I had a rather frustrating experience this year with picking my classes for Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2014. I had signed up for my classes and then received an email from Vogue Knitting that one of my classes had to be canceled. So, I spent a LONG amount of time completely rearranging my schedule to pick another class.
When I went to update Vogue with this info they then informed me that the original canceled class was back on. While I was excited I could go back to my original intentions I was frustrated that I had just wasted all that time.
Fast forward a few weeks. Now I get another email from Vogue Knitting that the original class has, yet again, been canceled. They offered us a replacement class - one that I, to be honest, was not very excited about. However, by the time they notified of this the majority of the best classes were sold out!
So, I wound up taking the filler class that turned out to be pretty darn awful! Frustrations!
Did anyone else have troubles like this?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Let's Talk About Lectures
Today I wanted to take a minute and discuss the Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2014 lectures. I took three lectures - 10 Tips for Fabulous Photography, Pattern Stitch Development and Design Possibilities, and Creativity.
One thing I thought that was very neat this year was the multitude of lecture offerings. Vogue Knitting has done a great job really expanding on the lectures. I also liked the varying time offerings for lectures as well. It made it easier than running from class to lecture and back to class.
To be honest, I really want to talk about Sally Melville's Creativity lecture. It was FABULOUS! What an amazing combination of science and knitting! I loved how Sally really talked about the creative process - and not just from a neurological point, but also from a point that any "normal" person (and I would consider myself pretty novice in terms of biology and the brain) could understand. I was completely enraptured with her lecture and stories. I would love to see more lecture offerings that are dual focused like this one was with science and knitting!
My other two lectures were alright. I don't have anything in particular to say about them. To be honest, when I purchased the large package for the weekend I had a hard time finding 3 lectures I really wanted to take. Besides Sally's, nothing else really jumped out. I wish that Vogue Knitting would give you some a la carte options with the packages.
Did you find any lecture particularly interesting (or perhaps the complete opposite)? Share your thoughts!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
One thing I thought that was very neat this year was the multitude of lecture offerings. Vogue Knitting has done a great job really expanding on the lectures. I also liked the varying time offerings for lectures as well. It made it easier than running from class to lecture and back to class.
To be honest, I really want to talk about Sally Melville's Creativity lecture. It was FABULOUS! What an amazing combination of science and knitting! I loved how Sally really talked about the creative process - and not just from a neurological point, but also from a point that any "normal" person (and I would consider myself pretty novice in terms of biology and the brain) could understand. I was completely enraptured with her lecture and stories. I would love to see more lecture offerings that are dual focused like this one was with science and knitting!
My other two lectures were alright. I don't have anything in particular to say about them. To be honest, when I purchased the large package for the weekend I had a hard time finding 3 lectures I really wanted to take. Besides Sally's, nothing else really jumped out. I wish that Vogue Knitting would give you some a la carte options with the packages.
Did you find any lecture particularly interesting (or perhaps the complete opposite)? Share your thoughts!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Thursday, January 23, 2014
VKL NYC2014 - The Extras
Today I wanted to spend a few minutes and share my thoughts on Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2014's two "VIP" package events - the Friday night cocktail party and the Saturday night Gala dinner.
First, the cocktail party. To be honest, I was MUCH happier with last year's cocktail party. This year, the cocktail party was in a very small and cramped ballroom. Last year, the party was held on the Marriott Marquis 8th floor restaurant and bar area. With the floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Times Square, not only was that venue more fun, it also felt much more open. I felt VERY claustrophobic at this year's cocktail party. As a result, my mom, Diane, and I sat at a table in the back to have some breathing room. The drinks were fabulous and the wait staff and bartenders great - so thank you to the Marriott for that. The cocktail party featured the design contest finalists and several of their finished pieces. This was the best part of the party! I loved getting to meet the new designers and voting on their pieces. But - did anybody else notice that there was not a big announcement about who won either the judges choice or the people's choice?! What was the point then? Vogue Knitting either never mentioned it, or didn't do a good enough job publicizing it. I had very strong feelings about the designs and was hoping the woman I was rooting for would win! Check our girlyknits on Ravelry - you won't be disappointed!
