Where is The Time?!

After upgrading to the newer version of Blogger, I haven't had time to explore the new functions until today. The new Blogger is much more flexible, easier to use (for the most part), and easier to customize. I have been wanting to switch to this all-white layout. And today, I finally sat down and switched over (since I added a lot of stuff to my old template, I had to manually copy and paste each one over - it was not a small task...) Well, I do like the new layout, but I have to admit, even I am still trying to get used to it, so bear with me...

換成新版的Blogger後, 一直到今天才有時間來好好研究. 新版多了一些功能, 大致上比較好用, 版面設計也方便容易許多. 其實想換版面想很久了, 之前那個綠豆豆的底自己看久了都覺得無聊. 今天公婆過來看小孩, 我便趁機帶了laptop出門, 好好坐下來把這個部落格整理一下. 其實花了我不少時間, 之前我自己加的一些東西(網址連接等), 都要一個一個搬過來. 好累... 自覺這個新版面看起來還蠻清爽的, 只是還不太習慣. 在未來幾天內可能還會陸陸續續地改些地方.

These last couple of weeks have been very busy. My parents, sister, BIL, and their adorable son Nathan came to visit. There haven't been these many people in our house for a long time. We didn't do any of the touristy-sightseeing type of things, since they have been to SF before. For the most part, we just ate, shopped, and then ate some more. But boy! I was dog tired by the end of each day. My son and I both having a cold didn't help either. Connor was crankier and fussier than usual, constantly wanted to be held, and only by me. I had hoped to sit down with my sister and knit, but just didn't have the time. I feel a bit disappointed that a perfect opportunity just came and went. When will be the next time that we can get together and just knit?

這兩個禮拜真是忙到不行. 爸媽, 姊姊, 姊夫, 和他們可愛的三歲兒子來訪. 我們家已經很久沒有這麼熱鬧過了. 因為他們以前就來過好幾次, 所以也不必去那些一般觀光客愛去的地方. 基本上我們就是吃吃喝喝, 逛逛街, 逛累了再繼續吃喝. 雖是這樣, 我每天還是累的跟狗一樣地上床 (其實這個比喻不對, 我們家狗狗每天睡飽飽, 吃到撐, 一點都不累...) 我們家寶貝兒子跟我同時感冒, 這幾天黏我黏到不行, 有時連給他爸爸抱都不肯, 害我連上廁所的時間都很少. 本來希望這次可趁機與我姊好好聊編織, 可惜就是沒有時間. 不知下次什麼時候才有這樣的機會?

Didn't get to knit much either. I must be possessed by the knitting goddess. I must knit every day, even if it is just one row. If I didn't even get to knit that tiny bit, I would get cranky and irritable (my poor hubby...) Okay, I guess it's time for me to go knit now, or I just may run of time today...

這幾天毛線織的也不多. 覺得自己中毒頗深, 每天一定要織一點, 就算只織一段也可以. 如果沒得織, 就會脾氣不好, 覺得自己的時間被剝奪 (我可憐的老公... ) 好啦, 寫到這裡, 我要去織毛線去啦! 要不然, 今天又沒時間織啦!

My Birthday Gifts

My dear sister, always knows what I need or want. I was not expecting anything more, as she already told me that she and my mom are going to chip in and get me the Tilli Tomas yarn for Sahara as my birthday gift. Thus when my brother-in-law handed me this gift, it was a real surprise. It is a yarn swift! And he made it himself! Thanks, Dan!

我親愛的老姊真是了解我, 永遠知道我想要或需要什麼. 今年我的生日她早早就跟我說了, 她和我媽一起送我Tilli Tomas的純絲線 (織Sahara用的). 所以當姊夫拿出這個yarn swift送我時, 真的是個surprise. 而且是他自己做的哦! 非常感動....

I have been waiting to buy a yarn swift and ball winder combo for a long time. But they are not cheap. Plus most of the LYS offer free winding services with yarn purchases. So it's easy to just keep putting it off and use a pillow or the back of a chair instead, while I spend more on yarn and needles... ;) The timing of this gift was perfect, as I was just about to unwind the Tilli Tomas Rock Star for Sahara.

其實想買yarn swift和ball winder想很久了, 只是實在不便宜. 而且只要有買線, 大部分商家都會免費捲線. 所以就一直拖延沒買, 想省錢 (針和毛線倒是買了不少... 嘿嘿... ) 這次這個禮物來的正是時候, 我正需要把Tilli Tomas Rock Star綑成球來織Sahara的下襬.

