I discovered a LYS :)

so, i finally found an amazing lys. normally i stick to the staples like JoAnn's or Micheals. I'm a college student,I don't really have a budget for yarn. But, I just had to buy this:

beautiful mohair, and in the perfect burgundy gold school colors. Even though I don't like making scares (theres something about knitting a long rectangle that manages to bore me somehow) but I wanted to make Emma a nice birthday present, she turned 18 and she deserves something knitted, as all amazing people do, lol. so i started making this:

heres a closeup


But, I haven't mentioned this:

I admit it, I fell in love and I succumbed to an impulse buy. I want to make something lace-y and beautiful...any suggestions would be immensely appreciated
♥

p.s.....i'm sorry the pics are so gigantic, i'm not used to working with a mac and i have no idea how to photoshop yet.

Let's Get This Party Started!

Yep, it's that time again -- time to begin our official nominations for the next knit along. Remember, we'll be accepting nominations for patterns that call for consumer friendly yarns only for this next knit along, so we're going to have to look a little harder before tossing our nominations out there. If you're unsure which yarn companies are considered consumer friendly, there is a list available on the Consumer Friendly Yarns website.

When you nominate a pattern, please hyperlink the pattern instead of including the entire URL into a post which can throw our sidebar out of whack. Hyperlinking means that you use the little icon at the top of the post editor that looks like sunglasses on a green blob (but is really supposed to be a chain "link", I think). Anyway, you highlight the word you want to hyperlink, click on the hyperlink icon above and enter the complete URL into the window that pops up. Voila! Including a medium sized pic of the pattern in your post is nice too!

We'll take nominations until December 10th and will vote for 2 days in mid December. After the winner is announced, we'll gather our supplies (quickly) and will begin the next knit along the first week in January. We'll also be announcing the winners of the last knit along within the next couple of days, so be sure to check back for that!

Have fun and let the nominations begin!

At Last, At Last!

My SKB is finally finished, 2 weeks too late. I'm happy it's done, because I really love everything about this sweater. Read more about it on my blog.

Finally done

I know I missed the deadline, but I finished my SKB this past weekend. It is a little big after the needed washing and blocking. It's annoying because it fit fine before blocking but it had way to much dye in the yarn. The whole process is chronicled in my blog down to the ruined towel. I'll post photos of me in it later.

(I hate being photographed)

I never photograph well, but I wanted to prove that I did finish my SKB - and used it for a little photo shoot this weekend. I have a picture of me modeling it on my blog (and I look awful, bleh), but here's a better pic (and it's far more interesting, anyway):

UPDATE: For those waiting... the markers are ready!

Hello Sexy Knitters! We wanted to stop by and say hello. We joined the club awhile back but have yet to actually post. So hello! We are Sarah and
Rachel aka Zephyr Gals.

We noticed a lot of talk lately about Consumer Friendly yarns and just wanted to post our support to those working hard over at the Consumer Friendly Yarn website. Also, we wanted to spread the word that we are willing to help in any way that we can to spread the word and knowledge. We are in the works on a CFY pattern that will be free on our website and a
list of CF yarns that can be used with the pattern.... also in the works, a set of CFY stitch markers. I know that there is a lot of controversy and differences of opinion on the subject. We in no way want to push or press the issue if you don't want to be involved... but for those of you that do, we are really excited to stand and help out those stores that have been and are involved in retailer keystone pricing.

And for ALL the SKC members.... stop on over to zephyr. We have a really fun set of markers that should speak to all you sexy ladies... here is a sneak peek (above). They will be available very soon!

Happy Knitting,
Rachel & Sarah

blocking. so i was fed up with picking up the sts, cuz tali wante dto sit on me at the time. hang on me, crawl over me. needles and baby are hazardous! so i gave up and crocheted the border with skacel fiori luxe. boy was it faster. i forget how fast crochet is! 30 min= 1 FO. it was within a yard of using the whole ball. will let you know how it fits.

SKB ...c'est finis!

Ok, so this time around I am only a few days past the deadline, unlike with the Somewhat Cowl where I was about 2 months behind! I had started out making this as a knit for myself, but now that I am looking at the finished item, it looks like something my friend my like. She loves asian inspired/themed things, and does'nt this sort of resemble a kimono whith the flared sleeves and that wide (obi-like) piece across the middle? Anyway, I thought so. I don't know if I care for the SWTC soysilk; it feels lovely, but most of the balls had knots in them...and by "knots" I don't mean "kinks" or "tangles"...it's more like the yarn was cut every 2 yards and then knotted back together.
So, I don't know if I would use that again. My picked up stitches are pulling on the neckline a little and I didn't quite follow the pattern for the neckline. Not because I thought I could do it better, more like I wasn't paying attention AT ALL. (Project Runway Season 1!)


