That's Sew Odd...

I was browsing the patterns at our local JoAnn's, and came across a little top with a cute ruffle detail (which probably isn't showing up in my lousy photo!). Bought it, took it home, opened up the envelope and discovered -- I had the paper pattern for the pattern I bought, but the instruction sheet was for another pattern entirely. First time that's ever happened to me -- anyone else?

I probably could have stitched the top without instructions, but I really wanted to know how that ruffle was done, so the next day, back to the store I went. After explaining my problem to the clerk, we went back to the pattern display to see if they had another copy. They did, but when we opened that one up -- same problem -- I'm guessing this particular pattern was produced the day after a major drinking holiday! At any rate, the store clerk having no further clues as to how to help, I sent off an email to the pattern company. Imagine my surprise when I got a response the very next day! It was no big deal for them to fax a copy of the instructions to me -- hmmm, wonder if they've done that before? So, props to Alicia at Simplicity patterns (parent company of New Look) for helping out this sew-ist!

Sandrine...

...who made her debut (last week) on someone else's blog actually.

Stats: Sandrine by Bonne Marie Burns of Chic Knits. Yarn is Rowan Lenpur Linen, color blanche. Sleeves were shortened from the original design.

Currently on the needles --



This one is also a Bonne Marie design -- can you tell I'm a fan? Not sold on the website though -- this one's from the book Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines. It's knit from Gjestal Naturgarn, which is knitting to a larger gauge than the called for yarn, so a little math is being done. I'm also shortening the jacket's length by a bit. It seems a little strange to be knitting with a heavy wool now that spring is finally here, but I'm thinking I'll be just a little ahead of the game come autumn!

And just to show a little crochet love --




Gotta love those Koigu leftovers! Pattern is from Interweave Crochet.

Thank you, Beverly, and thanks for the tutorial on how to actually post this!

As always, there are rules, and here they are:

• Copy the award to your site.
• Link to the person from whom you received the award.
• Nominate 8 other bloggers.
• Link to these on your blog.
• Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.

Well, it seems that most of my regular blog reads have received this, so I'm going to have to go with only 1 nomination. And that would be Vilde, who is a talented knitter, spinner, dyer, and all-round lovely person!

Sigh...

And to update my last post -- I did call the retailer about the problem needles and cable. I spoke with a polite and helpful customer representative, and replacements are winging their way to me as we speak. Since I publicly vented about my frustration with the needles/cable, it's only fair to mention this top-notch customer service. I'm sure I will still feel nervous about those cables, but hopefully I won't have the same breakage as before.

ARRRRGH!

So, I'm knitting along with a very splitty yarn (Rowan lenpur linen) on 200+ stitches on a long (about 36") circular needle when suddenly I hear a "pop" and I find myself holding a needle tip and the cable is heading south with quite a few stitches merrily escaping. (Insert your favorite curse right here)

I can't express how sad I was at that moment. Splitty, slippery stitches falling hither and yon. A deep breath, another muttered curse, and slowly I recaptured the errant stitches and managed to fix several runs.

Sadder still was the realization that I could no longer trust these needles. I mean really -- the cable breaks (or pops out -- I really can't tell) the first time I use it? Not good, not good at all. And this was after having to super glue the wooden needle tip into its metal connector before I even started the project. Totally unrelated problems by the way -- this is an interchangeable needle set -- the cables are sold separately from the needle tips. So, first time use of the needles AND the cable and both have a problem. I had such high hopes for these needles -- such nice pointy tips, such a lovely flexible cable, such a reasonable price! I've heard the retailer is good about returns, but frankly I don't want to spend the postage to send them back only to receive a replacement that may also go the same way. Really, how can you trust them once they've strayed?

On a happier note, the Slinky Ribs top has found its way to Charlestown, MA -- give a little wave if you see it passing by this spring. I really hope it fits its intended recipient (victim?) because it's a cute little top. Stats: Silky Wool by Elsebeth Lavold, from the book Custom Knits.