Another peek at Sahara, I am knitting the hem.
Sahara目前進度, 正在織下襬.


Also the Top-Down Raglan Cardi in Patons SWS "Natural Earth":
TKA project #14 拉克蘭外套 (用線是Patons SWS "Natural Earth"):

Sahara Progress II

I just finished the 2nd Inc Round for the Hip Increases. So far so good. And it seems to fit well, although I am a bit worried about the wide opening of the neckline. Before I tried it on, I used scrap yarns to hold the two front sides closer as they just wanted to curl inward and it was difficult to see how wide they are. But I guess the front will look more proper as the neckline portion gets done. Keeping fingers crossed...

剛織完腰身到下擺的第二次加針, 想來試穿一下. 穿起來好像還合身, 只是有點擔心這領口看起來好大. 試穿前用別線把兩襟稍微拉近一點, 因為織片捲捲的, 很不容易看出尺寸是否剛好. 希望領口織好後, 看起來會比較"正常"一點...


A peek at Tilli Tomas Rock Star in Atmosphere. This is for the bottom hem, sleeve hem, and the neckline. Isn't it beautiful just to look at?

這個Tilli Tomas Rock Star的線是要用來織下擺, 袖口, 和領/胸口的部分. 覺得這線這樣看就很美了, 有點捨不得拆開來用... (神經哦! 線不拿來用要幹什麼?...)


My dog got bored watching me taking pictures of myself...

我們家寶貝老狗看我照相看到快睡著...

The Work Has Just Begun...

I started this Little Star Sweater back in November, and had to put it aside several times to finish my Christmas gifts and for our Maui trip. Last Friday and Saturday, I finally picked it up again and finished all the knitting. I had hoped to complete all the finishing work by Monday, then I can focus on Sahara and Phildar Swing Jacket (which has also been put aside due to the busy December schedule) But then... when I looked down and saw all those loose ends staring back at me... SIGH (a very BIG SIGH...) How much longer is this sweater going to take?... I feel like the real work has just begun...

這件小星星毛衣從十一月就開打了, 中途為了準備聖誕禮物和出門旅行而擱在一旁. 上禮拜五, 六終於把織的部分拼完了, 本打算到禮拜一完成縫合, 想這樣子我就可以專心織Sahara和同樣被我擱下的Phildar Swing Jacket. 真正開始要縫了, 仔細一看, 不禁唉聲嘆氣... 我的天啊! 這線頭實在是有夠多! 織的時候就想到這件織好後接縫的工不少, 只是真正面對了, 還是有點不能接受... 唉... 這件還要做多久? 好累...

Sahara Progress I

Per my KAL partner's (my dear sis) request, I'll share with you my progress on Sahara. I am knitting a size S in the long-sleeve version. Now I am approaching the 2nd Dec Row for Waist Shaping, a bit faster than I thought after 4 days of work (no complaints!) I am using the same yarn as the pattern suggested - Tilli Tomas Pure & Simple and Rock Star in Atmosphere. My stitch gauge is spot on, so I didn't have to make any adjustments. However, the row gauge was a bit short on my gauge swatch. I am the type who likes to follow row-count when it is given (I guess I am not that free-spirited...) So, when I started knitting the garment, I kept reminding myself to knit a bit loosely. Per pattern, unplied silk stretches with wear. And silk drapes too. I am just a bit worried about "how much" it is going to stretch and drape? With my progress so far, if I lay it flat and measure it stretched, I can get the same measurements as the pattern. If I don't stretch it, then it is a bit short. I am hoping with the weight of the entire garment and the beads along the bottom hem, that it will stretch and drape to the perfect size for me after the whole thing is done... Haha.... I might be dreaming...

應讀者(嗯哼... 我姐)要求, 上來報告一下Sahara的進度. 我織的是長袖S小號, 目前快織到腰部第二個減針的地方, 比我想像中的快. 用的線和pattern推薦線一樣, 密度也很接近, 所以織起來很順利. 唯一有點擔心的是, 據pattern上寫的, 這純絲線很能撐, 織片看起來可能有點小, 可是穿在身上後會撐大... 可是它能撐多大呢? 還有, 絲線會墜. 我的織片段數密度其實比pattern少一點點, 可是針數一樣, 所以真正開始織時, 一直提醒自己線不要拉太緊, 希望這樣密度會比較接近. 織到現在, 如果我把它放平拉一拉後再量, 尺寸就和pattern上寫的一樣. 如果沒拉, 就會比較短一點點. 希望織好後, 衣服和下擺珠珠的重量會把它拉長到剛剛好... ;D 哈哈... 有這麼好康的事嗎?!

