Yarn Crawl

Blogiversary Q&A Part II

Here's more Q&A responses - I'm going to torture everyone by dragging out the prize drawing until all the questions are answered!!

Tiennie says, "Happy upcoming blogiversary! I can't believe all the things you've done with school/work/knitting! Is there something you haven't tackled yet?!"

Thanks, Tiennie – I would say my next big challenge is that design program that I am starting in August. I am really excited about this and hope it goes well!

Katinka asks, "which of your knitted FOs are you most proud of, in the "Holy crap, I can't believe I made that!!!" sense? "

Not boring - I would say Eiffel (from Winter Knitty.com) – it really looked like a store bought garment when it was done, except even better! I loved the lace pattern and the really finished look of the hemp when it was done (the actual process of knitting it, complete with shooting hand pains, was a whole other story..but I really did like the end result.) However, the fit relaxed more than I expected so I ended up giving it to Monica, who I have been friends with since sixth grade, as it fit her perfectly.

Here she is modeling it in a Knitty-like pose:

But now that I think about it, I am super-proud of the sweater I made Jim too - maybe it's a tie.

As a follow-up to my Q&A post yesterday, here is the other sweater I mentioned that I said was my all-around favorite, in a headless pose:

Chrispy inquires, "What do you look for in a pattern to knit or sew?"

I really look for the style and whether it will look good on me, as well as whether I’ll enjoy knitting it. I also do the swatch with one skein of the potential yarn, and if I don’t enjoy making the swatch, I bail on it as I know I wouldn’t enjoy making the sweater if I can’t get through the swatch. I don’t go for things just because they’re difficult or a challenge – I call that the “Knitting Olympics” syndrome and I don’t play along.

Heather says, "What's the weirdest/most annoying/most unusual experience you've ever had at a LYS?
Cool contest..."

Thanks!! Oh, Heather – I have an excellent story. At a yarn shop in downtown Chicago, they had about ten packages (total) of Addi Turbos and I asked if they had a different size that wasn’t displayed. The saleswoman said no, and so I just said something like, I would go check another store. She actually said to me, “We’re the only ones in the Chicago area that sell those” with a straight face!!! I said, um, no – practically everyplace sells them! She then proceeded to argue with me about it. She wanted me to buy the wrong size because that’s what she had in stock! She then tried to sell me yarn that would go with those wrong needles, in an amount that would not be sufficient to make the sweater I wanted to make!! Me and my friend RAN out of there. I felt so bad because she was just getting back into knitting after like a 20 year hiatus and this was the first yarn shop she’d visited in the U.S. (she’s from Germany.) Can you believe that one?

Kristin asks, "I have a non-knitting question: do you come from a large family or a small one?"

I’m the oldest of three – I have two younger brothers, Brian and David, who are four and nine years younger than me, respectively. I guess that’s medium?

Maryanne says, "Happy Blogiversary Robin!! Glad to hear that you're having a nice, long, well-deserved weekend :) My boring question is: What is the most exotic/daring thing you've eaten during all your travels to other countries/places? Can't wait to hear the answers to all your questions...."

Although not really exotic or daring, just a little bizarre, we had a twelve-course meal on our wedding night on our Mediterranean cruise on the Golden Princess! After that we were belly-up and ready only to sleep! LOL!!

Jim and I both love to eat sushi, some people would classify that as exotic or daring too!

Heidi makes me laugh. She says, "Happy Blogiversary! I am confused! I am wondering how it is that you manage to have a job, a husband, a home, shop, host parties, write a blog, take pictures, start a KAL, have friends, go to dinner, go to conventions, golf, cruises AND STILL HAVE TIME TO KNIT (AND DRINK!) I must, must have the secret to your time management! Or does the clock in Chi-town have more numbers on it than mine in Central California? HA HA HA HELP!!!!!!!!"

My husband is unemployed and he does whatever I tell him to do. Dammit!!
Note - he told me to type that.

Stacey says, "Everyone has had great questions! Mine is: What is the one knitted object you wish you never did (in a corner somewhere never to be worn! LOL)? I too can't wait to see your responses to all of the questions!"

