First Fabric

First Fabric
Originally uploaded by redskewknits

Here is the first fabric I'm preparing for my skirt line. It's a two tone red floral print, cotton and lycra.

The patterns

The patterns
Originally uploaded by redskewknits

Here are the muslin patterns, hanging in my studio, from which I make the skirts.

So, here's the story

I realized this morning that I haven't really explained what is going on. Short version - after my mom died in February (from an aneurysm after 6 months of treatment for pancreatic cancer), I was laid off from my architecture position in a small firm. That was the 2nd time in about a year that I had been laid off from jobs I was less than happy in. I took it all as giant billboard on the road of life to take the exit I've been dreaming of and planning for on the back burner. After discussions with my husband and closest advisors, I decided to start my own clothing design business.

Redskew, LLC was offically born (in the state of IL), April 16, 2008. I'm currently in design and development of my first line of plus size (12-24) skirts, which I've been documenting here, and will continue to. They will be for sale at vive la femme, 2048 N. Damen, Chicago, IL beginning May 8, 2008. If things go well, I plan to sell on etsy.com and surely expand my market from there.

Knittingwise, I've been doing more theraputic projects since mom passed - my second clapotis, a short row hat, both in Noro Silver Thaw, and a couple of easy, pretty gifts to have on hand. Check out the pics at flickr

So, that's the story. Stay tuned for regular updates...

vive la femme front desk

vive la femme front desk
Originally uploaded by redskewknits

I was quite busy at vive last week. I worked with Stephanie to get some accents up at the store. I completed 4 floral arrangements for the storefront and the front desk. They're SO pretty and really make the place pop.

Storefront

vive la femme storefront
Originally uploaded by redskewknits

Here's a shot of the vive la femme storefront. 2048 N. Damen, Chicago, IL. Starting May 8, you can find Redskew skirts here. Stephanie Sack is the awesome owner of this boutique, specializing in sizes 12-24.

First View

redskew workshop
Originally uploaded by redskewknits

Here's the first shot of my workshop/studio. Redskew, LLC has a home! keep looking here for updates on my clothing design business. I will still be posting some knitting, but a May 8 launch date (skirts by Redskew will be for sale for the first time) will be taking most of my time. A friend suggested I track my progress of developing my business here. So, look out for regular posts!

Brocade Blanket on Display

Brocade Blanket on Display
Originally uploaded by redskewknits

Here's a detail shot of my Brocade Blanket.

Sweaters and Blanket on Display

Sweaters and Blanket on Display
Originally uploaded by redskewknits

A couple of weeks ago, Arcadia Knitting hosted some out of town knit shop owners. As part of the festivities, Kathy and Sharon put some of their customers' work on display. I was lucky to have three of my finished projects up on the back wall. From left to right, Bombshell (From Big Girl Knits, yarn: GGH Bel Air), Pink Skirt (not mine), Maris (from Rowan 41, yarn: Rowan Calmer), Blue Sweater (not mine), Brocade Blanket (From Kaffe Knits Again, yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Solid), Grey Scarf (not mine).

Korknisse from Andrea

Korknisse from Andrea
Originally uploaded by redskewknits

This adorable little project was a gift from my knitter friend Andrea. The cork (body) is from my birthday celebration this year and the yarn is my favorite Malabrigo! So Cute!

Brocade throw

Brocade throw- front
Originally uploaded by redskewknits

My current project is Kaffe Fassett's Brocade throw from Kaffe Knits Again, published in 2007. It's a real joy to knit. It's a gift for my parents and is about 70% complete. It is as wide as a twin bed and will end up being about 1.25-1.5 times as long.

DIY Trunkshow

Yesterday I hit up the DIY Trunkshow and found quite a few goodies, and in no particular order, I'm going to give some shout outs...

I picked up a snappy glass slide necklace from VooDoo Toaster

Kitty Grrlz had some lovely hand spun yarn

I found some CUTE beaded knitterly gifts from Natalia Uribe Wilson

Forgotten Toybox had really clever journals with working gears on the front cover

Rebecca at Blue Buddha Boutique had some really fantastic chain mail jewelry (metal and plastic) and accessories

Three LOVELY papergood sources: Starshaped Press, Girl Metro and 16Sparrows.

Kiku Handmade had super fun glass pendants, earrings and belt buckles with fun images of yarn with knitting needles , pop-art graphic, birds and much more!

GroveCraft had totally cute mittens made from recycled sweaters!

Rob Christopher offered up this AMAZING box of cards with stories on each card - kind of like a twisted, adult version of choose-your-own adventure.

Last, but certainly not least, Floriole Bakery provided delicious organic, locally produced, French pastries (and a lovely apple cider).

Anyone who missed this great event, many of the vendors will also be at DepartMENT
December Friday, November 30 (7p-11p) thru Sunday, December 2 (11a-5p Sat and Sun) at 2000 W Fulton

A knitting update is on the way...

