Alive To Post Once More!

From Hacking to Hale

This fascinating image of the the bug that knocked me flat until now, is brought to you by Dave Pollard's blog "How To Save the World."

Well y'all, I'm back with the living. It was a close call. Last week, I was on the verge of calling my dear friend Bishop Jamon Butler, to perform extreme unction.

What propelled me to a miraculous recovery, was a vision in my feverish state, of an onslaught of friends and acquaintances, pushing past Mr. K, to ransack my studio, upon my demise.

So, for all of you who were making room, with eyes glazing over, at being the beneficiaries of my stash? Too bad.

Making Up For Lost Time

Gosh, so much has happened, while I was horizontal, and now I am mad biz-a-a-a-a-y! Therefore, this post may sound like a series of news flashes. My apologies.

The appearance of the dazzling Kassie DePaiva at Knitty City on March 16th, packed the house! The event, showcasing her divine crocheted hats, raised $2,000US (click on her name to see pics).
And speaking of Knitty City, I am now officially working there on the weekends. Stop by and see me. Additionally, I will be teaching a "beyond the basics" class, on Saturdays. It is a four week intensive course, limited to five students, and two slots are already filled! A group this small allows me to "customize" your lessons. If you miss the first group, don't worry–a new class will begin every four weeks. Knitty City 208 West 79th Street; 212 724 9595.

Kay Gardiner, and Anne Shayne of the notable blog Mason/Dixon Knitting, will be appearing, first at Seaport Yarns, then at Knitty City, for the signing of their new book, "Mason Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters Guide." So, be there, or be square!

Are any of you watching Mystery! on public television, featuring the newly-revived Miss Marple?  My favorite knitting detective, now played by the celebrated British actress Geraldine McEwan, showed up in the first episode in a STUNNING sweater coat!

Happy birthday to you / happy birthday to you / happy birthday dear Ni-co-ole / happy birthday to you!
Go to her blog and shout at her, her birthday's today! You Go girl, you super knitter! It'll take a minute before you get those needles, though. I have to buy a proper drill bit to shape the points. Lucite® is a hard-ass plastic.

America's Next Top Model

Wanda, I finished Della's coat! The body for this design is from Dogs In Knits, by Judith L. Schwartz. This is my book of choice, as she provides you with an accurate way to measure your dog, great sizing, and patterns that actually look good and not too frou-frou! Dogs do have a sense of dignity, you know (all pics enlarge).

This coat that impressed the owners of a forthcoming–May, to be exact–upscale dog and cat boutique named Posh Paws™. For fall, I will be designing a private-label line of dog sweaters for them, using JaggerSpun yarns (a big hello to Chuck!), as well as my own limited-edition and one-of-kind pieces, such as the one you see here. My designs will favor large short-hairs.

Here is the back view

The stitch is Two-Tone Lattice, from A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, By Barbara G. Walker. The main yarn is a custom tweed; three shades of red merino from JaggerSpun yarns and an end of fuschia mohair from my own stash. The contrast yarn is Brown Sheep Co.'s  Worsted. It was knitted using needle sizes eight and ten, in three parts, according to the directions in Judith's book, which gives a better fit: The top, a bottom panel and the collar.

Watch out, Tyra!