blubluberries

Quack!

2011-07-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

Aren't these hilarious but cute baby booties? Well, that's what they are if you can't tell from the work-in-progress photo.

They're actually quick to whip up. I can crank one out on a Saturday. If you're planning to try out the pattern (found here: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss10/PATTduck.php), I should warn you that having experience with toe-up socks is a plus. I haven't knit toe-up socks before (only cuff-down), and at points in the pattern, I actually said (aloud), "WUT?" I was able to quickly figure it out though.

Excuse the yarn ends sticking out all over. I hate weaving in the ends and will leave it until I have to.

Spinning - Maybe I won't suck this time

2011-03-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't been crafting a lot; thus, I haven't blogged since November of last year. There is no excuse for it really. I got swept up by birthdays, Christmas, New Years, vacation, and laying on the floor lethargically because I was immobilized either by my happy food belly or fitness routine.

However, Spring is near and I'm starting to get crafty urges. Although intense indoor crafting would make more sense in the Winter, there is actually very little daylight resulting in me uncomfortably squinting at my knitting by a lamp.


Oh, aren't you lovely!

I started on another crocheted throw as the hubby and I yank competitively at the only one we currently have. Actually, at times we race to the couch to get it first. We do have the fleece throws. You know, the ones you can get at Ikea for super cheap. However, they're not that great at trapping heat. So I went to Walmart, and bought a humongous 1000g ball of turquoise acrylic goodness. No scolding about acrylic please. I am not going to handwash and air dry a wool blanket. Here's what I've got so far...

In other news, my practically-a-sister gf and I spent Friday together. This typically means we eat McDonald's, go to yarn stores, do impulsive shopping at Walmart, swim, yoga, paint our toes, knit, watch horrible movies, or BBT (aka bubble tea) our faces off. We did knit this past Friday, where she spent 40 minutes learning and doing a new cast on method...which she then promptly ripped apart. Oh, Melody.

We had stopped by Baaad Anna's on Hastings to use a gift certificate I received from a friend for my birthday. Leora, you are an enabler and it's awesome. At Baaad Anna's, I was baaad blublu as I loaded up my arms with roving and skeins of Noro.

Roving? Why, yes! After chatting with Leah (my internet-crafting-and-random-humour buddy) and seeing her gorgeously handspun skein, I decided to give spinning another try. I had tried spinning before, but was using a short fiber which resulted in my craptastic looking yarn. So I picked up some roving with longer fibers from Baaad Anna's.

Yes, you are yummy!

The hubby had commented that it looked like treasure troll hair when I had pulled out a tuft of it. Blasphemy!

I created a leader and started spinning on my bottom whorl spindle.

I'm much more consistent this time around, but it's still thicker and thinner in some places. It's still going to be "specialty yarn". We shall see what happens!

Here is some yarn pr0n for you. Noro!

Happy Crafting!

Blublu

About face! A Renovations Update blog

2010-11-21T02:45:00.000-08:00

I've been living in this house now for 1 year and 3 months and have only posted once as to how the the hubby and I have been doing with the reno's. So here's a little entry journaling our adventure in updating the house.

The Dining Room

Here is the before of the dining room.

BEFORE:

Now, it's not a true "before" picture as the hubby and I had already switched out the grotesque light fixture after the picture was taken. Cardboard piano box in the corner is to add to the beforeness of the situation. It's akin to those infomercials with the tomato slicer. You know, when they show you a clip of how your world was before this miraculous tomato slicer. It's a clip of someone not knowing how to use a knife to cut a tomato and they end up smooshing the entire tomato into the cutting board. uh. user error. ridiculous. *blank*

Oh right..reno's...note the wall color (or lack of), and the framing around the door into the kitchen.

AFTER

Here's the after picture.

A list of what we've done:

Painted the feature wall a yummy chocolate brown and the white walls a lovely shade of olive-tan.
Added picture rails to the wall so that we could hang up art without damaging the walls
Rug!
Added one of our antique chairs to the corner. We like sitting here and watching people on the street.
Put up sheers, curtains, and that thermal curtain stuff
Antique white table with antique sewing machine in the corner
Changed the framing on the door to the kitchen
Note the crown molding and the baseboards
Abducted my brother's fish and he now lives on my piano (muahaha)
Abducted my mother's myrtle plant, and it now lives on the dining room table

There is a bit of stuff in the dining room. That is, the sewing table and the piano. However, that stuff might get moved after we renovate other parts of the house. Dig the art?

Here's a close up of the picture rail. Picture rail is basically molding with a very specific shape. You then hang hooks on it, and then hang pictures on the hook. Simple and actually a very classic feature.

The Living Room

I actually do not have a very decent picture of what the living room looked like before I changed things up. Actually, I do. But I am sure the friends in said picture would not want their faces plastered up all over the internet. Oh what the hades! I'll just blur out their faces.

BEFORE

This is the before picture. Note the crappy window fixings, and the colourless walls.

AFTER

This is the after picture. Sorry for the darkness. Those windows let in a lot of light which is difficult to capture on film.

Things we've done...

