Yarncat in Spain

I love Spain, I have been there many times, have been more cities in Spain than I realised.

Places Yarncat have been visited in Spain

Click to enlarge

Yet, I keep going back. Food is tasty, meal times are weird, people are special and the weather is lovely. If you have been Spain, you should know what I mean. If you have never been Spain, what are you waiting for? You should go there as soon as possible!

Of course, for many knitters nowadays, a trip to a foreign country is not complete without a local Stitch N Bitch and yarn shopping. Yarncat won’t disappoint you, I have done that both.

Helen is the first friend I made when I moved to Paris. I met her on the second day of my Parisian life and since then, we have been good friends. She moved to Marbella on 2006 and it is my second time to go visit her. (When is she going to come visit? Helen! Are you reading this now?)

So here are some photos I took from Marbella:

Streets of Marbella

(I start to type in orange here to get a Spanish mood, hohohoho)

Orange Square: You got quite a few nice restaurant here where you can eat staring at the orange from the oranges trees around you.

Then you have this beautiful church...

...which is obviously multilingual!

Helen is living up on hill of Marbella, overlooking the sea. If you really pay attention, you can see the triangle of sea from this photo that I took on the balcony of her sitting room. Of course the socks were there too!

Here is where I had tapas, drinks and a bit of knitting before going to the beach. Man you can't go to the beach right then, look the sun! I don't want to die from skin cancer at the age of 30! (I am 28.)

La siesta! See? The street is dead, no kidding...

Before going on my trip, I have been in touch with a fellow Raveler Rachel who lives in the surrounding of Marbella area. I asked her if there is any local Stitch N Bitch and if she knows any LYS around. Turns out there is no regular local Stitch N Bitch so we decided to meet up and do our own for once!

It was a lovely lovely afternoon I have spent with Rachel. She has shown me her LYS and the limited yarn resource she could get from other places -- Chinese hardware stores...

As many of us have already talked about how knitting has linked people from different culture, different background together regardless of lifestyle, nationality, gender, etc. Meeting a complete stranger from Ravelry and turned out to be a lovely experience is yet again a proof of just that. (Rachel, if you are reading this, thank you very much again for the wonderful afternoon, gracias!)

I know I know, you have been waiting for the yarn purchase, here you have it:

The items on the right, are laceweight viscose yarn in gold, green and self-striping purple (at least I believe, I won't know how the colour change turns out right now, will I?) There is even little picture tell you how to pull the yarn out! Duh!

Surprisely, both of them are Italian. I didn't get any Spanish yarn. Too much novelty and I wasn't in the mood for merino. (Reminder: 35 degrees out there)

The 3 balls on the left are self-striping COTTON yarn. You might not understand why I am so excited about this yarn. Then go out and try to buy 100% cotton sock yarn and get back to me. Even better, you can try to find 100% cotton self-striping sock yarn, then you will understand how difficult to find them. You might ask, 'why do you need to buy 100% cotton then?' I'll go, 'ask my man!' He said his feet don't feel very good in any artificial material, so there...

Since I am desperate to know if there is a way I can get more of this yarn, better a stable source of supply of it if it turns out great, so I went to the website of this company and found out their major business seems to be spinning yarn for industrial use. If anyone of you know the contrary or know any source to buy this yarn, please leave a comment.

LYS in Marbella:
There are two places to buy yarn in Marbella-
1. Merceria Mari Carmen

Huerta Chica, 5
29601 MARBELLA (MALAGA)

It is where I got the yarn in the photo above. The gentleman in the shop is very nice. However, he is kind of old-school. Like he told me, the laceweight yarn will be too thin to make anything but crochet. When I asked him, how about lace? Then he was like, 'er...' then shrugged. He is also into selling me novelty yarn, just kept piling them on. But he is nice though.

2. Merceria Mis Labores

Av. Nabeul, 6
29601 MARBELLA (MALAGA)

I didn't successfully get into this shop since it's opening hour is from 08:30 to 14:00. But I saw from their window that they stocked Katia and some Spanish merino.

