Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Frustration....

Last night I began (I know this is way behind but...) the Harry Potter scarf for my father's Christmas present. I cast on and, since it is an easy and straight forward pattern, began knitting along while watching TV. I got about 3 inches done last night before I really took a look at it and it is WAY too wide. I am very perturbed! Here I was thinking I was being a good doobie and flying along on my project when I didn't take the time to make sure I was happy with the product.

Moral of the story, slow down a bit here girlie!

Until Next Time,
Frogging - Rip It!

Broke Knitter

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

How Did This Happen?

I know I say it every year, but HOW did Christmas spring upon us this quickly?! I am now in a rush to finish my hand made Christmas gifts. I, of course, haven't even cast on for the scarf I am making for my father. But somehow, I have have the confidence that everything will be finished in time.

I think that the reason for my extreme confidence and happiness is that Randy and I just signed a lease to move to Manhattan's Upper East Side! With shorter commutes in sight I am the happiest person in the Big Apple. Who wants to help Broke Knitter move?

Well, I am off to finish up these holiday gifts. Who else is scrambling? I will post pictures of my progress the next two weeks. Please feel free to share!!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Friday, November 9, 2012

Handmade Presents for Everyone

I cannot believe it is almost the holidays again! I am telling you, once you are out of school I think the years just fly by. When there is no major separation between the years it is scary how quickly they fly!

As the holidays approach I know that many of us will be invited to TONS of holiday gatherings, gift exchanges and open houses. What can you do to make cute holiday gifts without breaking the bank? Well, here is my list of cute, quick, and easy knitting hostess-style gifts for the holiday season:

Made by Broke Knitter
The Wine Bottle Hat and Scarf
This quick and easy little hat and scarf makes your bottle of wine really stand out at a party. It is really cute and people love them because they can re-gift it on another bottle! And if you are not already sold on this idea, you can use stash and scrap yarn for these! I have used all my odds and ends to make these little guys.  Click here to view the free pattern for download on Ravelry courtesy of Sara Neff.

Christmas Tree Ornaments
Pattern courtesy of Red Heart
Pattern courtesy of Andrea Kopacek
Little Christmas tree ornaments also make wonderful gifts. It is personal and something that will last for years to come. Again, use your scrap and stash yarn to make these projects a win-win! There are many different kinds of ornaments you can make. I have shown a few different styles here along with the links to the free pattern downloads on Ravelry.



Coffee Cup Sleeve
Made by Broke Knitter  
How many of us use those little cardboard coffee cup sleeves that every coffee cart and shop gives away. And most of us wind up throwing those away after we get our caffeine fix. This is a great gift for anybody "green." It is also a nice way to warm your hands against your coffee when it is cold outside. Here is a cute little handmade coffee cup sleeve that you can make, again, using your scrap yarn! Click here to view the free pattern for download on Ravelry courtesy of MissKnittyPants.






Good luck with all of your holiday knitting!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Storm Round 2

As if New York hadn't taken enough of a beating from Hurricane Sandy, we have now been subjected to Nor'Easter Athena. When did we start naming snowstorms?

Transit is still an absolute disaster here in the Big Apple and Randy has been working from home for two weeks now. It took me several hours to get home last night amidst the snow and winds and several hours again this morning to get into work. Let me tell you, I cannot wait until the transportation system gets back to normal!

On a high note, the wintery wonderland yesterday prompted me to pull out my winter items and I wore my newly-completed Crazy Cobra Cable Hat (http://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungPadawan/cobra-cable-alpaca-hat) and some wonderful mittens. I was very happy to have my warm and homemade items in the crazy snowstorm yesterday. I feel that the cold weather has really re-inspired me to get knitting!

Until Next Time,
Stranded on the Subway,
Broke Knitter

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Hurrication - Thanks Sandy!

I wanted to begin this post by offering my deepest sympathies and condolences to those who, like Randy and myself, were affected by Hurricane Sandy. While Randy and I made it through the storm unscathed, our neighbors home was very badly damaged and several trees have taken down fences, power lines, sidewalks, and porches on our block. I wish all of you the quickest and safest recovery possible!

That being said, I was stuck at home all week in, what we on Bell Blvd are calling the "Hurrication." While Randy and I were able to run some of our electronics on our backup generator, we were still on a rather low-functioning end of a normal week. This, however, was a GREAT things for all those UFOs sitting around my apartment. I spent each day wrapped in a blanket working on the many unfinished projects that have been stuffed in my closet all year. I think I will have some very happy family members and friends come the Christmas holiday!