Added molding to the windows
Baseboards and Crown Molding
Adding sheer curtain, thermal curtain, and curtain curtain
I've made a cushion :P
Painted the walls

This is a close up of the molding before on the window. That is, there's no molding and it's all about really gross horizontal blinds.

Here's a close up of the molding around the windows. Hubby actually had to saw off the ledge on the bottom of the window to get this all to work. Still not 100% complete. Needs a bit of wood-filler and touch up.

The Other Side of the Living Room

I'm sure you all remember the before picture from a post earlier...

BEFORE

Since then, we've added three photos to one of the walls. (In addition to all the other stuff we did back in who knows when).

AFTER

Ignore the Art propping against the wall. It's being returned as it didn't suit the feel the hubs and I were looking for.

A close up of the photos will show that it is a baby picture of me, an adolescent photo of my hubby, and a wedding photo of us both dancing in a random moment. Picture rail again!

The Reading Spot

We have a little reading spot inbetween the dining room and living room. See below picture.

See the antique chair in the foreground with the bookshelf? That's the reading spot. Atop of the bookshelf is one of the hubby's most favorite things. Take a gander...

A happy pair of solid wood pigs. I really like the curtain rod ends in this shot :)

Next Project

The next project is our staircase which was left in a state of disarray when we moved in. The previous owners had taken out the handrail, and there was a crappy install...I can't even get into it because it's such a mess.

Am learning that reno's should be taken one project at a time. Hubby and I take the time to discuss features to add to the house and whether it will be suitable for the look and feel we want. We discuss design down to curtain rod ends, style of handrail, size of art, etc. However, the major theme is to keep things as minimal as possible to create open spaces while creating a warm lived-in home.

Will let you know how the stairwell goes!

I am around!

2010-10-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

I have disappeared for an entire season! What have I been doing for the past 3 months?

I was getting my perma-tan in Mexico! (Seriously, that tan lasts about a year. After a year, I go back and get another one). It was an awesome trip that included swimming with the dolphins, horseback riding, snorkeling, and kayaking. The kayaking (1.5 to 2 hours) made me seasick as the waves were very rough, but I slept it away once I got back to the resort.

The hubby was afraid that I would throw up in our kayak. He's the type where others puking induces him to puke or feel nausea. If anything, I would let it all out in the open ocean, but you can't really puke if your stomach is empty. Puke puke puke. There is a lot of "puke" in this paragraph. If hubby is reading this, it would surely make him ill. Know what would make me nauseous? Scrolling too fast up and down the page, that's what.

Also went for a hike with the colleagues in my department (plus hubby and friend). Upon seeing my photos on FB, one of my other coworkers commented, "I think it's cute that your department goes on nature walks!" Lady, this was no nature walk, it was a 4 hour hike and I had to scale down a tree via some rope and step through creeks. Haha! That and Hubby had me get on this suspension bridge while he rapidly jumped up and down. That was fun for 2 minutes before I started freaking out.

When we found our waterfall, we drank its cool, crisp water, and hoped that we would not get beaver fever.

I'm sure others at work can confirm that we are no madder than usual.

In crafty updates, here's the pic of the blanket I promised to post 3 months ago. It is complete and I find the colors quite suitable for October.

I best be getting that to the baby. It's all of a sudden deceivingly cold in Vancouver. It's sunny out, but you will surely freeze your buns off.

I had to wear my wool jacket the other day as it was cold enough. However, other Vancouverites begged to differ as they ran about the city in their cardigans and sandals -- they are in denial about the cold. Listen, I was born and raised here, put your jacket on before you catch a cold or I tell your mother.

I'm still working on that rug. I took a picture before I continued working on it. I have finally attached the second canvas. Am closer to getting it done but I must hurry as the floor is freaking cold and winter is creeping up on us.

I currently have it laying out on the floor so that I can run down the hallway from the bedroom and stand on it to give my cold feet some relief.

I am also working on a secret project that I can't talk a lot about as it is a gift. But it is in a fabulous purple and knit with a diamond pattern.

My friend is coming home for Christmas early. Basically, this week and I am knitting this thing everywhere: at home, on the train, during lunch, etc.

My friend Mel came back from Hong Kong and presented me with 6 skeins of silk-cashmere-wool blend yarn. Bwahaha. Enabler.

It's in a fabulous green color and I'm not sure what I'm going to make yet but it'll be awhile before I have time to knit something for myself. For now, it will live happily under my bed with my stash.

That's the update, y'all. I promise to not wait another 3 months before I update again!

<3blublu

Purrrrrr!: The sound emanating from me and not the sewing machine.

2010-07-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

I waited two LONG weeks and my sewing machine motor finally arrived! I attached the motor, and out of sheer excitement, I didn't even know what to sew first and ended up occupying myself with unrelated hobbies. Yeah, that's how I operate.

I was planning to figure out the tension issue yesterday, however, ended up consuming gin & tonic (concocted by my father-in-law) and was much too playful and buzzed to be fidgeting with heavy machinery -- it weighs about the same as an elephant. I ended up bantering about random things with my father-in-law who also had a gin & tonic. My husband (sober) watched in dismay. Then I ended up working on my rug and watching reruns of Frasier and That 70s Show.

