! I am going with a group dressing up as holidays, and I am Kwanzaa. More specifically, the Kwanzaa Liberation Force, from The Hebrew Hammer. I will most likely offend someone.

So, since for some reason I can't change the settings when posting from this account, my WIPs are:

- Wollmeise Clapotis
- Casey's Brioche Scarf
- Baby's First Noro (Noro Scarf)
- Artichoke Socks

And now, I guess I should go back to paying attention in class.

Gettin' her money right,
Ambrrr

Mwahahahahahahaha!

For an early birthday present (it's tomorrow, ok?! it's not THAT early) I ordered a skein of Red Hot Chili sockyarn from Wollmeise the SECOND her new shop opened. I am WAAAAAYYYYY excited about this, as it is going to become my Clapotis!!

In other news, here are things I've finished and have yet to photo:

- Dr. Who Fetching
- Camera Sock
- Basket Rib Headband
- Bamboozled

Ooooops. I'm actually in Studio right now, I should probably be working on the GAMOD (Giant-Ass Model Of Doom).

You can't tell me nothin',
Ambrrr

Oooops

Hello Blog!
I realize that it has been quite a while.
School and whatnot has gotten in the way of crafting.
Today I finally finished my Classy Slip Up Socks, which were started in May.
I've also knit one fingerless glove out of a beautiful cashmere blend recently. I will probably attempt to knit the other one this weekend and get it of my list of things to do.
This weekend I went to Seattle, and I cast on for a new pair of socks. Hedgerow Socks in Katia Mississippi 3. I'm not sure how I feel about the pattern or yarn yet.
Also this weekend in Seattle, I visited a lys called the Weaving Works (I think...). The store was beautiful, with an amazing stock, but the service was so horrific, I'd almost consider never going back.
I will update again soon with pictures and links, but for now, just wanted to let you know we're still alive.
<3uhlissa

Rarghrarghrargh

So school is back in session. Well, almost, classes start tomorrow. In either case, I've been working pretty much non-stop at Card Services for Freshman Orientation. And the only project on the needles right now is a pair of Fetching I'm doing in exchange for some pirated Dr. Who episodes. That 10th Doctor. I loves him so.

Picatures and whatnot soon, I hope! It's been rainy and gross and just no fun to be outside.

Poor and sad, Ambrrr <3

Nanna Fanna Fo Fetsy

Yet another update to my Etsy shop, Green Lotus! Eight new bags, check 'em out. Support my Wollmeise habit, which I don't really quite have yet, but am looking to develop.



Also, send good thoughts our way for Hurricane Dean to weaken and not bother New Orleans. In fact, let's hope for NO hurricanes to bother us, except for the kind that we drink.

Hoping to get drunk soon, Ambrrr

Insanity strikes again

So today I walked out to the mailbox to get, well, the mail. And lo and behold there was some sorta package waiting for me!

Oh Jesus, I thought. Did I order yarn in my sleep? Who do I know in Pennsylvania?

And HEY! It was the US 2 DPNs Kate gave away! I actually forgot I'd asked for them, and since she is an extremely wonderful person they came with two skeins of Classic Elite Yarns Lush Angora Wool! EXCLAMATION MARKS!!! I'll get some photos when the sun actually comes out.

So that was a super awesome start to the day. Thanks again, Kate!

The "insanity" part of this post involves Wollmeise yarn. Have you heard of this stuff? It appears to have pure, sweet crack spun straight into the fiber. There is simply no other explanation for why I have been staring at the website for the last hour, drooling. I am going to get my hands on some of that Red Hot Chili sock yarn and make a Clapotis if it kills me.

Let's see... *whips out accounting books* 14 Euro for the yarn, and approx 8 for shipping...WHO CARES?! *throws accounting books into air* There are 574 yards in a skein. I will gladly pay for that, sir.

And using some random method of Clap-making (which I currently cannot find to link to), if I pay close attention and weigh the yarn as I go 574 yards should be more than enough for the Scarf-o-tis I want. Oh ho ho baby.

OK, time for more Wollmeise droolery.

<3 Ambrrr

Socks, etc.

So, we'll just ignore that last attempt at a post, alright?

I've been working on a pair of birthday socks for my friend Cara.








Pattern: Best Foot Forward from Knit Socks
Yarn: JoJoLand Melody in a color that I'm disappointed in. I thought it was all greens and purples, but turned out there was a weird orange bit. I do like working with the yarn a lot though.
Needles: bamboo US2 dpns
This is the current state of the second sock. As Cara's birthday is very soon, the first sock is getting mailed today along with this picture and the promise that I'm working on it as much as I can.









I chose the pattern from this book which I received from my Secret Pal for Secret Pal 10, and this is the second pattern I've used. Well, technically, I've only finished one sock from each pair, but I promise the mates are in the works.


