Celebs Do It Too!

One thing I have been fascinated with, especially living in the Big Apple, is the resurgence of knitting among younger people and celebrities. It has become posh to be seen knitting here in New York City. During "Knit in Public Week" you could see people EVERYWHERE in the city knitting. And these weren't your stereotypical grandmothers or cat ladies either.

I have been fascinated with the idea of celebrities knitting. Apparently it is a hot thing for actors to while waiting on set (maybe it's to keep their mind off those cigarettes they are trying to kick). Perhaps one of the most popularly known knitting celebrities is Sarah Jessica Parker.

Sarah Jessica Parker
Photo Courtesy of TimesUnion.com

But the "Sex and the City" star is not the only one known to be knitting in the city. Julia Roberts has become quite the spokesperson for knitting. Why, even Russell Crowe is rumored to be a knitter!

Knitting has come back in full swing. Do you have any favorite celebrities who happen to knit? Leave me a comment of your favorite celebrity knitter and I'll put together a post full of their pictures!

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Thank goodness work will officially be on summer "hiatus" (a.k.a. just a bit slower pace) after tonight's Gala event. The lead up to this event has been more than stressful and I know I am ready for the break.

With July 4th approaching and some vacation time on the horizon I feel as though life is slowing just a bit. I am not racing to work and racing home to bed each night and I know that as my life calms my knitting will pick back up.

Taking the advice that one of you gave me in my "Needing Inspiration" post last week, I decided to finish up a project that was easy to finish. I finished an adorable baby blanket that has taken me a LONG time to finish. When I first picked up the pattern for a blanket, hat and sweater I knew I was getting in over my head, but I wanted a challenge. Well, after I ripped the blanket out about a million times it is finally done. Another item to add to the Tupperware bins for the next baby who pops into my life (praying it's not mine).

As NYC prepares itself for the brutal heat of summer and the expectations of rooftop parties and picnics in the park I am finally finding myself able to take more time for myself. Anybody have any great summer plans?

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Needing Inspiration

I am sorry once again for my absence. I am sure that you are all shocked to hear that work has been a whirlwind these past few weeks. I have never seen people so emotional and at the breaking point like I have here lately.

Anyways, during this crazy time I must admit I have done zero knitting. With the craziness around me I cannot seem to find even 20 minutes to settle down, relax and zip up a few rows. I know that some knitting time would probably serve as a great relaxation but with 3-4 projects JUST about finished I feel the pressure to finish them up. And pressure is something I certainly don't need right now!

That's why I turn to you readers and fellow knitters. I need some inspiring words. Some inspiration to pick up some needles and maybe brew a cup of tea......

HELP!

Broke Knitter

The Cutest Thing I Have Ever Seen

The Owlie Sleep Sack by Teresa Cole
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owlie-sleep-sack

ISN'T THAT THE CUTEST THING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN?

I don't know about  you, but this "Owlie Sleep Sack" by Teresa Cole absolutely stole my heart. Jen sent this my way knowing my obsessions for cables and babies. And honestly, this is the most perfect combination of those two loves.

Jennifer, you are a genius.

Looks like somebody is starting on a brand new baby project...I am thinking a lilac color for a girl or maybe a pastel/light green (very leafy-like) for a boy.

Until Next Time,
Kissing and Snuggling Babies
Broke Knitter

Vogue Knitting Live...The Follow-Up

In all the hulla-balloo related to January's Vogue Knitting Live event I found myself constantly caught up in the drama and excitement of a large scale knitting conference. True, as a virgin in the ways of the Kniteratti, I was in a little over my head. Now that a few months have passed I have been able to digest all that I learned, bought (a.k.a. charged to my credit cards) and cherished.

I realized that I learned a lot more than I had even realized during the weekend. I realized the skills I picked up, especially from my "Intro to Lace Knitting" class with Brooke Nico includes skills I am using every day. That class taught me to challenge myself. I learned that lace isn't as scary as I thought it would be and I am so happy about the lace project I purchased. My fingerless gloves and scarf are coming along beautifully (I will post pics here soon I promise!).

I also realized that while all the yarn and patterns I bought were great, I think my best purchase was "Continuous Cables" by Melissa Leapman. As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am OBSESSED with cables. It is wonderful to pick up this book at any time and try out the plethora of cable pattern squares in the back of the book. With this I can make little washcloths to test out the look of the cable or I can incorporate it into anything I am currently working on. While I haven't been bold enough yet to try out incorporation I do now have a couple of pretty cute washcloths. This book was a great purchase. Melissa was truly an inspiration and an AMAZING teacher. I hope she comes next year!

I cannot even describe to you how useful my "Yarn Substitution Made Easy" class has been. I remember when I first signed up for the class I kind of used it as a filler for my package. When I told my mother about the class she was so excited for me and I couldn't understand why. Now I know! This process, while now becoming much more simple and more second hand to me, was a NIGHTMARE before this seminar.

I guess the things that most excited me have started to wear away. The glitz and glam has finally settled but instead of feeling let down or less excited I think I am more so. My skills have definitely grown by leaps and bounds and I am now very anxiously awaiting next year's NYC Vogue Knitting Live. I know I will be stalking the website waiting for class postings and perhaps you might even see me sitting outside the Hilton.

Anyone else starting to get excited? I would love to hear about any other great conferences and festivals that people have gone to. Any suggestions?

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

The Joys of Pets

If anyone knows me and my household you would know that we have a small safari. With little Pickle, our 5 year old Maine Coon cat and Abby, our 1 1/2 year old terrier the fur is constantly flying and shuffling paws on our tile floors is the constant backdrop. However, it seems that these two can always come to a truce when it is time for Mom to knit. At this point in time they both sit anxiously at my feet waiting for me to unwind a bit of yarn that they could perhaps get their paws on.

I am not joking when I say that they sit and wait for me to pull some yarn from the ball. Pickle then starts jumping and swatting, trying to pull the yarn down for his own amusement. Abby likes to jump for the yarn once Pickle has a hold of it hoping that she can coax her feline brother to play with her.

So, needless to say, sometimes I feel like I am knitting in a war zone.

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter

Countdown to January 2012

Ever since I saw the email from Vogue Knitting with a "Save the Date" tag line for the 2012 Vogue Knitting Live Conference in New York City I have been giddy. I cannot wait for next years secondVogue Knitting Live. I have to say that those three days changed my life. With all of the Knitteratti in one place I felt like such a celebrity.

Honestly, thinking about have to wait another 8 months seems cruel to me. I wish that I could afford to go to September's conference in L.A. but unfortunately this little girlie is a little on the broke side.

Anyone else getting excited at next year's prospects? What would you like to see at next January's conference?

Until Next Time,
Broke Knitter