I was able to figure out the tension on my sewing machine this afternoon...did you hear that? MY sewing machine. *heart flutters* I'm all ready to go! Only thing, can't start any projects yet; am lacking in the fabric department. Want to hear that machine purr? I've uploaded a video! This is my nerdiness at its finest, thankyouverymuch.

Purrrr! Oh my heart strings!

Here's my rug progress! I am a quarter done of the entire rug. This is just half the canvas! Things are just moving along! My husband took one look at it and declared that this piece of artwork was going on the wall. I died inside. It.is.a.rug. The way I feel about it is probably about the same way animal activists feel about giving pet dogs dye jobs. Watch it end up on the wall. Ha ha. *sigh*

Because life isn't complete with yet another project, I started a cable twist scarf.

No cable needle necessary, thank goodness. There's no use slowing me down!

I did also finish that baby blanket I was working on. Need to take pictures. Maybe next time :)

I'm still trying to understand my fascination with having a million projects going at once. I know I like the feeling of mastery; thus, the many different hobbies.

Off to yoga I go now!

Happy Canada Day!!!

blublu

...and you maaaake me feel, so shiny and new!

2010-06-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

My friend, M, came over and helped me scrub down my machine. No longer is it covered in caked-on decade-old grease. We brushed away all old lint. There was some caked on thread-grease gunk on the feeder feet. My husband had to take the machine outside, and turn it in all directions to get miscellaneous dirt and dust out of it. Not an easy feat as it weighs like 2039480928 pounds.

If you remember, this is the before (Sorry for the crap lighting).

Here it is all tidied up!

It's like an entirely different machine. Here are the knobs.

I've just figured out that I am definitely the easiest person to shop for. "Here's a pack of sewing machine needles, blublu!" or "I just stumbled upon this skein of virgin wool and thought of you!" or "This fabric would look great on you!" My, that would make anybody a bag of awesome in my books.

You're vintage, Brother!

2010-06-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

Long time no blog! Why? I was in Los Angeles on a business-turned-pleasure trip. Despite being filmed, overeating, and having an entourage, the only pics I have are of my husband and I at the Observatory. Complete geekery at its finest!

Above: At the Observatory

In other news, I finally found a sewing machine that fits my criteria 100%. I wanted one that was all-metal construction and capable of a zigzag stitch. Sounds simple to find? Hardly! They don't make all-metal machines anymore (at a reasonable price). Voila! Here it is!

Above: You're vintage, Brother!

This thing is heavy! It's a vintage Japanese sewing machine. Quite the sexy beast! How much did it cost? Free! Craiglist is awesome. It's missing a motor, and I need to replace the needleplate (because I do not like the one on the machine currently), a lightbulb, and this rubber ring that touches the control wheel.

I've found the needleplate online. I suspect any ol' sewing motor will do. The motor sits external to the machine, which makes my life easier, I suppose. I spent many hours of my day googling for information about this machine.

This is what I know...

*It's a Brother, Model 280
*Made in Japan
*has J C 1 imprinted on the bottom of the machine

None of this information was found via Google. *head to desk* However, I did join a Yahoo Group "Japanese Vintage Sewing Machines". Apparently, there's a lot of history to this machine, but I still feel as though I don't know much.

Well keep you posted on how the repairs go!

In other news, made Orange Glazed Chicken Curry with Cilantro.

Indeed, I made this Indian dish in a Wok. This suits my marriage perfectly, thankyouverymuch. If you would like the recipe, you can find it here.

Signing off,

Blublu

I pimp...err hook rugs.

2010-05-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

My entire weekend was comprised of working on my rug. Yes, I started my rug project. No, I didn't finish that baby blanket. I intend to ask the expectant mother to not be selfish and to hold it (i.e. the baby) in until I'm good and ready for the kid. I kid (no pun intended).

Actually, a little lie. I didn't spend the entire weekend working on my rug. Some of Saturday morning was spent walking 3km to yoga class, then attending yoga class (killer camel pose), and then walking 3km back. On the way back, I decided to take a shortcut, which ended up being a dead-end. I had come to the chain link fence of the quaintest and one of the oldest cemeteries ever. The owners of the houses next to this chain link fence were in their yards doing work. They recommended that I hop the fence. "Just climb on over. It's not private property or anything!" I'm sure the corpses disagree.

Well, you know what? Why the hell not? Who do I think I am with a Lululemon yoga bag, and Blenz MatchaChillo in hand. A yoga yuppie? No! So, over the fence one-handedly I went. BTW, I thought I'd stop with the shortcuts in my neighborhood since getting lost during a run and having to go 9kms --not the case. Worth it though. Discovery is amazing.

Anyhow, WHY do I always digress? So the rug...I worked on it for MOST of Saturday. As of this morning, this is what I have...

Looks impressive, but that's only a very small part of the rug. The canvas shown there is just HALF the rug. I think I have to fill over 660,000 little squares in the grid. Each blue square shown is 100 tiny little squares. This rug won't hook itself, you know? I have to hook it. OMG, this makes me a rug pimp.