I think I already posted about the other sock from this book that I was working on, but didnt' take pictures after it was finished. Here it is, along with the pitiful beginnings of it mate.

Well, that's all I wanted to share for now. My current goal is to finish both these pairs of socks,and get back to Sara's sweater for a while before getting distracted by something else.

<3 uhlissa

Long Time No See

I know it appears that I have disappeared, but that's just not the case.

I'm in Oklahoma. It's about 103 degrees outside today, so clearly I was inspired to go to yarn stores, and play with wool. Of course I bought some sock yarn, and upon returning home realized my stash has pretty much been growing exponentially this summer. Only complaining, because I'm running out of room, and am tired of dragging all my yarn with me from city to city on my journeys. Well, I took some pictures of my expanding stash, and of some projects I've been working on, and unfortunately picture quality was poor. So here's what I think's still worth sharing for now, and later this week I'll do a proper photo shoot.

The yarn I acquired today:








A very blurry sock:









The laundry basket of yarn I have gathered just in the past three months:








I will post more later this week when I have the time and energy to get better pictures.

<3 uhlissa

Wow, another FO post? And it's ALL KnitPicks? MAN.

I have this feeling of impending doom about being able to knit during the semester, so I just knocked out the rest of my UFOs.



Pattern: "Third Time's The Charm" Purl Bee Beret
Needles: US 2 32" circ (KnitPicks)
Yarn: KnitPicks Palette in Orange and Green (waaaaaay less than a skein each)
Modifications: Made stripes, used jogless join found here, second one listed

OK, unless Anna becomes an Irish Rasta I doubt she will wear this much. In fact, I fear that it is too small (what is this GAUGE you speak of, internets?), but whatevs. It can become a drinking hat, or something utterly ridiculous. Look, I have seen some of the outfits those Vassar kids wear for funsies, and this hat will not stand out. MOVING ON.



Pattern: Sam's Space Invaders Hat
Needles: US 7 16" (Addi Natura) and US 7 DPNs (Clover, Takumi, one of those)
Yarn: KnitPicks Shine Worsted in Grass (1) and Ebony (2)
Modifications: I completely made up this pattern, with the exception of the Space Invaders characters from BMP in Knitty

So I promised Sam I'd made him an awesome knitted hat for his graduation present. AND HERE IT IS. Sam likes video games and things that are neat, so I thought he'd enjoy this. In a state of frantic domesticnessosity I knit this in like... two days. It was pretty fun.



Pattern: Delicious Cell Phone Cozy
Needles: Bryspun US 5 straights
Yarn: KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Snickerdoodle and Pink Cheeks
Modifications: I used strings of 3 seed beads instead of tubey ones, no biggie

THIS IS FOR UHLISSA!!!! This was the surprise I was trying to keep from her, and FAILED, because I got too super excited about it and had to post it. I've plenty (PLENTY) of WotA left, I think I'll make a larger one to hold my iPod. WHEEEEEEE.

OK, I'm tired. THE END. More photos can be found on my Flickr.

<3 Ambrrr

Happy August!

I just ordered some yarn and needles from KnitPicks for two upcoming projects. I'd tell you what they are, but that'd just take all of the fun out of it.

...

That's really all I had to say. I can't believe it's been almost 8 months since we started this here knitblog up! I'm surprised we haven't been distracted by something shiny (although to be honest Ravelry has really taken up a lot of my time recently, it is FANTSTICALLY shiny). Or that we haven't broken the internets. It's happened!

I'll stop while I'm (vaguely) ahead.

<3 Ambrrr

Man, that took a while. In other news, lots of photos!

And now, for an FO post to end all FO posts (or possibly not, I'm variable on these things):


Pattern: "Baggage" Elisa's Nest Tote
Needles: US 10.5 straights and US 6 DPNs for handles and edging
Yarn: Lion Brand Lion Cotton Solid in Seaspray, 236 yds/ 140 g (Definitely didn't use the whole thing)
Modifications: None

This was a quick and easy knit, once I figured out what I was doing wrong stitch-count wise (forgetting to put in a YO, oops). I'm definitely going to make more, just perhaps in the round instead of flat.





Next project!





Pattern:"Rattlesnake Bones" Purl Bee Beret
Needles: US 2 32" circ (KnitPicks)
Yarn: Super Awesome Handdyed from Secret Pal, 200 yds/50g (with a smidge left over, should have made it bigger)
Modifications: Used a smaller needle size 'cos I don't have any US 3 circs. MEH.