The ugliest knitted object I ever made is Lambada from the Rowan Cotton Braid collection. I actually talked about this when I was interviewed for Adrienne’s podcast last month…here is a picture of the beast:

On that note, ciao!! Off to knit some non-fugly garments!!

Blogiversary Q&A Part 1 and Prize Pictures

Hi everyone,
Here is the first batch of Q&A responses. If you make it to the end of this post, you get a reward in the form of some pictures of the choices for the lucky winner of the blogiversary prize!

But first, the flower of the day, especially since it was supposed to be Wordless Wednesday and it is SO clearly NOT.

Here goes:
Kristina says, "Here is my question: What is your favorite thing you have knit?"

I would say Ines, from the Linen Print Collection. I really like the fit, the chevron lace pattern and the main variegated red colors and how they go with the turquoise and peach yarns.

Jenny asks, "Do you like pizza? What's your favorite?"

I do like pizza – my husband Jim makes homemade pizza with his own special crust with (chewy and thick, dusted with cornmeal) and he makes it for me with red, yellow and green peppers. That’s my favorite, although I have also been known to like Giordano’s stuffed pizza.

Lianne says, "I have a question... Do you have a training camp for speed knitting? You're so fast!! I would definitely sign up for that boot camp!"

LOL, Lianne! I do not have a training camp for that at this time – but my secret is to start a few projects at once of different types (different gauges or difficulty levels), work on them when I’m in the mood for each type, and then finish them sequentially. I find that I don’t get as much done (and am very bored) when I practice project monogamy “safe knitting” (LOL)!

Julie says, "Happy Blogiversary! My question is, how long have you been knitting?"

Not all that long – since January 2005. I’ve gone really crazy with it though!

Abby asks, "are you a Continental or English knitter?"

I am sort of a combination knitter – I still wrap or “throw” the yarn like an English knitter would, but I do it with my left hand like a Continental knitter would. Not sure how that would be classified, but it works well for me and was the only way I could learn once I finally figured it out! I can do traditional English or Continental knitting too, but am not very fast at either.

Keana asks, "Which do you think is more threatening, though both are inevitable, Death or Taxes? LOL"

Although neither are completely avoidable, I am much less threatened by Taxes as I am usually able to tame the beast to a reasonable level through prudent and fully legal means.

Susan says, "Happy blogiversary! My question is if you could only do one of these three crafts which would you pick: knitting, crocheting, or sewing?"

Knitting for sure – that is the one thing I couldn’t live without!

Nicole asks, "What's your favourite song?"

I wouldn’t say I have just one – I’ve always said it was In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel, and that’s sort of me and Jim’s song, so I’ll say that.

Hannah queries,"If you were shipwrecked on an island and could only take one book, what would it be?"

If I had also had yarn on the island, I would take a book along with me that had a compilation of patterns (like one of the multiyear Rowan pattern collections) so I could make a bunch of things and then rip them out.

Susan cracks me up. She says,
"How do you silence the little voice inside your head that repeats over & over....
"Just one more row. Housework is for losers."
(mine has a French accent and is very hard to resist)
Joyeux Blog-Anniversaire!"

Ha! I never silence that little voice! Clutter is a way of life for me.

Marjorie says, "Happy Blogversary! Here's my question: Why did you start knitting--and did you think it would be this much fun?"

I started knitting to relax and find a “hobby” as I never really had one. I didn’t have any idea that I would love it this much! I didn’t even think it would “stick” but I was determined and really loved it once I got it!

Carol asks, "What/Who influenced you to start blogging?"

I was actually talking to a girl in one of my MBA classes who was knitting Green Gable before class and she mentioned she had a blog. I checked it out and said, I should do this too! I really like the idea of being able to show people your work without having to drag it around with you.

Meg says, "Question: Does Jim know how to knit??"

Ha! No. He is really not interested and thinks it is unmanly somehow, although he is super supportive of my knitting. I did offer to teach him a few weeks ago when he had jury duty for the day and would have nothing to do but he declined. On second thought though, I don’t need another yarn addict in the house though – we’d be fighting over the Tess and Brooks Farm, and my yarn budget is all mine!!

Koko asks, "Do you usually work with the yarn that a pattern calls for or substitutions? Why?"