To end this entry, I have a few tips about yarn purchase in Spain.
1. Please be prepared that a lot of yarn stores are still using the "behind the counter" system, so you won't be able to touch the yarn freely.
2. They have odd opening hours, because of Siesta and stuff.
3. When you ask people direction to the yarn store in limited Spanish and showing them your knitting from your bag, they will look at you bizarrely. Don't ask me how do I know that.

Where is Yarncat?

You might have asked yourself during the course of my absence, ‘is this blog over now?’ or ‘where is yarncat?’. (Not that I assume there is anyone of you watching this space.)

Anyway, I am still here, just that, people, it is summer!!! Should we all just try to get out a little instead of sitting in front of the computer???

There are many things one (read: me) can do than writing one’s (read: my) blog that nobody reads...

Namely:

1. Knit a bikini to prepare your trip to see your friend in Spain


2. Go to Spain


3. Sitting on the beach in Spain in your own handknit bikini to knit sock


4. Knit sock on the beach in Spain


5. Knit sock while listening to the band on the beach in Spain


6. Knit sock while eating yummy BBQ Squid on the beach in Spain


7. Knit sock on another beach in Spain (It really is another one, look at that umbella, they are different from the one before!)


8. Knit sock in a spa


9. Knit sock sitting next to the pool (Yes, I was reading Your Cat Magazine at the same time too! hohohohoho)


If you are jealous of me and would want to know where exactly in Spain I was, I was in Marbella to see my friend Helen.

View Larger Map

(to be continued tomorrow...photos of Marbella, LYS info + yarn purchase photo, local SNB, etc!)

Spinning Class

I have attended a spinning class some weeks ago at This Is Knit. Yes, it’s been some weeks ago and I haven’t been motivated enough to put all the photos on my blog.

Actually, they are not really my photos after all, I got all these photos from a fellow French knitter Lauréole.

I swear, I was very well prepared to charge my camera the night before so that I could take photos for me and fellow knitters / spinners in class. So what happened? I forgot the camera in the charger of course! Anyway, thank you very much Lauréole.

In fact, I have read some information on the internet about spinning already before I went to the class. I have even tried once after getting some tips from Lindy. But without somebody who actually tell you how all your fingers should move (in this case, fellow Dublin knitter Diane is the 'somebody'), it was somehow different.

Look at us, patiently listen to the instruction. From left to right, we have Laura, Yarncat and Lisa.

Soon after, I was spinning like wind!

We had tea and chat and so much fun. All in all, it was such a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Fellow Dublin knitters, if you are not sure if you should be joining this class, see what I got after the class?

Close up to see it more clearly how fine the yarn spun up? I am surprised I am able to make such fine yarn!!!

You might wonder what am I going to do with all these handspun? I think I am going to pile them and will try to see if it is enough to make a pair of gloves or something...Will definitely keep you guys posted.

Interested to get some handspun? Check that out with Lisa.

Fitted Knit: Book Review + FOs Show Off

Haven’t been updating my blog very often, bad blogger I am. But with my Spanish trip coming up in two weeks, my sister coming to visit, Larm larm the cat / king continues to destroy my apartment, sometimes, it is really difficult to find time to write though I love writing and I have actually seriously thought of being a writer one day…well, that's completely another story that I will tell some day.

Anyway, today, I am going to do a long entry, FO show-offs + book review all in one go! Are you ready?

Fitted Knit by Stefanie Japel

Stefanie Japel is my favourite designer so far since I picked up knitting again almost a year ago. (You might refer to the side-bar to see I have put her link as my favourite designer since the beginning). Her design is just so my style that I can almost wear any of her designs. They are elegant but sassy, modern but vintage, I just love every bit of it.

Fitted Knit is one of the few books I got that I have decided to make tons of things from the book the moment I flipped through the book.

Here is what I have made so far.

Organic Tee

I made this tee with Sublime Organic Cotton and some left over Rowan Handknit Cotton for the edging.

