tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217096352011-08-16T15:37:37.771+08:00All about my knitting, and anything and everything having to do with yarn...Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.comBlogger761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-50558028447803315632008-11-19T16:24:00.009+08:002008-11-19T18:44:56.079+08:00

The weather is finally cooling down, and knitting's back on the needles! There are endless queue of things on my ravelry but I have had my fair share of knitting accidents in the past months, and just got to get these UFOs sorted out first before I can knit happy again.Here's the embossed leaves sock started in February with the Regia Silk that have been previously frogged and overdyed. It was

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-24253166274281479342008-09-24T18:29:00.012+08:002008-09-24T20:34:53.481+08:00

I really haven’t got much knitting progress to report… but I took a morning off my recent trip to Beijing and hopped around a few LYS in the western part of the city: Beauty Wool (名线)Location: Shop 3018K, Golden Resources Shopping Centre, 1 Yuanda Lu, Haidian District(海淀区远大路1号金源时代购物中心3018K) Tel: + 86.10.8887.5848 or call their hotline on 800.829.6889for other locations in Beijing and other major

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-21576279047015658412008-07-11T21:26:00.019+08:002008-12-12T22:45:18.126+08:00

Sorry for the blog-silence. I've honestly been extremely busy and just haven't had all that much to say. Nonetheless, I've never intended to be away for as long as I did and thanks to those who have written worried about me! Life just took over but here I am again :)Well luckily enough for me and for Jasmine, I was able to cut down vastly on my business travels this year... as she goes through

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-83700210868718621362008-02-18T23:30:00.005+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.396+08:00

Well, it has been a while, hasn't it? Rather than to bore you with my "life has been so hectic" speech, I will boil it down to this:I missed my 2nd year blog anniversary on Jan 31. I didn't forget, but just have no time to post. It's been two wonderful years! And thank you to all for being here and sharing the fun with me. As a little token, I've finally put together my notes for the baby sweater

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-32136779140371684802008-02-18T22:55:00.008+08:002009-01-10T01:11:14.627+08:00

NOTE: Errors in the pattern has been corrected and updated as of Jan 9, 2009Fall inspired, I made this up for Jasmine. Knitted all in one piece, bottom-up with a seamless (and painless) set-in sleeve shaping, minimal finishing, and you can easily size up or down with thicker/thinner yarn to suit your child.We love the dress length that gave her some extended coverage and kept her snuggly warm

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-69187902396738407982008-01-11T22:40:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:18:16.438+08:00

I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday and that your New Year is filled with peace and joy and lots of knitting fun! Obviously, my blogging slump was, not from a lack of knitting content to write about, but rather the opposite. I’ve just been sooooo busy and hardly had time to sit down, and when I did, I have got so much to recap so I procrastinated and then I have even more stuff the

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-68824166464351779752007-12-12T20:12:00.001+08:002009-09-07T17:01:40.375+08:00

so I'll start with this ;) Inside and outside of the Grand PalaceWe had another wonderful vacation in Bangkok (again)... I have actually been there more than a dozen times, but this is the very first for Jasmine. She's definitely having much fun in the sun... We took her to the Children's Discovery Museum opposite the Chatuchak Weekend Market on our second day. Honestly, the musuem is a little

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-28606541740717388012007-12-11T22:19:00.000+08:002007-12-12T20:12:26.743+08:00

But just really BUSY. Since I last blogged, I went on 5 business trips and a short vacation; started Jasmine at her pre-nursery classes; poured a cup of tea onto my laptop; bought lots of yarn; had a very fun yarn dyeing party with travellersyarn (thanks again for having me over); met with my local knit buddies; chipped my front tooth (I swear I'll go fix it tomorrow); fighting a flu right now;

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-7448536055436779662007-11-15T18:40:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.399+08:00

I wouldn't say I had a great time away, but my 3 weeks of blog absence has been rather efficacious. Despite all the setbacks, I finally finished off these longstanding pairs of Oak Ribbed Socks started back in March. Long story short, I switched needles half way (stupidly) and my second sock turned out bigger. The yarn is a millend lot, really nice stuff, so instead of frogging I made 4 socks out

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-30444011500502481052007-10-23T18:58:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.400+08:00

Little Tangerine SweaterYarn: Angora/Cashmere/Cotton blend from the Beijing LYS. 2 ends of lace weight held together throughout.Pattern: My own designNeedles: 3.5mm circulars/dpnsFinished Size: 2TChest 22-24", Length 13.5" Sleeves are 8.5" from underarm to wristThis design is actually an old-time attempt of mine. Originally intended to fit a newborn but somehow the knitting just never happened.