I usually work with the recommended yarn, as I am usually trying to duplicate the results (modified to fit me) and like the certainty of working with the same yarn the designer did. I usually only buy yarn with a specific project designated for it, except for Tess and Brooks Farm, which are really exceptional. It takes me a while to figure out what to use them for, though. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using the recommended yarn, but some people I’ve talked to are very dismissive about this and against it for some reason.

Katie J, my wonderful spoiler from SP9, says, "Ok, what thing would you like to do but haven't done cause it scares you a little bit?"

Maybe one of those really intricate Kaffe Fassett intarsia designs? I usually don't like most of them for me, because they're on the larger boxy side, but I did see one cute cardigan a few Rowan magazines back...

Debby gives me a big question to tackle, and I give her a big answer back.

She says "Happy Blogiversary! (Mine is this weekend too!)
What big goal(s) do you have that you haven't accomplished yet? It sounds like you're doing your schooling, taking the sewing lessons...is there a special place you want to travel to, or a special thing you'd like to have? A new skill you want to master? You seem to be very disciplined and achieve all you set your mind to.
Have a great weekend! I know you'll be modeling ALL those FOs on Tuesday..."


I would like to visit South America (trip is booked for March 2008), Japan, the South Pacific (Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti, etc.), the Norwegian fjords, the Scottish Islands and Highlands, and Portugal/the Azores. Those are all places I haven’t been yet. I’d like to go back to Italy and the beautiful isle of Capri, and closer to home, St. Bart’s, and Grand Cayman.

As far as “stuff” – I’d like a really fabulous electronic knitting machine for fine gauge yarns, a new sewing machine with all the bells and whistles to accompany my new serger, and a dressform (still don’t have one.)

Skills – I really really want to be accomplished at sewing and designing my own clothes (and possibly clothes for others.) I have found that my self-esteem is so much higher when I’m wearing clothes that really fit me well and flatter me – and I am a tough fit. I’m short (just over five feet), muscular, and short-waisted (conversely, long-legged for my height, so it’s not all bad.) My lower body is proportionally larger than my upper. No matter how much less/more I weigh, I’ve come to the realization that my body type is not changing and that insane dieting/starvation is not the answer.
So, when I find clothes (and styles) that fit and flatter my figure, I am so grateful. I have expensive taste, too, and don’t want to spend the money on expensive clothes that will have to be altered anyway (more or less successfully.) It’s all priorities, really, I guess. Some people like to spend money on vacations, some on dinners out, some on stuff for the house, some on clothes. All are great and equally valid – I just hate spending money on clothes, especially when it’s something I know I could make (or learn to make) myself and be able to customize to just what I want.

So, the pictures you've been waiting for - the choice of prizes for the winner:

Option 1 - 3 skeins of Brooks Farm Primero (500 yards each) rose/green colorway

Option 2 - 10 skeins of Silky Wool (cinnamon color)

Option 3 - 10 skeins of Bunny Print (orange variegated colorway)

Option 4 - 7 skeins of Cascade Sierra in Lemon

Option 5 - 9 skeins of Karabella Aurora Melange (black/white)

I'll do the drawing later this week. I will likely be destashing the options not selected by the winner, just FYI.

Long Weekend Update

Hi everyone,
I'm extending the contest due date to the end of the day today (if it's posted tomorrow morning when I log in, it's in!) The prize will be your choice of selected yarns from my stash, in an amount sufficient to make a sweater or at least a tank top! I still have to go through my stash, take pictures of the yarns and post them for you tomorrow. Our second floor central air conditioning unit just broke (even though Jim just put in a new one) and it is 95 degrees upstairs, so I am going to be short and sweet.

This weekend I finished the Textured Tunic

and the Airy Wrap

I also got pretty far on Tomato

(I'm trying to flatten the pattern out as it's curling, not feeling myself up LOL)

and started the Carie Cropped Cardigan.

I also got all the way through separating the armholes on the Alexandra ballerina top from Fitted Knits, as I bought yarn for it on Sunday, but had to rip it all the way back b/c I didn't check the errata first and on one side the cables are totally different and not given in the instructions (but the diagram is the same, so I thought they were the same until I checked the errata.)

