Knitting Patterns I'm Loving Right Now

For those of you who don't knit, you might as well go back to checking your email, playing online sudoku, or whatever else you were doing, because this post is only about getting your knit on.

For those who are still with me, today is one of the four (OK, EIGHT counting the surprises) times of the year that I get a bit giddy: the new Knitty is up. Hooray!

I have to say, even tho' I have no kiddies of my own, I still love knitting baby things: they are small, usually quick, and very adorable. Spring '08 Knitty is abundant with baby and kiddie stuff, and they have not disappointed me!

My favorites from this issue:

Knob Hill


Talia
This surprises me, because I'm not generally a vest person. (My sophomore high school photo notwithstanding, as it was the 90's, and that's what you did.)


Lace Ribbon Scarf
When the designer mentioned The Sartorialist in her description, I yelled "YES!" in my head. I was thinking the same thing!


Mosey
Legwarmers with pom poms! Why didn't I think of this?

...and, finally, OMG:

Spirogyra
This is the perfect thing to make with the fabulous alpaca yarn from theHollywood Hills Boutique! (We got this in our gift bags at the last knitting retreat. It came undyed with an invite to hand-dye it at a workshop in August.)

I was watching the rather frightening Lion Brand fashion show online yesterday (see the video below, if you want a laugh). Most of the stuff was not my style, but I did find a sweater that I must make:
Extra Easy, Extra Fabulous Sweater
(You'll probably need to register for free to see this pattern.) This one had me at the buttons, but seeing how easy the pattern is and that it's made of bulky yarn sold it. I just need to get my hands on enough Thick & Quick to make it.

Lastly, this Etsy shop was listed in the "Cool Stuff" section of the new Knitty, and I wish I'd thought of creating these stitch markers first. Genius! God, I hate kitchener stitch, that necessary evil.

Here's that fashion show I mentioned. Enjoy!

My Sister, the Rock Star

My sister, Leslie, sent me this video of her playing guitar and singing. As she only speaks to me through You Tube videos anymore, and does not return my phone calls or emails, I'm going to have to interpret her message to me from the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oD5mq3yaz0

I was kinda hoping her cat would do something funny in the background, but he didn't.

She makes me feel kinda guilty for not having played guitar for so long. I picked it up (literally) again late last year and couldn't remember most of the chords! I haven't played regularly for about 3 years. I guess I should add that onto the Resolution pile for the year: re-learn the guitar.

Animated Cat Cartoon

If you've ever lived with a cat (and even if you haven't) you'll love this.



(found on CuteOverload.com)

Knitted Music Video

Check out this amazing video. All the animation is knitted! (I found this on craftzine.)

Workout Avoidance

I just saw this great video, which pretty much sums up why I haven't been to the gym this week, and what a weenie I am for not "just doing it". Ha!

Writer's Blog on "Writer's Block", plus an Indie Film

Ken Levine has written for some awesome sitcoms: MASH, Cheers, Frasier, The Simpsons, Dharma & Greg, Wings, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Becker. His blog is a great read, especially while this whole strike is going on. Today's post is about writer's block, and he's asked several other excellent writers what they do to cure it. Here's the link: http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2008/01/overcoming-writers-block.html

My sister sent me a link to this film on You Tube. I haven't watched it yet, but it's by some indie filmmakers who financed it themselves, and as I have some experience in that area, I have a soft spot for them. Here it is:



*update* It turns out that I think I've worked with the guy who plays the lead's roommate in a community theater production many years ago in Kansas City. Small world!

Human Tetris

This is mesmerizing.



(Discovered via Pop Candy)

How to deal with stress

Today was an extremely stressful day at work, with more problems than solutions. I know tomorrow will also be a difficult one, so I took one hour off this evening to do yoga and relaxation techniques. I've been practicing yoga for about 11 years now, and if I go too long between even a short practice, my body starts creaking like a rusty door hinge. If you've never done yoga before, I'd recommend trying it out this year. Here's a free class for beginners at YogaToday.com to get you started:



Here's to a more relaxed and flexible new year!