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-78524482298182001942007-09-30T21:32:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.401+08:00

Jasmine turned two last Wednesday and this is my birthday present to her. We love the results! The yarns are just luscious, so silky, and wonderfully soft that I almost didn't want to be finished with the knitting. And those colors reminds me of a beautiful Autumn afternoon... one of those you'd steal away with a cup of coffee outside your log cabin, and take a walk through the crunchy leaves all

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-81469343467269501262007-09-19T08:07:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.402+08:00

Acted small, but it's turning out big again...My almost forgotten baby blue AJ that was finished in June. Pattern: Apricot Jacket from Rebecca 27Needles: 4mm circularsYarn: 250g of Softy Cottons from the yarn stall in CausewayMods: Substituted DK weight for the worsted, I went with the smallest size and shorten the ribbings on the body a little bit, maybe by 20%Finished Size: Chest 28", Length 16

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-69515098645249675862007-09-05T16:08:00.000+08:002007-09-26T02:04:42.043+08:00

Last weekend, we made a side trip to the Bashang Grassland. Bashang, bordering on the Inner Mongolia Plateau and located at the foot of the Yanshan Mountains, is 280km north of Beijing, and 87 km northwest of the county side of Fengning. Since ancient times it has been a pasture for Mongolian herders, and a hunting place for Qing imperial families. We spent a whole morning on the horseback,

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-59854682968859349162007-08-14T22:00:00.001+08:002009-09-07T16:57:31.368+08:00

Thanks so much for all your lovely comments on my previous posts. Once again, I fear I must apologize for more absence - but as they say, life intervenes. Work has been draining the life out of me and sapping my energy to knit or blog. And I'll be leaving again tomorrow and work the rest of August from our Beijing office... Jasmine will come along with me so this will be a two-in-one working/

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-18672690634099652492007-07-29T11:28:00.000+08:002007-09-26T02:03:31.799+08:00

We've finally got some FO shots for Claude and the Ribbed Tank Top... I know the shots could have been better but since I'm heading out to Beijing today.... I'd better post first before I'm gone again.First up, here's my Ribbed Tank Top. I was totally inspired after seeing Krista's Fitted Tank here and went digging into my stash for the 400 yards of worsted cotton/silks...Yarn: Classic Elite

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-2856774698529416012007-07-27T16:36:00.000+08:002007-09-25T23:33:21.277+08:00

I have been knitting almost nothing but socks since my last post... that includes ripping out my first Sockapalooza sock about 10 times before giving up on the pooling and switched to a solid color yarn. I’m glad I did so and hopefully my pal will like them too.Yarn: 18% Cashmere, 12% Soybean Fiber, 70% LambswoolPattern: Go With the Flow by Evelyn A. Clark.Available from IK Summer 2005 or

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-84984616584093768182007-07-06T17:13:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.405+08:00

I'm way way way behind on my blogging these day... The blocked internet access (to all blog servers, and even flickr) from Beijing is to blame... But the good thing is, I have more time to knit... Haven't I told you that both Baby Apricot and Claude are done now, and I finished another Ribbed Top out of some Classic Elite Cotton/Silk last week... please bear with me for a bit... I'm hoping for

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-14382075718884250062007-06-14T17:47:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.406+08:00

Time flies (again)... it's been 10 days since my last post and I haven't any blog-worthy knitting to show you... Both Claude and Baby Apricot are half-seamed... each has only one sleeve and some part of the body done... I could have finished either one if I manage to focus... haha... At some point, I thought I could fall back to my CTH socks for sanity, but my second sock is turning out much

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-91766243509878046732007-06-05T23:11:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.408+08:00

First of all, Don and I thank you all for your lovely words on our anniversary. May has been one of the most frantic but prolific month of my year. Aside from my busy-as-usual work schedule, I took a short break and brought Jasmine to sunny Singapore to see grandma and grandpa and many of her uncles and aunties.In additions to family gatherings during those few days, we squeezed in a playgroup