What did you do to get through the week without power? Crossword puzzles, regular puzzles, dirty romance novels? I'd love to hear all about it!

Until Next Time,
Finally with some power,
Broke Knitter

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Vogue Knitting Live Marketplace Letdown

As any of you who read this blog on a regular basis know, I am OBSESSED with the marketplace at Vogue Knitting Live. As it is the only conference I can afford to attend each year, it goes without saying that I go a little bananas.

However, I was EXTREMELY disappointed when I was looking at the marketplace hours for the upcoming VKL weekend in NYC. I was already a little peeved that classes are all day Friday through all day Sunday since Monday is a holiday, so this just really bugged me.

So early registration begins on Thursday night followed by a whole day's worth of classes available to take on Friday. However, the marketplace does not open until 5pm on Friday! And, it the opening reception starts at 6:30 with the marketplace closing at 8pm! I thought that in year's past the marketplace preview was the night before classes started and was not on the same night as one of the evening events. Am I correct in this memory?

Marketplace hours for Saturday at 10am-6:30pm, so if you have classes all day on Saturday, too bad for you. And then 10am-6pm on Sunday. Why are the marketplace hours so limited? I thought that the conference was moved to a new location so that we wouldn't have to deal with these kinds of limitations.

It really makes no sense to me. Isn't the point of this weekend to keep you in the conference center spending as much money as you possibly can? They are making that very hard for me and I am not happy about it!

Anyways, that is my rant this morning.

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Movin' On Up

Randy and I are beginning to look at new apartments and hope to move to the island of Manhattan from Queens sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last night we went to view our first apartment. It was a huge let down, and we don't need to go into why, but last night something horrendous dawned on me - I will not be able to bring my knitting stash closet along to our new place!

At our very large place in Queens, I have a whole closet full of stash yarn, knitting books, and other knitting paraphernalia. With the size of these NYC apartments, I think that it is out of the question whether it can come with us or not. While I am mourning that it will have to be moved I am also going to start buttering up to the Mama Bear - maybe she can hold on to some of it for me at the "Casa di ma Padre!."

Until Next Time,
Losing her stash,
Broke Knitter

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

A Crowded Subway is No Excuse for Unlawful Sexual Conduct

I would say that 99% of the time I adore living in New York City. I love the hustle and bustle of the atmosphere, the whistles from porters hailing cabs for excited tourists, and cute little dogs and children running down the sidewalks.

Today, however, was one of those 1% days. I cannot believe how bad the MTA has been lately! Almost every day for the last week I have had some sort of delay, schedule change or track service in one or more legs of my public transportation commute.

To top it all off, the MTA is proposing ANOTHER fare hike in January that will also include service cuts. How can they keep doing this to us?! It makes no sense! Every time there is a fare hike there is also a reduction of service. So now I have to pay more to get less! Who are the idiots here?

Until Next Time,
(Squashed in a crowded subway car) Broke Knitter

Monday, October 22, 2012

Caught Up In The Moment

Are you ever knitting something that you just love the feel of the fiber so much you are actually spending more time touching and playing with the yarn than you are actually completing the project?

I am currently working on a beautiful scarf made of alpaca and I find that I keep forgetting where I am in the pattern, or I spend ten minutes playing with the knitted scarf portion either rubbing it against my neck in anticipation of the winter months ahead, or just simply squishing it in my hands.

It looks like this scarf will take a heck of a lot longer to make than I thought it would if I keep allowing myself to get so monumentally distracted. But I will push through!

Man, the problems of my life! My yarn is so luxurious and nice that I get distracted playing with it. Looks like things are going pretty well these days!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Friday, October 19, 2012

A Moment of Tribute

Dear Readers,
Yesterday would have been the 81st birthday of my grandmother, Anne Robinson. Anne was the strongest, most passionate, and inspiring woman I have ever met. Anne passed away in November of 2009. She took wonderful care of her husband, children, and 10 grandchildren. She was an avid teacher and, more than anything, a devoted knitter.

My grandmother picked up knitting when she decided to quit smoking in the 1960s. She very quickly went from knitting newbie to, what I refer to, as the knitting Yoda.

Anne shared her passion for knitting with everyone she met. It was hard to find a day where she wasn't dressed in some piece of knitted apparel (along with her many many jewels she received from my adoring grandfather). I remember when she taught me to knit. She first got me going when my mother was pregnant with my little sister. I was more interested in spending time with Grammy than I was in learning knitting.