Here's a swatch though!

I am also going to break up the Q&A into sections and answer them over the course of this week. I just lost my progress on the first 15 questions or so (runaway cut and paste) so will have to redo and start again tomorrow.

Quick Update

I am loving all these questions that are coming in on my last Blogiversary post! Keep em' coming - the prize is going to be well worth it. I just wanted to mention that I'm saving the questions for one big post so that's why I am not responding to the comments the way I normally always try to. Just didn't want anyone to think I'm ignoring people!

Yesterday I finished the knitting on the Airy Wrap and will be sewing the sleeves today, so one down! I'm going to wait to post all the FO pictures at the end of the long weekend after I see how many I can knock out.

One final thing - I just discovered Netflix' new feature - Watch Now. Turns out you can watch instantly streaming movies on your PC for free, included in your membership. I have the old membership from when they first started so I was grandfathered in at four movies at a time (unlimited number of switch-outs) at $17.99 - and you get 1 hour of instant movie watching for each $1 you pay, so in my case, 18 hours a month. On the first day they start your monthly "hours" cycle the next day so you can go crazy the day before and watch everything and anything. They don't have a lot of movies yet (2000 so far, I think?) but I thought this was so cool. Commercial over.

Hope everyone is having a fun weekend so far!!

Blogiversary!

My one-year blogiversary is approaching and I can't believe it's only been one year! I have met so many great people and I truly appreciate each and every one of your comments. So, I'm going to rip off Bobbi's contest idea as it was so good. Leave me a comment with any question you'd like to ask me about anything - knitting, my life, any of it - and I'll enter each commenter into a drawing for a fabulous prize from my stash. I'll then answer all the questions on my blog. To give everyone a chance to enter, the end date for submitting comments for the contest will be Tuesday 5/29 (the day after Memorial Day in the U.S.) This will be fun!

Other knitting news - not a heck of a lot! I am at that point where I have a lot that will be finished at once and will need to cast on a whole bunch of new projects soon (you know my routine.)

Airy Wrap - finished one side and am halfway done with the other. I think I need about four more hours to complete this. I did try it on with the one (shortened) side and it fits perfectly, so I am motivated to get back into this, but I think I am allergic to mohair.

Textured Tunic - no progress - but I just need to sew sleeves and find a button for the shoulder!

Felted Lamb - need to sew on the ears, felt and stuff

Tomato - ripped as it was going to be too big and started over on size 6 needles instead of 7s - am about halfway done with the top section that is worked back and forth in rows

Debbie Bliss Lace & Bobble Jacket - no progress, but just need to pick up around edges and sew seams

That's it! I need to get these things knocked out though, because they're putting me in a "knitting slump". I need to finish them and start some new things already!

Non-knitting:

I took yesterday and today off as vacation days so I have a nice long Memorial Day weekend! Yesterday I was part of a full day "Girls go Golfing" event that my co-worker Mary organized. It was so much fun - my golf pro, Rachel, from last summer who was giving me and Mary lessons is such a positive person and I love the way she teaches - very objectively (this action causes this result) instead of subjectively (just do this!) which is the way a lot of pros "teach". She used to be a fourth grade teacher and picked up golf at the age of 27, so she is uniquely qualified to teach adults golf in my view! Our day started out at the course at 8 am when the eight of us got in our carts and went to the practice area. Rachel had another woman with her to help work with us one on one - a top amateur who has been #1 at her club for a number of years running - as well as the 22 year old assistant pro, who had just graduated from college and was very sweet as well as knowledgeable.

We had some "classroom" time outside on chairs with a whiteboard, going through an overview of what we would cover that day, then went through full swing, pitching, chipping and putting on our private driving range area for the rest of the morning. I had taken a full set of lessons last year so I had been through this before, but I picked up a number of tips and I found my distance improving significantly even within that day! Then we had lunch and then played nine holes in two foursomes, with each group getting either Rachel or the top amateur lady to instruct us along the way and give us pointers. It was so much fun and I got a lot of sun too.