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-23504661143085231292007-05-20T14:46:00.001+08:002009-09-07T17:02:39.480+08:00

I've got a few things in the frog pond awaiting your final verdicts but it’s been raining and raining for two days… and I can't show them to you without pics.... so I'll do a meme instead.I have been tagged by Sue. Here are the rules as I understand them to be - Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves...I can have the same breakfast over and over again until I get sick of

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-30289406918677492412007-05-13T11:57:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.409+08:00

Just one more pair of soakers... for now and probably ever... if only I could stop myself... it actually make more sense for me to start making her some longies instead. So even if she gets potty-trained by wintertime, we can still use them as pants.Pattern: Ottobre Soakers (10-24mos), pdf here.Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky in #123. A beautifully golden ochre with a hint of green. A

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-14767730256665423712007-05-05T12:21:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.411+08:00

We had such a great fun time at the playground. To my surprise, Jasmine was extremely obliging, just see how my sweetie shows off her new shorties... Pattern: I started with the Curly Purly Soaker pattern (again) in the largest size, and just knitted on without decreasing until about 9" and incorporated a crotch before spliting up the legs. Yarn: I hank of Cascade 220, plus scrap yarns for the

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-29889455873313473362007-04-29T10:48:00.001+08:002009-01-10T01:48:46.729+08:00

I've always wanted some sock blockers, but was a bit skeptical about paying $20-30 for one... If you're like me, try these... they are really easy to make and cost me a dollar. Oh, just why did it took me so long to get inspired....ETA 5/5/07: I'm absolutely thrilled to learned that this tutorial has been featured on Craftzine. Thanks Natalie, and also Erin for forwarding me the link. Yay!

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-781301029781418242007-04-22T16:51:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.412+08:00

I got a crazy urge to get started after seeing all those wonderful cutie soakers and shorties out there, and knowing wool is completely natural, breathable, antibacterial, can hold 30% of it's weight in moisture without feeling clammy, and surprisingly, it's even known to be cool in summer and warm in winter. And of course, a handknitted soaker just looks too darn cute on baby’s bum!!This first

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-29120156022434463842007-04-17T23:46:00.000+08:002007-04-18T01:48:03.790+08:00

This thing is a beauty, it sews like a dream! It does come as a surprise to me as well but after testing driving more than a handful of newer and older Singer models… I must say I am absolutely impressed by her -- this 1970's Singer Diana 360 Electronic sewing machine. She is so cool!There are some typical yellowing and dings for it's age, but I LOVE the super smooth and quiet running, the more

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-67238150130636029422007-04-07T23:31:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.414+08:00

I was really hoping for some modelled shotsbut naughty Jasmine just won't oblige...Pattern: EZ February Baby Sweater from Knitters AlmanacYarn: 4 balls of Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora in Gray (Sh 24)Needles/Gauge: 5mm/4sts per inchFinished Size: Chest 25", Body Length 12.5" (Both very stretchable)Start to finish: 20-ish ~ 31 March 2007Modifications: None except for doing the sleeves in the round.

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-24898148465934765742007-03-31T22:07:00.000+08:002007-04-30T23:32:16.306+08:00

As luck would have it, I'm all done with the fix-up and finished the baby sweater this morning... So all I need now is just some modelled photos before giving you a full FO report... hopefully very soon.But on this last blue/gray day, I'm actually here to show you what I got from the post office today.20 balls!!! of Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Chunky in Damp, a gray shade flecked with blue, green and

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-60785125166411031522007-03-29T20:39:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.416+08:00

Distractions when knitting can be really disastrous. I thoroughly botched the EZ baby sweater this morning out of sheer stupidity!! The body was all done last night and I was contemplating to do the sleeves in the round. My wishful mind went on to unravel the cast on stitches from the body, instead of casting on new underarm stitches and seaming them up later. But god knows how I absurdly went

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-62962573782138022612007-03-25T11:27:00.001+08:002009-09-07T16:58:31.703+08:00

First of all, thanks everyone for your kinds words to help justify my splurges. A couple of things in my non-knitting life has taken over… and I'm sorry for the lack of response over the past week… Well, here are some of the good stuffs I’ve received thus far for your viewing pleasure…3 bags full of Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora in each of these colors… the lilac and gray are for Jasmine and I ended