Illusions Cable Scarf Finished TKA 夢幻麻花圍巾完成

Yarn: Rowan/RYC Cashsoft DK (57% extra fine merino, 33% microfibre, and 10% cashmere), #502 Bella Donna, 4 balls (142 yd [130m] / 50g)
Pattern: Black Dog Designs (TKA Project#13)
Needles: Addi Turbo US size 6 (4 mm) / 24" circular
Size: Pre-Block 8.5" x 62" Post-Block 9.5" x 70"
Start: December 14, 2006
Finish: January 1, 2007

線材: Rowan/RYC Cashsoft DK (57% 美麗諾, 33% microfibre, and 10% 開絲米爾), #502 淺紫, 4 球 (142 yd [130m] / 50g)
圖樣: Black Dog Designs (TKA Project#13)
針號: 4 mm/60 cm 輪針
尺寸: 定型前 22cm寬 158cm長 定型後 24cm寬 177cm長
開始: 2006/12/14
完成: 2007/01/01

After I switched to Cashsoft DK, it was smooth sailing till the end. I brought this scarf to Maui with me, but didn't get to knit as much as I'd like. I finished the majority of this scarf during the last few hectic and festive days of 2006. Cashsoft DK is very soft, but a bit splitty. The tips of Addi Turbo needles are not super sharp, but I still managed to pierce the yarn several times. It's just a bit annoying. This yarn gives good stitch definition, and did I mention it being so soft?! I'll definitely use this yarn again.

換了Cashsoft DK重新開始後, 覺得織出來的效果比較滿意, 就一直織下去啦! 這條夢幻麻花圍巾還跟我去了一趟茂宜, 結果也沒織多少. 大部份是回來後, 在熱鬧過節的忙亂中完成的. 這個毛線非常柔軟, 可是很容易分叉. 我用的Addi Turbo輪針並不是太尖, 還是常常一不注意就戳穿了線. 不過這線織起來針目清晰, 觸感柔軟, 下次有適合的project還想再用這線.


The inspiration for the stockinette wide rib at the two ends of the scarf came from a cable scarf in Banana Republic's Holiday 2006 Collection (see photo below). I can't say why, but I find this design detail attractive. Thought I could use it on this scarf. If I may say so, I think it's well suited for this scarf.

圍巾兩端用平針(2上針, 14下針 重複)織了約三吋長後才開始做麻花編. 這是從Banana Republic今年冬季一條細麻花圍巾(照片如下)看來的. 也說不出為什麼, 只覺得這樣的設計還蠻好看的, 就運用在這條圍巾上.


I also tried a different way of knitting p2tog tbl. Thanks to Margaret for the detailed demonstration! I used to just purl the two stitches together through the back loops, without twisting them first (to change their orientation.) Then I saw Margaret's photo illustration, and decided to try it with this scarf. And I like it better! I think the stitches turned out more even and smooth (compared to the pairing skp or ssk), the end result just looks better. I'll work my p2tog tbl in this way from now on.

這條圍巾還讓我學了一個撇步, 如何織p2tog tbl. 謝謝瑪姐仔細的圖解! 以前織p2tog tbl, 沒有先扭那兩針, 都是從左向右往兩針後方依上針方式來打. 我是不介意這樣扭啦! 織這條圍巾時想說來試試看瑪姐這一招, 結果發現織起來針目比較均勻好看, 那以後都要這樣打嘍!


This is the first time I tried Felted Join. When I needed to change to a new ball of yarn, I used to just tie a knot at the beginning of a row and then weave in the ends after the knitting is done. Then I saw this video and decided to give it a try. I felted about 1.5 - 2 inches of yarn ends together. It worked out really well. The felted join seemed strong, I tried to tug at it to pull it apart and it held up well. The join was a bit thicker but blended in seamlessly once knitted. The best thing is, there are less ends to weave in!

這也是我第一次試Felted Join. 以前要接線時, 都是打個結然後織完再來藏線頭. 我是最不喜歡藏線頭的啦! 每次想到就覺得很討厭. 所以這招對我來說簡直是救星, 從頭到尾只須藏兩個線頭, 不錯不錯! 這次接線我大約felt了1.5 - 2寸長的線, 拉一拉還蠻堅固的, 沒有被我的蠻力扯開. 接合的那段線比較粗, 不過織起來後也看不出來. 現在叫我回去找接線的地方, 我可能還找不到呢!

