Posts from — August 2007

I wish I could tell you I’m packing my bags for Los Angeles (for the Tontine final casting…are you sick of hearing about that yet?) but I’m actually packing for Arizona.  We are off for some fun and relaxation in the sun.  I’m trying to get things together today and I’m at a loss as to what knitting project to take.  Of course there will be socks for the plane but I need a more substantial project once we get there.  Now that MS3 is finished, everything I have on the needles right now is a design project and I’m kind of sick of them.  I’d rather have something mindless to take with me.  After looking at my Ravelry queue, my knitting books and magazines I came up with…nothing.  How is that possible?  I was thinking something simple and fallish.  Having found nothing, I cast on for a simple v-neck raglan.  Yes…another design.  Why can’t I ever make things easy on myself?  As far as designs go though, you can’t get too much easier than a raglan.  I’m hoping to add some lace to jazz it up.

Back to the whole Tontine thing (I know, I know…it’ll all be over soon and we can get back to your regularly scheduled knit blog) I learned something new about the process today.  I hate it when I’m so naive!  This whole time I thought they had sent both the emails I got about making a video for you tube to everyone that auditioned…kind of a way to get the buzz going about the show.  After watching one of the new videos that went up this morning, I think I was wrong about that.  The guy had someone in the video he met at the casting call and that person was not asked to submit a video.   :think:  Think this means I am in round 2 of casting without my knowledge?!  Hmmm…I sure hope so although I need a lot more video views, ratings and comments if that is the case…please go watch and comment!  Some of the videos already have 3000+ hits. I know the casting crew isn’t using just the video stats to choose the contestants, but it can’t hurt…right?  This is not a noble a cause like Claudia’s ride or Knitters without Borders but the knitting community comes through in times of need, so maybe this will be one of them!

I was able to get the final shots of the mystery stole 3 this weekend. I can’t believe how big it is!

Final Stats:

Pattern: Mystery Stole 3 by Melanie

Yarn: Kaalund Yarns Expressions (100% kid mohair) Color: Wombat Needles: US 1 addi circ Amount: 2 skeins (only 8g left over) Mods: None…knitted as written. Measurements before blocking: 70″ x 27″, after blocking: 95″ x 28″

My favorite part of this stole is the wing. If I ever made it again, I would do it with a wing at each end.

Ok…so by now you probably know about my Tontine audition. I wasn’t sure whether I’d get another chance to make a video but I was able to get some help.  I think I was able to capture some of my personality and get across why I’d be good on the show (it’s sort of “super” reality show…cross between Survivor, Amazing Race, etc.  7 continents in 100 days) although it’s really hard to get everything that might be relevant in under 10 minutes.  The producers wanted us to post on youtube so I did.  Your comments, views and ratings might help me get on the show…so please spread the word!  Try to get everyone you know to vote for me so a knitter can finally make it on reality tv.   Go see it now!

Mystery Stole 3 is off the needles! If for some bizarre reason you have no clue what MS3 is (although I can’t imagine who that would be), a quick run down.  Melanie designs a beautiful (secret and sight unseen) stole and then proceeds to dole out clues (aka instructions) over several weeks.  Other than knowing it’s a stole, you have no clue what it’s going to look like…a leap of faith.  It’s actually fun and I was always anxious for Friday to arrive so I could receive the next clue.  I finished yesterday and I really love the wing…I wish it had two (I think that is coming in a future pattern release from Melanie).  Before blocking the stole was 70″ on the longest side and 27″ wide at the rectangular part.  After blocking measurements to come but to give you an idea it doesn’t fit on a queen size bed.  Hope it’s not too long!  Final pictures soon  :wine: 

P.S.  I you are a JenLa reader (and if you aren’t…why the hell not?!) and have been having trouble getting to their website, don’t be worried.  All is well in JenLa land except for their stupid server.  Technical difficulties are expected to be beaten into submission soon.

Huge thanks to Jen and Marin for hopping right on the bandwagon to get the word out about my Tontine audition! Between them and my buds at KH I was getting tons of views, comments and positive ratings at youtube despite my dismal video. Unfortunately, I don’t think all the knitters in bloglandia and all my good friends (some of them even say they’re my personal “fans” ) would be enough to counteract an uncreative video. So I deleted it (and I’m so glad I did…a couple of others have them up now and they’re hysterical…but don’t go look or vote!) It just wasn’t me…I couldn’t figure out how best to get my personality and attitude on tape without involving other people. It’s one thing getting your friends together for a video when your in your 20s…but quite another when you and your friends are 30 and 40 something.