MBA program - decided not to take the summer class I was planning on so now I will not be done until December of next year instead of May. I took a look at the syllabus for this class and it was insanity - five group projects in seven weeks, online quizzes that had to be completed within certain timeframes when I know I'll be traveling for work, an online midterm to be completed in a certain timeframe, plus the basic issue of two classes a week instead of one. I decided I wouldn't really get that much out of the class if I rushed through it like that (in seven weeks, in the summer, instead of the normal 14 weeks in the spring or fall) so I dropped it. I kind of felt like a slacker, but I just know it would be a horrible experience, and there's no rush for me to finish. It'll still be the same year of graduation anyway (2008) so who cares. My company doesn't care, and I'll be staying there for the foreseeable future, so why kill myself and rush through something just to check it off a list?

UWM online state and local tax certificate - I decided I didn't need to pursue this any further. I took two of the four classes required to get the certificate (finishing the second one now and writing another massive paper for it which is due June 3) and I just feel like I didn't get that much out of this last class. It's hard to be motivated about it as it is more of a specialist program and I'm a generalist all the way and always have been, but especially at this stage of my career where I'm at the director/VP level. I know I will always have a specialist working for me (internally or externally) that will do the deep dive into the state tax issues, so why do this certificate "just to have it'? I guess I am questioning a lot of my prior decisions lately.

Anyway, if you made it this far through my rambling, congratulations! Have a great weekend! I look forward to seeing your blogiversary contest questions!!

A little bit crazy....

I just did something a little bit crazy, but I feel excited about it. I signed up for a class in the Fashion Merchandising/Design program at my local community college – Clothing Construction I. I’ve tried a number of more hobby-oriented sewing classes and none have given me the structure and depth (and seriousness) I’ve been looking for, so I thought this one would be the perfect class. It is LONG (starts the last week of August and ends in the third week of December) and is once a week on Tuesday nights, from 6 – 10 pm, so I am sure to be an expert at sewing after that much time devoted to it.

They also offer two machine knitting classes, which I know Heather has taken at least one of, and I am super jazzed about learning how to ultimately design clothes. All assuming I like the first class. Check out all these classes that they offer - almost all of them sound super interesting!!