Sorry again for the crappy pic, and oops, looks like I forgot to clean my mirror again. (^_^)

Hello

Hi All

I'm new, what a great idea to have a Sexy Knitters Club! I'm 53 and been knitting since I was 5 years old, Granny age now though I'm not one and don't feel like one. I love to knit lace patterns, and feminine rather than dowdy sweaters etc. At the moment I'm working on the gorgeous dressing gown in the Beads, Buttons and Lace book.
hugs
Hazel

i know i missed the posting deadline, but...

i finished not one but two simple knitted bodices well before the deadline! that is, i made one, decided it was too big, and made another. i absolutely love the second one. i have zero good pictures of it, but four bad ones :) here's one of the bad ones; details, pattern mods, and the other bad ones are on my blog at http://lisabee.typepad.com. (this one's bad because apparently my dogs like to check themselves out in my mirror; the others are just bad because they're blurry.)

In the Nick of Time

So I know this entry is going to be posted after midnight..But people I finished my Sizzle at 11:43 pm.


I could have had it done a lot sooner..But I had a few blunders here and there while making it.
The first being that even though I did a gauge swatch before I began..It was still too big and had to be frogged and restarted (after about 5" worth done...Could have been worse.)
Second, I went out of town last week...And although I thought I would have lots of knitting time..That was not the case.
Third...And this happens every time I finish a garment...My sleeve bindoff's were way too tight. I had to rip and redo the bindoff on both sleeves 3 times (3rd time being the charm).
With all that I still managed to have it done in a week. And I love it!



It is quite sexy and flattering this way...But also very cute with a shirt underneath. There are no pics of that option 'cuz they all looked stupid..But trust me, it works well as a sweater vest too.
My only gripe..I wish it was just a tee-tiny bit longer. The next one I do (and there will be a next one) I will work a bit longer before starting the darts.
Thanks again Wendy! Can't wait to do more of your patterns!

Still SKBing

Unfortunately, I'm not crossing the finish line with the rest of you, but here's the latest on my SKB. Last night, I finished the body and bound off at the bottom. I still need to finish the sleeves and neck. More details on my blog. Thanks to SKC for choosing great patterns that encourage me to challenge myself and my skills and look great on.

slowly....knitting bodice.
i have been using Interlacements undyed rayon silk. (1200+ yds for $18) i love it so far. but have decided if i ever do this pattern again, there are some changes i will make. i knit according to bust size. and so the waist is way too big. next time i will not increase the 21 srs or so, but decrease to the next size down's waist sts before beginning the lace insert.
other than how long arms are!!! i love it so far.

Finally Casted On

So I finally casted my SKB on last Sunday the 5th after hand balling up my yarn. I love the pattern and my yarn so far. I've decided to alter the pattern slightly and only do one set of the purl ridges. I think that will be enough. I also think I'll be using more of Mystical Creations Yarns for my sweaters. The yarn holds up and the price is reasonable on a grad student budget. Pictures will soon be coming.

Another SKB done!!

I finished last night!! I am really happy with how it turned out and that i was able to finish it in time! I used Caron Simply Soft in Violet. Soft, warm and some nice drape on the sleeves!
Nice seeing everybody's FO's! See you next KAL and can't wait to see all the new pattern ideas.
Hope you all have Happy Holiday's!!

Another Sizzler!

Very easy to follow pattern and it turned out quite flattering I think. Definitely something that I'd wear regularly. I wore it over a white button down shirt on Saturday night - so it's pretty versatile. Very much disliked the yarn choice - the drape of the finished object was really nice - but the yarn is SUPER splitty. Blech.

YARN: SouthWest Trading Company's PHOENIX soy silk yarn in Really Red (4 skeins I think)
NEEDLES: Size 7 Knit Picks Options
SIZE: Large - 43.5" bustline

A few modifications I made to the pattern:

1. Added an additional bust increase row
2. Added an additional inch of knitting before splitting for the neckline. Now that I see it on I would have only added 1/2 an inch - because I'd have liked it just a little more open.
3. Knit the seed stitch edging around the neck back and forth to create the keyhole effect.
4. Didn't bother with the 1/2 inch seed stitch edge around the arms.

::my Pinkina::

I would probably be the last person on Earth to make this smart-patterned top by Stefanie Japel. It happened to be a late summer knit, so it will be sitting in the closet till the new summer comes!
The yarn I used for it, Filatura Di Crosa/Tahki Luxury 4 skeins of 100% plied silk, I would love to use that yarn over and over and over again! It really is pure luxury!And got it on sale by accident!
Made it on US 3 Addi Turbo and it was strictly a car/airplane project, so it took me about two weeks to accomplish. Actually I am thinking about making another one.. for myself or for a gift, it is just such a great knit! Thank you =)

Possible Yarn Substitute

Hello I'm new to the group and I have to confess that I have been eagerly awaiting the release of the Sahara pattern by Wendy Bernard since last week. A possible yarn substitute that is listed as Consumer Friendly is Artyarns Regal Silk (I have linked an online vendor as Artyarns site didn't go straight to the Regal Silk page). I am using Regal Silk for my SKB and it seems to be going good. I am using a size 6 needle and getting about 5.5 sts to the inch. Below is a picture of my first try on. I'm getting ready to start the waist detail.