My friend Ric was awesome enough to help me with the design of the rug. I had found an image I liked and it wasn't in the right proportion so he helped me extend the design. Curious what the design is? Too bad, you'll have to wait and see the finished rug! Oh the suspense!

In other news, the hubby got a free lawnmower from our mortgage broker's boss, the Prez of the mortgage company. Yah, I'm not sure how he's always able to swing these things, but it's pretty funny. The hubs mowed the lawn for about three hours. The neighbor commented (she always comments), "So you finally broke down and got a lawnmower!"

Off the Air

2010-05-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

I am done my cushion case. YAY! I slaved away at it yesterday evening and it is finally done. Oh glory!

I celebrated by eating a sizeable amount of Nutella. This was imperative. It's either have a lot or none as hubby would have hoarded it and eaten it all, jar included. We had gone to the supermarket and I had picked up a large bottle from the aisle. Then hubby spotted me with it in hand and said, "No way! No more Nutella in the house!" Calories calories calories.

"I didn't get to eat any last time! You had like the entire jar!"

He: Ok, fine!

When I got home, I told him I was taking it to work and hiding it there. He demanded that I keep it at home and that we share. hilarious.

Wait, right. So the pillow case...

I call it "Off the Air" because it reminds me of those striped lines on the telly when a channel goes off the air after a long day of broadcasting. You know, after that 4am episode of Rhoda. Yes, I haven't watched TV in awhile. Why do you ask?

The back of the pillow I made with regular ol' gray:

Looks sorta like when you turn off your television

Yay tunisian stitch!

Am now one project closer to that rug!

:)
Blublu

Shame shame!

2010-05-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

This post is all about the shame of unfinished things.

Last weekend, I had gone out to purchase rug supplies. Oh yes, I am going to make my own rug because I am fickle about colour and currently there is no rug out there (that is reasonably priced) that prevents my whining. Why yes, I AM feeling a bit Little-House-on-the-Prairies with all this crafting. But, you know what stands in the way of my rug making? My unfinished objects. They'd be my Nellie Olsen.

I decided that I needed to tackle those unfinished objects before I even think about the rug. How shameful of me to leave them for weeks (ok. months) on end. There is something so evil to me about seaming and sewing knits...only because I'm lazy in that department.

I first tackled those eyeless fish hats. They were blind and swimming aimlessly in my knitting basket.

I presented my brother with his hat, finally. I mentioned to him that it wasn't washed yet, and gave him instructions. He promptly handed it back to me, "You waaaaash it!" Brat.

I also finished sewing on buttons and a label to that baby sweater I was working on.

I also gave my mother her beret this weekend. She laughed because it was hot out. I suppose I could've hid the shame of this by giving it to her next winter.

Still outstanding is my baby afghan and Tunisian crochet project...then I can tackle that rug; that is, if people can hold off on birthing babies for just a moment! I want to make a dang rug!

In renovation news, I am in the midst of figuring out drapes and curtains. Number of Home Depot trips today for the hubby? Two. Number of trips to Walmart for the hubby? Two. I luckily eeked by with just one trip for each.

My backyard is a mess. My neighbor commented, "Shame shame." I am unaffected. Poor lady. Dandelion seeds from my yard are blowing into her garden. However, she's been sneaking her garbage into our garbage can. That sorta balances things out, right?

Other activities this weekend:

Ran a little bit over 7.5km.
Played the piano.
Spent the day with my mum (which my brothers promptly crashed).
Went with hubby to have dinner with my Father-in-Law (who loves to give me more rum than coke in my Rum & Coke -- because I'm fun!).
Updated the website: http://www.blubluberries.com
Visited a garden store and Jysk

Have a great week!

blublu

The stash has been found, I repeat, the stash has been found.

2010-04-27T23:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon, the hubby is pulling throws out of our antique apple basket when underneath he finds a stash of yarn.

Above: Under the throws, he finds a part of my stash.

He is staring at the yarn at the bottom of the basket. I am tossing the throws back into the basket, "Shhh! Put the blankets back before the hubby sees the stash!" He looks at me incredulously and laughs. "I AM hubby!"

He looks over to my works-in-progress basket by the piano which is also overflowing with yarn, and smirks. The picture below is actually after I've emptied out some of the yarn. So imagine it overflowing and ridiculous. (Ridiculously cool! Hellz to the ya!)

Under the bed, we have two large Sterilite 62L containers holding my stash -- also overflowing. The picture below shows the container we use for yarn stashing (times two) -- they're pretty big!

Above: Underbed storage container, I heart thee!

Later on, we are out grabbing some dinner and are having a casual conversation.

"I think I need another one of those underbed storage containers!" I say smiling.

"We don't need another one, do we? Your stash seems fine with the storage we have. Do we even have room under the bed for another container?"

"Yea, we have room underbed for another one. My stash at home is trying to escape the underbed containers - overflow! But what about the stash at work that needs to come home?"

"The stash at work??!"

He got wide-eyed. He sorta looked like this: O_O.

I would describe it as bewildered. Not understanding my psyche.Yet, he was understanding of what he couldn't understand.

