The Knitting Belle

My New Apartment

2009-10-04T22:03:00.005-04:00

Pic not my apartment, but pretty non?

I'm moving out and going to live by myself. A cozy apartment with high ceilings and lots of sunlight. It's on a quiet, tree-lined block. Beautiful hardwood floors and lots of closet space. Two large closets for clothes, one for linens, one for yarn and one for my wardrobe kit. It's blessed with a roomy bathroom with wonderful hardware, a pretty mirror and a window.

The comfortable couch is perfect to put your feet up and watch the flat screen television. My ottoman is nearby. The kitchen is spacious, the window providing the perfect light to have breakfast in the breakfast nook on the kitchen table.

A tabby cat is lounging on a window sill, lazily watching the birds in the trees.

What a wonderful life.

Crochet for Grannies?

2009-09-17T19:07:00.003-04:00

I love crochet. I have 2 crochet skirts, and have made a few baby clothes and bags. It is not always the prettiest fabric though.
Umm, look below...

Cate Blanchett at the Australian Center for the Moving Image.

Here's the lovely Cate Blanchett in a bulky, granny squared, one-shoulder dress.

Really unflattering *sigh*.

Up close, the yarn seems that it could be lovely, but not all those colors together. The black flounce thing on the neckline and hem, doesn't help in any way.

It could be fixed though. Work with me.

Picture a strapless dress, using only 2 or 3 colors like grey, white and black or grey, pink and black for a splash of color. Then making the squares look triangular around the waistline would make it look more body conscious.

If all else fails, this dress could make a cute purse. What do you think?

Pic courtesy The Daily Mail

Fantasy Pattern - Sexy Crochet Lace

2009-09-16T12:00:00.002-04:00

Diane Kruger at Berlin Fashion Week Summer '09
Source: Fab Sugar

Let's talk about this top.

Lace crochet, the detail. So much is going on. It's 3 doilies sewn into the cutest top ever.

The neckline is a bit high, but the top is see through, so it's still sexy.

So, who wants to make this pattern? I'd buy it. After my foray into crocheting with thread, I believe I can do this in about a year.

To fill up my obsession with thread, I bought this pattern, below, from Universal Yarn.

Might be my first thread, non-accessory project. But as you know, I have many other things to finish beforehand. So much fun.

More Posts: Crochet Wavy Doily Update Wavy Doily

Sewing Crochet

2009-09-13T13:36:00.000-04:00

I'm still working on that crazy ever expanding crochet skirt. So it seems that the Knit Picks Shine Sport yarn was too thick. I know I'm a loose knitter, ha! And I guess I'm a loose crocheter too. I didn't feel like frogging the skirt again, so I'm going to finish crocheting the body, machine sew down the sides to the size I want, then add the edging and zipper

I'm using a subtle zig zag stitch to sew the skirt. This will keep the stretch inherent in the yarn. Then I'll sew another straight stitch 1/2" away and trim closely to minimize bulk and unraveling. At least my sewing machine will get some action. I rarely take it, out except for work, and I try to let other people use it. I also have the perfect color blue thread...

...Tada, I did it.

Here's the seam on the outside. It's not that wonky in real life.

Here's the inside seam. This is hard to see in the picture. The seam folds to the right.

So now I have like 5 balls of yarn left. I'll probably have 1 left of the shiny yarn. Don't you hate when you have too much yarn left over? Not just one ball, but many. Don't know what else to make yet. Maybe I'll bring it to the yarn swap next month. Don't know...

More Posts: Warning: Don't Overdo The Shiny Yarn

Rosamund's Cardigan Knit-a-long

2009-09-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

I'm doing a knit-a-long with 2 of my friends. We're making the Rosamund's Cardigan by Andrea Pomerantz from Interweave Knits Fall 2009 issue. It's a fitted short sleeved cardigan with a cabled neck and asymmetrical opening.

It's worked in the round, top down. I've never knitted a sweater like this. I've only made sweaters in pieces like front and back, then sewn in sleeves. This will be the first time making a sweater from the neck and working my way down.

