Ordering Yarn from Yanagiya 日本柳屋網購毛線

自從訂閱樂天柳屋的newsletter後，常常三不五時會去逛逛，也想過跟他網購毛線，用我那三腳貓程度的日文，搜索了半天的結論是：柳屋不寄國外！幸好溫妮好心告知，說她在大陸也可以收到柳屋的包裹，嗯，那就來試試看囉！趁著這次為了Joey八月群編的功課 - 是的，你沒看錯，是"八"月...這次為了找線超晚交功課的啦！在美國細線除了羊毛和一些真絲線外，其他材質的細線選擇真的不多，尤其要適合夏天款式的，又不想要單色的，真的是沒幾種可挑。想說來訂原織圖建議的線，成功率應該會大大提高吧？

I have always wanted to order yarns from Yanagiya ever since I started subscribing to their newsletters. After rummaging through the website with my very limited Japanese, my conclusion was that they don't ship to outside of Japan. Big thanks to a fellow blogger 溫妮 for letting me know that she was able to order and receive packages from Yanagiya in China. And so, I thought I would give it a try. This time I was ordering yarn for one of Joey's Crochet-Along projects from August. Yes, it was not a typo, "August"... I am so late this time because I just couldn't find the right yarn for the project. It needs a sports or fingering weight yarn. Since it is a summer top, I ruled out wool and alpacas. I didn't want to use pure cotton, and I also wanted a variegated color... The choices are so limited. I also thought by using the pattern's suggested yarn, I should have a better chance at succeeding with this project.

這次買線的過程算是成功！除了第一次訂時不知為什麼一直出現"System Error"，不知道是網路有問題還是怎樣，想說隔兩天再來試試看，後來就沒問題了。這次訂的線本來沒存貨的，樂天柳屋有寫信來通知說已經向廠商訂貨，等進貨後就可以寄出。所以又等了兩個禮拜才收到寄件通知，e-mail是星期二收到的，星期六郵差來按門鈴時我還沒想到，開門一看到包裹時真是好開心呀！居然這麼快就到了！這比有些國內包裹效率還要好呢！這次郵資是1260日圓(800公克)，我覺得還可以接受啦！

The purchase process, well, I consider it a success. I had problems the first time I tried to order, kept getting the "system error" message. I am not sure why, my guess is I was probably trying to order during their system maintenance window? Anyway. I did not get those messages when I tried to order again. The yarns I ordered were actually out of stock. They sent me an e-mail to let me know that they have ordered more from the manufacturer and would ship once the stock was received. And so I waited for another two weeks before the shipping notice came. I got the notice e-mail on Tuesday, and the package arrived at my door on Saturday. I did not expect it to be so fast, I was so happy! :D I ended up paying 1260 yens for shipping (800 grams), I think it is acceptable.

這次買的線，還附送一本織圖
My yarn purchase, and the free pattern booklet that came in the package


每一顆線都用塑膠袋分別包裝(好"剛忽"喔...)我買的是Beneluce，另外那個是幫人買的，就不拆來照相了。
Each ball of yarn was individually wrapped in plastic. I bought the "Beneluce", the other yarn was for someone else and thus I did not unwrap it for the photo shoot.


附送的織圖有些真的很不錯呢，像這次Rich More 99封面，封底那兩件美衣都在這裡面，可惜我書早就買了...
Some of the projects in the free pattern booklet are really nice, such as the cover tunic and the back cover top from the Rich More 99 issue. Too bad I already bought the book...


上次有格友想知道如何向柳屋訂購，以下就是購物步驟(我的日文不好，大多是靠漢字來猜意思，整個過程中我都有用Babel Fish來翻譯 - 日翻英，翻譯出來的句子通常都不順，可是意思可以看的懂就好啦！有沒有人知道那個翻譯器更好用呢？)：
People has asked me how to order from Yanagia, and I promised to share. The following is my order process (my Japanese is very poor, most of the time I guessed based on the Chinese characters, and I used Babel Fish for translating into English throughout the entire process. The translation for the most part was not very good, but as long as I could figure out the meanings, I could continue.)