You will notice I have changed the pattern a little bit. The original pattern has an opening as a split neck. I have closed it up instead to avoid the possibility of showing bra strap...

The hand of the Organic Cotton is very very soft that I have ALMOST decided that I will stick with Organic Cotton yarn from now on. I said almost because it turns out this yarn tangle together just by the touch of your finger! When I said tangle, I meant really really impossible to untangle it. I spent half an hour one day with my knit friend Carrie to un-do one ball. Then the other day, I ran into this ball that I have successfully saved half of it and the second half is still sitting here and I have given it up.


Though tragedy like this happened, I still have a strong belief that organic and consume locally is the way to go, I will hence continue my search for my perfect organic yarn.

Another thing to talk about for this project is the clasp. Can you believe how difficult it is to buy a cloak clasp nowadays? I have been searching all over Dublin (read consume locally above!) for clasps or clasp-ish button or fasteners. I gave up and ended up buying things on ebay again. It is sad to know many of these crafty stuffs will take so long to find and end up unavoidably on ebay or other online shops. Think about how much carbon footprint there is for buying this clasp? How much local economy we could have supported if people used to do enough craft to have their own trimming shop with abundant selection, etc etc. Don't want to dig into the 'consume locally' lecture too much, back to the tee...

The tee knit up wonderful and got a lot of compliments. Few days ago, my mum actually ordered one from me (first time ever being interested in handknit stuff in her life). This is a wonderful pattern, very easy to knit up, top-down pattern you can try on the go. 100% perfect.

The second item I have made from this book is Drop Stitches Top



(Sorry for the light washing out the colour on the close-up photo). The pattern is easy but not boring. I used Patons 4ply Cotton and it was such a joy knitting it up. This yarn has very clear definition which helps the sewing up process as well. It is also the first time ever I do eyelet button holes and it was fun though I don’t plan on actually using the buttons but it looks professional.

I find myself wearing this top very often to go to work. It brightens up my work day by being reminded by the top that I have a wonderful second life (craft life I meant) outside the cubicle-farm.

After showing my FOs from Fitted Knit, I have also a few quick points to make about why this book is excellent if you are wondering if this book is for you.

1. There are projects for all seasons in the book. From tee to cardi, suit to coat, you will be able to find something to knit in anytime of a year.
2. The projects are categorized into different skill level which helps you to choose projects that fit your knit-mood (wants something challenging, some TV projects, etc)
3. Since this book is called Fitted Knit, it is all about form-fitting. There is a little lecture about form fitting at the beginning of the book that uses the projects in the book as examples. You will be surprised that sometimes, form fitting doesn’t even involve calculations, you can simple use different stitch pattern to create a visual illusion and stuff. There are so much more information in the book that you will have to read it by yourself!

All in all, I love this book. I love the designer, the projects are great, what else can you ask more?

Now the hard part is waiting for her second book to release…

Larmlarm the King turns into Irish

Our fellow Irish knitter Carrie has officially naturalized to be an Irish citizen, I am so happy for her.
I wonder what does it take to be Irish, here comes the stereotype: red-headed, Irish dancing, potato-eater, ah, the most important one, heavy-drinker.
Will being in Ireland turn one into Irish? Or you can never be real Irish?
Anyway, I think my cat Larmlarm the King understands one rule of thumb -- when in rome...
So he decided to learn to be a bar-standing, beer-drinking Irish cat...

I swear there is no Photoshop involved whatsoever, it is a real picture!!!

If you don't believe me, look at the second one while he is ACTUALLY drinking, I don't think you can Photoshop that!!!

So in your opinion, what does it take to be Irish? Can Larmlarm the King pass to be Irish?

New Charger

Hi everyoneeeee...I am back after two weeks away from blogging. (Reason refers to the last entry.)

What have I done during these two weeks? Loads of things! I am going to go through all these with you in the coming days. (If not, it will become a half an hour reading entry)

First up, Larm's kick pillow.

Since Larmlarm the cat/king/owner of the house likes to kick our feet, I have decided to make him a kick pillow if kickboxing is his hidden dream job.