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1347210988008820382007-03-16T14:02:00.000+08:002007-03-16T15:06:35.596+08:00

It’s been a little insane around here…my recent Spring sale on the Destash Blog moved along very nicely (a big thank you to everyone!). After all the sorting out, posting, packing and mailing those goodies to their new homes, I'm left with over $400 of destash fund, maybe not a hefty amount, but that should be enough for some guilt-free indulgences.For the record, here are the spoils of my new

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-91130026753373964082007-03-05T20:40:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.418+08:00

Yesterday was sunny, clear, and utterly springlike in Hong Kong. After weeks of gloomy hazy weather, it's almost too good to be true and we are so aching to get outside!Warm breezes and lovely blooming bauhinias trees greeted us along our scenic drive uphill the southern coast. In no time, we found ourselves at a quiet beach near Stanley. The waters is still somewhat chilly to paddle in so we

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-7389204156751501312007-02-26T21:07:00.000+08:002007-02-26T21:25:39.186+08:00

First off, thanks to everyone for your incredibly kind comments on Don's sweater. I'm in a little knitting slump after finishing it, and have had a hard time deciding on my next project. Finally started off with Lady Eleanor from Scarf Style yesterday. The yarn is the same handdyed Australian wool that I've used recently for the Basketweave Throw, but in a blue-grayish shade that fits in

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-39594743376859651802007-02-20T23:41:00.003+08:002009-09-07T17:09:18.712+08:00

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the peoples born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in pig year tend to have excellent manners, make and keep friends, work very hard, appreciate luxury, and are very loving partners.

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-38063196143684550912007-02-14T19:22:00.002+08:002009-09-07T16:04:08.406+08:00

I have been lagging behind on my knitting and blogging; partly due to work and this is, confessedly, the major cause of distraction. I have been playing with it more than anything else last week. Although not exactly, it's coming quite close to a SLR-experience and I'm absolutely thrilled to finally retire my vintagey Nikon ;o)As you could have imagined, my little sweetheart became my #1 favorite

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-39785872713281667552007-02-02T23:43:00.000+08:002007-02-03T00:04:36.682+08:00

I saw over at Krista's blog about this, and thought maybe I'll share my favorite knitting related poem with you.Time by Minnie Gertz Time -- such a preciousGift is itTo work, to read, andYes, to knit.Time to listen to theBirds sing;To watch flowersAppear in spring.Time to dream ofGood future daysWhile our peacefulLiving stays.

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-80770110169524982142007-01-31T12:22:00.001+08:002009-09-07T16:05:30.694+08:00

Truly inspired by all your nice blogs and stories, I wrote my first post a year ago today... to record my knitting and hopefully give myself a chance to do more writing. Although I can't say my writing has improved.... it has been a wonderful 12 months of experiences that I wouldn't have imagined a year ago. I thank you all for reading, and commenting, and for being such an amazing knitting pal!!

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-81798567887371556522007-01-28T13:46:00.000+08:002007-04-30T23:38:27.377+08:00

This was a secret project, meant to surprise our dear Eva on her housewarming and knitting party yesterday. Thanks for the great afternoon, Eva! I hope you'll enjoy the throw as much as I've enjoyed making it. Basketweave ThrowYarn: Self-striping Handspun Wool from AustraliaNeedles: 6.5mm Aero CircularFinished Size: 36" x 40" (Blocked)

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-68955085126439051982007-01-15T23:58:00.000+08:002007-01-16T14:45:45.321+08:00

I didn’t participate last year but was so inspired by everyone else’s work. And this year's Project Spectrum is even better than ever. You have two months for each project, and three colors to choose from. I am having every one of these colors in stash and can't wait to join in on the fun this time around!!! Woohoooo! This is going to be fun!February / MarchBlue, White, Gray April / MayGreen,

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-74319936244507177892007-01-14T18:10:00.001+08:002009-09-07T17:03:18.469+08:00

Well, I finally crossed my fingers and jumped over to the new blogger. The upgrade is, quite frankly, smoother and easier than I thought. I have also reorganized my sidebar for a cleaner look and made a finished object gallery at long last.Going back to the knitting, let us begin with the wrapup for 2006. The final FO count is 22. Almost half are baby things. My fave is this pretty baby dress,