Saturday night was the annual Gala dinner. This was BY FAR the best program ever at the Gala dinners. Barbara Kingsolver was the keynote speaker and she knocked my handmade knit socks off! What a great speaker! I personally am a big fan of Barbara's novels, but I had no idea how much she did besides writing. Barbara and her family have a large Icelandic sheep farm. I greatly enjoyed her speech about a year in the life of a sheep farm. I especially loved the pictures of the adorable kids! She was AMAZING! Another great perk of the Gala dinner is the Vogue Knitting fashion show which featured pieces from the upcoming issue of the magazine. Boy were those pieces gorgeous! I am getting very excited for the magazine now and I know that there are several pieces in that issue I want to put aside to make. Lastly, I have to say that the goody bags for this event were FABULOUS! Thank you so much to Rowan Yarns for the gorgeous yarn and pattern. I cannot wait to give it a go! These were the best bags yet! The only thing I did not like about the Gala dinner was that it was held in that same cramped ballroom. More light and openness would have made the room seem much less cramped. I felt awful for anyone with a walker - they would have been relegated to the rear tables and unable to make their way around the room at all. I was surprised that was something that Vogue Knitting did not plan for!
Anyways, please let me know your comments on these two events. I would love to hear your thoughts. I will be sharing more of my opinions on my classes, lectures, and OF COURSE, the marketplace throughout the week!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
First, the cocktail party. To be honest, I was MUCH happier with last year's cocktail party. This year, the cocktail party was in a very small and cramped ballroom. Last year, the party was held on the Marriott Marquis 8th floor restaurant and bar area. With the floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Times Square, not only was that venue more fun, it also felt much more open. I felt VERY claustrophobic at this year's cocktail party. As a result, my mom, Diane, and I sat at a table in the back to have some breathing room. The drinks were fabulous and the wait staff and bartenders great - so thank you to the Marriott for that. The cocktail party featured the design contest finalists and several of their finished pieces. This was the best part of the party! I loved getting to meet the new designers and voting on their pieces. But - did anybody else notice that there was not a big announcement about who won either the judges choice or the people's choice?! What was the point then? Vogue Knitting either never mentioned it, or didn't do a good enough job publicizing it. I had very strong feelings about the designs and was hoping the woman I was rooting for would win! Check our girlyknits on Ravelry - you won't be disappointed!
Saturday night was the annual Gala dinner. This was BY FAR the best program ever at the Gala dinners. Barbara Kingsolver was the keynote speaker and she knocked my handmade knit socks off! What a great speaker! I personally am a big fan of Barbara's novels, but I had no idea how much she did besides writing. Barbara and her family have a large Icelandic sheep farm. I greatly enjoyed her speech about a year in the life of a sheep farm. I especially loved the pictures of the adorable kids! She was AMAZING! Another great perk of the Gala dinner is the Vogue Knitting fashion show which featured pieces from the upcoming issue of the magazine. Boy were those pieces gorgeous! I am getting very excited for the magazine now and I know that there are several pieces in that issue I want to put aside to make. Lastly, I have to say that the goody bags for this event were FABULOUS! Thank you so much to Rowan Yarns for the gorgeous yarn and pattern. I cannot wait to give it a go! These were the best bags yet! The only thing I did not like about the Gala dinner was that it was held in that same cramped ballroom. More light and openness would have made the room seem much less cramped. I felt awful for anyone with a walker - they would have been relegated to the rear tables and unable to make their way around the room at all. I was surprised that was something that Vogue Knitting did not plan for!
Anyways, please let me know your comments on these two events. I would love to hear your thoughts. I will be sharing more of my opinions on my classes, lectures, and OF COURSE, the marketplace throughout the week!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Vogue Knitting Live 2014
Just like the Christmas season flies by all to quickly, so too does the Vogue Knitting Live weekend each and every year. I have so many fun stories to share but here is a favorite snapshot from the weekend - me and Mom together at the Gala Dinner!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
A New "Project"
Sorry I have been MIA for a while - but I
promise it is for a good reason. As I have mentioned many times before, my
grandmother, Anne Robinson, was a huge influence in my life. She could always be found with knitting needles in her
hands and a smile on her face. It has been four years since she passed away
from her battle with Lymphoma but I still think about her every day.
I am training for a half marathon this April 27th and raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a participant in their Team In Training program and I'm asking you to help by making a donation to my fundraising campaign. These 13.1 miles, in her memory, will commemorate a huge accomplishment for me and will greatly enhance the abilities of LLS.
Please take a moment to visit my page. I am chronicling my training program and will also share stories I hear along the way. While you are there, please take a minute to make a quick and secure online donation toward my efforts. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/nj14/jpalmedo
Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Nearly 958,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers. I am hoping that my participation in Team In Training will help bring them hope and support.