My grandmother passed along her passion for knitting to my mother, who passed it along to me. It is a wonderful way to tie multiple generations together and something that makes me feel closer to my family history.

I know I am a day late on this little tribute, but October 18th is a special day in my family. So, I would like to take a pause and remember a wonderful woman. It is even truer as I plan for my upcoming wedding, but I do not go a single day without thinking of you.

With Love and Respect,
Broke Knitter

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2013

I cannot believe it is almost that time again! Broke Knitter is getting hyped for Vogue Knitting Live NYC coming this January 2013! I have been knitting up a storm lately, trying to finish my Christmas gifts and also create a few new items to wear to knitting's biggest fashion weekend!

I am not sure how I feel about the new location in the heart of Times Square. I know, I sound like a crotchety old New Yorker, but I HATE having to be in Times Square, ESPECIALLY on a holiday weekend. Elbows up!

I am very excited for this year's classes and lectures. I feel as though I did not challenge myself enough last year, so I chose classes with new techniques and ideas for this year's conference. I signed up for:

Lectures:
  • Nicky Epstein On Designing
  • Manipulating Lace Patterns
  • It's Just Yarn, Ladies
Classes:
  • Beyond Entrelac
  • Two-Color Double Knitting
  • Icelandic Chevron Mitten
  • Ten Things Your Mother Never Taught You
Sorry for the dig on that last one there, Mama!

Anyways, Broke Knitter was so excited about VKL she was actually in one of the first 100 people to register for the conference! I am pretty proud of myself on that one. Who else has thoughts on the upcoming conference in July? Anyone super excited for Times Square?

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Food Festival!

TGIT - Thank Goodness it's Thursday!

Having summers off in the Friday (for me) has its ups and downs for me. But this week I am psyched because I leave tomorrow for three beautiful days in the country with Randy and my best friend Katie! Pig Roast here we come!

How do you think these two c-idiots will handle the backwoods this weekend?

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Awful Child

OMG! How could I forget about today's important reason for posting!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL MOTHER, KATE!

While I know everyone spends their mother's birthday's sending cute messages, flowers, or cards, I thought I would put up a little tribute to her here. My mother is the strongest, funniest, most inspiring woman I have ever met. When my grandmother was sick and ailing, my mother was her caretaker. When I was tired or hurt as a child (and sometimes still as an adult), my mother hugs me and makes everything feel better. Whenever something goes wrong at the house, my mother fixes it! It seems there is nothing she cannot accomplish!

I am so proud to be your daughter. I am so thankful you cherished your mother's passion for knitting and passed it along to me. It has been a wonderful way to bond with you and I treasure all the time we get to spend together - knitting or otherwise!

Thank you so much for always taking wonderful care of me, my siblings, and especially, my father. You are an amazing woman and I wish you the most wonderful birthday celebration.

I love you! Happy Birthday!

Broke Knitter

The Knitter Who Is Not A Committer

I have been very remiss in blogging as of late. With all of this wedding craziness (not only my own, but participating in several weddings this summer as well) Randy and I have not spent a weekend at our own apartment in almost 6 weeks!

With that being said, my knitting has taken a very back seat. I was looking through old blog posts today when my soon-to-be father-in-law asked for the blog website. I realized there are so many projects I wanted to complete for last Christmas that I still barely started. But, in all this wedding nonsense I think it is fair to say I cannot do it all!

Does anybody else ever feel as though their knitting becomes a chore they are so busy with life? I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I need a new job!

Until Next Time (and hopefully that will be in the next few days!),
Broke Knitter

Monday, June 4, 2012

Dreary Days Ahead

With all of this rain and cold it's hard to believe it is summertime in New York City. Is anybody else feeling blue at the prospect of a chilly and drizzly week ahead?

All I can say is that Saturday is supposed to be dry. And I certainly hope so! Randy and I are celebrating our first engagement party hosted by Randy's parents at their house in the Hampton's on Saturday. I will be honest, I think I am most excited about getting to open up some presents. I know, I know, I am very greedy but there is no greater feeling in the world then tearing wrapping paper!

Until Next Time,
Desperately Waiting for Saturday...
Broke Knitter

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Happy Surprise

Who was caught completely off guard yesterday when you received the information for Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2013!!! THIS GUY! I cannot believe how early they have announced next year's dates and location.