決定好要買的線，選定色號和數量後，放入購物車：
Once you decide on the yarn, select the color code and quantity, click to add to shopping cart:


購物車內容，如已選購完畢，按鍵開始結帳程序：
The content of the shopping cart. If finished shopping, click the button to continue check-out:


會員登入帳號及密碼 (我沒加入會員)：
Member login user ID and password (I did not join the membership):


填寫個人資料：
Enter personal information - name, address, and such:


選擇付款方式：
Select payment method:


包裹寄送要點 - 這裡我用Babel Fish翻譯出來的直接copy進去，要求用最便宜的國際運費率 (不知道翻譯出來的句子對不對哩？他們也沒再回信來問就是了...)：
Special instructions for shipping - I directly copied Babel Fish's translation into this area, asking for the lowest shipping rate (I don't know if the translation makes sense, I did not get any questions from them though...)
"Please use the cheapest rate for international shipping. (国際海運のために最も安い率を使用しなさい。) Thanks. (ありがとう)"



最後確認一下購物明細和所有資料，按鍵便完成訂購啦！
Confirm the purchase content and all information, click to complete order.


這是我訂購的過程，因為有格友想知道，所以登出來與大家分享，如果你也有一些購物心得，歡迎分享喔！
This is my order process. Because some of you asked to know, here I am sharing it with you. If you have other tips or similar experiences, I would love to hear about them!

Rusted Root

線材: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (80% 棉, 20% 美麗諾羊毛), 色號#225 橘粉紅 - 2.6 綑 (215yd [197m] / 100g)
圖樣: Zephyr Style
針號: 美制4號 3.5mm 輪針(領口，袖口，下擺鬆緊編)，美制6號 4.0mm 輪針(衣身)
尺寸: S號，胸圍 84 cm/33 英吋, 長 51 cm/20 英吋
製作日期: 2008/09/10 - 2008/09/18

Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (80% cotton, 20% merino wool), color #225 Coral Sunset - 2.6 skeins (215yd [197m] / 100g)
Pattern: Zephyr Style
Needles: Addi Turbo US size 4 (3.5mm) / 24" (60cm) & 32" (80cm) for ribbing along the neckline, sleeves, and bottom hem, Addi Turbo US size 6 (4.0mm) / 24" (60cm) for body
Size: Size S, chest circumference 33"(84cm), length 20"(51cm)
Duration: 2008/09/10 - 2008/09/18

這件Rusted Root在美國網路上很多人都織過了，光Ravelry裡面就有765個成品，也難怪它受歡迎，這件織法簡單又快，實穿性高，從領口往下織，延著拉克蘭袖線加針，前片的葉子蕾絲是設計重點之一，讓人不至於因為平面編而覺得無聊，整件衣服採直筒輪編的方法，只有腋下"可能"需要縫合，超適合像我這種懶人或想嘗試從上往下織的新手的啦！

Rusted Root has been so popular in the blog world, there are 765 FO's in Ravelry alone. It has a simple construction and knits up fast. It is worked from top down in circular fashion. The increases are done along the raglan sleeve lines. The leaf lace panel just keeps it interesting amid the boring stockinette stitches. The only sewing required is at the underarm. This is a great project for a lazy bum like me or for someone who wants to try knitting from top down in circulars.



編織過程其實很順利，只有在第三天時因為太專心看CSI，在葉子蕾絲右側記號圈前加了一針，它是應該延著拉克蘭袖線記號圈處加針，蕾絲兩側也放記號圈，但只是用來標示蕾絲，啊我顧看電視碰到記號圈也沒看清楚就給它加針...又過了好幾段才發現...如果這一針是加在不顯眼的地方我可能就這樣算了，偏偏這一針是在胸口超明顯的地方...唉，只好拆了，當天的進度全部再見。不過自此之後，雖然還是邊看電視邊織，就沒再出錯了。

The knitting went pretty smoothly for this one, except on the third day. I was watching CSI, and somehow added one stitch to the right of the leaf lace panel. All the increases are supposed to be along the raglan sleeve lines where stitch markers were placed. There are also two stitch markers for the leaf lace panel to mark the beginning and the end. I was really into what was on TV and didn't look to see which stitch marker I was at, I did a M1 before the lace panel marker... And I did not realize it until several rounds later... If this mistake was at some inconspicuous places like the side seams, I would probably just let it go. But it was right on the chest, very noticeable. So, I frogged it, one day worth of progress for me. But after that, I did not make another mistake although I still knit with the TV on.