I have used cable patterns in the middle for the following reasons:
1. I can practice how to make cables.
2. It will tough up the fabric for the rough kicking of Larmlarm the king.
3. It is nice to look at anyway, no? Let's look at the close-up.

I know, some of you might be suspicious about if LL the king will actually kick this pillow? I have prepared photo report for you...

Step 1. Observe the enemy...(imagine some kung fu music starts, dang dang dang dang dang, cha cha cha, dang dang, cha...)



Step 2. Calculate the risk of an attack...(notice there is a broken panda at the top left corner of the photo? It is one of the millions toy LL the king has lying around in the house. If you say, 'oh man, poor panda's spine is broken, then imagine my feet got the same treatment of LL the king and you might start to understand why I make this kick pillow, etc)

Step 3. Um...let's try another angle to attack, we could lick and understand the smell of the enemy...


Step 4. Corner the enemy...

Step 5. Getting ready...


Step 6. FULL ON ATTACK WITH FOUR PAWS!!!


Step 7. KICK THE HELL OUT OF THE PILLOW!!! (Look at his face, it is scary, isn't it? Eyeing me right into the camera like 'what are you doing? stop freaking taking me picture, I am going to sue!)


Step 8. Something unbelievable happened!!! CIRCLE KICK!!!

(Look at the sad sad broke panda still lying there...)

On a less violent and more loving tone, I am glad that the national newspaper Irish Times has interviewed some of the StitchNBitcher in Dublin City Centre Group and done a full page feature. The article was honest enough to give Irish people a real picture of knitting and knitters in Dublin nowadays. Please click here to refer to the article.

Preview: More FO done during these 2 weeks, some heavy-duty crafty stuff purchased, spinning class participated by Yarn Cat.

Book Review (without laptop)

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury,

Please look at this picture.


You are all going to go, 'oh look at this little cat, hugging people's foot, so cute...'

But if I tell you, he is the cat from hell and try to destory everything on this planet (he can't go out since he lives in an appartment building so he decided to destory everything inside this appartment instead), will you believe me? Ok, let's try again...Look at the suspect again...

Well, I don't care if you believe me, but he did this!!!


That explains my absence = I CANNOT USE MY LAPTOP ANYMORE! THE CHARGER IS BITTEN BY A CAT!

So how can I access to my blog now? Using the old slow desktop and take 10 years to upload all these photos!

Now back to the business, book review:

Mason Dixon Knitting

First of all, I love this book. It is one of the most inspirational knitting book out there to send the message to 'knit out of the box'. Knitting doesn't necessarily mean garment, knitting for others, knitting complicated piece of art. Knitters can knit because they like to knit and they enjoy doing it. Simple knitting is fun too! I am totally in love with this concept.

The result is, there is no technical how-to section, there is no sweater project in the book. But you have tons of funny projects + tons of inspiration + tons of sense of humour.

So if you are looking into getting a normal pattern book, it is not, I warn you.

Projects include: dishcloth, baby kimono, hand towel, knitting on a demin jacket, piano chair cushion, curtain, nightie, bathrobe, washcloth, container boxes, blanket, rugs, more blankets, more rugs, scarf, shawl, bib, baby basket cozy.

The reason why they have decided to knit for the house and use a lot of square as the basis of their design is:
1. the house never complain it is not fashionable; not the right size, colour; yarn is scratcy.
2. House has to wear its blanket every day instead of once a year after forced by mother.
3. Can't stop knitting, squares are good, just keep on knitting...

I personally love this book and have inspired me a lot. Though I can understand some people are disappointed if there were looking for a more conventional pattern book. So I guess only you can decide if it is what you are looking for.

What have I made from the book? The nightie, the dishcloth, the blanket, and recently the bib. I enjoyed very much during the process of making all of these. They are all very easy knit but interesting enough to keep you going.

I am so excited to know that they are putting out a second book soon! Have seen the preview somewhere that there will be a knitted mop, a knitted plastic gloves cozy and stuff. I laughed just by looking at it. Can't wait...