Music Monday

I don't think this song is one of Nina Simone's top hits but there's something about the tune that makes me smile. After receiving two save the dates for weddings last week and forgetting to celebrate Valentine's Day I feel that this is an appropriate celebratory Monday song. Enjoy!

From the album Nina Simone Sings the Blues.

Swap

BFF socks
Originally uploaded by ErinBirnel

My knitting group recently completed a second round of swapping projects. Have you done this before? Someone (as in me and my co-organizer) takes a poll as to who wants to participate, takes a poll as to the type of project people want to make, assigns secret partners, creates a deadline, and then you all swap projects with the appropriate people on swap day. It's great fun when everything goes smoothly - so far this has been a mostly smooth process for our group. In any case, I received these beautiful socks from Sharon in my favorite sock yarn, Hazel Knits Artisan Sock.The pattern is BFF Socks by Cookie A, a pattern that I've been wanting to knit for a while but never have gotten around to knitting. Thanks, Sharon! They're already getting all day wear!

Music Monday

This is my all time favorite Daniel Johnston song from the 1983 Hi, How are you? record.  One of my favorite memories of first moving to Seattle is going to see Mike Watt (formerly of the Minutemen) and hearing him cover this song. It's weird and strange but exceptionally awesome and if you like it I recommend watching the documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston which covers his music career and struggle with bipolar disorder.

FO: Tiny Rocky Coast

Tiny Rocky Coast
Originally uploaded by ErinBirnel

So many babies this Spring! This is the second of five planned projects for the newest batch.

Pattern: Tiny Rocky Coast by Hannah Fettig

Yarn: DiC Smooshy with Cashmere in Ponder Dusk

Needles: US #4 and US #5 Addi Turbo

Mods: None. Easy to knit and simple cables if you know how to cable without a cable needle. It's lovely and soft after blocking. I knit the 12 months size in the hope that I would use up the entire ball of yarn but I still have a sizable portion left. Maybe booties to match?

Kenzie

yarma
Originally uploaded by ErinBirnel

A couple of weeks ago I alluded to some sample knitting that I was doing with a new yarn from Skacel. I love love love this yarn and have been contemplating the various patterns that it might become (I was gifted the remainder of the giant cone and balls from the samples - so generous!). The yarn is Kenzie, from Skacel, which is a luxurious mix of wool, alpaca, angora, and nylon that knits at a dk or light worsted gauge.


The patterns are up on Ravelry and you can check them out! Both of the samples that I knit are available as free downloads via Ravelry or Skacel Fiber Studio.


Tayberry Hat


Cedar Leaf Scarf

It's so exciting to see my knitting out there and looking so fancy! I can honestly say that the yarn is awesome to work with - nicely round and soft with a gentle halo. The angora stayed put in the plies and didn't shed all over as some angora blend yarns have a tendency to do. It's a lovely tweed that's not too tweedy, the orange has unexpected lavender bits in it that I found utterly charming. Head to your LYS and check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed!

Music Monday

Eartha Kitt was probably best known for portraying Catwoman in the 1960's Batman tv series with Adam West (she replaced Julie Newmar in the final season). However, she had a kickass voice and amazing stage presence and performed interesting songs like 'I Want To Be Evil' as part of her singing career. I was lucky enough to snatch up a 10" of Eartha's first US release for $5 at a local thrift store ages ago and it became an instant favorite.

Kitt was a vocal advocate of the LGBT rights movement and a supporter of same sex marriage. She passed away from colon cancer in 2008.

Day 1 - No Repeat February Challenge

Day 1 - No Repeat February Challenge
Originally uploaded by ErinBirnel

Back in December Jessica did a no repeat knitwear challenge with all of her handknit sweaters. She's repeating the challenge this month with her accessories. I'm attempting to participate with a mix of accessories and sweaters and I even remembered to take a (dark and very early morning) picture!

Sweater: Acer Cardigan by Amy Christoffers in Araucania Nature Wool
Dress: Leopard print wrap dress, thrifted
Not shown: black tights and Civico riding boots (DSW)

This photo just proves how much I need a haircut, my hair is sooo long!