My first Class

I've been knitting for about 4 years, and I've never taken a class. I'm the tenacious sort who learns from books and figures things out by hook or by crook. I feel pretty accomplished for all the projects I've worked on. Amongst other things, I've learned that I LOVE color. I will be taking my first class with BRANDON MABLY!

There's still room for some more students:

Arcadia Knitting

Saturday October 6 and/or Sunday October 7

10am-4pm

Contact Arcadia for more info - hope to see you!

UGH

Sorry for the bad photos in the last post. The camera is really not cooperating with me lately... Hopefully the next post will be better.

midsummer knits

Crochet grocery bag in Hemp for Knitting's Cashmere Canapa in Cristallo Blue with stash yarn (cotton) accent

The handle needs to be finished

Original Design











Purse panel to be felted - various yarns, including Lamb's Pride Bulky in Kiwi and Knit Pick's Wool of the Andes in hyacinth, spruce, avocado and grass

2nd (back) panel knitting completed on 8/5/07

Original design






Rowan Maris in Rowan Calmer, Calm colourway

So far, the back and 3/4 of the first sleeve are complete; 2 fronts and 2nd sleeve to complete before October.










My Clapotis in Malabrigo Red Pearl

Have just passed the halfway point

Knitting Delinquent

I've been busy - some knitting, but mostly everything else in life has been upside down for nearly the last 6 months. I've got the blogging bug again, and lots of projects in the pipeline to talk about!

I've got another blog Redskew Knits where I'll post the classes I'm teaching and current professional pursuits. I'll maintain this here blog for my personal knitting. I'll cross post any big news.

Also, the camera is on the fritz, so bear with me on the lacking images - I'm working on it!

Ok, on to the knitting.

From Rowan 41 - 'Maris' in Calmer, Calm colorway. The back is complete and I'm nearly halfway done with the right front! I'm working to an October deadline...















My friend Jess over at Awl Cowgirl Western Gear and I have some projects in the pipeline that I'm very excited about.

I'm working on an adorable stuffed brontosaurs from Family Circle Easy Baby Knits

Still plugging away on Annie Modesitt's Backyard Leaves Scarf

PROGRESS!

I've been pretty busy the past couple of weeks and have finished a number of lingering projects.

First - Felting
Jeff's Slippers -













Bag 1













Bag 2


It may be kind of tough to see in the bag photos, but I discovered that the Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (stripes on the bags and all 3 colors on the slipper) felts GREAT! The terra cotta color (bottom and top of the bags) is Anny Blatt Rustique, which is apparently washable! I want to go ahead and shape and line the bags before I send them to Awl Cowgirl.

And then we have an Original Fair Isle Hat for myself (Tulip, Stream, Avocado and Chocolate Knit Picks Wool of the Andes from the stash)

Another hour or so tonight will wrap it up so I can wear it! (Update as of Monday afternoon - yeah, it doesn't really cover my ears, so I've added the first of the earflaps!)






Last, but not least, I've managed to finish my first sock - Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Multi in River...


That's it for now...

Another link... progress

Another inspirational add - they boys from Project RunGay have launched Project Gay

Sweater : none

Spiral scarf : Still plugging away on ball 2 of 3

Bag number 2 : no progress

I have, however, begun another scarf and am into the 2nd of 3 balls - going rather quickly on 10.5s.

I've also got to get something going for the Dulaan Knit In on Saturday.

New Links

I've added some new links in my sidebar

Seth Godin's blog is great as well as his book - keeping me motivated

Vive la Femme is keeping my wardrobe in tip top shape

Dulaan is helping children and shrinking my stash

Eco Tecture is keeping me informed of green architecture.

Have a great week!

Sweater Drama

Unfortunately, Jeff has the camera tonight, otherwise I'd have more pictures to post.

I made enough progress on my sweater to try it on again. The short row bust shaping is on target. The ribbing is nice and close fitting. The back, above the ribbing, is too big - if my shoulder blades were fat and jutted out of my back, it would great! But, they don't. I can do one of two things 1 - take the sweater in by sewing darts (with the sewing maching, to line up with the knit darts) 2 - calculate how far I need to rip it back (current estimation - back to the end of the 1st ball or beginning of 2nd (I'm up to the 5th ball)) and RIP RIP RIP (how appropriate for Halloween ;) ) Option 1 is relatively easy, but option 2 is more appealing (though much more work).

I embarked on this sweater to learn how to make clothes for my body, particularly in the clever way that can only be achieved with knit (and crochet) - by creating and sculpting the fabric as you go, fitting the sweater to the body.

Anywho, I still need rebound a little from the setback. I can work full time on my friend's purse, so that's exciting.

Brief Update

Last week I finished knitting Jeff's Fiber Trends Felted Clog Slippers.

