Rows of Purls

Shopping in Seoul!

2007-05-23T20:06:00.000+09:00

Sunday morning I left for a three day, ladies only, shopping trip to Seoul. Once we arrived in Seoul, we took in a few sights, checked into the hotel and then headed for the night markets. The night markets open at 10:00 pm and are open all night. At one of the first markets we visited, I purchased a dress form. I was a little hesitant about purchasing it because I didn't want to carry it around all night. However, at such a great bargain, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. We continued shopping until 3:00 am and then decided to call it quits. The highlight of my shopping trip was visiting Dongdaemun Shopping Complex. This five story shopping center is a bargain shoppers dream. There was an entire level for housewares, linens, fabric and many types of handcrafts. Of course my favorite section was the fiber arts. I purchased, at 75% off retail, 7 pairs of Addi needles in sizes 2.0 - 5.0 and a stitch holder. Since I became overwhelmed with the seemingly endless isles of yarn, I decided to plan my strategy and purchase yarn when I return next month.

I have been “8 Things Meme” tagged!

2007-05-15T17:36:00.000+09:00

I was tagged by my Cyber-Knitting Friend, Craft Lover.

The rules:
1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules
3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

So, here are my 8 things:
1. I love Korean food
2. I was debutant queen my senior year of high school.
3. I played the flute in high school.
4. My favorite beverage is green tea...hot in winter and cold in summer.
5. I collect porcelain dolls from countries I visit.
6. I eat chocolate frosting straight from the can...with a glass of cold water.
7. I used to fall asleep with the TV on...until I moved to Korea.
8. I always take off my shoes upon entering someone's home.

And here are the 8 people I chose to tag:
Andrea, Christiana, Wanda, Celia, Lily, Nicole, Hand Knit is Fun, Saartje

Happy Birthday!

2007-05-08T13:44:00.000+09:00

"...all things were created by him, and for him." Colossians 1:16

Thank you God for your Blessings and for another day in this Gift called Life.

Reading-In-Bed Shrug

2007-05-01T22:52:00.000+09:00

This shrug was definitely a quick and easy knit. I completed it in three days, working on it for three hours each day. The pattern calls for size 9 needles, however, I used size 8 on the ribbing. The change to a smaller needle size caused the sleeve to fit a little snug, therefore, I had to stretch it to achieve the correct measurement. I also worked 14 traveling leaf pattern repeats, instead of 13, for a more comfortable fit across the shoulders. I added the edging to make it a little longer and give it more structure. The ribbon was added for an extra special touch.

GGH Soft Kid is much softer and warmer than I imagined. Angel Yarns was having a sale so I decided to order enough yarn to knit a couple of shrugs to give as gifts. The bad news is, the company could only fill part of my order because their supplier is discontinuing this yarn. I decided to replace the GGH Soft Kid with Rowan Kidsilk Haze...I hope this yarn works as well as the Soft Kid.

Pattern: Interweave Knits Spring 2007 Staff Project
Yarn: GGH Soft Kid (70% super kid mohair, 25% polyamide and 5% wool)
Color: 60 Soft Flesh

Wearing the Cardigan!

2007-04-16T07:23:00.000+09:00

Today I received a photo of my niece and goddaughter wearing the Debbie Bliss Cardigan I made for her in January. She looks so adorable and the soft peach color looks great on her. I'm now on the hunt for Spring and Summer knits for her.

Book: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino 2
Pattern: Cardigan with Moss Stitch Edging
Yarn: Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino in soft peach

Things Are Lookin' Up!

2007-04-04T19:35:00.000+09:00

My knitting has been on the back burner for a while, however, thinks are looking up. I recently completed a small project for Mother Bear and I'm currently working on a Jeager cardigan I started last year. For the past month, I've been vacationing in Vietnam and Japan. Last month, I visited Vietnam where I stayed in Ho Chi Minh City and Pandarus Resort. There were many beautiful sights and the shopping was fantastic. The city was crowded with a variety of street vendors and markets offering great bargains. The main mode of transportation was scooters. There were hundreds of scooters with as many as four people on one. The weather was extremely hot and humid. Amidst the heat and humidity, I found a few ladies sitting on the sidewalk knitting sweaters and scarves. I also managed to find a few small yarn shops and a few sidewalk vendors selling yarn. The yarn was sold in plastic tote bags each containing 6 balls of yarn, 2-50g and 4-100g balls. At such a great bargain, I couldn't walk away without making a purchase. I purchased two bags of 100% Wool, one of mocha and one of powder blue. The pictures below are of Pandarus Resort, Ho Chi Minh City, a ride around the city with friends and my yarn purchase.