I freaking love knitting this beret. It's easy, fun and looks really neat. Mum won't let me wear it 'cos it's summer, and in her words I'd "look crazy." D: I'm using the same pattern to make Anna's "Third Time's The Charm," 'cos I frogged those AWFUL socks and started this in a stripey pattern instead. Whoo! A quick look at that:



Alright, she'll only be able to wear it on St Patrick's day (and if she ever becomes a Rasta), but whatevs. I am tired of this yarn, I never want to see it again. Oh, dang, I have a black and green skein each down in NOLA. Methinks... Destash? Anyways, there it is. I have done essentially nothing with the Chevron, but you can check out the latest photos of it on my Flickr.

Ambrrr out!

Bear Hat and more

I've been knitting. and working. and being socially awkward.

I knit my friend a bear hat for her birthday.
Here she is:
Clearly she's very excited about it, as I was making it. It's the siberia hat pattern from Stitch 'n Bitch Nation. I used a variety of eyelash yarns from Hobby Lobby, so it's actually pretty sparkly, and the inside of the ears are bright green.


Also, currently knitting some socks for another friend's birthday that's coming up. I've decided to take a break from Sara's sweater, which is progressing rather slowly and focus on birthday knits.

<3 uhlissa

Um... whoops.

So, remember how there was that new project, and I was having issues, and I was going to blog about it?

.... I finished it. Today.

Whoops!

I even took pictures, and now have to do a FO shoot as well. It turned out nicely, once I got over the fact that I can't count/make YOs to save my life.

Also, I may have started something else.

A REAL UPDATE SOON, I SWEAR!

(shamefacedly), Ambrrr <3

Fragments.

Have started new project. Will blog about soon. Am mildly infuriated by it.

Chevron still going. No photos, my bad. Have been getting some work hours, which is good. Ambrrr loves money. Photos soon, Ambrrr promises. That was not a fragment. Or that! Oh, dang.

<3 Ambrrr

Oh Dang!

Hey y'all. I promise that I am still Chevroning, and also working on a new round of baggages for my Etsy shop(pe). I just talked to Uhlissa today, and she too is workin' and knittin'. Peektures for you soon!

busy like both a bee and a beaver, Ambrrr <3

Etsy Etsy Bo Betsy

Hey knitblogosphere! I (Ambrrr) have just opened up my very own Etsy shop, where I'm selling handmade project bags. I'd be ever so grateful if you would check them out*.



* And perhaps make a purchase? :D

Still Working on Her Chevron Scarf, Ambrrr

Secret Pal <3

My secret pal has revealed herself with yet another wonderful package. Carol has been absolutely amazing, and I've been very lucky to have such a great pal.

Check out the package:
Animal Crackers, Gummy Bears (that did not last long), a beautiful shawl, Creative Knitting magazine, pattern for sock shaped bookmark, two skeins of marks and kattens clown sock yarn, piggy shaped soap, a little pillow of potpourri, and a crossword dictionary!

I am lost for words to express how amazing my secret pal has been. And, to make it even more special, we're birthday buddies!





In other news:

Started my roommate's sweater. It's based off of this pattern, but I've changed a lot. Mostly, made it cabled. It's bright pink. I've only made it through a couple of inches of the back, but I'm very, very excited.

While she was trying to decide what she wanted, I started on my razor cami. I've been dreaming of it for quite some time, and finally decided it was time. Mine is black and a little bit sparkly. I've not done much of it, but I'm hoping it'll look good.

There will be pictures when I make enough progress to make cell phone pictures worthwhile.

I really need a camera.

<3 uhlissa

Oh Snap!

Jeez, I must be getting senile with my old age... :D I finished Mata Hari Drowned on ... Thursday? WHAT. Here are some peektures.







Pattern: Mata Hari Drowned (with Mods listed below)
Needles: Clover Bamboo DPNs US 2
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM, colorway 850 (2 skeins at 175yds/50gr each)
Modifications: Since Mata Hari is really just a stitch idea made into a sock, I cast on 64 sts (my usual bigfoot size) and tried to figure out how the pattern went from there. Slip stitch heel, gussets, etc, and my first star toe (to give that 'swirling down the drain' feel). Whee!

- Ambrr out

My Freakin' Awesome SP!

I received one more package from my Secret Pal, who revealed herself to be Ms. Beth C of Numerical Knitting. It pretty much goes without saying that it is freaking amazing.



Three KP 32" circs, in 0,1 and 2, THREE skeins of GLORIOUS handdyed superwash merino (about 600 yds total), a cute lil quilted heart-pocket, and Nicole Miller fanciness. WHAT!! Too awesome. Mum tried to steal the Nicole Miller, but I caught her.

Beth, you are too amazing for words. Be on the lookout for a package of your own soon!


In total awe, Ambrrr

OH, I almost forgot that I cast on for my Chevron Scarf. Here it is when I'd first started out:





It's about 14 3/4" long now. Wheee!