After dinner, we went ahead and got me another underbed storage container. Yay! Now there are three. Yes sir, yes sir, three ~~bags~~ containers full.

Above: Missing the work stash.

Needless to say, no more yarn purchases for blublu for awhile. Not until I knit down the stash.

Final thoughts on the matter: I <3 hubby.

In other news, I've picked up the Tunisian Crochet technique. It's the love child of knitting and crocheting. Whoever says the two techniques should never be mixed is nuts, especially when you see how great it looks!

The technique uses a long double ended crochet hook (or alternatively, a hook with a cord), there is a knit and a purl stitch, the work above curls like stockinette stitch (as it's all knit), and it is also one of the few ways in which I will tolerate variegated yarn. Most other times, I think variegated yarn just looks like a clown puked a rainbow on a skein of yarn. Not pleasant.

It's To-Do List Day!

2010-04-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

Spent the entire day running about trying to cross items off of my to-do list.

Did my taxes. First year I'm filling out the forms with a spouse in mind. This is good as this means hubby can not leave it until August. I still do my taxes by hand because I am dinosaur.

Am currently on load three of laundry and am wondering why I let it accumulate. Side note, anybody else a little bit weary of almost climbing into the washer and dryer to pull things out every week? Laundry, laundry, laundry. Am seriously contemplating paper clothes.

The morning started off nicely as I met up with some of the other students from my yoga class for dim sum. Then I ended up at Ikea for two hours with the hubby as we scrutinize every display and had long discussions about colours, design and furniture. I ended up buying a red cushion for one of my future knit projects, a bath mat, and a new pillow.

The pillow is made for side sleepers. Because I sleep in fetal position, this seems appropriate. AND... the fellow on the package looks peaceful doesn't he? I want to be that peaceful while sleeping...although don't want to be bald, or handless.

Then I ended up at a Walmart and found some curtain rods that the hubby and I both liked. Hopefully going up soon!

My project from last week is currently being blocked. I actually block sweaters on foam mats that parents typically use for their kids. I pinned down the sweater with some blocking pins.

I'm glad this sweater turned out. When I can't find my running groove, and when my hip flexors are frustratingly tight in yoga, I can look at this sweater and say, "At least I can do simple algebra, design a baby sweater, and knit it up!"

I haven't sewn on the buttons yet as the sweater is still drying; however, this is what I'm thinking...

This is what happens when you buy a large bag of random buttons. You aren't able to find any that match exactly.

This is the next project...

... just a simple crocheted baby blanket.

Happy Saturday!

blublu

Why my husband has no where to sit...

2010-04-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

I am currently in the midst of designing and knitting a baby vest. I do this on the living room couch. As a result, the hubby really doesn't have anywhere to sit. Typically, when I'm knitting, the couch will house all my tools. (See below).

If he asks nicely (or if he gives me that look), I'll shove everything to the right a little. I kid. Sorta. Not really. He's nice though. Right, hubby? (<- clearly a public display of sucking up so that he won't be mad when I make him sit on the floor). Knitting tools get preferential treatment around here, apparently. (Aww, hubby! I will knit you another pair of socks!)

Today the couch is housing my project, stitch counter, knitting journal (compliments of my sister-in-law), measuring tape (compliments of my friend, M -- which surprisingly I haven't lost yet; it's been 5 years maybe?), and two animal Clover containers containing more knitting tools. Sidenote: Boy, do I have enablers in my life or what?

Anyways, that up there is part of the vest I've designed. I started about it in a frenzy in the dead of night after a JellyBelly-induced sugar rush. Costco has my money for that 1.1kg bag of Jelly Belly! When I was ready to implement, I tore through my stash and was unsatisfied with my choices. I did end up choosing some Fisherman's wool. No baby is going to get cold or wet (while fishing? whaling?) under my watch!

I don't feel any anxiety about screwing up the knitting aspect of this vest. I'm more anxious about the sizing. "What if everything fits but the neckline? What good will it be?!" -- these are the sorts of thoughts that rush through my head.

In other news, as I knit, the hubby renovates. So far, we've painted, put trim around the doors, popped in new doors (that the hubby did semi-from scratch), got the baseboards, and crown molding up. See below for before and after pics. (Excuse the mess! All furniture is still 6 inches from the wall!)

Before: White walls, old baseboards, no crown molding, ghetto door frames, old doors.

After: In all its glory!

I love color! You should see that dark chocolate wall in the dining room.

Happy Weekend!
Blublu

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

The hubby surprised me with Easter flowers on Saturday. Apparently, he was impressed with my OCDness when I went on a spring cleaning frenzy for 6 or 7 hours the day before. I arrange the flowers in the vase myself with a technique named, "Try to fit it in the vase."

They currently reside in my bedroom. Well, they first lived in the living room, but because we are renovating, all furniture is 6 feet from the wall and in disarray. There's no point in sprucing up disarray with flowers. Why, that'd just be mad! Everyone knows you use pussy willows for that.

Then completely ignoring all other knitting projects, I decided to make a coffee cup cozy for my dear friend, Stephanie, as she has a raging coffee addiction.