I decided to use some of the yarn I purchased in Vietnam to make a bear for the Mother Bear Project. The project is a non-profit group dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children, primarily those affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of hand-knit and crocheted bears. The pattern is simple and is a quick knit. I've volunteered to teach the pattern to a few ladies from my Church group. In a few weeks, I'll post pictures of our progress.

After returning from Vietnam, my husband and I decided to take our daughter to Fukuoka, Japan for Spring Break. The city was beautiful and pristine. We visited a few museums, but mostly we relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful city and the Cherry Blossoms. At the hotel, I asked about yarn shops in the area and was given directions to a craft store. Craft World was located on the fifth floor of the Hakata bus terminal. To my surprise, the store had a great selection of yarn, Japanese knitting books and the cutest knitting and crochet kits. In addition to yarn, the store had a large selection of beads, fabric, sewing notions and many other craft supplies. Luckily the store was near the hotel because I needed two visits before deciding on my purchase. On my second visit to the store, I decided to purchase a Let's Knit Series book, nine balls of Diababy...Diamond Knitting Yarn and a few knitting notions. I plan to use the yarn to make a baby blanket. My daughter, who enjoys making pom-pom animals, purchased a variety of Clover pom-pom makers in the picture below.

The Last Knit

2007-03-31T19:40:00.001+09:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while but I've been on vacation. This You Tube Video was sent to me by a fellow knitter. Enjoy!

I would not be defeated!

2007-02-28T22:27:00.001+09:00

I decided to knit the noni baguette as a gift for one of the ladies at the yarn shop. I was a little anxious because this was my first time felting, and because I have a front load combination washer/dryer. I read the pattern thoroughly and searched the internet for sites on how to felt using a front load machine. After two complete cycles in the washer/dryer, the bag did not felt. Still, I would not be defeated. I then decided to knit the bag again with the leftover yarn from the first one. My results were the same...no felt. The first pic shows the bag ready for felting and the last pic is of the bag after six hours in the washer/dryer.

During my internet search on felting, I discovered a site on felting by hand. Since I experienced two failed attempts at felting, I decided to make this little pouch and try felting it by hand. Yes!...felt at last. I even added a red lining on the inside and a few stitch markers.
Pattern: Felted Pouch
Yarn: Noro Kureyon

During my felting crisis, I began to knit this little jacket for my son's goddaughter. I needed a quick knit, and a self-esteem booster, after the disappointment with my noni baguette. Kudos to my daughter for making the pom-pom.
Pattern: Bernat Sweetie Pie
Yarn: Bernat Baby Boucle'

For My Friend

2007-01-31T15:53:00.000+09:00

My friend, Irene, surprised me with two Japanese knitting magazines, RichMore and Amu. Irene knows my passion for knitting and thought I would enjoy having these two magazines in my knitting library.

I also had a little surprise for my friend, Irene. I decided to knit the Best Friend Bag for her. She has truly been a best friend to me. Irene and I met in church, where she tapped me on the shoulder and offered me a hymnal book. Since then, she has been a good friend to me. She brings me little presents on Korean holidays, translates for me, takes me sightseeing and is a great person. I'm Blessed to have met such a wonderful lady.
Pattern: Best Friend Knitting Bag
Yarn: Joseph Galler Pashmina II

My daughter is always saying I never knit anything for her. So, I decided to knit a pair of fingerless gloves and a scarf for her. I had been searching for just the right pattern...my daughter is very picky, when I saw the chevron scarf on
Judy's blog. This pattern was perfect for her and, because I used chunky yarn, was a quick knit.
Book: Scarf Style
Pattern: Chevron
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas & Plymouth Heaven