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-10963882845829039202007-01-06T16:54:00.000+08:002007-01-14T09:58:46.321+08:00

At the beginning of the new year, I think I will join in the Knit From Your Stash 2007, although I must confess that I have been hesitant at first but after going through my yarn chests and boxes this morning... I knew this is exactly what I needed.Anyway, here are the rules, with my comments and a little twist:Knit From Your Stash 2007:1. The Knit-From-Your-Stash-a-Thon will start January 1,

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-26861283906918729702006-12-27T19:06:00.000+08:002007-01-14T09:59:27.322+08:00

Jasmine needed some warm socks and I've an orphan skein of fingering lambswool which is really soft and bouncy but the neony pink shade is tacky … so I did an “express” over-dyeing while she took her afternoon nap on Christmas day. This is also my first experiment with the acid dyes that has been sitting around for months…The dyes are as easy to use as the koolaids, the colors seemed more intense

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1166612318024372672006-12-24T12:02:00.001+08:002009-09-07T17:04:08.581+08:00

It has been a really hectic week at work, and I hardly had time to knit except for these two little swatches... Coming back from our recent gathering, I found not just one but two yarn in my stash that will fit the bill for the gorgeous Smock Coat in my new Debbie Bliss Simply Baby book. First, we have a 20/80 Cotton Cashmere yarn bought in China. This yarn is actually made up of 16 extremely

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1165284720606860092006-12-05T10:00:00.001+08:002009-01-10T01:22:17.264+08:00

I remember seeing a very nice ruffled baby hat pattern online somewhere but couldn’t find that link anymore, so I decided to make up my own. This is actually very simple and will only take about an hour to make… an excellent project for that last minute shower gift or just to use up your leftover yarn. ETA: Thanks to Ravelry, I finally found the original hat pattern that inspired me to making

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1165072387728003552006-12-02T23:12:00.000+08:002007-07-27T20:42:38.909+08:00

This winter, nothing will keep my feet as warm and comfy as these... Yarn: 18% Cashmere, 12% Soybean Fiber, 70% LambswoolPattern: Priscilla's Dream Sock, available from the member section of Interweave Knits or in the IK Fall 2000Notes: The wonderful softness of cashmere has definitely overshadowed the slightly slouchy cuff... so light and soft you have to feel it to believe!

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1164105843002537642006-11-23T20:30:00.004+08:002009-09-07T17:00:08.967+08:00

With just 5 weeks away from Christmas, I thought I'd better focus on the cabled sweater during my mini-vacation to Bangkok... but instead I brought the wrong-sized needles and *almost* ended up with a knitless vacation... But well, we did had a great time in Bangkok. The weather is fine, water is warm... Thai food is scrumptious as always and the Thai massage is wonderful too... And the most

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1162348155516481702006-11-13T20:20:00.001+08:002009-09-07T16:06:36.610+08:00

Much depressed by the image uploading problem on blogger (Mozilla Fox apparently didn't help very much), I have been procastinating my blog post for weeks and ended up with more knitting. As usual, let's start with the FOs...First, we have Bobbi Bear... Pattern: Bobbi Bear by Blue Sky AlpacasYarn from China, 135g DK Cotton in Beige and scraps of dark brownNeedle: 5mm bamboo dpnsGauge: 4sts per

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1159339172331129662006-09-27T12:05:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.428+08:00

Dear friends, thanks for your warm messages and kind regards over the past weeks. I've not been feeling completely well and recently been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. Besides frequent clinical visits, check ups and treatments for my symptoms, which is a severe double vision in my case, I had to spend lesser time on my computer... Well, fortunately I still can knit... Actually, my knitting

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1155442479541256572006-08-17T10:22:00.001+08:002009-09-07T16:59:16.164+08:00

Sorry for this belated post and even more sorry to start this post with a vent... I'm very fed up with Blogger... couldn't get any of my pics uploaded since Sunday when I first drafted this and after several more attempts I managed to get the 3 that you see below loaded ... then it just doesn't work for me anymore... I'm giving up, maybe I should move my blog somewhere else, any recommendations

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1154792683752863922006-08-05T18:12:00.000+08:002006-08-05T23:45:41.140+08:00

