Heck - At Least It's Not Another Cardi & Other Important Stuff

Unashamedly picture heavy. ;)

When I saw this in The Happy Hooker, the hippie in me had to have it:

So, floating down the river of denial (being fanned with palm fronds by studly, scantily-clad men), ignoring the fact that it draws attention to the areas I really need to cover up, I made one yesterday. I used Berroco Suede gifted to me by a reader (see, Cyndy - I'm finally using some!) because I thought a suede-type yarn would be perfect for this pattern. (It calls for Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride.) Here is the result:

(I really never thought I'd show my butt on this blog on purpose. Is there no end to the lengths I'll go for your entertainment? hehehe)

It ended up a bit smaller than the belt in the picture (or else I'm just that much bigger than the model...well....ok....I am that much bigger....but let's move along....) I have plenty of Suede left over to experiment some more - this only took a smidge over 2 balls. Making this bigger to match the pic is one option, another is making it smaller width-wise to fit around the waist - definitely a more flattering style for some of us on the south side of 40. In that case, I'd leave off the bottom ruffle to make a more stream-lined belt. Stopping after just a couple of rows of X-stitchs would make a nice, narrow belt too. Lots of possibilities here!

Margaret - wouldn't this be great over a broomstick skirt? In fact, it looks like the model is wearing a modified one. Good thing I ignore the fashion-don'ts, eh? hehe

Speaking of possibilities, the incredibly technically-savvy Jillian has man-handled the French/English knitting translation page that I was raving about (pointed out to me by Kimberly just in case you missed that blog entry) into a pdf file that all French-challenged knitters will love! Zip over there & check out the link on her sidebar - I've printed out my copy and will hide it safely away from dogs & kids. Thanks again, Jillian! Now - on to the review:

 

Those of you who've read this blog for any length of time, know I'm a "woo-woo" type. Belief in ghosts? Check. Psychics? Check. Alternative religions? Check. Alternate realities? Heck - it sounds good on Stargate SG-1 - check! Everything from basic meditation to Eastern medicine, I might not jump in with both feet but I'll always keep an open mind.

That being said, all my "woo-woo" hippiness is wound around a basic core of Kansas practicality. Ghosts? Yeah - I'll believe in them...but I not only have to hear the chains clanking, I need to see the iron links, baby.

So - when all the talk was about knitting as the "new Yoga" and the process being a true Zen experience I thought to myself, "Eh - not so much." For me, knitting is a means to an end. (I think I might have mentioned that about myself a time or two. :::wink:::) In fact, it can bore me to tears so quickly I always have to have something else going on in the background - usually the TV. (I'm "woo-woo" in a Bill Gates kinda way. hehehe)

Inspired Cabled Knits by Fiona Ellis seeks to blend the contemplative and the practical, while making new forays into the world of cables. It's an interesting premise and, for the most part, it works.

I have several knitting books on my shelves that make me smile just looking through them. Knitter's Stash is one and this is another. The photography is very artsy and organic, although once in awhile I could've done without art for a little better pic of the cable detail. There are many lovely things in the book and I'd probably make at least 6 of them - which makes the book worth the $$ for me.

The book is divided into 4 themes: Change, Nature, Energy, and Time, with Ellis explaining her inspiration for each pattern. For example, "Power Cables Unplugged":

was inspired by both a huge lightning storm and a power outage. Thus her lightning cables almost meet but just miss - representing the failure of the power grid:

I like this pattern because it reminds me strongly of the Southwest Native American artwork that I see almost every day. This is one of the sweaters I'd like to make. :)

Every pattern also has a "mindfulness pointer" - some of which resonated with me, while others were "out there" for my practical self.

Although Rogue never tripped my trigger, this hoodie does...in spades:

And lately I've been thinking about openwork cables....here's a lovely example:

And this pillow...I love this pillow...this is so obviously inspired by the sand & sea...I really wish I had a wee stash of Pakucho Cotton (the pattern calls for Eco Cotton) so I could start this today!:

All in all, well worth the bucks, whether you pay $10.00 or $20.00. It's original in a sea of not-so-original offerings, and that's reason enough to celebrate.