I should have gone with my initial inclination that Tad and Rob got a good sense of what I’m about at the audition even thought I totally forgot what was actually the most “outrageous thing” I’ve ever done…which would be going on a golf trip to Scotland with 10 guys while my husband stayed home. Never would have guessed that one, would you? I really am perfect for the show and I hope I haven’t lost my chance yet. I’ve been obsessed with the idea of being on the show ever since the audition even though I realize the chances are slim to none. I don’t know what has happened to me. I’m not sure if it’s more being overcome with greed (how could you not be for 10 million…but really I would just love for Jim to be able to retire so he can focus on his health) or enthralled with the idea of visiting all 7 continents and having the experiences of a lifetime? How do they possibly decide who would be the best on the basis of a 10 minute interview? I don’t envy that job. Obviously Tad must be good at it since he’s produced some hits over the last couple of years. If anyone associated with Tontine happens to see this…PICK ME. You won’t be sorry. I can promise you that.

It’s quite appropriate that I show you my completed socks with this post (I started them in the car to St. Louis…explanation below).  60 stitches on US 1 needles, magic cast on, toe up, boring stockinette with k2 p2 rib in Online Supersocke #100.  I’m not even bothering to count for my so called summer of socks anymore (if you’re still counting, it’s 4 pair).  I should have been a little more careful with the fit.  Since I work almost exclusively with Opal sock yarn it didn’t really dawn on me that my perfect 60 stitch fit might not be quite as perfect in different sock yarn.  It’s also a little rougher than Opal…I’m hoping they’ll soften up in the wash.

Remember a while back when I told you I auditioned for a reality show?  (It’s called Tontine…based on an outlawed concept.) Well here is where the plea part comes in.  The producer has asked potential contestants to make a video for you tube.  I am sure there will be all kinds of creative and inspiring videos.  Mine is not one of them ;)  However, I am finally putting that psychology degree to good use by testing the primacy theory.  I may not have the best video but I do have the first.  And I really am the perfect contestant…competitive to a fault, in shape, adaptable and ready to go!  Edited:  Even though all you guys were showing the Diva love, I decided to take down the video.  It was way too boring.  I am so competitive but I have no ideas about how to make that come across in a video I’m doing myself.  Should have consulted you before filming!  At any rate, they still have my original audition and I doubt that not having a video would automatically rule me out.  They must still want some fun “normal” people in addition to the ones that will be performing crazy stunts and tricks for the camera???  Let’s hope so.  

Wouldn’t it be great to see a fellow knitter on tv?  I’ve already given some serious thought to what knitting I’d take with me as I jet around the globe.  Of course I’m thinking socks since they’re small portable and light (although I’d probably end up knitting the same sock over and over since space will be an issue).   Oh and no smooth segue to this one, but go check out the latest issue of Yarnival…my article on Norwegian Purling made it in!

I’m having a summer sale in the store (it only lasts until Sunday…go check it out) so I thought it might be a good time to reduce my personal stash as well.  Some of this stuff I didn’t even know I had!  I have the pictures up so you can start looking.  Please spread the word!  Prices, details, etc. coming soon. :wine: 

Hi All,

 I promised a periodic update. Yesterday I finished the first full diamond pattern. Only 5 more to go! At this rate I might be finished before the baby is born… well hopefully! I didn’t have any problems after the life line. Everything turned out fabulous. I took it out after finishing this first diamond pattern and will probably put one back in at this point before I move on. As you all explained better to be safe than sorry!!

 See the pictures for the updated progress…

I wrote this pattern quite a while ago but was never quite sure what to do with it.  I meant to revisit it at some point…possibly consolidate the options to make it a little more user friendly and use a smaller gauge yarn.  Since it doesn’t look like that will ever happen, I thought I’d go ahead and release it.  It’s been in the 90s here for days and a cool cotton tank certainly fits the bill!  Download the .pdf file here.

 The theme for MS3 was revealed yesterday and the inspiration for the design is Swan Lake.  Part of the design is a wing at the end which makes it asymmetrical.  I love that idea but the designer did make it an option to repeat the beginning of the pattern for those who would prefer a symmetrical stole.  My problem with this set up is that while I am waiting for the last clue, those who choose not to do the wing can now finish.   Doesn’t seem quite fair!  I guess I’m getting impatient to get this off the needles.  I think it is going to be stunning after it has been blocked!

I don’t know if this has any bearing at all on my chances of being chosen,  but I made the wrap up video!  Check it out if you’d like to see part of what I said at the casting call.  St. Louis had the biggest crowd yet.  I can hardly wait to find out if I make the call back…I’d love the opportunity to compete.  Please keep your fingers crossed for me!