Additionally, I am happy to include the name of any family, friend, or loved one on my singlet on race day in their honor or memory at your request.
I am training for a half marathon this April 27th and raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a participant in their Team In Training program and I'm asking you to help by making a donation to my fundraising campaign. These 13.1 miles, in her memory, will commemorate a huge accomplishment for me and will greatly enhance the abilities of LLS.
Please take a moment to visit my page. I am chronicling my training program and will also share stories I hear along the way. While you are there, please take a minute to make a quick and secure online donation toward my efforts. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/nj14/jpalmedo
Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Nearly 958,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers. I am hoping that my participation in Team In Training will help bring them hope and support.
Additionally, I am happy to include the name of any family, friend, or loved one on my singlet on race day in their honor or memory at your request.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
VIP REGISTRATION!!!
I woke up to a WONDERFUL surprise this morning - my VIP registration email for New York City's Vogue Knitting Live. Who is excited?! This guy!
I am currently perusing the class schedule and picking out classes. I will register by tonight!!!!
Who else is looking at classes? What is popping out to you?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
I am currently perusing the class schedule and picking out classes. I will register by tonight!!!!
Who else is looking at classes? What is popping out to you?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Friday, August 30, 2013
Rain Rain Come My Way
Were any other New Yorkers a little bit excited to see that the Labor Day holiday weekend was going to be a wash out?! I certainly was!
For those of you who do not know, Randy and I have been traveling every single weekend this summer. While we have been at weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, bachelorette parties and clam bakes my knitting stash has been sitting in a corner of our apartment. I think my stash is starting to feel neglected!
With three days of rain and storms headed toward the Big Apple I am looking forward to hunkering down in my apartment with my amazing husband while enjoying some wine, movies and knitting (though preferably not in that order!).
Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
For those of you who do not know, Randy and I have been traveling every single weekend this summer. While we have been at weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, bachelorette parties and clam bakes my knitting stash has been sitting in a corner of our apartment. I think my stash is starting to feel neglected!
With three days of rain and storms headed toward the Big Apple I am looking forward to hunkering down in my apartment with my amazing husband while enjoying some wine, movies and knitting (though preferably not in that order!).
Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Rock-a-Bye Baby
Do you ever find yourself lost in the fabric of a project you are working on? Or maybe your mind drifts off whenever you pick up a certain UFO?
This has happened to me as I have begun my baby bunting for Baby O'Neill. I do not know what it is about this project but I keep finding my mind wandering to thinking about who this little girl will be when she is born. What will she look like? What will she like to do for fun? Will she have her mother's brilliant blonde hair or her father's blue eyes?
Baby O'Neill will be the first baby born to a college friend. I guess I am having some sort of weird moment when I think about her arrival - we are getting old! It is weird to think of how many baby projects I will be working on in the near future!
Does this happen to anyone else? Please share.
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
This has happened to me as I have begun my baby bunting for Baby O'Neill. I do not know what it is about this project but I keep finding my mind wandering to thinking about who this little girl will be when she is born. What will she look like? What will she like to do for fun? Will she have her mother's brilliant blonde hair or her father's blue eyes?
Baby O'Neill will be the first baby born to a college friend. I guess I am having some sort of weird moment when I think about her arrival - we are getting old! It is weird to think of how many baby projects I will be working on in the near future!
Does this happen to anyone else? Please share.
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Baby Explosion!
I guess I am getting to that age but I cannot believe the sudden appearance of so many pregnant woman around me! So many of my friends and colleagues are announcing their due dates every week and I, for one, cannot believe that I am old enough for this to be happening to me!
With all of these babies on the way I am going to have to pull out some books on baby knits. Any suggestions for baby knitted gifts? I am really sick of giving everyone a baby blanket. I am thinking maybe some toys, snugglies and maybe some cute costume type outfits.
Any suggestions?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
With all of these babies on the way I am going to have to pull out some books on baby knits. Any suggestions for baby knitted gifts? I am really sick of giving everyone a baby blanket. I am thinking maybe some toys, snugglies and maybe some cute costume type outfits.
Any suggestions?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Monday, August 26, 2013
Now You See Me - Now You Don't
How is it Labor Day Weekend already?! And how has Broke Knitter been MIBA (missing in blogging action) for so long! I cannot believe how quickly this summer has flown by. Randy and I have been traveling every weekend since Memorial Day and I cannot even explain to you how messy our apartment is.
