It is cold as a cast iron commode here in Brooklyn, Dear Readers! At times in our apartment I feel like Bob Cratchit, swaddled in woolens, typing with fingerless gloves, slaaaaaaving away over my studies at the hands of an insensitive, greedy taskmaster (school, that is). Sorry, the cold brings out my dramatic side.
Anyway, this is a non sequitur, but you know what? I realized this morning that I've picked a project for almost every single yarn in my stash now! Isn't that boffo? I thought so. But there's one intriguing yarn in there with which I'm not sure what to do. It's two balls of Origami by Artfibers:
The content is 60% nylon paper and 40% nylon, and the gauge is 17st=4" on a US 10 needle. I've got about 320 yards. As you can see it's cool as all get out - a lovely coffee brown with copper highlights and a silken copper thread throughout, with a leathery-type quality. But it's simply a stumper as to projects. I was thinking maybe a bag of some sort? Have you seen anything made with this (or similar) yarn? What should I do with it?
And have you seen Little Knits is having another good sale, this time on Classic Elite and Debbie Bliss Cashmerinos? I'm sorely sorely tempted to order some Cashmerino Aran to make a Backyard Leaves scarf like Yahaira's as a gift, and to buy some black Cashmerino Chunky for a shrug of some kind, or some other chic knit.
As for current projects, I'm almost to the calf decreases on my second Norwegian Stocking but, guess what? It looks just like the first one did, so there's not much point in photos. I also (bad... bad!! no more starting projects, you!) finished one footie for Chris, made from some Koigu Kersti I got with my Purl store credit, and inspired by these from Whispering Pine. It's all about the foot insulation here at Fig and Plum.
And we need it, because, as I said, it's a bit chilly around these parts. Just look at little Catty, trying to avoid freezing her sweet calico ass off:
Sometimes I have an unhealthy envy of the lives of my cats. But then, who doesn't?
also: I'd like to add that someone on my block is blaring Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin or some other old timey Italian guy singing Christmas songs onto the street. It's not unpleasant, actually, I just can't tell where it's coming from. I suspect the Park Slope Barber.
Update, 4:35 PM: The music is still going, just, you know, FYI.
Update update: For those of you who are compelled to belittle the cold in NYC in comparison to northern climes, I hear you, but did I add that we have NO HEAT in our apartment from 9-4 every day on our cheapo landlord's theory that people are at work then (in our building of students and freelancers)? Brrr!
Posted by jess at December 15, 2005 10:21 AMThis may sound strange, but how about using the Oragami yarn to make a utility-thing? A small bag, or a table centerpiece-placemat-doily-thing? It's very cool looking stuff.
Posted by: Dave Daniels at December 15, 2005 11:06 AMoh, this cold is only going to feel worse if there's a transit strike tomorrow. you will need the Norwegian Stockings then!
Posted by: carrie m at December 15, 2005 11:26 AMIs it not comfortable enough to be a hat? I've never touched paper yarn. But if it could be a hat, it should be! If not, what about a floppy basket kind of thing? Containers are fun.
I'll trade you weather, though. I want some cold and it's 60 here :(
Posted by: kristiface at December 15, 2005 11:55 AMi don't think you can NOT not make one pair of those footies for yourself. i am going to this weekend. maybe a bit longer around ankles to avoid slipping.
your cat is so adorable. my cat has been trying to fit herself in my SnB felt bag for a while now, she has not realized that she's too big.
Posted by: blossom at December 15, 2005 1:27 PMThat yarn screams bag to me! Make a sexy bag out of it. And get yourself some cashmerino. 4 makes the scarf with some leftover.
Why was it 17 yesterday? I don't appreciate it at all. Stay warm!
Posted by: yahaira at December 15, 2005 1:37 PMWho cares about yarn and Old Blue Eyes...look at that cute kitty!
Posted by: Gina at December 15, 2005 1:53 PMThe kitty is darling - awesome photo.
The music: how totally "New York neighborhood". Wish I could experience that. I don't think I'd want to stay, but visiting would be awesome.
And if I could just feel that yarn... it looks softer than you describe. It looks like colors you want to wear. The texture sounds coarse but the colors aren't. It would definitely take some thought.
Posted by: Laura at December 15, 2005 2:52 PMThat yarn makes me think shawl or stole.
Oh, and about the cold: come to Boston.
Posted by: Colleen at December 15, 2005 3:00 PMNot too much sympathy from up here in the wintry north :-) But I do suspect that the Park Slope Barber a) is sipping some of that free whiskey he gives out this time of year; and b) has the same Rat Pack Xmas album that Chris and I picked up for our tree-trimming par-tay.
Posted by: Val at December 15, 2005 5:00 PMNo heat from 9-4 -- that's CRAZY!!! It's been suppa cold, and I don't like it AT ALL. I hope you get some of those knits done soon so you can keep the toes warm, but lately, nothing really seems to help.
Posted by: Michelle at December 15, 2005 5:15 PMUm, no heat? Why the heck not? Has law school finally won and you've lost your mind? Catty is really cute and I can't wait to see the footies.
Posted by: Stephanie at December 15, 2005 5:20 PMI hate to bring down the comments, but you do know that it is NY law that your apartment be kept at 68 degrees during the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.? You can make a complaint to 311 very easily.
h
p.s. as a fellow law student in NY, i very much enjoy your blog
Posted by: Heather at December 15, 2005 6:21 PMJust my little two cents on Cashmerino...it pills and wears terribly, in my opinion.
Posted by: Skylar at December 15, 2005 9:48 PMThe Kitty photo is so adorable. Stay warm.
I think a nice loose knit shawl would be cool with the yarn. I know one of the bloggers actually knit a tank top with that yarn and it was amazing. I can not rember who.
Posted by: Kitty Kitty at December 15, 2005 10:25 PMCOMMENT #2: I wonder if the yarn softens with washing? Tank top would be cool!
NO HEAT?! WHAT THE FREAK??? Has he spent the hours of 9-4 in your apartment wearing a shirt, cardi, jeans, socks and slippers? I know it has to be DAYUM COLD in your apartment because it's no where near that cold in Kansas today and I have all that on and still have to keep an afghan on me and snuggle up with a baby and toddler to stay warm AND I HAVE MY HEAT ON!!
Posted by: Laura at December 16, 2005 1:55 AMIsn't that illegal? They have to provide heat!
Posted by: yahaira at December 16, 2005 9:13 AMyep, it IS illegal. you should call 311 and they'll direct you to the department of housing. then someone from that department will come out and take readings during the day and then fine the landlord. my friend in astoria had the same problem and only after the landlord was fined THREE times in one winter did he finally get the picture.. and the DOH will not tell your LL who called so you're in the clear. you should do it. you have rights!!!!
Posted by: gleek at December 16, 2005 10:19 AMNice landlord! I would recommend a good space heater to fight the chill. Our heat is turned down this year because of gas prices. We have a the Vornado Digital Space Heater. It works great and has good safety features!
BTW- you take lovely pics!
That's a *great* cat picture! I love her expression.
Posted by: naomi at December 16, 2005 6:03 PMI guess that to get the mortgage loans from banks you must have a firm reason. Nevertheless, one time I've received a short term loan, because I wanted to buy a house.
Posted by: TamekaPeters29 at April 22, 2010 2:28 PM