I enjoy tight knits and cables. But without fail, everything I knit tends to be too big. So I'm making the medium in this. A small knit is a good knit, and it always stretches to fit.

I'm planning on using Cascade Rustic in #10 Eggplanted (Purple). It's wool and linen. I love how there's a lighter color spun in. It creates a depth I like. I haven't used this yarn yet. It's single ply so it might pill and look slightly felted. I don't think I'll mind that on this project.

Cascade Yarns "Rustic" # 10, 2nd from bottom on right

The gauge for the pattern is 1 stitch bigger than the gauge for the yarn on size 8 needle. Since I'm a loose knitter I should always start swatching on a size smaller needle. But no, I try an8 - too big. Size 7 - too big. Size 6 - too big, really? Size 5 - same size as 6, for real? The swatch measure 4 1/4" instead of 4".

I blocked the size 6 and 5 swatches. Hmm, this yarn stretches I should probably use the 5. Cause I don't want to swatch a 4.
Shall I?
It's supposed to be an 8!

Pics courtesy: Interweave Knits
Cascade Yarns

Planning with Ben Harper

2009-09-09T13:27:00.005-04:00

I'm not the best writer. That's why I was chosen to write the business plan for the knitting café . I wrote it mostly in outline form, it helps to organize my thoughts. My business partner, CG, helped edit it. Our business counselor at SBDC reviewed it and sent back a review.

First, "no" on outline form. Must be in paragraph form. Just so you know, since the invention of texting, I have a hard time writing full sentences. I leave off things like "I, It, The".

Second, I have to write about our services and all that stuff as if the person reading it knows absolutely nothing about knitting. This could seriously double the length. I also have to include the financial projections and stuff. That's confusing. How do you predict how much you will grow? So I have this week to edit the plan, then show to CG, but I really want to knit, all day. Help me.

Here's some Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals. He's helping me get through describing classes and workshops in the utmost detail.

More Posts: Money Talk
Knit Development

Pen Pic courtesy: images.com

September Horoscope

2009-09-04T19:28:00.005-04:00

Sagittarius Woman: images.com

Professional interests, finances, and a major real estate or housing situation will take top billing in September...

Hmm, really.

... best to be patient and wait until October to make your key decisions...

Okay, what I'm supposed to do in the meantime?

... Financial matters seem to be on your mind this September, and if you are starting a business or already have one that needs more financing, then finding the money you need to accomplish a goal will take precedence over everything else in your life...

Yep, opening up a store is a huge financial commitment.

... If a business relationship was never strong (even if you thought it was) you may see it unravel under this month's extreme aspects...

Oh snap! That's true, and it's not even September yet.

... The universe really does seem aggressively bent on presenting every possible flaw or problem this month...

Thanks?

These aspects are ... on a mission to root out relationships and agreements that will not support you in the future... no matter if you are forced to change, or do so by your own volition, you will move to a better place, so the final effect will be positive...

Wheesh, that's good.
Gonna go knit.

Horoscope courtesy of Astrology Zone

Upholster This, Finale!

2009-09-02T09:00:00.002-04:00

So I left off with springs tied down on the top frame of the ottoman, and a " I don't want to return to this" feeling.

Where we left off...

But I went back, and it was fun! The 2nd week is the hardest. The instructor said he's had people walk out of class in the 2nd week. Believable.

We covered the springs with burlap. The burlap is to create a barrier between the fabric and the foam. Whenever you sit on the fabric it would rub on the foam and just wear it away, no good.

Burlap cover. The fox edge is applied on all four sides on top of those staples, covering the raw edge.

We also added some cylindrical burlap covered batting on the edges of the burlap (not pictured). It's called fox edge, I think. That's to protect your legs from touching the edge of the ottoman frame. That would be very uncomfortable. On top of the burlap we glue down cotton batting then 4 inch foam.

