Pink Monkey Knits

Sorry for the lame title, I've never been good with coming up with them. Anywhooz, I've been happily making some progress on Grasshopper lately. The best part is that I finally finished the sash, which took me just short of forever. Paired with the right top, I think this could actually be an cool accessory. Definitely a different kind of fashion statement, similar to those knitted corsets. I have another view of it, but I'll warn you that it's not the most flattering shot. Indeed, it's a prime example as to why you shouldn't let your goofy boyfriend take your blog pictures. Here it is.

Please pardon the big-style hair, I went to Bang today to get my hair cut. My stylist does a great job, but generally when I go to salons, they end up blow-drying my hair. Even with a diffuser, when a hair dryer gets near my locks, they end up big. Today, I feel like a member of Twisted Sister. What we suffer through for beauty.

Here's some more bits of Grasshopper. This absolutely thrilling square of stockinette stitch is destined to be the back of my sweater.


I've also started on one of the sleeves. I'll be working on these puppies for a while but hopefully I can get it during Thanksgiving (can you believe it's almost Thanksgiving? I want my damn year back).

I posted some tips for this sweater over at Craftster the other day and I thought I would share them all with you, lovely readers.

• If you want a warmer sweater, you can use Brown Sheep cotton Fleece, which has the same gauge
• Check your gauge. I had to go up to size 6's to get the gauge called for in the pattern.
  
• Check your bust measurement and leave a few inches of ease when choosing your size. The knitalong hostess has now been stalled with her kyoto for a while because the front sections are way too small
  
• I wanted my sweater to have a longer length, so I added 2 inches to the sash. We'll see how this turns out.
  
• If you put the stripes into the sash portion, you need to use the contrast color for at least 2 rows or else it just ends up looking weird in the seed stitch pattern. Also when adding the stripe, you should do it after your first row in the pattern sequence (i.e. after your first row of k1p1) so it looks less funny.
  
• Measure your fronts. Mine were a few inches short of what the pattern said they should be, so I worked some additional rows
  
  At Stitch n Bitch last Sunday, one of the members asked me if I was daunted by the small needles. I really hadn't thought about it because I've felt like I've been plugging along on this project, but she planted a seed in me that I needed quick fulfillment. I needed something big and quick and dirty...Looking at my stash, I realized that I really loved the Ziti yarn I got at Artfibers. It became apparent that I need to give it its own project to show its unique qualities, plus I just loved squishing it, it's so pleasing. So I zoomed on over to Marnie's and utilized her Nearly Gloves pattern. Not only were they a great low level introduction to lace patterns, but they were so quick. I finished them in one day and I've been wearing them everyday since, even when it's been too chilly for open fingers.
  
  A close up.
  

What you cannot see in the pic is that the yarn has a slight variation of color in it, with some brown and purple tones popping up. They also have a great shimmer in those portions in between the zig zags, it's subtle but adds to my childlike fascination with the texture and composition of this yarn.
For all of you out there freaking out about holiday gifts, these would make fantastic gifts. Indeed, the lovely individual who is Becky Fluffa's secret pal utilized it to with a great result in some pretty mohair. I also think they'd look great in some thick and thin. Overall, biggest props for this pattern!

India Trip Progress
Mostly, my accomplishments with this week have been in parting with my money. I paid my portion of the program fee and I'll be buying my airline ticket this week. Even though I've been saving my money all year to do this, it's still very difficult to pay such large amounts at once. Otherwise, I have decided that I will do the week long stopover in Paris and I updated my resume to send to the organization. Next, I need to turn in my visa application and fill out the many forms for my volunteer placement.

On a separate note, I've been emailing with some really awesome bloggers this week. I wanted to thank them for their encouragement, it really means a lot to a lowly newbie like me. Peace out, all.

posted by Jenna @ 7:31 PM