My Maui Trip 2006/12/15 - 2006/12/22

This was our second time to Maui, first with our son Connor. Last time we visited most of the popular places such as Haleakala National Park, Hana Highway, and Kaanapali Beach, we decided to take it easy this time around. Without a fixed schedule, we based our decisions for the day's activities on when we woke up and what we feel like doing. There were two days when we didn't go anywhere, just relaxing by the pool and the beach. The weather was perfect. We were lucky that the clouds didn't show up until our last day in Maui.

這是我們第二次去茂宜島玩, 對Connor來說是第一次. 有些景點如Haleakala國家公園, Hana公路, 和Kaanapali海灘等算是舊地重遊. 這次時間比較充裕, 也因此感覺上比較輕鬆, 不會因為一定行程或時間限制而趕來趕去的. 有兩天真的那裡都沒去, 爛在飯店裡游泳池畔和海灘上, 完全放鬆. 那幾天天氣都很好, 一直到我們要離開當天, 厚雲層才出現. 運氣還不錯!

One of the beautiful beaches in Maui.
茂宜美麗的海灘之一.


And of course I brought my knitting bag with me, but didn't have a whole lot of time to knit. Couldn't knit on the plane, cause Connor was sitting with us. I only got to knit during Connor's two naps in the hotel, and some by the pool. I took the Illusions Cable Scarf with me around the entire Maui, only finished 1/4 of it. I was hoping to take a picture of me knitting in the lounge chair by the pool side, but my photographer/husband was busy chasing Connor...

編織袋當然也帶去嘍, 可惜能織的時間不多. 飛機上不能織, 因為要照顧小孩. 只有兩次趁Connor午睡在飯店裡休息時織了不少, 游泳池畔也織了一些. 夢幻麻花圍巾跟著我跑了整個茂宜, 只完成了1/4. 一直想要有一張坐在游泳池邊海灘椅上織毛線的照片, 可惜這次老公忙著和Connor追逐, 沒空理我. 只好等下次吧!

The view from the hotel balcony.
飯店陽台看出去的景觀.


The beautiful adult pool at the hotel.
飯店裡漂亮的游泳池.


The craters at the Haleakala National Park.
Haleakala 國家公園山頂的火山口羣.


Last time we stopped at several falls along the famous Hana Highway, and ended up having to give up the Seven Sacred Pools because it was getting late. Thus this time we decided to skip all the stops and head for Seven Sacred Pools directly. After a long 2.5-3 hour drive, we arrived at the famous Pools. It is part of the Haleakala National Park (if you plan to visit the summit and the Pools, save the receipt for the admission as it is good for both places for 3 days.) It is truly a magical place, with waterfalls flowing into several tiers of pools on one side and Pacific Ocean pounding against the shore on the other. We were planning to continue on and drive through the southern part of Maui to go back to central Maui where we stayed. Luckily we were informed by the Park Visitor Center staff that the highway has been closed indefinitely 2 miles down the road due to rock slide. So we had to drive back the way we came. It was a challenging drive, as the road was winding and very narrow. The scenery was definitely worth the effort though.

上次走Hana公路時, 沿途因為停了許多地方看瀑布, 弄得很晚, 只好放棄Seven Sacred Pools. 於是這次便決定一路殺到目的地, 中間都不停了. 開了約2.5-3小時的車後, 終於到達這個有名的景點. 它是Haleakala國家公園的一部分(所以如有打算上山和去Seven Sacred Pools, 門票的收據要留著, 三天內有效, 不用再付一次) 這個地方真的很美, 一邊是瀑布和水池, 一邊是太平洋. 本來打算繼續開車從南端開回茂宜中部, 還好遊客中心有說, 那條公路因落石已經關閉, 只能往回走. Hana公路開來實在是累, 彎曲狹窄, 技術再好也開不快. 可是景色真的是棒極了. 下次也許可以考慮在Hana小鎮過夜, 會比較輕鬆一點, 不用趕在天黑前開出Hana公路.

Seven Sacred Pools at the end of Hana Highway.
Hana 公路盡頭的 Seven Sacred Pools.




The amazing Maui sunset.
令人驚嘆的茂宜日落.


Connor having a great time at the kiddie pool.
小Connor在游泳池玩得好開心.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2007!
祝大家有個健康快樂的2007!