Family Vacation in Krabi Island, Thailand

2007-01-17T10:18:00.000+09:00

The vacation is over but the memories linger on. We stayed in Bangkok for a few days and then traveled to Krabi Island for the remainder of our vacation. Bangkok was very busy...many tourist, restaurants and tons of shopping. After a few days of shopping and sightseeing in Bangkok, we traveled to Krabi Island where we spent the remainder of our vacation. Krabi Island was a dream. Most of our time was spent island hopping and on the beach. All was not lost, I didn't find any yarn shops but I did manage to devote a little time to knitting. I completed the seams on the cardigan and completed fetching.

Quick Knits!

2007-01-15T11:23:00.000+09:00

After searching the internet, and my knitting library, I found this baby hat pattern in the Fall '06 issue of Knit It! magazine...a gift from my tea swap pal. I thought this hat would match the Debbie Bliss cardigan I made for my niece. While searching through my library, I also found a cute fingerless glove pattern. I decided to make a pair for the owner of the knitting shop. I had no idea the Fetching fingerless gloves were so popular. There's even a tutorial on how to knit the thumb, which I just happen to find after completing the gloves.

I'm Back!

2007-01-02T22:03:00.000+09:00

While on vacation, relaxing on the beach, I managed to complete this baby cardigan for my new goddaughter. Before going on vacation, the cardigan was practically completed, with the exception of the pockets and finishing. I had decided to mail it once I returned, but now I'm considering making a matching hat or a pair of socks. My only delima with this project was finding a cute button. Since I couldn't find any cute ones, I settled for using a button I purchased for another sweater project. After sewing the button on, I read Judy's blog and noticed her handmade buttons. What a great idea...maybe next time.
Book: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino 2
Pattern: Cardigan with Moss Stitch Edging
Yarn: Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino in soft peach

Last Minute Gifts

2006-12-21T22:27:00.000+09:00

Although I've been busy completing last minute gifts, I just had to post before leaving for the Holiday. My family and I will be spending the holiday in Thailand. I am excited about seeing my son. He will be joining us in Korea and then we're off to Bangkok and Krabi Island.
I hope everyone has a Blessed Holiday.
I've completed my daughter's cabled fingerless gloves. The pattern was easy and definitely a quick knit. I started the gloves on Tuesday and completed them on Wednesday. Now it's on to my daughter's scarf and seaming the sides of my newborn goddaughter's sweater.
Pattern: Cabled Fingerless Gloves
Link: The Giving Flower
Yarn:Cascade 100% Wool

This One's For You, Son!

2006-11-27T19:48:00.000+09:00

Actually the scarf is for my son's fiance. A few weeks ago my son purchased this book, Speed Knitting, for me. This was around the time his fiance asked me to knit a scarf for her. So I thought I would honor my son by knitting one of the projects from this book, classic skinny scarf, for his fiance. The patterns in this book are easy and great for whipping up quick gifts.

I used three hanks of Blue Sky Bulky on size 17 needles. Although the yarn does shed, 50% Alpaca/50 %Wool, I absolutely love it's thickness and warmth.

Another sweater completed with the help of my Korean friends. After completing two sweaters and a handbag, there doesn't seem to be too much of a language barrier. However, most of the patterns are written in chart form, similar to the Japanese charted patterns. I now find Korean charted patterns much easier to follow compared to the written patterns.

To Buy or Not To Buy?

2006-11-09T16:39:00.000+09:00

Korean Handmade Knitting Needles

More Expensive Brand Knitting Needles

Today, after reading someone's blog about their Brittany Birch knitting needles, I decided that maybe I could us some new knitting needles. I scanned over my inventory of needles, which mostly include Addi, Denise Interchangeable and Clover, to decide what to buy. After careful thought, and reading a few comments on knitter's review and this knitter's review article on how to make circular needles, I decided to stick with my fifty-cent handmade needles. For the past year I've been using these handmade needles. They come in circular and straight and knit just as well as my other needles. In fact, a few days ago, I started a new project with one of my luxury needles and the gauge was way off...too loose. I pulled out one of my fifty-cent pair and was quickly moving along.