I do not know how I feel about the new location. As a New Yorker, I DREAD going anywhere near Times Square. If there is anywhere a New Yorker feels out of place, it is there! Oh well, I think it will be great for out-of-town guests to check out the local tourist traps. I wasn't all that happy with the Hilton the past two years (if you all remember "the incident" two years ago where a waiter spilled a whole glass of wine on me!).

Who is up for a new adventure?

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Monday, May 14, 2012

Out of Town/Out of Place Fan

One thing you probably do not know about Broke Knitter, but she is a HUGE sports fan. Growing up in Boston, especially with a sports-crazed father like mine, I had no chance of escaping uninhibited by the world of sports.

As most of you probably know, New York is in full sports fever these days. Ever since (GRRR) the Giants Superbowl win, the Knicks in the playoffs and now the Rangers in the Stanley Cup Eastern Finals, New York fans are crazier than ever.

While I promise that Boston will always been where my roots lie, it has been fun getting caught up in some exciting sports atmospheres.

Exciting news, Julie and Randy are going to tonight's Rangers vs. Devils Game 1 at Madison Square Garden! We got a great deal on a pair of tickets in nosebleed central, but Randy is jumping for joy!

Broke Knitter is going to try to duck out of here a few minutes early today to pick up Randy some new Ranger gear. Who is the best fiancee ever!

Until Next Time,
Here we go Rangers....
Broke Knitter

Friday, May 11, 2012

Spring Has Sprung!

I don't know about the other inhabitants of New York City, but this girl is PSYCHED about the weather we are having today! After being teased with that amazingly warm weather in March we have suffered through rain, wind, and cold for the past several weeks, and I have had enough of it!

Today's weather brings sunshine and a light spring breeze to the Big Apple. I, for one, am very very happy about it. Looking at this weekend's weather forecast of 70 degrees and sunny only makes me giddy! I plan on going for a nice long run tomorrow and then taking Abby to the dog park to run around like crazy. Who else has fun plans to enjoy this amazing weather?

Until Next Time,
Basking in the Sun....
Broke Knitter

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Some P's and Q's

In all of my crazy running around the last few weeks I must admit my stash has felt very neglected. With the exception of my cat, Pickle, sneaking into the stash closet to nuzzle up in a cozy corner atop my most luxurious and expensive items (which he always seems to find no matter how deeply I think I bury them), I do not believe my stash closet has been opened for some time.

So, I was not surprised that I felt like Indiana Jones unlocking a crypt last night when I finally got up the courage to rearrange my stash closet. I swear a burst of dust came flying out and there were cobwebs. Okay, so it was nowhere near that bad but once I opened my closet I realized what I was getting myself into. BIG MISTAKE! It seems as though I am the kind of person that can never finish a project that I start. I work on something for a while and I get distracted. Well, I organized my UFOs and then rearranged my stash yarn.

The most exciting re-discovery were all of the knitting books shoved in the back of my closet. I took out all my books to see if there were any hidden or long-forgotten gems. I had A BLAST flipping through all my books! I made some tea and sat in peace and quiet reading and reading.

After a very hectic week there was no better feeling in the world than refocusing myself and organizing my knitting. So often I get caught up in the projects that I forget the complete escape that knitting can offer. Thank you Meggles for inspiring me to reground myself. Now...Needles Away!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Ta-Da!

Wow! Peer pressure sometimes isn't a bad thing. I give you Meggles finished scarf! It is so beautiful!


Congratulations to Megan on her huge accomplishment. I cannot wait to see what she has in store to make next!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Proud Mary....I Mean..Proud Meggles

This morning I woke up to one of the most pleasant text messages I have ever seen. It read, "I'm a knitting project finishing machine tonight! A scarf, washcloth and dish towel!!!" Can you say snaps for Meggles?!

As a proud mentor of Miss Megan Marie's knitting career I am so excited to hear how much she is loving her knitting. I cannot wait to show off some of the amazing things she has crafted so far. HINT HINT, Megan Marie send me some pictures!!!

Who wants to see Meggles' progress? Comment for some pressure to send Broke Knitter her pics!

Until Next Time,
One Proud Mama!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Mega-Weekend

This past week has been almost surreal for the Broke Knitter. While I know my 25 years on this Earth may not seem long to most people, this past week has aged me tremendously!