I just took a peek at Bella Paquita and that is a nice sweater also. So hard to choose.

Done!

Here's my finished SKB. I'm happy with it, but wish it was a little smaller. I posted a picture on the SKB KAL blog, so I won't repeat myself here.

I am also working on Sizzle. I've done the body and the neck edging. I think I'm going to give it long sleeves (makes so much more sense in New England in the winter). I have Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top Down to guide me. I'll post pictures if it works.

Oooh...pretty!

Well I know this KAL is winding down ( I only have a sleeve and a half to go!) ...so people will probably start nominating patterns for the next one soon, right? I just saw this gorgeous one at stitchdiva, and I am in LOVE! I sort of wish I had seen this one before the SKB...but since it's not exactly avaialable yet, that would have been hard to pull off :P

ANYWAY! I think this is another Tilli Thomas pattern, and I know that some folks are boycotting them (Tilli Thomas, the yarn - not the pattern or designer) on principle...but you have to admit, it's a really pretty sweater! I myself would probably buy the pattern to support the designer and use a diffferent yarn.

ETA
I am aware the pattern is not "by" Tilli Thomas, what I meant was that it is another pattern which originally calls for Tilli Thomas. Sorry to have raised any hackles, should have been more clear!

finished!

Here is my SKB. I don't have anything else to add except that I had severe second-sleeve syndrome and while I could have finished this earlier in October, I just did not want to finish that sleeve. :) At least I was able to make this KAL deadline, right?

x-posted

Happy knitter completed SKB KAL

Hello! I think this is my first time posting here - but I've been doing the SKB KAL and commenting from time to time. I finally finished my SKB - my big motivation was that the Yarn Harlot was coming to Connecticut! I think without that, I would probably be working on it forever!

(OK , I really wanted my photo to go here - but it landed at the top instead!)

Anyway - I just finished writing everything that anyone could possibly want to know about it on my blog. I'd love for you to come and visit!

I can't wait to see more finished SKBs!!!

Yet another finished Sizzle!!!!

Finished my Sizzle last week and wore it to work on Monday... looks great and the neckline is just right. I'm a bit worried that I tried it on without the neck and almost decided it could be left that way (I REALLY hate picking up stitches)

Yarn: Butterfly Cotton from a cardigan I started in 1999
Size: Small

Modifications: I didn't remove any selvedge stitches for knitting in the round and added two stitches front and back to make it a bit larger.

We're In The News!

Yarn Market News, that is! Check out the article published in the most recent issue of Yarn Market News! Sorry about the terrible scan, but it's all I've got for now and will try to get a better scan soon. Just click on the pic below and hover over the lower right corner of the article until the maximize icon (the yellow square with blue arrows) appears. When you see the maximize icon, just click it and the article should maximize for easier reading.



Our current knit along will end in just over a week (November 15th) and drawings will be held at the end of November. To enter the drawing, email me letting me know that you participated in the current knit along -- please put "SKB/Sizzle KAL" in the subject of your email. Please include in your email either a pic of your finished SKB or Sizzle or a link to your blog documenting your finished item(s). If you finished BOTH sweaters (the SKB and Sizzle) please put "I finished BOTH) in the subject of your email and we will enter you in the drawing twice! Drawing winners will receive copies of Ashley Paige's Sexy Little Knits.

I have to say that this knit along certainly has had its share of excitement and controversy. If you're not sure what the controversy is all about, be sure to check out the Lime & Violet podcast discussing Tilli Tomas's price-fixing policies. Why does the SKC care about this issue? Well, to be perfectly honest, when the SKC (with nearly 800 members) votes for a knit along pattern, and that pattern calls for a particular yarn, and that particular yarn is distributed by a company that practices unethical and (quite possibly) illegal business practices, we are directly supporting that company's business practices. I know there are differing views on this subject as there are many threads discussing the subject of price-fixing within the yarn industry and I'm not necessarily interested in starting another debate here. As the founder of the Sexy Knitters Club, I will say however that I personally do not agree with price-fixing in any industry and encourage all knitters and crocheters to learn more about this issue and how it affects YOU and your yarn buying options. A great resource (mentioned by Brenda Dayne in her most recent episode of Cast-On) for learning more about price-fixing within the yarn industry is a website called Consumer Friendly Yarns. I highly recommend that each of you check out this website and get involved to let the yarn manufacturers know how you feel about price-fixing within the yarn industry. I was contacted by a representative of Consumer Friendly Yarns and after spending some time on their site, I must say that I stongly support their cause and have decided that our next knit along will include patterns that use "consumer friendly yarns" or have at least one "consumer friendly yarn" listed as a substitute. Again, if your unclear what a "consumer friendly yarn" is, please visit the Consumer Friendly Yarns website.