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1101
Flat Pattern Drafting I
3 credit hours
Introduction to flat pattern drafting, including draft of personal basic pattern from body measurements for designing purposes, use of drafting tools, and simple clothing design. Prerequisite: Corequisite: Fashion 1155 (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1102
Flat Pattern Drafting II
3 credit hours
Advanced principles of flat pattern design, including, dress, jacket and pants. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1101 and 1155. Corequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1156 (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1105
Design Principles in Apparel
3 credit hours
Basic design principles as applied to apparel. The relationship of form to function, analysis of garment design, interpretation of fashion trends, and expression of individuality are emphasized. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1110
Machine Knitting I
3 credit hours
Principles and techniques of knitting on the single-bed knitting machine. Basic skills are introduced with emphasis on the creative use of color, pattern, texture and fibers in the production of knitted fabrics. (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1112
Machine Knitting II
3 credit hours
Intermediate and advanced techniques on knitting machines. Knit-weave, lace, jacquard, double bed techniques, garment design, and knitting software are introduced. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1110 or equivalent (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1114
Weaving I
3 credit hours
Introduction to the loom as a tool for design and personal expression. Includes selecting yarns, making warps, dressing the loom, designing fabrics, and producing a variety of cloth structures. (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1116
Weaving II
3 credit hours
Development of intermediate and advanced weaving skills on the loom. Twill variations, double weave, lace weave and overshot are introduced. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1114 or equivalent (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1120
Fashion Promotion
3 credit hours
Introductory course in preparation, production and merchandising of fashion shows with traditional and creative contemporary approaches. Emphasis on creative use of media in presentation. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1130
History of Costume I
3 credit hours
History of costume through the ages with emphasis on the Western world. Costumes of antiquity through the 18th century. (3 lecture hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1131
History of Costume II
3 credit hours
History of costume through the ages with emphasis on the Western world. Eighteenth century through fashions of the future. National and ethnic costume. (3 lecture hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1151
Principles of Textiles
3 credit hours
Identification of yarns, weaves, coloring methods and primary finishes. Analysis of physical and chemical properties of fibers. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1155
Clothing Construction I
3 credit hours
Emphasis is on basic sewing construction skills, including fundamentals in the selection of fabrics, patterns, fit and construction techniques. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1156
Clothing Construction II
3 credit hours
Clothing construction course designed for those who are familiar with the operation of a sewing machine, fabric and pattern selection, and basic sewing techniques. Emphasis on professional quality construction techniques. Development of fit techniques for pants and advanced garments. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1155 or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1160
Tailoring
3 credit hours
Tailoring course for those who have mastered basic sewing construction techniques. Contemporary methods of tailoring, lining, finishing and working with fabrics that require special handling are emphasized. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1156 or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1165
Clothing Construction for the Apparel Industry
3 credit hours
Equipment, practical skills and sewing processes used in apparel manufacturing. Examines efficient and cost-effective procedures for the garment manufacturer or independent designer. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1156 or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1180
Business Practices for the Fashion Entrepreneur
3 credit hours
Fundamental decision making for the person in the business of sewing, arts or crafts, includes acquisition of equipment and supplies, legalities, taxes, zoning, insurance, establishing price structures, customer relations, record keeping, financing, trade publications, organizations, advertising and time scheduling. (3 lecture hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1183
Felting and Fusing
3 credit hours
Concepts and techniques related to dimensional felt-making through the study of felting fibers, their characteristics and manipulation as a fiber medium. Experimentation in contemporary fusing techniques. (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1800
Experiential Special Topics in Fashion
1 to 3 credit hours
Experiential courses cover topics not otherwise covered by general education courses and other courses in the Catalog for the discipline. These courses require direct experience and focused reflection in an in-depth study of a specific discipline topic and/or the critical analysis of contemporary issues in the discipline. They are targeted to self-selected students with an interest in the subject matter and involve active participation. The course delivery incorporates an experiential component of no less than 30 percent but not to exceed 70 percent (to be determined by the disciplines). This experiential component may include field studies, interdisciplinary learning, and/or the practical application of discipline-related concepts, theories, principles and methods with a specific focus. All courses require an orientation session to deliver academic and experiential information (syllabus, academic requirements, field preparation, logistics). (3 lecture hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1820
Selected Topics in Fashion Merchandising
3 credit hours
Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college Class Schedule. May be taken three times for credit as long as different topics are selected. (3 lecture hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1821
Selected Topics in Fashion Design
3 credit hours
Exploration and analysis of topics within the discipline. May be taken three times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1840
Independent Study in Fashion
1 to 4 credit hours
Exploration and analysis of topics within the discipline to meet individual student-defined course description, goals, objectives, topical outline and methods of evaluation in coordination with and approved by the instructor. May be taken three times. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor (1 to 4 lecture hours,

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2201
Draping
3 credit hours
Design using draping techniques on garment industry dress forms. Introduction to design room standards in draping. Prerequisites: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1102 and 1156 (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2202
Design Studio: Apparel
3 credit hours
Advanced exploration of a theme or advanced techniques to generate portfolio pieces. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 2201 (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2204
Bridal Couture I: Bridal and Special Occasion
3 credit hours
Study of couture sewing methods for wedding and special occasion dresses. Various specialty fabrics, laces, and equipment are used. Emphasis on inner support in the construction of a dress. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1156 with a grade of “C” or better, or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab
hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2206
Bridal Couture II: Bridal and Special Occasion
3 credit hours
Advanced couture sewing methods for wedding and special occasion dresses. Advanced embellishment techniques, bustle and train construction. Discussion of the independent bridal couture business. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 2204 (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2208
Millinery Design I
3 credit hours
Creation of custom hats from straw, felt, and fabric. Use of professional millinery techniques and supplies. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1155 or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2210
Millinery Design II
3 credit hours
Advanced millinery techniques including pattern drafting, blocking and trims. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 2208 with a grade of “C” or better (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2211
Fashion Illustration
3 credit hours
Fundamentals of drawing as applied to female fashion figure. Emphasis on apparel and accessory illustration. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2212
Advanced Fashion Illustration
3 credit hours
Emphasis on texture, color, layout and additional figure types. Includes development of portfolio. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 2211 (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2220
Visual Merchandising
3 credit hours
Survey of creative and technical approaches to window and interior store display. Exploration of standard and innovative techniques in a laboratory setting. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2222
Computer-Aided Apparel Design I
3 credit hours
Use of the computer in flat pattern drafting and design. Emphasis is on familiarity with the functions of a computer pattern-design system. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1102 or equivalent, or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2223
Computer-Aided Apparel Design II
3 credit hours
Continuation of Fashion Merchandising and Design 2222 with emphasis on the fashion industry applications of the computerized apparel design system. Basic industrial work flow from design concept through pattern output and garment construction. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 2222 or equivalent, or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2224
Production Pattern Grading
3 credit hours
Methods and mechanics of production pattern grading and its applications in the apparel manufacturing process. Emphasis on development of grade rule tables, manual and computerized grading, production specifications, and grading of specific apparel styles. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1102 or equivalent, or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2231
Fashion Marketing and Merchandising
3 credit hours
Overview of the fashion design and merchandising industries, includes trend analysis, fashion theories, apparel manufacturing, marketing, retailing and buying. Career opportunities are emphasized.