Could someone please tell me where did July go??? I just can't believe that it has been 6 weeks since my last post, and I'm certainly way behind on all your blog feeds.... *sigh* Well, before I start -- thank you for all your kind comments about Jasmine and my mom's clapotis. I appreciate them all and I miss you all. I have basically been busy shuttling between Hong Kong and China over the past

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1151222811872493472006-06-25T14:36:00.001+08:002009-09-07T16:54:13.875+08:00

Hi everyone! Despite the "Very Hot Weather Warning" in Hong Kong, we took Jasmine Big Wave Bay yesterday... She's almost 9 months old and her first time on the sandy beach. She got really curious and excited about the new sensations and didn't seem to have any fear at the seawater that came tumbling over. There's a very shallow area here that is just so perfect for babies. Now please see my

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1150213570027376692006-06-13T22:09:00.000+08:002006-06-13T23:52:51.490+08:00

First of all, our WWKIP Day on June 10 went very well. Eva is working on her Cabled Spiral Pullover from Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan, I'm on my Clapotis for Mom (see the pile next to Eva), Siow Chin and Marjorie were in fact winding yarn in public. Mom's Clapotis Scarf was finished the next day. I was actually about a yard short of yarn but managed to get away by decreasing more rapidly

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1149479117391650582006-06-05T10:35:00.000+08:002006-06-05T11:47:29.986+08:00

Mom is visiting us from Singapore and she fell in love with my new Clappy-in-progress. The cottony yarn will be so perfect for her in tropical Lion City and I'm so glad she likes this. I'll be in full gear to finish it for her... so all my others projects will have to wait.The Diagonal Ribs Sweater is coming along nicely and quickly... I have reached the armhole but my row gauge was off... Can

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1149158237123856472006-06-01T18:22:00.000+08:002006-06-05T10:32:12.583+08:00

I was rambling through the Tang Lung Chau Street market in the middle of bustling Causeway Bay yesterday and stumbled upon a yarn stall… Oh what a great surprise! I know this stall when I was a kid but just never thought it is still here after 2 decades… !!! Just can’t believe how fast time flies. It seems like only yesterday that I was here buying yarn for my first sweater… it was an angora wool

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1148748808324049442006-05-27T23:54:00.000+08:002006-05-28T01:19:47.863+08:00

My first foray into handspinning produced about 3-4 yards of slubby, thick and thin singles. Many say it will never happen again, so I better label and date my "First Yarn". For the records, I'm using an Ashford Turkish Spindle. I attempted to practice the Inchworm method and had a hard time learning to draft. The fiber is constantly breaking on me. This occurs when there's too little fiber in a

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1148620346052837342006-05-26T12:00:00.000+08:002007-04-30T23:45:41.328+08:00

Scoop Du Jour did soften up very much after the bubble bath and I've got a better pic taken. But the bad news is -- it's really scratchy. Nice fit though but I will definitely have to wear it over a long sleeve tee.My Clapotis scarf with just 3 balls of Noro Sik Garden #47, is finally completed so I'm in need of a new project for the bus. Verdict: A great and easy pattern. Just love it, will

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1148225292143023292006-05-21T21:12:00.000+08:002006-05-21T23:29:51.936+08:00

I have spent the entire day seaming and finishing the button/neck bands - my 2 least favorable things in knitting.... and I'm really really exhausted!!! Whew! Time for a hot bath...Pattern: Scoop Du Jour - by ChicknitsYarn: Red Merino 4-ply from Cold Spring Mill, UK (Double-strand)Start to finish: May 1 - 21, 2006Verdict: A versatile cardi, pattern was very easy to follow and quick to knit. As

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1147512605591532392006-05-13T15:50:00.000+08:002007-04-30T23:41:40.390+08:00

I was working mid-way through the 2nd sleeve of my Scoup Du Jour this morning and thought I might be able to finish this off real soon... Then came Mr. Postman and I was completely distracted with my new toys. First a niddy noddy by Kromski, it's mahogany in medium size and supposed to make 48" skeins. It does look small at the first glance so I took out the Joan & David's sweaters that I wanted

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1146917818089179002006-05-06T18:56:00.001+08:002009-09-07T16:52:14.494+08:00