Due to the holidays we will wait to start our next knit along until after the first of the year, however start looking for your patterns using consumer friendly yarns now, as this may be a bit more challenging than our previous pattern nominations. If you're not sure whether a yarn company is "consumer friendly", contact them to find out! Feel free to post pics and links to any patterns you find that meet the criteria for the next knit along, although the official nominations won't start until January 1st, 2007.

Until then, knit on Sexy Knitters!!!

Can I Make it?

Heya,
So a few posts ago I showed my finished SKB...But here's a pic to remind you. =)

When we first started this KAL I had voted for Sizzle, but I loved both of these patterns so I am glad they both won. For some reason I casted on for the SKB first. Now that it is done, I have decided to knit Sizzle as well.

I started last night...Wendy says I can make this in about 3 days...I am glad she is so confidant in me =).
So far, I am loving it. I am making mine out of Suri Merino in a beautiful Forest Green color ( the pic gives it no justice what-so-ever, you will just have to trust me on this one) .

I'm having a lot of fun with it, the directions are very well done. Bravo Wendy!

The real question is...Can I have this done before the KAL is over?

Washing?!?

HI! I too an anxious to hear about the sub yarns. I keep thining htat I should write these down because I'd like to make it again someday! But I don't think I'd use the Tili again!

Any way I was wondering how those of you who used the Tili are blocking and planning on washing your SKB. It says on the label to dry clean only and I'm wondering if you have to do that.
What are others doing?

Hi everyone!

I've joined this blog seeing as I've been knitting nothing but baby gifts since the summer and am now expecting my second in April!! Can anyone tell me how to get the button to show up on my blog?? I'm not the most blog-savvy, if you know what I mean... Thanks! http://knittingirl.typepad.com

One for the frogs

I had some second thoughts about the size as I got to the first purl ridges, but I kept going. Now, it is too large and I need to frog. I am using Knit Pick Andean Silk. I like the yarn...The only problem is that it hold its shape so well that the bottom section stands out completely on its own from my body and obscures my own shape. And I didn't pay attention to my circular gauge being different from my back and forth gauge, so that made the bottom section even larger. I like the pattern, so I will make a second go at it. (You can read more at my blog.)

Something Red

Okay - I know this isn't the one we're doing, but I liked it soooo much better than the SKB, so I made it anyway.

I decided to make long sleeves to make it more seasonal and I'm happy with the way they turned out.

I would like to figure out a better way to block it to get all the ribbing to snug in a little closer - any ideas?

Newbie...

May I join your blog?? It seems perfect as I've been knitting baby gifts continually since the summer and am expecting number two in April!

How am I doing?

I know it looks like I haven't accomplished much since my last post, but I've finally reached the point where I begin the lace. As you can see, I tried on my SKB after finishing the purl ridges. I am concerned that the waist detail will be too loose because the purl ridges hang a bit loosely; there is about 1/2 inch of space between the knitting and my body all the way around. Does that mean the SKB will be too big? (Please say no!). Although the shoulders and arm holes seem perfect, I'm wondering if I should've made the XS size because I have a small waist. If the purl ridges should've fit more snugly could I fix it by frogging back to the decreases and decreasing 7 more stitches? I will hate having to do that, but I really want this to fit right. If any of you encountered this same issue I'd be really grateful for your input. Thanks!

New Here

Hi,

I'm Donna and I found your group through a blog (can't remember which one!) but she was doing a pattern that I loved! I have the yarn for both Sizzle and Serrano, so I'm looking forward to being part of your group. I know alot of you have finished one or the other so I hope you don't mind that I'm jumping in mid-ship!

Donna

My SKB for the SKC

Well HELLO everyone!
Seems like our poor little site has not seen a lot of action lately. I think we are all busy knitting!
I know I am.
I finished my SKB almost a month ago..But I have been too lazy to get a pic or post about it.

Until today.

So now without further ado, may I present my SKB made form Nashua Creative Focus (I love this yarn!)







Of course I had to do the famous late night bathroom shot....Nothing but the best for me! =)
It is larger then I hoped for, (surprise, surprise) but I love it all the same! I think I need to make my garments in a smaller size..They all seem too loose on me.

It is in need of a serious steaming, I have worn it a lot already. It is comfy and definitely cozy!

Now what to do next.....I'm thinking Sizzle or the Not So Shrunken Cardi (after seeing Gay's I immediately bought yarn for it and can't wait to start!)

Of course if you didn't get enough of me here you can visit my blog! =)