很喜歡它小包袖的設計
Love the small puffy sleeves



這件大部分都是按照織法來做，只改了下列幾個小地方：

• 腰身減針的地方，按照原織法應該是要減5次，我不想要太緊，只減了4次。
• 腰身兩側的減針它都是用k2tog，我覺得如果右側用k2tog，左側用ssk會比較好看。
• 腰身減針後原設計是直筒式織到下擺，不再加針，我怕這樣會太ㄅㄟ，覺得需要點空間來容納我的小肚肚，在減針後約6公分(2.5英吋)的地方開始做加針加了三次。
• 袖子部分 - 我在腋下多挑了三針，這樣洞比較小一點，藏線頭時把洞再拉小縫緊一點就好了。

I followed the pattern for the most part, with the following modifications:

• Waist shaping - For size S, the decreases are supposed to be 5 times. I thought that it might be too tight for me, and only did 4 times.
• For the waist shaping decreases, the pattern uses k2tog for both sides. I think it may look better if the right side uses k2tog, the left uses ssk.
• After the waist shaping, the original pattern has straight knitting to the hem. Again, I felt I needed a little bit more room for the tummy area, so I did 3 rounds of increases at about 2.5 inches (6cm) from the last decrease.
• Sleeves - I picked up 3 stitches at the underarm when joining to knit. The hole at the underarm would be a bit smaller and could be easily sewn when I weaved in the ends.

這組線也是買了很久了，堆在衣櫥裡大概有一年多了吧？沒辦法，想織的東西太多了，兩隻手實在是不夠用啊！

This is also one of the projects that sat in my stash for a long time, probably more than a year or maybe even a year and half. What's one to do? I have got only two hands, but so so many projects to do!

Purple Crochet Bolero Vest 紫紅半圓鉤針背心

線材: Crystal Palace Panda Silk (52% 竹纖維, 43% 美麗諾, 5% 絲), 色號#3006 紫紅 - 4 球 (204yd [188m] / 50g)
圖樣: 涼やかなかぎ針あみ―上質のレース糸で編む (ISBN: 978-4529045421)
針號: 可樂 4/0 2.5 mm 鉤針
尺寸: 胸圍 90 cm，長 54 cm (緣邊有4cm)
製作日期: 2008/08/19 - 2008/09/08

Yarn: Crystal Palace Panda Silk (52% bamboo, 43% superwash merino wool, 5% combed silk), color #3006 Berry Smoothie - 4 balls (204yd [188m] / 50g)
Pattern: Japanese pattern book 涼やかなかぎ針あみ―上質のレース糸で編む (ISBN: 978-4529045421)
Hooks: Clover 4/0 2.5 mm crochet hook
Size: Chest circumference 35 1/2", length 21 1/4" (including lace edge 1 1/2")
Duration: 2008/08/19 - 2008/09/08



從上禮拜到現在一直都很忙，忙到居然沒有時間把這件po上來，其實早早就定型好收起來，連照片也照好了，就是沒辦法坐下來好好寫心得。大兒子Connor發燒三天沒去學校，我在家整天陪著，雖然很多時候只是陪他玩玩具看電視，沒做什麼，可是我也走不開去做自己的事，有經驗的媽媽們一定了解，生病中的小孩特別黏人。不能用電腦上網，可是坐在旁邊偶爾織個幾排還是可以的，所以我的Rusted Root這幾天進度增加迅速，現在已經躺在定型板上啦！

I have been so busy since last week that I could not find time to blog about this vest. It was already taken off the blocking board and put away. I even took the FO photos but didn't have time to upload them. My older son Connor had a fever and couldn't go to school for 3 days. I stayed with him all day, most of the time just playing and watching TV. Even though I didn't do much, but any moms would know, kids are especially clingy when they are not feeling well. I could not really get away to sit in front of a computer. But I did manage to sneak in a few rounds of Rusted Root every now and then. And so my progress on Rusted Root has been really good. It is now drying on the blocking board!