Last week Randy and I traveled up to Boston for what I have now titled "Mega-Weekend!" We celebrated my brother's undergraduate graduation on Thursday! When did my little brother grow up! I could not believe it. And then, to make me feel even older, my little sister took her SAT's on Saturday. Her SATs! She should still be playing with her Bitty Baby, not taking college admissions tests.

Lastly, I was honored to celebrate the wedding of my oldest and best friend, Catie, on Saturday. Being the Maid of Honor is quite a daunting task. While I ran around like a crazy person trying to keep Catie calm and myself from crying at every turn, I realized this was actually a really great test run for my own big day. I, unfortunately, learned how often little things run awry and how important it is to keep the bride calm. This is a warning to you all - Don't poke the bear!

Randy and I celebrate at Catie and Vinny's wedding Saturday, May 5, 2012
All in all, I had an amazing time celebrating such huge milestone moments this past weekend. And what could make it better other than to have my amazing soon-to-be husband by my side. Randy, you keep me calm and sane. I do not know what I would do without you. Being with Catie and Vinny all weekend has made me so much more excited for our wedding. I love you!

Unbelievably euphoric and yet a bit creeky in the old bones,
Broke Knitter

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Wedding Ideas

In all my crazy wedding planning and semi-Bridezilla moments I know that I have been neglecting not only my readers but my knitting in general. I have not actually finished a single UFO since before March!

However I am proposing a remedy to this situation. What do you think of knitted items for part of my wedding decorations? I am thinking about making small "doilies" with big centers to place around a lantern as centerpieces for the reception. I really like the idea but I do not know if it will work or not?

What is that old tradition, perhaps it is Nordic? A young girl makes mittens for EVERYONE in her someday-husband's family as a wedding task? CRAZY!

Until Next Time,
Here Comes the Bride....Who is Still a Broke Knitter

Friday, March 16, 2012

For Meggles...

So now that my friends know about my blog I figured I had to get back on the horse and write up something today. With work being so crazy I must admit that my needles are feeling very sadly neglected and my half finished alpaca hat is crying out for me to finish it so that it can keep me warm next winter.

And can I say that this has been the weirdest winter, or should I say "winter." We completely missed the cold this year and I, for one, am not complaining about it after the winter we had 2010-2011.

Anyways, without the cold weather inspiration I must admit that my knitting has fallen by the wayside this year. While last year I couldn't wait to get home, cuddle up on the couch and knit something cozy, this year I wanted to be outside or meet friends to explore NYC.

But I digress, Meggles, this post is for you. My dear friend has just started learning how to knit and I could not be prouder! She has watched countless YouTube videos and has been FLYING! I am so proud of you! Snaps for Meggles!

Meggles, feel free to post pictures of anything you have worked on so I can rave about you some more!

P.S. IT IS EXACTLY ONE YEAR UNTIL MY WEDDING!
I had a thought for knitted centerpiece "doilies" to go around perhaps a tall vase or a lantern for the wedding. I thought that maybe some of my close knitting friends could help out with this and make it a project. It would be a nice way to incorporate something that reminds me of my grandmother since both she and my grandfather will be very missed that day. Anyways, let me know your thoughts!


Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Vacation...Where Are You?!

Today marks my two year anniversary at my place of employment. I cannot believe I have been at the College this long. Boy does time fly!

I also cannot believe I haven't posted in a month. I think the way scarier fact is that I do not know if I have actually picked up my knitting in almost that long. With working 6 days a week, planning my wedding, and preparing for SEVERAL friends weddings this summer I feel like my life has been a whirlwind of chaotic activity.

I need a vacation and I think I am going to try to take a long weekend in April. Any suggestions for a fun long weekend project to get me back in the game?

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Pinned!

While I fought off the craze for as long as possible, it is time to admit, Pintrest has captured my attention. And by captured my attention, I mean taken over my life!

I finally set up an account with Pintrest (visit www.pintrest.com to join), an online "bulletin board" for posting photos and art of everyday life. There is a wide array of topics to "pin" on, such as books, movies, weddings (a close personal favorite), and OF COURSE, knitting and sewing.

The knitting and sewing section shows off all kinds of fun stuff such as raw material, fun decorative items and even handmade projects. For those of you who are already on Pintrest, check me out at http://pinterest.com/juvbrayz0876/. Check out pintrest. You will not be disappointed!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Nothing Like the Stomach Bug

Well it seems that the inevitable has finally occurred! While everyone around me was getting sick with the stomach bug I somehow managed to ward it off....that is, until Tuesday! And what a day to succumb to the bug - Randy's birthday!