Package Received!

2006-10-19T22:34:00.000+09:00

This morning I received the most amazing package from my tea swap pal.

Look inside

She sent some of the most beautiful, soft yarn. I received Crystal Palace Merino, Lorna's Laces...In the most beautiful colors, Knit Picks Baby Alpaca and a special treat, a skein of Lori's own hand-dyed yarn in a beautiful color of Lime Sherbet. Oh and my favorite, chocolate. She sent chocolate mint thins, chocolate covered butter biscuits, buttercrunch toffee with chocolate and almonds, and caramel macadamia clusters. She sent four boxes of some of my favorite tea...China Green Tips Fusion Green and White Tea (I'll have to hide this one from my daughter), Assorted Tazo...Black, Green and Herbal, China Green Tips Varietal Green Tea and Decaffeinated tea with oranges and sweet spice. She also included a ceramic mug just perfect for a good cup of tea, the most amazing scented soy candle and a cute note card. That's not all folks. She included two knitting magazines, the Fall 2006 issue of Interweave Knits and the Fall 2006 issue of Knit It.
Lori, you really did an amazing job of selecting ALL of my favorites. Earlier today, I decided to take the yarn with me to the knitting shop. Well, the shop owner was so amazed at the softness and colors of the yarn, I decided to order Lorna's Lacecs for her and three other ladies. It was a treat for them to see the beautiful colors of hand-dyed yarn. Lori, Thanks for everything.

2006-10-17T20:47:00.000+09:00

I decided to complete the sweater and abandon the throw, at least for now. The throw was for my daughter, but she has fallen for the Viveka Sweater. Completing this sweater was definitely a challenge. The pattern was an original and the designer/shop owner could not speak English. However, since I first began knitting at the shop, my Korean has gotten better. Hana, dul, set,--one, two, three. These numbers were important to learn, especially when trying to determine how many decreases or increases to make. The sweater is both knit and crochet (bobbles and trim). The yarn is 100% cotton and is extremely soft, a brand from South Korea. I always learn something new when I knit with the ladies. I now finish my sweaters without blocking. Blocking doesn't seem to be a technique used by the ladies at this particular shop. In fact, I watched a few ladies finish their sweaters without blocking and they looked perfect. It works for them and it works for me.

On The Needles Too long

2006-09-17T08:07:00.000+09:00

After careful consideration, I have vowed not to start another project until I have completed all, or at least three, of these projects. It's so tempting and my fingers are just itching to start a new project, especially since I have received the ball winder and umbrella swift I ordered a month ago. Maybe I should put myself on a time schedule with a goal of completing small sections of each project.

This throw has been on the needles since May. My daughter wanted me to knit something for her to snuggle with at boarding school. Well, school started two weeks ago and I have not completed the throw. I think I'll concentrate on knitting this one more than the others, and have it completed when she returns from school next Friday.

Guinevere, out of wrap style, has been on the needles the longest. I fact, I am ashamed to admit just how long it's been on the needles. It's three-fourths complete, but I have lost interest in completing it.

This sweater is the most recent project. The back is completed and the front is more than half complete. I am knitting it at the LYS here in Korea. The pattern (chart) is in Korean, and no one at the shop speaks English. It's a little challenging but fun trying to understand the pattern. I enjoy knitting with the ladies because, even though I don't understand most of what they are saying, they are respectful, fun, helpful, I learn new techniques and I have the opportunity to share accessories from the US with them. At the shop, the owner always cooks a little something to share with the ladies. I enjoy trying their food, although I can't identify most of what I am eating. Their food is very delicious and healthy, and I have even lost a few pounds since changing my diet.

Lana has also been on the needles for a while. The pattern is out of Jaeger 35. The back of the sweater is completed, with a small flaw on the left side....I didn't have the heart to frog. I have started knitting this one again with hopes of completing the right front by the end of the week.

Sit and Knit in South Korea

2006-08-14T18:58:00.000+09:00

A sit and knit day at one of the local yarn shops in South Korea. Although the ladies don't speak English, we managed to communicate enough to complete the bag below. After the bag was completed, the shop owner walked me to the sewing shop to have the handles, lining and zipper sewn on.

