Finally! A chance to blog!

Things have been quite hectic with my current work. But I'm actually loving it, in particular, I'm beginning to see the impact of the project. But the thing that makes me happy too is being able to continue to do what I love... knit & bead! ^^

Just as I said to Melita before, just because I quit from Wool Baa, does not mean I have to stop knitting. ^^ In fact, I got more time to knit and I've finally finished my pink/green bow tie scarf which I'm quite happy with. Best of all I finished it on time for a gift. ^^

(Taa daa! All finished! ^^)

I'm currently knitting my own scarf... I'll show the photos when it's done. ^^ But next, I'd probably knit another Fetching (refer to my post here too on my first one) as a gift for someone too. ^^

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On the beading front, I finally "opened" my little stall at J's gallery, Rosie Gallery. It was a fun experience and like Shanwen said, we managed to sell some things. I'm quite happy that people enjoyed the things I made. It's not so much as the money, but I was mostly happy the things are going to good homes.

(That's me knitting while err...watching my stall...)

(Mine & Shanwen's share table....)

(Our stall - closer look)

(Shanwen, me and Anuja)

I also got some special orders. Here's one that I did for one particular order. This was a tag-team effort. The request was to make a whole set of necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring. Working with A, I made the ring and earrings. I was really pleased with the results. Here are the items I made. ^^

(On my hand...I'm not a hand model...so pardon if the hand doesn't look too good...lol)

(The earrings made .... I love love love how this turned out!!!)

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Overall, things have been productive. But remember to come by to the next Rosie's Bazaar on Saturday, 24th May 2008.

Details as follows:

78 Johnston Street, Collingwood

(make sure it's Collingwood! Past Wellington Street)

10am to 1 pm

See you there! ^^

new look for me.u & bazaar

I've revamped the website a bit... not exactly what I had in mind (completely) but it'll do...

The address is still: http://www.suki-desu.com/me.u

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me.u @ Rosie's Bazaar

Still knitting!

Yes, yes I'm still alive and knitting. ^^ Things was hectic during the March period and things that I wished was not happening was happening. Thus there was a lack of update in my blog. However, the knitting went on. And so did the jewellery making. :)

I'm currently knitting the bow tie scarf which you may remember from my previous entries here. The one that I'm making now is knitted in pink and green using a blend of Zara and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK. So far, I love the colour combination! ^^ Though I'm a bout 1/2-way there, I can't wait till this is done!

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On the jewellery making side of things, sales on etsy is a bit slow. However, when I started doing this again, I've told myself time and time again that it is a hobby and should not take precedence over my whole life so that the lack of sales would not affect me at all. However, one can always hope that sale would come one's way.... ^^

The good thing about making your own jewellery is that you'll always have earrings ready, designed in a way that you want it. Above is a piece I did for myself. I just wanted a really long pair of earrings to wear when my hair is down. And when I say long, I really love my earrings long and I love love love mismatched earrings!!!

Then, a gift! I made this for a colleague's bday. And to see her wear it, I'm happy....^^

And all these are the new stuff at the store today! ^^

So yes....I have been VERY productive! ^^

me.u relaunched!

Before I launched into me.u being relaunched (yes, there is a pun).... I'll talk about what's been going on for the past week instead. :) Unfortunately, I was not able to catch up with Melita as I was swamped with deadlines even until the day before Good Friday. Sorry Melita!!! But hope that we can catch up next time and lovely to see you at the Stitches and Craft show! ^^

Well, when I first started working, there was one very lovely helpful person who sort of helped me to make the transition. Unfortunately, she will be leaving the uni for her new job. So to thank her I knitted her a scarf. I had to do a quick knit as I only realised she was leaving 3 days before it happened. :P So here is the result. I just hope that she liked it...and at least get some wear out of it. ^^

During the Easter break I went to Mt. Dandenong and it was fantastic! I got to watch the sunset with T and we played in the maze. Yes, we were like little kids, but hey it was fun! ^^

Look how the city of Melbourne was subtly captured in the photo...:)

But.....my coup (shhh...don't tell T) for the holidays was...GEELONG!!!! Yes...Geelong!!! If you would like to know why I'm excited, look at this photo:

Still no idea why?? Let's look closer....

Apparently, Geelong is a knitting town!!!! I went to the Wool Museum and I swear I was like a little kid in a candy store. My poor friend C probably thought I'm like a little kid. I got really excited when I saw a 100 year old Axminster carpet machine and got even more excited when they demonstrated how it worked. Then all the antiqued knitting machines!!! It's was simply fabulousknitty!!!! I didn't buy any yarn though not for the lack of trying....unfortunately most shops were closed for the holidays and the yarns I managed to find are not exactly my favourite colours. But I still had a blast! :)

Check out the yummy, knitted, yes knitted goodies!!!! ^^

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I also finally got my SLR and hence the relaunching of me.u
New items has been photographed and listed. I used the etsy.com platform for the new store. Please tell your friends, or just visit it for fun. Feedback would be nice to improve...:)

http://www.suki-desu.com/me.u

A Tale of Two Scarves....