But never fear, even though my blogging has been negligent my knitting has, of course, been active! I have just begun on a beautiful baby project for my friend Ariel. Her daughter is due to arrive in October and I thought a Mom on the Go could use a cute car seat baby bunting. I am just starting this project and I cannot wait to see how it comes out!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
But never fear, even though my blogging has been negligent my knitting has, of course, been active! I have just begun on a beautiful baby project for my friend Ariel. Her daughter is due to arrive in October and I thought a Mom on the Go could use a cute car seat baby bunting. I am just starting this project and I cannot wait to see how it comes out!
 |
| Pattern and Photo Courtesy of Design by Louise |
Broke Knitter
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
NYC Sleepover!
Randy and I have our first official house guests since we moved to Manhattan! My younger sister and her boyfriend arrived in town on Monday and are staying until tomorrow. It has been SO AMAZING spending a few days with my sister.
To top it all off, Randy and I had dinner on Sunday night with my younger brother and his girlfriend. I cannot believe I get to see both my siblings in NYC this week!
With everything going on in Boston it is the perfect week to be surrounded by family!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
To top it all off, Randy and I had dinner on Sunday night with my younger brother and his girlfriend. I cannot believe I get to see both my siblings in NYC this week!
With everything going on in Boston it is the perfect week to be surrounded by family!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Knowing How to Knit vs. Being A Knitter
It is funny how when you meet someone who knits you can quickly and easily place them into one of two categories:
1.) A person who know how to/can knit
2.) A Knitter
Someone who knows how to knit will ask you what you are making and tell you a story about how their grandmother or mother or aunt used to knit for the family when he/she was a child. They will usually tell you the treasured handmade item that they still have from that person as well. Lastly, they are super excited to tell you that they know how to knit.
A Knitter - notice the capital K - is VERY different. A Knitter is rarely seen without one of their own handmade pieces. A Knitter has a stash that has displaced a family member or friend in their home. When someone becomes a Knitter the identity becomes very overwhelming.
Send me a photo of your favorite Knitter!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
1.) A person who know how to/can knit
2.) A Knitter
Someone who knows how to knit will ask you what you are making and tell you a story about how their grandmother or mother or aunt used to knit for the family when he/she was a child. They will usually tell you the treasured handmade item that they still have from that person as well. Lastly, they are super excited to tell you that they know how to knit.
A Knitter - notice the capital K - is VERY different. A Knitter is rarely seen without one of their own handmade pieces. A Knitter has a stash that has displaced a family member or friend in their home. When someone becomes a Knitter the identity becomes very overwhelming.
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| A picture of my favorite Knitter - My Mama |
Send me a photo of your favorite Knitter!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Monday, April 8, 2013
Marital Bliss!
Randy and I experienced our first weekend post-wedding/post-honeymoon this weekend. Saturday morning began with me wondering what I should be doing. It took me until about noon to realize the answer = NOTHING! It was amazing! Just spending time by ourselves with the ability to do whatever we want to do is a rather novel idea. It is pretty much marital bliss!
So, you may ask, what did Randy and I do with our new-found freedom? We watched a bunch of episodes of HBO's Game of Thrones. AMAZING show! I think I have found my new television obsession! We also took a long beautiful walk on Sunday with our dog, Abby. While she is still having a hard time getting used to the chaos of a Manhattan dog park, I think she enjoyed the time outside.
SPRING IS HERE! ENJOY IT!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
So, you may ask, what did Randy and I do with our new-found freedom? We watched a bunch of episodes of HBO's Game of Thrones. AMAZING show! I think I have found my new television obsession! We also took a long beautiful walk on Sunday with our dog, Abby. While she is still having a hard time getting used to the chaos of a Manhattan dog park, I think she enjoyed the time outside.
SPRING IS HERE! ENJOY IT!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Notes or Knitting?
BrokeKnitter is sad to report that she officially feels as though she has rejoined the rest of the world and her honeymoon is over - sad face! This readjustment has also brought with it sudden pangs of guilt when I realize that I have yet to start the plethora of thank you notes that Randy and I have to write to our generous wedding guests. Last night's excuse - dinner with my best friend Meggles. Tuesday night's excuse - fixing that wrong row in my scarf pattern.
Tonight's big question - Notes or Knitting?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Tonight's big question - Notes or Knitting?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
In Like a Lion - Out Like a Lamb!
Well March of 2013 definitely held up to its saying - in like a lion, out like a lamb. It was amazing to see how cold, dreary and snowy the beginning of the month was compared to the sunshine and cheery dispositions of NYC inhabitants at the end of the month.