Here is a photo of the shop owner and myself. It's the best picture my daughter could sneak in because the shop owner is a little camera shy. Located just behind the shop owner are the knitting needles. The needles cost fifty cent for any size, but if you purchase a few balls of yarn, the needles are free. Also, if you purchase yarn at the shop, the classes are free.

The lining has three pockets and a large zippered section. A hard base was added to the bottom of the bag for stability.

The bag was knit and crochet using two strands of yarn held together. The flowers and top of the bag were crochet.

Splurging

2006-07-29T02:38:00.000+09:00

I guess we all deserve a little treat every now and then. I have had my eye on 100% cashmere and Lornas Laces yarn for sometime. Finally, two weeks ago, I decided to take the plunge and place an online order with Purlsoho.
I ordered Joseph Galler Pashmina II (Blush), Joseph Galler Belangor (Pink and Canary) and Lornas Laces Shepherd Self-Striping Sock Yarn (Pink Stripe). I was surprised to receive the package within one week after placing the order. The yarn is absolutely soft and beautiful. I can't wait to start my Angora Baby Booties (Last Minute Knitted Gifts), Best Friend Purse (for myself) and socks for my daughter.

Second Little Sunshine Completed

2006-07-16T19:41:00.000+09:00

I've just completed my second bereavement set. I wanted to make this one a little different by adding beads. This was my first time knitting with beads and it's not as difficult as I thought. My husband thought adding beads to a bereavement gown would be a little gaudy, so I tried to be conservative with the amount of beads I added. I am really enjoying making these cute little gowns, but I think this time it's off to the post office.

Little Sunshine Bereavement Set

2006-07-07T08:44:00.000+09:00

I just completed my first bereavement set for the Lucy Ladybug Knit-Along. This charity knit-along provides burial clothing to hospitals in Utah for premature and full term babies. Little Sunshine is for a 1-3 pound baby girl. The dress pattern was designed by Mary Glynn for Heavenly Angels in Need. The pattern is simple and can be easily altered for a different look. I decided to include a pair of socks, instead of booties. The sock pattern is also by Mary Glynn. To complete the set, I plan to knit an angel and then it's off to the post office.

Relaxing with my Goodies

2006-06-09T11:18:00.000+09:00

Thanks to my tea swap pal from Malaysia, Chooi, for definitely spoiling me. The packages were beautifully wrapped. I was so excited to receive one of my favorite treats, chocolate. In fact, orange chocolate became one of my favorites when I visited Jeju Island and tasted orange and cactcus chocolate. As you can see, I sat down to a relaxing cup of tea and treats this morning, all compliments of Chooi. How heavenly this was, especially after the 14 hour flight I endured yesterday. I sat down to a delicious cup of camomile tea with a little Jeju honey, Jaffa cakes and a coconut truffle. It can't get any better than this. I especially love the peppermint scented treats and the booklet about Tea In Malaysia. I adore the pastel yarn and can't wait to start my next project. Chooi also included jasmine green tea and plum green tea, which I'm sure I'll enjoy just as much as the camomile tea. Thanks again, Chooi.

Home Sick

2006-06-04T07:15:00.001+09:00

I am still visiting my son in Texas and boy is it ever hot. I can't wait to return to Korea, especially since the package from my tea swap pal is awaiting me. My husband received the package two weeks ago and was tempted to open it. Thanks so much pal for mailing my goodies early.

It's My Party!

2006-05-08T09:07:00.000+09:00

The Birthday tradition in our family is to celebrate with an early morning party. We wake up the birthday person with the appropriate number of licks, sing happy birthday, give gifts and eat cake. This year, I assumed we would forgo the cake because traditional cake and party supply pickings are slim here in South Korea. Well, little did I know, my husband and daughter were planning behind my back. After my husband's jog, he went over to the Paris Baquette and purchased a birthday cake and candles and hid them in the refrigerator. This morning I awoke to, you guessed it, the whole nine yards. This may not be the best place to find cake and party supplies, but it sure is a great place to find gifts. Yesterday, we visited the Akoya Pearl farm and museum in Tongyeong. You guessed it!
Happy Birthday to me!