Sorry for the weird muted colors in the photo. I had to adjust it as the red was actually quite blinding. It's quite the preppy coffee cup cozy. Here's an alternate view with the button showing:

It as if it is wearing a vest. Why, I ought to make it a top hat.

I made it so that it would fit a paper cup as well as a ceramic one.

Why, yes! I was in my boudoir. I plan to be where those flowers are.

When I presented Stephanie with her gift, she declared it her wristwatch cozy and slapped it on top of her time piece.

Lazy Sunday Knits and some Yarn Pron

2010-03-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

DRESSEW - Yarn Pron
Last week during lunch, my coworker and I ventured out to Dressew as it was pertinent that he have a leprechaun hat to wear whilst drinking green beer for St. Patrick's Day. So off we walked into historical Gastown from Yaletown. Actually, more like I skipped and sang...then I deemed this slow, and perhaps ran...because I was THAT excited.

If you're not a craftster in Vancouver, you may not know that Dressew is where you can find all types of treasures like yarn, knitting tools, fabric, buttons, sewing tools, cross stitch tools, and apparently, leprechaun hats amongst other costumes, and more! To top it all off, their items are all more than reasonably priced. For example, each skein of yarn I purchased was $1.99 (CAD) and no, it wasn't novelty yarn (although, they have some of that too). This is what I got...

Two balls of Regia sock yarn, Nashua Cilantro (cotton-acrylic blend yarn) in a yellow-green, and Nashua Velvet Wool (wool-nylon blend) in a turquoise-cyan.

I initially only wanted to get the sock yarn, but my coworker kept egging me on with, "Dooooo EEEET!" as I cradled the Nashua yarn in my arms like a baby. If I had a basket, I'd be in even bigger trouble. When I succumbed to the seduction of yarn, my coworker exclaimed, "Hells to the ya!" which made me feel instantly better.

Now, I actually want to go back for more yarn and most likely will again at lunch. Then I will most likely go again with my mother on the weekend because we are a family of knitters and are typical knitter-enablers.

Dressew is two floors of awesome AND a bag of chips (AND a set of crochet hooks). Now I did not take any pics of this Dressew, but some other bloggers have....like this blogger. If you're ever in the Vancouver area, it is a place worth checking out even if you don't craft much...because it may inspire you to be creative.

~~Lazy~~ Meditative Sunday Knitting
Today, I woke up, sat on the couch and knitted. Other than steaming dumplings, baking chicken, and going out for dinner, knitting was all I did today. I finished up the baby kimono sweater.

I opted out of knitting ties for it and went with ribbon instead. I have a thing for the green and brown colour combo.

As well, I finally finished up that beret that I made for my mom. When I say finish up, I mean sew in the ends. If you know me, seaming and weaving in tails is my least favourite thing to do. I'd rather try to do a handstand and then lose control and crash my knee into the mirror at the gym -- wait, this has already happened. Nevertheless, here's the beret. I only have this one photo, perhaps will post alternate views when I update my website.

When my mom had tried it on for size, she asked me whether I knit it from a pattern. Then she interrupted herself and said, "Of course you didn't, you're smart. Like your mom." Sassy. Indeed no pattern, matter of knowing how to knit a circle.

I'm currently knitting a batch of fish hats (see Knitty for the pattern). The one at the bottom left is for my brother who spends his weekends snowboarding at Whistler. He asked me, "Can you man it up a bit by adding teeth?" I am taking his request into consideration. Clearly, it's a WIP. Poor eyeless fishes.

You may also notice the little pink hippo. It's a Clover container holding my mini-Swiss army knife (for cutting yarn), stitch markers, seaming pins, darning needle, and other notions. I also have an alligator one that holds my double-pointed needles. Handy and CUTE! If you're looking to get one, try KnitPicks.

That's it for now!

Signing off,
blublu

Bulky Seamless Kimono Sweater

2010-03-21T01:18:00.000-07:00

I'm on my second bulky seamless baby kimono from The Complete Fabrication blog (here's the pattern: http://thecompletefabrication.blogspot.com/2007/11/bulky-seamless-baby-kimono.html). I can't stress how awesome this sweater is. I hate seaming, and this has none. It's knit from the top down in one entire piece. I think I've learned quite a bit from knitting this sweater and am feeling pretty good about designing my own top-down one-piece sweaters. YAY!

As you can see, I'm still working on it. It has not been bind off at the bottom yet, and it still remains sleeveless. I also plan to modify the pattern a bit. I am not loving the ties on the original pattern, and may even out the edge along the front as well.

This time around, I chose to knit the sweater in Lion Brand's HomeSpun in Apple Green because I could not resist the color.

Isn't it a lovely colour? I had stolen that pic from the Lion Brand website as my pics were taken indoors at night and thus, aren't that accurate for color. What can I say, I'm a night-owl blogger.

I've never knit with a yarn with such texture. Seriously. With all the knitting I've ever done, it's always been with smooth yarn. This results in nice and even stitches. But look at this yarn...it has got a ripply thing going on.