...and very long ones they are. First is Creamy Peaches. Knitted in using 3 balls of Zara on 7mm needles, this scarf is a delight to knit. Soft to the touch, this scarf starts off with 28 stitches, knitted in the following pattern *k2, p1, repeat from * until last stitch k1. It became extremely long as all 3 balls of Zara was used up. I only casted off after the last ball almost finished. Very happy with this.^^

Next is Meeting Lines. This scarf is an experimentation. I was inspired by a Grinasco yarn that I've seen before which was a blend of pink and grey. However, I wasn't into the yarn composition, so I decided to buy 2 similar colours and blend it. I knitted this with 2 balls of Jaeger Extra Fine Merino Chunky in grey and 2 balls off Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in dusty pink. I knitted the 2 yarns together on a 12mm needles, casting on 8 stitches. After casting off, I picked up the side stitches and knitted the other way just to see how it looks. Finished with fringing, it captures the softness of both yarns, and hopefully presents an interesting effect when worn! ^^

Going?

Shanwen, we are going to this right? On the 15th? Will you be in Melbourne Melita??

I've taken the plunge...

and knitted in public! I know I know...while this activity seems normal to the avid knitter, I must admit I've never done it until this Sunday past. I've always thought I'd feel strange knitting in public or someone would sort of start pointing at me. To my surprise, I knitted in public without any major drama. In fact, has knitting came out in the open so much that no one would bat an eyelash to see someone knitting in public?

Anyhoo, the knitting in public episode has resulted in this!

I finished Juliet II! ^^ Knitting in the bamboo has been a mixed feeling. While it does split and drives one mad when needing to unravel a couple of stitches when mistakes are made, I cannot say I'm displeased with the result at all. In fact, knitting the pattern in slightly smaller needles produced a good gauge IMHO. While initially I had problems with a couple of rows, after taking a break, I actually knitted Juliet II without any mistakes. I did not have to do any creative embroidery with this! I love the colour and I'm still undecided if the button would be it. I still want to consider an interesting ribbon to finish it off. But I must say, I'm extremely happy. Serenity gave me knitting bliss! ^^

And knitting in public certainly makes one more productive!

*note Serenity is the name of the yarn used.

In memory of the cakes shared....

... every Saturday by me & J. Peggy Lee's Siamese Cat Song playing on the computer as the customers sip their tea or coffee while browsing. The dead bugs in the jewellery display cases and the dust in the front book case. And the number of times I had to tell people the ugly yellow and black colour choice on the website was not my doing at all and of course...the vacuuming.

This Saturday (23rd Feb 2008) will be my last day working at Wool Baa.

The things I learnt, the things I experienced, the friends I made will be treasured. :) In fact, it's not a goodbye to all, so you'll see me there from time to time. Just because I'm quiting, does not mean I have to stop knitting. ^^ As Melita said to me, now I can be a customer and I can be demanding if I want! ^^

Imelda's Wish

It all started with a birthday wish...

.... and thus Imelda's Wish is contained in this box. She requested for something hand-made and this is what I came up with...

This short necklace features a lovely cloth button, crochetted & glass beads to delight and a little "wish" tag to make sure that all Imelda's wishes would come true. ^^

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On the knitting front, taking time to catch up with my knitting over the long Australia Day weekend. Juliet II had a growth spurt, but not much to deem it finished. So the knitting goes on...

Finally, one project finished!!! (Dad's Scarf)

Forgive the grainy photo, but I did try to catch the details to this scarf knitted using 15mm needles with Zara Col. 1468. ^^ This scarf is my dad's Christmas present... at which point during Christmas I presented to him still in yarn format. ;;^^ But anyway, it's done now and hope my dad will get to get at least 1 wear out of it during winter... for some reason I found the males in my life don't really wear scarves. Except for my older brother who lives in tropical Singapore. Go figure. :P

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Pattern

Material:
3 ends of Zara Col. 1468
A pair of 15mm needles
Darning in needles

How To:
Cast on 10 stitches.
1st row: *K2, P1, repeat from * till last stitch K1.
2nd row: *K2, P1, repeat from * till last stitch K1.
Repeat this until balls run out or desired length is achieved.
Cast off.

A Job!

I've finally been offered a longer contract with the university I'm working for before. However, I've been given the position at another department. Everything seemed so scary, but I guess it it part of going for that first full time job. I didn't know when I got this job, it was meant to be full time... it was really a do'h moment...;;^^

But anyway went for my first day today and they actually gave me an office. I'm still amazed even though there may be a slight chance of me being moved to another office. It was still an office. The place was like a maze and I'm also amazed when I went to staff room I saw a large flat screen TV!!!! With Foxtel on it... o.O

Unlike April's workplace though...lol the dustmites are a mix of male and female...;;^^

Anyway, everything seemed to be pretty much flexible, starting and finishing time etc...