Today is Parents' Day in South Korea. Last night, one of our Korean friends came over and surprised us with flowers.

Tea anyone?

2006-05-03T08:52:00.000+09:00

I just joined the Knitter's Tea Swap. Tea is one of my favorite things. Recently, while on vacation on Jeju Island, I visited the O'sulloc Tea Museum. I was like a kid in a candy shop. There were so many things to see, touch, taste and buy. I came away with a green tea ice cream cone, a box of jasmine tea, a Kamsa tea set and GWP tea pot.

Baby Booties

2006-04-25T21:21:00.000+09:00

At the last minute, which was yesterday, I decided to make these little booties as a baby shower gift. They are super easy and should take only a few hours to knit, unless you have six projects going at once. I decided to embellish them a little by adding the ribbon.

Downsizing

2006-04-09T19:53:00.000+09:00

A few days ago, while browsing knitting blogs and forums, I discovered the
GoKnit Pouch. I thought this would be more convenient to carry around instead of my knitting tote bag, especially on short trips. I could tie it to my belt loop, handbag or wear it around my wrist. I was determined to order the GoKnit Pouch, until my daughter discovered these cute little pouches at a novelty store. My knock-off version cost $2.00 for the small pouch and $2.50 for the large pouch. The small pouch is made of satin and can hold a small sock project, double pointed needles and an extra ball of yarn. On Sunday, I took the larger pouch along with me to the Jinhae-si Cherry Blossom Festival. The large pouch is made of cotton and held my sweater project, circular needles, row counter and an extra ball of yarn.

Vacation Photos

2006-04-03T13:56:00.000+09:00

My vacation was awesome! Jeju Island has definitely been blessed with friendly people, great shopping and some of the most beautiful sights on earth. The bad news is, I didn't find one skein, ball or hank of yarn. More bad news.....My carry-on yarn bag had to share space with my luggage. There was absolutely no time to knit. Well, this vacation was my most enjoyable one so far.

Vacation

2006-03-24T18:47:00.000+09:00

I will be out of commission for a week. I am going on vacation with my DH and DD (14 yrs. old). This vacation is definitely overdue. We will be traveling to
Jeju Island. Jeju is considered South Korea's version of Hawaii. Jeju is only a few hours away from where we live, Geoje Island, but I heard it's much more scenic. Of course, I will be knitting and on the look out for beautiful yarn. I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures and post them on flicker.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2006-03-14T10:07:00.000+09:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have been busy with family matters and planning our Spring Break Vacation. However, I have been knitting. I am working on the other half of my brown sock-Vogue Knitting Accessorize and
Guinevere-Wrap Style. My newest project is a sweater out of Jaeger Handknits,
Lana sweater. I purchased the Jeager JB35 book, yarn and needles over a year ago. I guess it's better late than never. Hopefully, it won't take me as long to knit the sweater.

Cable Sock

2006-02-20T20:34:00.000+09:00

WOW! I had no idea socks were so easy to knit. However, I did have a small problem with the heel. The pattern was easy to follow, but next time I'll find a pattern without cables. The cables did slow my progress a little.

Braided Mitten

2006-01-12T09:15:00.000+09:00

I completed one mitten for the Peaceful Palms KAL. To my surprise, the braided pattern is simple and is knitting up fast.

My Stash Has Arrived!

2005-11-23T16:40:00.000+09:00

I'm knitting as fast as I can. I'm in the home stretch with my husband's wool ribbed scarf. I must finish his scarf before I cast on my mohair yarn. I purchased the mohair to knit a wrap out of the Queensland Collection or a project out of wrap style.

My Knitting Haven

2005-11-17T11:46:00.000+09:00

This is my little slice of heaven on earth.

Tapered Ruffles Scarf

2005-11-11T16:29:00.000+09:00

This scarf pattern knits up fast and is fairly easy. My only problem was stopping to block the scarf before it was complete. The scarf continued to roll into a long tube.

Geoje Island - Our New Home

2005-10-25T07:52:00.000+09:00

We are settling in and adjusting to our new home on Geoje Island in South Korea. My first order of business was to find the local yarn shops.