 

Comments

[Margaret]

Great belt Bron! And yes indeedy it would look fab on a broomstick / prairie skirt! Great yarn choice too. The suede adds texture and interest. Love it!

[Chris]

Thanks for the review and photos!

[Leisel]

I like the hoodie, too, and there was at least one lady at knit group yesterday that was totally enamored by that pillow. Definitely a fun book, and I'll be adding it to my collection. The only question is... will I wait for my normal Zooba date, or will I have to fast track it and have it NOW (okay... now being relative, since Zooba is cheap but not speedy delivery-wise).

[Leisel]

Oh, and I do think that belt has possibilities. The suede was a perfect choice... it looks better than the original in that regard... I think what I really like is the slightly mottled coloring and more sheen that you get from the Suede.

If I were going to make it for me, I'd probably angle the ends, so that when I wore it, it wouldn't create a straight line across my middle... if that makes any sense.

[Vicki]

Thanks for the peek into the book, Bron. That one's on my list to check out -- and now, even more!

You know, I actually showed my butt on the blog the other day, too, and I have to say it looked a helluva lot better than I was expecting! In fact, I might almost recommend it. Huh? What do you think? (Your butt looks great, too, by the way!)

; )

[erica b.]

That belt is so cute. I so have to make that one!

[Bron]

Vicki - It certainly is a new spin on showing my "backyard", eh? And for the record, we both have cute butts - so there! ;)

Erica - Definitely! It's fast & really fun to wear. :)

Leisel - Yeah, there are bunches of ways to change the basic belt construction. I'll have to keep experimenting! But I really love the Berroco Suede for these - I'd like to branch out in pink, green or blue too. :)

By the say, Zooba looks cool - I'll have to check into it.

You're welcome, Chris. :)

Margaret - Thanks! I'll admit I was thinking of our broomstick skirt conversation while I was crocheting this yesterday. :) Not sure yet if I'll keep this or give it away - I'll have to see how it looks with my skirts! hehehe

[Cyndy]

Was my impatience showing?!Just kidding, a belt is just the thing for Suede. Do you think it is easier to crochet or knit with it?

[cec]

oh, Bron, where to start? "woo-woo"? have you watched "High Anxiety" where Mel Brooks is giving a speech about p*n!s envy and because there are little kids in the audience (by accident) he has to make up words for the above and W0mb? guess what "woo woo" and "pee pee" are?

Anyway, I love your mix of woo-woo and pracaticality. And all our butts should look so good!

You truly waxed poetic about that book, I guess that's the fun of a blog, to write with flair, which you certainly do, which is why we all read you. :-)

I'd buy it just for that sand pillow. Nice!

[Bron]

Cyndy - See - patience is it's own reward. :::grin::: Now that I've settled on Suede = belt, I'm itching to crochet it all up! I think it's a toss-up as to whether knitting or crocheting is easier with it. The Suede has a stickiness factor that comes out when you do either one. Otherwise, I like it. I don't mind the twisting the way some do. If the stuff weren't so dang expensive, I'd buy some more for my stash! ha! So thanks again for giving me the opportunity to try it. :)

Cec - Every once in awhile I gotta wax my poetry - it gets so dull & dusty around here. :::wink:::

It's been so long since I saw "High Anxiety" that I'd forgotten all about that! And here I thought people would equate "woo-woo" with sex! hehehe

[Larry]

Now I have to go buy another book! I haven't seen the cable book around here though. Was that Amazon?

[jillian]

Thanks for the lovely shout-out :)

I looked at that book, and it is absolutely original. Not enough patterns that personally called to me to buy it, but I did LOOOOOVE that pillow!

[maryse]

that belt looks great. i noticed it myself, but it's not something even a thin me would wear.

but i like it on you.

[Bron]

Jillian - Yep, I must, MUST have that PILLOW! Ahem...excuse me - I'm in love! hehe

Thanks, Maryse - To be honest, I'll probably never wear it - I had to suck everything in too much & was turning blue before Dylan could take the pic! I'd hate to walk around like that all day. hehehe I think the ruffle kills it for me - I'm going to make another, plainer one & I think I'll like it much better. :)