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2235
Apparel Quality Analysis
3 credit hours
Identification of terminology, manufacturing methods and merchandise quality as they apply to style details, workmanship, construction techniques, and wearability of fashion goods. For the professional entering the field of fashion buying and merchandising or product development and manufacturing. (3 lecture hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2240
Design Studio: Fibers
3 credit hours
Advanced exploration of a theme or advanced techniques to generate fiber portfolio pieces. Prerequisites: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1110 and 1112, or 1114 and 1116 (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2251
Fashion Motivation
3 credit hours
Identification of economic and social forces influencing consumer and fashion demand. Color theory and analysis, wardrobing, body type identification, and corporate and personal image. (3 lecture hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2261
Textile Design I
3 credit hours
Design processes as applied to textiles, covering techniques such as silk screen, block prints and other processes. (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 2262
Textile Design II
3 credit hours
Continuation of Textile Design I processes as applied to textiles, includes advanced techniques such as batik, tye dye and resist, silk screen, block prints and other textile printing processes. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 2261 (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

New KAL

Here's the link to the new KAL for Knitting Lingerie Style - I'm thinking a July 1 start! Email me to join!

Knitting Lingerie Style

I am wayyy overdue with my commentary regarding this book - I featured its cover a few weeks ago on Wordless Wednesday and never put any words to it!

This book contains a number of garments that are non-lingerie, and those who may have been put off by the title will find that there's a number of stylish sweaters here to knit.

Here are the garments I liked best:

Here are some other sweaters I also liked:

And as for the lingerie - I didn't take pictures of the few bra/panty sets, but I actually liked those as well. They mostly called for Cascade Fixation and Vittadini's Celia yarns. Here's some I would classify as "loungewear"...

I'm not really into thigh high stockings or garter belts, but there were a number of these included as well. Overall, for the price, I thought this was a worthwhile book with many designs I'd like to knit. I'm also considering a knitalong for this starting maybe in July. The only thing that is a little bit of a damper on my enthusiasm is the fact that many of the things won't be "modelable" (at least for some of the designs, for the more modest among us - not sure I'm in that category, but I think it might give some people pause.) I have been thinking about getting a dress form though and this could be a good excuse to do it!

Textured Tunic, Tomato, and My Yarn Crawl

I know I haven't been blogging much lately. I've been very busy at work (in a good way, things are going very well) but I can't say that's totally it. Maybe it is, because I feel so exhausted when I get home that I only have energy to knit. I've been catching up on my blog reading at least lately, after a hiatus in that regard too.

So here's what I've been doing...

Textured Tunic is almost done! Just need to find a button for the shoulder and seam the sleeves. Yeah...I eliminated the bottom buttons at the hip. I had to shorten this significantly to look right on me, so with shortening the bottom, I didn't really have room for the buttons. So I eliminated the buttonholes and did the front and back the same, with increases every other row at each side (as the top is 34, and my hips are *cough* not 34.) This now hits me right at the top of my leg where my thigh joins my body - which I think is where it is supposed to hit.