When knit up, as you can see from the first photo, it has a bumpy texture to it. I'm not used to it as I've been knitting with smooth yarn for years. I don't hate, I don't love it...I just think, "Hmm! Now that's different!" or "I bet this is what knits would look like if a drunken monkeys could knit!" Here's a close up!

It's like forcing uneven stitches. It looks like something I might have spun myself off my spindle...except better. haha. I find that the yarn splices easily. In the above picture, you can see one of the ends sticking out, and it has completely been fuzzed up. Worth it for the effect though. :)

Currently, these are WIP projects:
*2 fish hats: 1 needs eyes, 1 needs eyes and fins
*FO a beret. Even sewing in ends deters me from finishing a project

Haven't made much of a dent this weekend as I went running, and then went to a bbq and gobbled away all benefits of said running.

Currently, on my to-knit list
*another kimono baby sweater (wow, people are really popping out those babies!)
*1 more fish hat
*baby blanket
*socks*cowl
*coffee cup cozy

Time for bed!
blublu

Tools: Boye Interchangeable Knitting Needles

2010-03-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

Before my hubby became my hubby, I knew he was a keeper. How? One Christmas, he gave me interchangeable knitting needles. The romance does not die there. Now that we're married, he willingly drives me to the crafts store and comes up with yarn-stash storage ideas. haha.

Back to the needles. Specifically, he purchased Boye Needlemaster Interchangeable Needles. See below.

As you can see, there's a pair missing. They are currently in use for a hat I'm making. The set comes with needles in Size US2 to US15. They are aluminum, and colorful. I am shallow and am loving the colours.

There are many interchangeable needles on the market: Denise, Addi Turbo, KnitPicks, etc. For my non-knitting readers and those who do not use interchangeables, this is a breakdown of how the needles are assembled. I am explaining it, because I think it's nifty!

The set comes with cords in varying length. Each cord has a screw at each ends. Taking one of the cords, and one of the needles, screw the needle onto the end of the cord.

Although it is screwed on, there's no guarantee that it will not become undone while you're knitting. Which actually really sucks when it happens. So to discourage such a situation, you should tighten. The set provides tools for tightening.

Slide the pin-key into the hole at the end of the cord, and wrap the rubber grip around the needle. Turn the pin-key towards you, and the needle away from you. This will tighten the connection. See below.

Use both hands for tightening. I just had problems holding a camera, holding the pin-key, and the rubber grip.

When you repeat these instructions for the other end of the cord, you are presented with circular knitting needles!

I never knit on straight needles. However, if you do, don't count these needles out as an option. One of my gf's have steered clear of interchangeables because she knits on straights. You can actually assemble them so they act like straight needles as well. The set comes with these end pieces that you can screw onto the cord. See below.

If you make two, you've got yourself a pair of straights.

Now these end pieces are also handy for other things. For example, if you are the type of knitter that knits multiple projects at a time, you may find that you need the same pair of needles for multiple projects. You can unscrew the needles from your existing project, screw end pieces to the cord to hold the project, and then screw the needles onto another cord to start another project. It's an ADD-knitter's dream.

One may also steer clear of interchangeables because they knit large items like throws. Again, not a problem as the set comes with connector pieces that allows you to connect cords together to make one longer one.

I love my interchangeables. It sure beats never having the right size of needles.

YAY!
blublu

Here we go again!

2010-03-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Initially, this blog was meant to display my knitted and crocheted items. Then I got my own website (www.blubluberries.com). That was 4 or 5 years ago.

The other night, while lying in bed in a NeoCitron-induced haze, I thought to myself, "I want a crafts blog." I want a place to document process of how finished objects become finished objects. So here I am, back on blogspot.

Be prepared for posts!

Happy Blubluberries Anniversary

2006-01-23T02:17:00.000-08:00

It's been an year since our initial launch! With that, please note that updates will now occur at the official blubluberries website found here: http://www.blubluberries.com.

blublubaaa

2006-01-21T00:20:00.000-08:00

introducing a new blubluberries character... blublubaaa

this particular blublubaaa is for hanging off of your keychain or bag/tote/purse!

if you would like to adopt blublubaaa please email me at blubluberries@gmail.com

blublugrizzly blockhead bear

2006-01-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome a new product to the home decor line! He is a modification to bandabear the blockhead.

The base of the TP cover is made secure with his tail. His tail slips into a slot found on the cover.

yes he's shaking his little tooshie at you. He enjoys samba!

This lil fella is going to live on a desk in an office. His sole purpose is to amuse and blot tears.

BandaBear The Blockhead

2006-01-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

The following picture will make you wonder, "Blublu, what on earth is that blockheaded panda supposed to be?"

Above: Bandabear The BlockHead looks as though it is stomping its feet: "Why don't you know what I am?

Here is a helpful hint:

Above: Note the toilet papercoming out of BandaBear's blockhead. BandaBear the Blockhead is a toilet tissue cover.

This toilet tissue cover has a base, and a button closure on the back.

So with that, I've launched a Blubluberries Home Decor line.