So while I spent two days very ill at home in the apartment poor Randy huddled over a microwave dinner to celebrate his birthday. I am sorry handsome! We will make it up.

It seems everyone has had the stomach bug lately - no fun!

Broke..But Recovering...Knitter

Monday, January 23, 2012

How the Broke Knitter Became the Knitter Who Was a Beggar

Remember that whole post I wrote about budgeting money for the Vogue Knitting Live marketplace and not impulse buying? Yeah, well that didn't really work out exactly as I had planned.

I felt that the lighting was much better than last year and I bought a great many purchases. I already finished the Noro Bonburi shawl I purchased from Black Sheep and Ewe - a WONDERFUL Canadian vendor whose staff members were wonderfully engaging and kind.

I was, however, a bit disappointed with the variety of vendors. Many of the vendors were repeats of last year who actually brought the same display and sale items. While it was great to pick up a few items that I had been regretting not purchasing last year I would have liked a bit more variety.

My favorite purchase was from Buffalo Gold - a beautiful lace fly-over top made from Koigu. Stay tuned for the knitting antics of this crazy project!

What were your thoughts on the marketplace? While I really enjoyed shopping and spending time with friends I wasn't as "wow-ed" by it as I had been hoping.

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Friday, January 20, 2012

Adding to My Learning Library

As promised, today I will talk a bit about my classroom experiences. This year I REALLY enjoyed all of my classes. I think I did a good job with my choices.

1. Yarn 101 with Clara Parkes
I decided to take this class because I thought an exploration into fiber would be an interesting experience. And honestly, who better to learn about fiber (esp wool) from than Clara! Clara was wonderful! I really enjoyed how she broke it down to molecular and chemical levels. It made me really understand why certain fibers can act so different. My favorite part of the class was that she actually gave us small samples of each fiber to tape down so we could really feel and experience the differences.


My Entrelac Fingerless Gloves
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungPadawan/entrelac-cuffs



2. Entrelac with Rosemary Drysdale
The idea of taking this class made me very anxious leading up to the classroom. Entrelac always looked so intricate and complicated. Needless to say, I was worried the class would be too advanced. However, I was VERY pleasantly surprised! Entrelac is actually really easy once you figure out the pattern. I loved the swatch I made in class so much that I actually sewed it into a little fingerless glove and made a second!





3. Celtic Cables with Melissa Leapman
Going into the weekend, I was most excited about taking a second class with Melissa Leapman. Last winter I took Melissa's Celtic Cables class and fell even more in love with cables. Well, let's just say that this class did not disappoint! Melissa is such a down to earth and inspiring woman. I love when she talks about designing and breaking down a cable pattern. She makes it seem so easy!!!

4. I Need a Pick Me Up with John Brinegar
To be honest, I did not know what to expect from this class. Advertised as a class about correctly and neatly picking up stitches I figured I would really benefit from perfecting this technique. I HATE picking up stitches and I always screw it up. John Brinegar is definitely not what anyone would expect from a knitting teacher, but he is an AMAZING teacher! It was an 8am Monday morning class, so John brought the whole class coffee as a "pick-me-up" (haha great pun John!!). He is so encouraging and extremely patient. He kept saying throughout the class "It's just yarn ladies" every time someone was getting nervous or stressed out. As I worked on my second entrelac glove after class on Monday I kept reminding myself of John's mantra when picking up stitches became scary - "Are we drinking our wine? Our our shoulders relaxed?"

All in all the classes really re inspired me to get knitting. I must admit I did pick up a new project on Tuesday and finish the entire thing I was feeling so inspired. Thank you again to all the wonderful teachers who were so patient and helpful. Next year I think I am going to challenge myself a bit more in the classroom.

Next topic - MARKETPLACE!

Give me your thoughts on your classes!!

Broke Knitter

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2012 - The Aftermath

I cannot believe Vogue Knitting Live 2012 has already come and gone! And wow, what a whirlwind. I hope you haven't been too anxious to read my thoughts to the weekend. I have needed the past few days to unwind (haha...what a pun) and sleep after such a boisterous weekend.

Today I wanted to talk a bit about the "extra" events put on by Vogue knitting during the weekend.