I'll model it once I seam the sleeves and block it, which should be sometime this week. Like my slacker-y picture with uncropped kleenex box and all? LOL. It looks like one sleeve is longer than the other, but it's just the angle. Also another change I made was to wait to do the decreases until the 2nd half of the box stitch pattern instead of at the upper arm. It is still pretty fitted on the sleeve, but looks good on, so I can't imagine how tight it would have been if I followed the instructions!

Here's Tomato from No Sheep for You - I started this one Friday afternoon. However...I may need to rip it. I wanted to make something between the smallest 31" size and the next 35" size, so because I got gauge with size 6 needles (4 1/2 stitches to the inch) I stupidly thought if I did this on size 7s, getting 4 stitches to the inch, and made the 31" size, it would only change the total by two inches. However, I made a math error and I think it really will change by four inches when I rethought it (back to the 35" size, which is usually baggy on me.) My head hurts today, so if anyone wants to enlighten me as to what the math should work out to, I'm all ears.

I have two more rows to do before joining in the round/separating the sleeves (one is an increase row). However, it is about 1/4" longer than it should be although it is 16" across the back (so 32", fine). I'm wondering if I should just stop doing increases here, join it in the round and separate the sleeves before I make any decisions.

Here's the pic - not that it really shows much - it is Blue Sky Cotton.

Yesterday I went to a yarn shop closing sale and scored this (plus some great stuff for my Secret Pal that I can't show):

I figured the aqua or purple Pima Tencel will make a great Dropped Stitch Lace Tank from Fitted Knits, and one other summer top. The teal-y Cascade Sierra could make a cute tank top as it is pretty much the same as Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. And the Tahki cotton classic? Crochetville. I really hate 100% cotton (except for the Blue Sky Cotton) for knitting, but love it for crochet.

Almost forgot - I got my Cabo Halter pattern and fabric yesterday! Isn't this cute? I briefly looked at the pattern and it looks a LOT easier to follow than a standard commercial pattern. Love it!

Seven Random Facts

Monica tagged me for the seven random facts meme that's been floating around the blogosphere, and although I think I did this one a long time ago, I think I came up with some new facts.

The way it works is - each person tagged gives seven random facts about themselves along with the rules of the game, as well as tagging seven others by listing their names as part of the blog post and leaving a blog comment for the tagged individuals to let them know that they've been tagged.

Here goes...

1.My heritage is kind of unusual – ½ Portuguese (great grandmother was from the Azores, just off the coast of Portugal, and came over on a boat in the 1800s to the Cape Cod area, where my mom is from); ¼ Sicilian and ¼ Scotch-Irish. Someone once summed this up as “lots of drinking and a hot temper!!” Well, if the shoe fits, I guess….

2.My mom sewed all my clothes until I was about 7 years old when (ironically) I refused to wear them anymore. She tried to teach me to sew but I wasn’t interested at the time. She also tried to teach me to crochet, but again I had no interest. It's funny, I was interested in knitting but she told me it was "hard" because it used two needles instead of one hook (and she didn't know how so couldn't teach me.)

3.My grandparents used to drive out to a farm every week and buy fresh goat’s milk and along with my mom, made me drink a glass of it every night with my dinner. To this day, I am completely squicked by anything unpasteurized and will not touch goat cheese or any type of goat product (except mohair) or whole milk (too creamy like the goat milk was! Bleaaaghhh.)

4.I refuse to eat or drink anything if it is on or after the date printed on the package (see #3 – I got some goat milk before that had just turned and it was the most disgusting thing I ever tasted.) Jim tells me how irrational this is, but I guess I am scarred for life!

5.I’ve only broken one bone – my fifth metatarsal (long toe bone) in my left foot. I hope to never break any more so I stay away from risky sports, etc.

6.I was an Illinois State Scholar and National Merit Semi-Finalist in high school.

7.My first job out of college was at Arthur Andersen and I was very proud of this accomplishment as it was a big deal to even be interviewed by them. I also feel that they got a bad rap and almost all the firms were doing the same type of thing at the time – they were just held up as an example.

Ok, those are my random facts. I tag:

Marjorie
Maryanne
Heather
Deanna
Shannara
Shannon
Lynette