How's your weekend? Mine kicked off with a lovely bunch of flowers ... and it's my favorite peonies. Then I got some new buttons for my Scoop Du Jour on way back from lunch. Just plain ones but I like them. And my perfect afternoon begins with an hour of knitting time while sipping my fave tea! Simply sweet, simply styled, simply relaxing and simply enjoyable... :o)

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1146490310582466872006-05-01T20:53:00.001+08:002009-09-07T16:49:14.569+08:00

My mini-clapotis scarf was once so close to completion but now it's back to 70%... I must be day dreaming when I did this section repeat (see pic)... So being a perfectionist at heart, I was ripping away at the April Meetup last Saturday when everyone else was knitting... Thanks to the long weekend, I did have some progress to report... ya still remember the red merinos that was recuperating

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1145979264941705792006-04-25T22:38:00.000+08:002006-04-25T23:45:52.346+08:00

Here's my little Flower Basket Shawl... completed over the Easter weekend. I finally did 10 lower basket repeats... and she measures 24" x 50" (blocked). A bit smaller but I'm liking it for sure. Quite an enjoyable pattern to do and a relatively quick knit. Despite the distractions, it took me only about 4-5 evenings and one good afternoon to finish this. Yarn: 2 x 50g of Knitpicks Shadow in

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1145010941459011592006-04-14T18:04:00.000+08:002006-04-14T19:07:21.620+08:00

Hey, look at these beautiful, yummy cascades yarn from Krista! Thanks so much! I just love everything including the sweet note and postcard!

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1144488292428776652006-04-08T15:43:00.001+08:002009-09-07T16:50:19.738+08:00

Mission accomplished... these were mailed out today. Cheers!Mail Package #1 - 4 balls of my Jaeger Trinity to Krista (hope you'll like them)Mail Package #2 - 1 pack of Noro Silk Garden #88 to Lois (good luck to your Lady Eleanor)Mail Package #3 - 2 sets of Newborn Hats & Socks to Babies in Bamiyan, Afghan (made with yarn from my previous kool-aid project, pics here)Everytime I go shopping for

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1144242923365054662006-04-05T20:35:00.000+08:002006-04-05T21:15:27.003+08:00

My simple YO garter stitch shawl has failed to keep me interested for too long... So being the flicker-minded knitter I have always been, she has now became a Flower Basket shawl... It's been a really long time since my last lace project... at least over 10 years... Oops, I forgot I did the chunky fan & feather scarf but it's not lace yarn so that doesn't count, right? Anyway, this is definitely

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1143822220391034102006-04-01T00:20:00.000+08:002006-04-01T09:18:10.996+08:00

I took an afternoon off work on Wed and finally sorted out my stash into the 2 new yarn chests that I bought at a second hand store... How about some close-ups... 1) Forsell Pure New Wool 300g for Kool-Aid, Happy Wool in Assorted Colors 400g, Local DK Cotton in Coral/Pink 500g2) Vintage Wool Lace 16oz, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted - Black Purl 12oz3) Knitpicks Andean Silk 6 Balls, Knitpicks

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1142872089038218202006-03-20T23:59:00.000+08:002006-03-21T21:52:04.450+08:00

The Roll Neck Sleeveless Shell designed by Barbara Breiter is an instant gratification. Exactly something I needed to counteract my grief on the hourglass failure. Completed over the weekend with 5 balls of Jaegar Trinity in Hibiscus (worked double-stranded on 5.0mm). I've made some minor modifications to the original pattern for a waist line and added a couple of short rows near the bust. Voila!

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1142406352761213372006-03-15T14:45:00.000+08:002006-03-21T21:54:37.620+08:00

March 11 Meetup - went well! I'm really happy to have met Eva, Majorie, Joy, Vivian & Joyce. Looking forward to meeting Siow Chin next time.Hourglass Sweater (No More) - oh, don't get me wrong, I love the pattern but my gauge was off... after 2 long weeks of hesitation, I finally found enough courage to admit failure and start anew... now the 3 winded balls of yarn is there recuperating and

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1141312622636599442006-03-02T22:33:00.000+08:002007-04-30T23:40:07.054+08:00

This little cabled purse is a true last minute gift - with some pinkish wool yarn in my stash, I started searching for a pattern on Friday... It actually took me longer to decide on the pattern than to knit. My gauge was a little off, so the purse ended up smaller but still nice. Also, my domestic helper was very kind and help do the lining for me (she's really good at sewing!!) so we managed to