If you are interested in purchasing BandaBear the Blockhead, please leave a comment, or give me an email: blubluberries@gmail.com

Note that this toilet tissue cover may be made with different characters (different animals or blubluberries characters like blublugrizzlybear and blublupolar bear, ie. these fellas:)

blubluBanda bear

2005-12-24T20:45:00.000-08:00

A crocheted panda bear tote named blubluBandabear.

The above tote is lumpy because it is filled with candy! bandabear enjoys mostly twizzlers and caramilks =)! yay candy!!

Above: The back of the tote with a ladybug button used as a means to close the tote.

blubluhugs armwarmers

2005-12-13T19:57:00.000-08:00

hand knitted in Patons Shetland Chunky (75% acrylic, 25% wool).

Above: armwarmer in action

Above: those are some long armwarmers

Above: closeup of the thumb gusset

Above: closeup of the top of the armwarmers

Pingu Scarf Funness

2005-12-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

This is a scarf knitted in stockinette with a seed stitch border. I crocheted a beak and affixed felt eyes and the result was a Pingu scarf. tadaaah!

above: Pingu Scarf in its glory!

above: close up of the face

Meee-ow!

2005-11-26T23:47:00.000-08:00

A customer requested a scarf with a stitched-in kitty. So I knitted up a scarf in stockinette stitch with a seed stitch border and stitched-in a partial kitty head. My client drew out what she wanted in MSPaint and sent it to me via MSN Messenger. Ah! the benefits of technology.

The scarf was knitted in Patons 100% Merino Wool. The kitty was stitched-in with Patons 100% Mercerized Cotton.

Introducing blubluPolarbear

2005-11-26T23:37:00.000-08:00

blubluPolarbear is made with teddy-bear eyes. He seems to be shocked by something. His shock amuses me so!

Above: Here he is deflated =P

An Army of Blublubears

2005-11-26T23:21:00.000-08:00

Goodness me, I've created an army of bears to spread word for blubluberries

Above: Here's a close up of one made in a variagated yarn (Patons).

Above: A close up of a particularly fuzzy one. Made in Red Heart Plush.

Blubluberries Creme de la Creme

2005-11-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

A custom ordered hat and scarf set for one of my customers =)
It was made in cozy wool in offwhite. The scarf is about 8 feet long (about 90 inches). It basically goes around your neck once or twice and reaches your knees (if you're lik 5'5)

Above: the hat and scarf together

Above: details of the scarf

Above: details of the hat

BluBluGrizzlyBear =)

2005-11-12T01:15:00.000-08:00

Howdy, just a new hat that I made for one of my customers. It's blubluGrizzlybear -face. haha. it's a variation of my blublubear hat, which consisted of only ears.

2005-10-18T01:40:00.000-07:00

There are many knitted and crocheted items I've forgotten to post =D

Above: The scarf was knitted from a pattern that may be found at Knitty.

Above: the pattern for this scarf, Branching Out, may also be found at Knitty.

Above: This is BlubluMew, she is a crocheted tissue holder. She enjoys long rides in my purse and fiberous cuisine. (Ignore me in the background there). If you'd like to purchase one, please email.

Above: This cathat was based on a concept developed by my good friend Puppy52. I've used different knitting techniques than suggested.

BluBluBerries Hugs

2005-08-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

Blubluberries hugs is a line of wristwarmers, scarfs and legwarmers.

The following is "Checkmate"

Non BluBluBerries Designs

2005-06-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

The following is not a blubluberries design, but one that belongs to Knitty. I made it for my cousin's newborn baby. Sometimes it's nice to not design, and to just follow a pattern =). Life sometimes needs a little bit of routine.

Above: this is the front of the sweater. I really like the ladybug buttons =)

Above: this is the back of the sweater.

The following bear is also not a Blubluberries design, but is a fuzzy bear from Berroco made for my cousin's twin sons. (A brown bear is not shown)

BluBluHead Sunflower

2005-02-04T01:58:00.000-08:00

This BluBluBerries hat is versatile in that one's hair could be worn up or down while wearing the beanie. It originally began when a customer requested a hat with a hole in the back for her ponytail. I considered it to lack versatility, so I made it into dual hair-do beanie.

If one would like to wear their hair up, they just take off the sunflower (which is pinned down), tie up their hair, stick it through the hole. (assumption being that one wears their ponytail in the back).

If one would like to wear their hair down, simply pin the sunflower into place, and wear it in the front!

BluBluBerries BluBluBear

2005-01-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

The second hat in the BluBluHead line of headwear.

If you would like to purchase a BluBluBear hat (customized to your taste and size), please email blubluberries@gmail.com.

BluBluBerries: The Launch

2005-01-23T01:11:00.000-08:00

BluBluBerries is nickname my bf gave me many years ago. It is also the name of my business. BluBluBerries is made up of custom hand-knit and crochet items. It's about having fashion reflect who we are, rather than have the clothes wear us.

My friends call me BluBlu, thus, BluBluBerries means you get the berries of my labour. It's like "fruits of my labour" but berries in particular =)

Above: This is the pingu-inspired hat, PingBlu, that launched a thousand single crochets...

Above: my handy-dandy labels =)

Whadaya think?