Unfortunately, I did not have much time for the extra fashion shows, book signings, and demonstrations since I was in classes and lectures the majority of the weekend. However, I want to bring this point to light. I remember feeling bummed that I had missed many of these things last year but chalked it up to spending time with my little sister who had joined us for the NYC lifestyle but not the conference. This year, however, it was just myself, my mother and our friend, Diane. We were all very actively engaged in classes and we missed these shows. Why does VKL keep putting all these marketplace "extras" during the class time. Are these things designed purely for knitters just visiting the marketplace? I am not sure, but I am rather bummed that I experienced the same disappointment two years in a row.

The other two big extras for the weekend were Saturday night's Gala dinner and Sunday evening's cocktail reception. I had mixed opinions on these two events.

The food at Saturday night's Gala dinner was excellent. I greatly enjoyed the new format to the evening where you requested a certain member of the "Kniteratti" to sit with at their table. I sat with Barry Klein, of Trendsetter Yarns, and had a WONDERFUL time. Barry was so much fun and I really hope that perhaps I can join him one day for one of his infamous knitting cruises. However, I think this is where the good things ended. We were very fortunate to have Alice Starmore join us for a speech about her inspirations and past. Alice has the most beautiful and lovely voice it was wonderful to listen to, however she spoke for far too long. It's hard to listen to anyone speak for an hour! By the time her lecture was over I was ready to tuck in for the evening. I did stay for the fashion show though and was delighted to see so many of the great products. In my opinion, Alice should have had her own day-time lecture slot and Vogue should have stuck with just the fashion show for the evening's entertainment.

On Sunday night we were all bused downtown for a cocktail reception at Tribeca 360. I had differing thoughts on this event as well. I liked having the reception on the second night (rather than the first night as was last year's schedule). I think by the second night people are much more friendly and excited to talk to one another. I enjoyed mingling with new friends all evening. Tribeca 360 was BEAUTIFUL and the open bar and food was fantastic (I especially loved the mini-sliders!). However, having to be bused ALL THE WAY downtown and back was a bit exhausting. While the choice of venue was fabulous it was a very big pain to have to travel so much. I understand that the Hilton was engaged with a mega-wedding that evening but I would have appreciated a venue a bit closer to the Hilton.

Anyways, tomorrow I will return to tell you all about my fabulous classes. Please let me know your thoughts on the extras included at Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2012.

Until Next Time,
Buried under all my new projects,
Broke Knitter

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Bags Upon Bags Upon Bags

Wow have I managed to cram a remarkable amount of knitting stash in my small one bedroom apartment here in New York City. To be honest, I do not know I have managed to do it. I think that if Randy were to find out that my closet is actually used to store yarn and knitting projects he would have a heart attack.

Anyways, now that I have organized my stash, finished my homework and even begun to organize my patterns and books I think I can say I am ready to Vogue Knitting Live! I now know what I have way too much of in my stash (cough cough Encore worsted weight) and some ideas for some new projects I would like to work on.

While I am trying to take a very reserved and organized approach to my buying this weekend I know that as soon as I enter the Marketplace preview all sense of sanity will fly out the window! Impulse buying here I probably come!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

T MINUS 4 DAYS!

As the weekend fast approaches I can barely contain my excitement! I finished up all my homework for my many classes over the weekend and last night I organized all my projects and materials into Ziploc bags for easy access. I am not making the same mistake I did last year and just throwing everything into a tote and hoping for the best!

Here are some of the classes I am taking:
1. Celtic Cables
2. Entrelac
3. Yarn 101
4. I Need a Pick Me Up

What classes are you taking?

Broke Knitter
(Although I do have some cash stored away to hit the marketplace with!)

Friday, January 6, 2012

T-MINUS 1 WEEK UNTIL VOGUE KNITTING LIVE!

Who is getting excited?! With just one week left to go until the doors open at Vogue Knitting Live this knitter's yarn balls are in knots with the excitement! I am really looking forward to this year's conference. I had such a great time last year learning from great instructors, perusing the marketplace, and, most importantly, spending time with my mother.

This year our good friend Diane joins us for the excitement and I cannot wait to be shacked up with the ladies in the hotel with all of our wares spread on the floor fighting over who bought the greatest new project.

I think I am most looking forward to my Celtic Cables class with Melissa Leapman. After taking colorful cables last year I fell in love with Melissa and her designs. As a cable enthusiast, there is not much better than taking a cables class with Melissa Leapman.

What are you most looking forward to next weekend? Please post your thoughts, tips and ideas!

Countdown in 7....

Broke Knitter