I am one ball (of 3) into the spiral scarf in Scarf Style,

Using Rowan Tapestry Rainbow colorway (it's GORGEOUS!)


I have re-knit the part of my sweater I ripped out (really not that much) and am onto the ribbing. My goal is to complete it by the end of October. I am also moving forward on the 2nd of the felted bags (client has approved color scheme :) )

Plans for November : 2 baby blankets, something for Dulaan, and maybe 2 more scarves as gifts.

Morning Views

 

My Sweater

I've begun Bombshell from Big Girl Knits in GGH Bel Air, Teal I got into the 5 of 7 balls, but then realized I had done too much short row bust shaping, so rip rip rip I need to do. Of course, I realized this at about 9:30 pm on Sunday, so it sits until I can devote a little more time to it.

Bag Project - Part One

While on vacation this summer, I was inspired by a felted purse in the one yarn shop I was in. An idea developed - I would knit the bag bodies and felt them, I would then send them to Jess, and she would work her magic with leather handles and beautiful leather and metal adornments. Here you see the first bag, pre-felting. I've begun the second bag body, in a similar palette. 

Finished Shawl/Scarf

Bamboo yarn - so soft and easy to knit. A simple chevron lace pattern. About 20" x 40" blocked. It's for my mom's birthday. 

Current Books

I've got a couple of things on my plate. To scratch my academic itch, I've begun reading Modern Architecture Since 1900. I don't have much to say about it yet, since I've only read the introduction (which I only do with about 25% of books).

I've also begun Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I'm enjoying it very much (thanks for the loan, Kel). Since I've developed the skill of reading while knitting, I've been able to work through much more of both than I have in the past. It also helps that I've been trying to keep the idiot box off, with the exception of specific programs (Project Runway, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report, plus a little real news in the am.)

Enough media advertisement for now. One more knitting project below.

New Scarf

Aqua Mohair lace scarf, approximately 4" by 72" very light. I still need to block it properly.

Preview

I did manage to photograph a number of my completed and in-progress knitting projects this weekend. I will be doing an image dump most likely tomorrow, so be on the look out for that.

I finished reading John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany this weekend - I highly recommend it! I also learned to play Nerts, which is pretty decent as far as card games are concerned.

Hearing the truth is as important as speaking it

My parents taught me to tell the truth, and I still do. I feel icky inside when I don't (that's my gut talking, something else my folks brought my attention to). I don't find it difficult to tell the truth, but in my experience, others are not interested in the truth. It is sometimes hard for me to hear the truth about myself, but I am better for the listening. When it is something negative, I work to improve. Which lead me to the title of today's blog - Hearing the truth is as important as speaking it. A quick internet search yielded this useful biblical reference.

Communication is in two parts - speaking (not only the words themselves, but also body language, intonation, eye contact) and listening (not only hearing the words, but not simply waiting your turn to speak, reading other cues from the speaker (see above) ). To speak the truth to a party not listening does not mean the truth should not be spoken. Conversely, the speaker may not speak the truth, but their other means of communication will reveal themselves to the successfull listener.

Is YOUR mug on an album cover?

I just found out (purely by accident, of course) that my face (along with other family members') face is featured on a children's album my aunt made. See if you can find me.

Rainy Monday

Here in Chicago, the weather was dreary, but I was rather motivated. Friday was quite beautiful, so after work (and skipping yoga : ( ) Jeff and I grabbed some appetizers (crispy stuffed olives are divine) and drinks (16oz vodka tonics for $6.35!) outside at the new restaurant BB's. Satuday we caught up with a friend back from vacation for brunch at Tweet. Excellent service and meal, as well as many more menu choices than I expected. Then I had the boys drop me off at Arcadia Knitting, where I armed myself with materials for my new project, from Big Girl Knits. I'll post more info/stats on the project as I get further into it. I am onto ball 3 of 7. This will be the first garment for myself.

I also realize I've got a bunch of completed (or nearly so) projects that need photographing and posting, so I'll see what I can do this week.

I should get my butt back to work, but do check out Cleo's blog, as she's been updating her blog more regularly, so gotta show her some love.

Off to work I go

My office went back to normal hours this week (8:30-5:30, m-f) from our summer hours (8-6, m-h, 8-12 f), plus we had Labor Day off. I have to admit that I was looking forward to the schedule change. Last summer I definately made the most of the half-day fridays, feeling like I had a long weekend every week. This summer was different. After the Avon walk, I was waiting for my vacation. After the vacation, I was waiting for Jeff to get going on, and get comfortable with his new job. I just want to get back in the swing of things - get back to my regular Friday night yoga class.

Having basically taken the summer off of yoga, I really feel the difference in myself. I'm more irritable and worry about things I have no control over. While I was studying yoga regularly (December to April or May) I had gotten better control over my mind and body. I was less suceptible to depression and found life more satisfying. Since I know yoga works for me, I need to get it back in my life.