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1141035329107149842006-02-27T17:53:00.000+08:002006-04-03T10:13:49.483+08:00

Will update my knitting progress soon but for now, please let me introduce you to Rising Star Outreach (RSO). RSO is a charity organization founded in the US by Becky Douglas in 2001 and they have been helping leprosy-affected people, children of lepers, handicapped children, abandoned children and orphans in India. RSO currently serves:31 leper colonies, providing them with basic humanitarian

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1140534769595829242006-02-21T22:40:00.000+08:002006-02-22T12:14:02.980+08:00

I swatched my red merinos last Saturday and with double strands, I got the exact gauge for the Hourglass Sweater from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson. Best of all, the HGS is knitted in the round... so there will be no seaming except for the hems... hehe... Also, the hand and the slight variegation of the yarn turned out great and I am liking it more and more as it knits up... Just

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1140094294214641242006-02-16T19:45:00.000+08:002006-02-22T12:12:02.896+08:00

I went on eBay and absolutely lost control... heheee, buying yarn really makes me happy... and these are all baby-friendly stuff too :o) Look what I've got: Debbie Bliss Merino Chunky in Green 14 balls Rowan Cork in Gleam 10 balls Rowan Glace in Delight - Aubergine 10 ballsAnd some are on their way... (will post pics later)Knitpicks Shadow Merino Lace in Brown 2 skeinsKnitpicks Shimmer in Flower

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1139648665195461252006-02-11T17:04:00.000+08:002007-04-30T23:38:27.379+08:00

Inspired by this, I frogged my Simple Rib Scarf and redo in Fan & Feather stitch. Oh, this pattern is much easier that I thought and the scarf worked out nice & quick. The knitting was done mostly on my short bus trip to/from work over the past week and I blocked it yesterday. Voila!! Just in time for my friend, Ivy's birthday on February 14th (St. Valentine's Day).

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1139048207416028672006-02-04T16:24:00.000+08:002006-02-04T22:13:15.066+08:00

As mentioned earlier, I have some yarn to destash... please view them here and email me at maryann33hk@yahoo.com.hk if you're interested. I accept paypal and will be happy to trade for some knitpicks yarn. Thanks and happy viewing!

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1138899911239329032006-02-03T00:27:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.435+08:00

Yet another top-down seamless baby sweater... this would probably fit her from 6-12 months...Petals Baby CardiganPattern: My own designYarn: Jaegar Baby Merino DK in Petals. Approx 280 yardsStarted on Jan 7, 2006. Completed on Jan 22, 2006

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1138724388749899382006-01-31T21:31:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.436+08:00

The Baby Asymmetrical Cardigan designed by Kristi.Pattern: http://home.pacbell.net/kapleo/blog/domesticspherepatterns.htmlSize: 6-12 MonthsYarn: Even.ch from Italy. 70% Alpaca, 30% Wool. Worsted. 200 yards.Started on: 3 September 2005. Completed on: 11 September 2005. ******Matching Hat & Socks SetsPatterns: The Rolled Brim Hat and Super Quick Baby Socksboth from

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1138697301508993892006-01-31T16:42:00.000+08:002008-02-21T17:16:58.438+08:00

It's such a nice warm day - perfect for a stroll at the park. After all the CNY rushes, shoppings and gatherings, we are so happy to spend a quiet relaxing afternoon with baby. And I also managed to cast on my first new year project. It's a very simple 2x2 rib scarf, made with a designer wool slub yarn. It's a very beautiful color but difficult to capture the true color with my digicam. This

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21709635.post-1138646163772475342006-01-31T00:45:00.000+08:002007-01-14T02:54:26.339+08:00

Today is the 2nd Day of Chinese New Year and I wish all of you a wonderful year of the "Dog".I'm a knitter in Hong Kong and here's my knitting resolution for Spring:1) Create a knitting blog. Done!2) Get my hands on some Knit Picks yarn. The fact that they don't ship overseas is just killing me. But I just won some Shimmer on eBay ... oh I'm so anxious to receiving them!! 3) Figure out what to do

Maryannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219086743668595174noreply@blogger.com0