這件其實本來不在我的清單中，是姐姐提到想織件衣服送給在台北的表妹，感謝她幾次幫我們跑腿買東西再寄來美國，實在感恩哪！因為她自己最近也很忙，還要再織一件送給她在台北的好友，而且這幾次買的東西裡有不少是我的，所以就自告奮勇來完成這件禮物啦！

This bolero vest was not in my queue. My sister mentioned that she wanted to make something for our cousin in Taipei, to thank her for all the troubles she went through to buy some stuffs for us and then ship to the US. Since she has been really busy and also has another project in her queue for her best friend, I volunteered to make this gift for our cousin since many of the stuff bought are for me too!



選顏色簡單，她愛紫色。挑樣式時倒是花了不少精神，因為看不到真人，怕尺寸抓不準，一開始就決定只考慮前面開襟的背心，波雷若小外套之類的。樣式不能太前衛或花俏 (姑姑家是很保守的)，也不能太可愛 (年紀不合)，也不能太老氣 (人家還是待嫁小姐啦)，要可以搭配襯衫的 (她上班都穿襯衫)，也希望可以配合週末較休閒的服飾... 哇！ 一整個傷腦筋！ 後來翻書看到這款，想起瑪格也做了一件，蠻好看的，而且附和上述條件... 好啦，就是你啦！

Picking a color was easy, she loves purple. But deciding on a style took us some thinking. Since we can't see her and not sure about her exact size, we decided to only consider open-front type of vests, shrugs, or boleros. It must not be too fancy or flirty (my aunt's family is very conservative), not too cute (she is not a teenager any more), not too old-lady like (she is still young), something that goes well with a button-down shirt (it's all she wears to work), and also good for weekend casual wear with a tee and jeans... I flipped through all my books, and came across this bolero vest. Margaret also made one and it looks quite nice, it also meets all of our considerations... therefore, this is it!



這件不難，就是織兩個半圓前片時要一直盯著織圖，一直算針數。織好後我一直覺得脥邊接縫的地方怪怪的，不是成一直線，上面近腋下的地方整個是歪的，檢查過了沒織錯啊！還有袖口緣邊按照織圖針數挑針後覺得很緊，整個往裡縮。一度考慮要拆掉重來，想想還是先定型再說，還好定型後這些問題都沒有了，不過因為定型時拉的厲害，衣身硬是多長了4公分，幸好這個長度看起來也還可以啦。

This bolero vest was not difficult to make, I just had to really concentrate when I made the fronts. The pattern is schematics with stitches in detail illustrations. I had to keep looking at the chart, and count the stitches. After I was done, I felt the side seams, especially the part closest to underarm, were a bit crooked. I double checked the chart to make sure I did not make a mistake, and anything was done according to the chart. And the edging short stitches along the armholes were too tight. I thought about ripping out these parts and redo them, but decided to block it first and hoped for the best. Good thing all these are no longer quite visible after the blocking. But the vest also grew another 1 1/2" longer after blocking, since I really pulled it hard to make sure the crooked seams got straightened and the lace scallop edging opened up.



如果重來的話，我想會特別注意一下前片半圓起點處，應該是要成直線的。袖口緣邊挑針應以自己手勁為準，多挑幾針，只要總針數是偶數就可以了。等我其他禮物準備好，這件背心就要飄洋過海去見主人啦！

If I could start over, I would pay special attention to the starting rows of the front pieces to make sure the side seam is straight. I would pick up more stitches for the armhole edging. It really should be based on my tension, I shouldn't have strictly followed what the pattern suggests. As long as the total number of stitches is an even number it would be okay. I still have some other gift items to prepare, once they are set, this bolero vest will be flying overseas to its owner!