A thing of beauty and function : Boffi Cut

Vacation

Early July was spent on a fantastic 10 day road trip. This pic was in the Bear Tooths (L to R) Meghan, me, Jeff, Joel.

These good times didn't kill me. 

For those of you that were wondering

I've recently become interested in the Myers-Briggs Personality Profile, with my classification being Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging (INTJ). You can find out what you are HERE.

Links and bits about my type are listed below.

http://www.typelogic.com/intj.html
http://www.keirsey.com/personality/ntij.html
http://www.geocities.com/lifexplore/intj.htm

And, From http://fuzzy.snakeden.org/intj/

How to deal with an INTJ:

1. Be willing to back up your statements with facts - or at least some pretty sound reasoning.
   
   
2. Don't expect them to respect you or your viewpoints just because you say so. INTJ respect must be earned.
   
   
3. Be willing to concede when you are wrong. The average INTJ respects the truth over being "right". Withdraw your erroneous comment and admit your mistake and they will see you as a very reasonable person. Stick to erroneous comments and they will think you are an irrational idiot and treat everything you say as being questionable.
   
   
4. Try not to be repetitive. It annoys them.
   
   
5. Do not feed them a line of bull.
   
   
6. Expect debate. INTJs like to tear ideas apart and prove their worthiness. They will even argue a point they don't actually support for the sake of argument.
   
   
7. Do not mistake the strength of your conviction with the strength of your argument. INTJs do not need to believe in a position to argue it or argue it well. Therefore, it will take more than fervor to sway them.
   
   
8. Do not be surprised at sarcasm.
   
   
9. Remember that INTJs believe in workable solutions. They are extremely open-minded to possibilities, but they will quickly discard any idea that is unfeasible. INTJ open-mindedness means that they are willing to have a go at an idea by trying to pull it apart. This horrifies people who expect oohs and ahhs and reverence. The ultimate INTJ insult to an idea is to ignore it, because that means it's not even interesting enough to deconstruct.
   
   This also means that they will not just accept any viewpoint that is presented to them. The bottom line is "Does it work?" - end discussion.
   
   
10. Do not expect INTJs to actually care about how you view them. They already know that they are arrogant bastards with a morbid sense of humor. Telling them the obvious accomplishes nothing.

ReDesign

It's time for a ReDesign - of my life, of my goals, of my blog. The motivation is most clearly represented by Karim Rashid's approach, as presented in his text Design Yourself.

I get to keep all the things that work and work to change all the things I want to improve. I'm interested in so many things, and I'm going to use this blog to document and focus my energies as necessary. I've still got knitting projects in the works, but there is so much more to be explored.

Other things that have been taking up my time

It was a record setting weekend for the Chicago Avon Walk for Breast Cancer , which was this past weekend

We set a record for number of participants – 3,600

And we set a record for most money raised at any one event – 8.2 MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For reference – the Avon Foundation funds 42 clinical trials annually, at the cost of 7 million dollars!

The walk was really wonderful – lots of fantastic people, and I really felt that my efforts were worth while. Along the route there were many people cheering us on – breast cancer survivors, their families, those who had lost loved ones – all out there cheering us on, thanking us walkers for our efforts. It was truly amazing.

I walked 13.1 miles on Saturday and made my way to Warren Park, where the Wellness Village where Jeff had been working all of Friday and most of Saturday laying out and setting up tents, tables and chairs for the mess hall, and other miscellaneous hard labor to get camp set up for the walkers. After dinner, Jeff wasn’t feeling well so we went over to the medical tent where we were sent home. Jeff was experiencing the beginning stages of dehydration and exhaustion. Unfortunately, I did not wake up in time on Sunday to get in the second day of walking.

All in all, it was truly moving experience and I will consider participating in it again!!!

Happy Birthday to Me

A beautiful knitting bag (it holds 6 pounds of yarn!) from Scott, Kelly, Joe and Jeff

and flowers from my husband

A sewing project

A little pillow - I've sewn ladder yarn onto some fabric samples....

Another almost finished

A baby blanket for my cousins - crocheted in cotton, I have to decide on the edging.

2 finished objects

Two scaves for charity:

Another image!

This was a holiday gift:

Pattern: Knit Picks Bella Scarf by Susan Lawrence
Yarn: Merino Frappe in Ivory , knit on US13 needles

FIN

The blanket was completed this weekend!

"Damn' the man. Save the Empire"

Favorite quote from the movie "Empire Records", as spoken by Ethan Embry's character Mark. As you may or may not have heard, trouble is brewing with naming of particular knitting groups, and as a member (and co-organizer) of one of said groups, I say : Free to Stitch Free to Bitch. Other bloggers share their thoughts.