I just hope everything will work out...;;^^

Anyway, hope I can knit soon... if only it's not so hot here...;;^^

New Year's Resolution

This entry is inspired by April's blog entry. The new year is only hmm... hours away and like everyone else, I have my own resolutions. Every new year is a beginning and a continuation so here are my resolutions. ^^

1. To lose weight & live healthier.
I guess that is 2 resolutions isn't it? ;;^^ I have to admit that I have recently gained weight. Maybe it's the Krispy Kreme Donuts, the Doughbuoys Donuts... the creamy (but oh so yummilicious) long-johns and donut that J always got me on most Saturdays... but I really have to lose some weight this coming year. I got the exercise machines. I just need to use them now. ;;^^

2. To actually have a "career".
I've finally finished my official study, so I guess that next step is to actually work properly. Yes, I'm working now, but I guess I just want to be a bit more serious about it now. I hope next year things will work out as I planned and I'll be able to say really what is my occupation by the middle of the year. I don't mind having multiple career, but I just want to work and actually earn some serious money, not erm just pocket money.

3. To re-study my problem-solving materials that I got from my previous supervisor.
This is an odd sounding one... but when I worked as a Research Assistant, I was lucky enough to work with a supervisor who wrote an interesting material on problem solving. I studied it but I got lost somehow in the middle as it became technical. This coming year, I want to study it again and actually apply it.

4. To be a better person (ie. more patient, more loving, more determined and less procrastination!).
You get the idea. :)

5. To study for my JLPT exams (maybe).
I'm still unsure if I really want to get the certification for my Japanese... but I studied it for 3 years before... :P I guess I might as well if I have the time and the money for the lessons. ;;^^

Anyway these are really the ones so far... I'll add to it as I go... haha...

Anyway would be lovely to hear what your resolutions are. ^^

Kris Kringle Scarf II

Similar to my other Kris Kringle scarf (which I'm glad was liked by the recipient as the next day she wore it when I happened to see her on the street!!!), this scarf utilises the idea of patches. So I used up my Jo Sharp DK wool stash and my Cleckheaton Country Natural stash and this is what I came up with. ^^

Hope the other person to get this would be happy too...^^

A Greeting....

What Kind of a Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Goddess. You are constantly giving and are unconcerned with reward, you simply want others to love knitting as much as you do. If someone wants to knit miles of novelty yarns, you are there for them. If someone wants to learn short row shaping, you can help. There are no taboos in knitting, only opportunities to grow. Everyone should have friend like you around if they want to learn to knit, and there's a good chance that your passion has rubbed off on a few others.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

I love Kris Kringles!

Not that I love receiving presents (though who wouldn't) but I also love making my presents or even going through the whole present finding process makes me happy...;;^^

Anyway, this year I have 2 Kris Kringles with 2 groups of friends so I decided to use up my stash. This scarf may look "strange" when rolled up... almost boxy isn't it?

Well, it is! ^^ This scarf has been knitted with 3 ends of 8 Ply on 12mm needles, with a pattern adapted from Lynne Barr's Knitting New Scarves. If you have to get a scarf book, I wouldn't give this book a miss. I picked it up by accident. It was located right at the top shelf of a local Borders store. Those who know me personally would have known I am vertically challenged and could have completely missed the book. But out of curiosity to see what is on the top shelf, got a stool and grabbed this, browsed it and I was sold! I love the designs for the sheer creativity and best of all, the scarves are actually not that hard to make and they are adaptable as shown on this featured scarf.

Anyway, I hope whoever gets this scarf would be happy... ^^

As if I need more buttons....

but yep. Each time there is a button sale, you can bet that I'll be there. Though I did pick up some really cool buttons. ^^

This would be a rather longish entry... at least many photos and information to share. So please bear with me. ^^

So I took a break with Juliet II and produced this! This scarf has been knitted with Karabella - Aurora Melange in shade 18. As usual, I knitted this scarf on a 15mm needles with 3 strands at the same time. This piece is actually knitted for mum whom I think always look lovely with a dash of amethyst colour. She'll be arriving for my graduation so I'll keep you posted if she likes it or not...haha

Hopefully this scarf will tantalise my knitting mojo so I can finish Juliet II...though I have this sudden urge to knit more scarves. In summer..d'oh!

Also, being quite productive produced 3 jewellery designs. Well, actually 2 are pressies for people and they've been made with the people in mind. One features a long necklace with a filigree detail to suit my friend, Evelyn while the other one is deliberately kept simple as Chia (my other friend) seemed to like more simple accessories. ^^ Well, the third...umm it's mine. My own piece was made short, almost like a choker. I was playing around with wires and some of my buttons and I saw this choker/necklace idea from a Taiwanese drama I was watching. So the design kind of evolved from there.

For Evie

For Chia

For myself

I didn't post them at my jewellery site as I'm trying to keep new things until the new site is up. But I had so much fun doing them that I couldn't wait but to share them...;;^^

Also, have posted new links for yarns or book purchases. ^^ One courtesy of Melita and one courtesy of a customer. For great yarns you can get some from Webs, while Book Depository offers FREE International mailing! So these two sites are great resources for any knitters! ^^

Ok, that is enough from me... lol you can stop reading now. ^^