Any good ideas for spring knitting projects?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Any good ideas for spring knitting projects?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Practicality vs. Fun
When it comes to knitting I am always battling a line between being practical and having fun. Take for example my current project - a lace set of fingerless gloves and scarf. I bought the project after having taken a lace knitting course in my first year at Vogue Knitting Live so that I could reinforce what I learned about chart reading and lace work (well I had to reteach some of those skills in the two years since I bought the project....whoops!). Anyways, I am really happy with how beautiful the yarn is in this deep forest green color made by Kramer, but I am starting to realize it is a really impractical project. When am I going to need lace weight fingerless gloves and a scarf?
So here is the big question, how much of knitting is for practicality's sake and how much is for the fun and joy of it? Now I know that most avid knitters would say that knitting is an addiction, a way of life, and so the projects are much more for the fun of learning a new technique or mastering a difficult pattern. However, for those of us in the low budgeted world of knitting, how much of our knitting passion can be invested in purely fun, decorative, and sometimes, impractical projects?
This is becoming quite a conundrum for me as a knitter. I think the best way for me to solve this problem is to make more money! Well, I don't think that is going to happen overnight. Until that happens I guess I will constantly be a bit between a rock and a hard place with this question. Then again, if this is a conundrum in my life, I guess I have to say things are going really well.
Does anyone have thoughts on the issue of practicality vs. fun when you are picking a new knitting project?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
So here is the big question, how much of knitting is for practicality's sake and how much is for the fun and joy of it? Now I know that most avid knitters would say that knitting is an addiction, a way of life, and so the projects are much more for the fun of learning a new technique or mastering a difficult pattern. However, for those of us in the low budgeted world of knitting, how much of our knitting passion can be invested in purely fun, decorative, and sometimes, impractical projects?
This is becoming quite a conundrum for me as a knitter. I think the best way for me to solve this problem is to make more money! Well, I don't think that is going to happen overnight. Until that happens I guess I will constantly be a bit between a rock and a hard place with this question. Then again, if this is a conundrum in my life, I guess I have to say things are going really well.
Does anyone have thoughts on the issue of practicality vs. fun when you are picking a new knitting project?
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Monday, April 1, 2013
A Victor Returned!
She did it! BrokeKnitter and Randy tied the knot on Saturday, March 16, 2013! I cannot believe the day went by so quickly! It was a beautiful day and this post-bride could not be more happy with how everything went. Thank you so much to all of you who helped coax me though this hectic time.
Now that I have some free time I have already picked up my bag of UFOs and hit the bricks. Lace work decorative scarf here I come!
Until Next Time,
Mrs. BrokeKnitter In NYC
 |
| BrokeKnitter celebrates marrying the man of her dreams! |
Until Next Time,
Mrs. BrokeKnitter In NYC
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
17 Days and Counting...
I am sorry for those of you who have been checking back here for updates on a regular basis. Unfortunately knitting has taken a major back seat in my life right now with only 17 DAYS UNTIL MY WEDDING!
I must admit that while I miss the stress relieving properties of a good knitting project, my UFOs will have to wait until April for some TLC.
Randy and I are almost ready for the big day and even more excited to enjoy some much needed vacation time in the Dominican Republic.
Does anyone have last minute wedding advice to share? Ways to de-stress?
Until Next Time,
Broke Bride
I must admit that while I miss the stress relieving properties of a good knitting project, my UFOs will have to wait until April for some TLC.
Randy and I are almost ready for the big day and even more excited to enjoy some much needed vacation time in the Dominican Republic.
Does anyone have last minute wedding advice to share? Ways to de-stress?
Until Next Time,
Broke Bride
Friday, February 8, 2013
Bring It On Nemo!
 |
|
by Eleanor Swogger
courtesy of Broke Knitter on Ravelry
|
I am also so excited for my inaugural meeting with the Big Apple Knitting Guild! I am so happy to have joined a group of knitters here in NYC. They have already been so welcoming. I cannot wait to see what fun projects they are working on!
In all the craziness of this storm please don't forget to take a moment to slow down and relax a bit. Snuggle up with someone you love and watch a good movie. Or order a pizza and pig out for a bit. Take some you time. Thank you Nemo!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Bridezilla
Oh no! I think it is happening. This must be how Bruce Banner feels when he fights the urge to turn into the Hulk. Wedding planning sure is stressful! Now add in not have running water for a few days, plumbers ripping your walls apart and a Nor'easter on its way to the Big Apple.
Help Me!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
Help Me!
Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter
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