3rd week we started working with the fabric. Just so you know upholstery fabric is expensive, minumum $10-$15 / yd. I stopped by my local fabric store in Brooklyn and picked something up for $2 /yd. That's what I'm talking about. It was recommended not to get fabric with stripes or repeating patterns. But those are the best, aren't they? I ended up with a safe, classic gold fabric with same color dots.

Top view, after fabric is stretched over foam

Next, we stretch the fabric over the foam. But be careful, you don't want to warp the fabric by stretching the fabric too far on one side. After carefully stapling down fabric, the instructor walks by and says that it's even but not tight enough. You can never win with him. We are obviously not perfect, so our ottomans won't be either. Everyone decided that our ottomans were good enough to move on. He smiled.

A fold on each corner

Staple on some piping.
Mitered edge of piping

Then staple fabric upside down on sides beneath the piping. Staple a tacking strip (1/2" piece of cardboard), under the fabric right under piping to create that seamless look. Pull down fabric and staple down underneath bottom. Hand sew that one open side. Staple a black fabric (don't know what) under ottoman. Have instructor nail in some stops under ottoman, and you're done.

Ooh, it's done!

Oh, and then carry it home. Pretty light.

Here are beautiful samples from class.

More Posts: Upholster This!

Warning: Don't Overdo The Shiny Yarn

2009-08-30T21:35:00.015-04:00

I finally found glittery yarn to accent my seaside crochet skirt. I went to 3 yarn stores and settled on this blue yarn with gold accents "Gatsby Lux" by Katia.

I originally wanted gold yarn (like the sample to the right) to go with my "River" colored yarn from Knit Picks Shine Sport (Pima Cotton & Modal). When I couldn't find the right gold in the price and quantity that I needed, the owner of the yarn store recommended the blue with gold. That was a lovely sophisticated touch, better than the garish gold.

Stitches used: hdc, back post crochet stitches (hdc), hdc through back loop

I would tell you where I got the yarn from, but the lady wasn't so nice there. She barely made eye contact. When I thanked her for pointing out the blue and gold yarn, she replied in a sort of "I know I'm helpful that's why it's my job and why I'm better than you and I own this store because I'm better than everyone else" kind of way. She was nice the week before though. Anyway, got good yarn.

The Shine Sport yarn for the body of the skirt is a bit thicker than what I needed. I started of using a smaller crochet hook to get gauge, but the fabric was coming out too thick, and I didn't think it would drape well. I went back to the original hook size and now I'm making a size small.

Update:
So the small was becoming too A-line in the skirt. The increases were too much with the thick yarn. I did about 2 tiers, but unraveled most of it to the 2nd round of increases of tier 1. I'm starting again with less increases. It looks better already.

BTW, this pattern (to the left) from the book Sensual Crochet is the most convoluted, wrong pattern ever. There's so many mistakes, I can't even start. What it really needs is a stitch pattern schematic. That would be easier to follow than writing out vague instructions that are confusing.

Oh well, been crocheting up a storm this weekend. Saw The Notebook again on TV. I think it's my number 3 movie now.

So good.

Seaside Romance Skirt Pics Source: flickr.com

Crochet Wavy Doily Update

2009-08-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

My wavy doily is flattening out. Where there was extra fabric the pattern later calls for decreases. Smart. I have one more pineapple to do, so naturally I've put it down and moved on to another project.

Update:

Right now I'm blocking doily. Lots of work. You want it to be even, but you're only human. Let it go.
I think I have to starch it later, not sure. Came far from that wavyness. Do you agree?

Back to post:

I've also bought some thread with stainless steel for a new project. I was thinking of making a necklace. It's a free pattern from Lion Brand. The thread is LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel. It's 75% wool and 25% stainless steel. It's supposed to be delicate and good at holding shapes, wonderful qualities for jewelry. I bought an purple cherry color and a wine color to mix

I'll tell you how it goes. This yarn has gotten mixed reviews. Some say it's hard to handle. Not a good yarn for a newbie.

Upholster This!

2009-08-23T09:00:00.005-04:00

Pic: Fabricmaster.net

I'm taking an upholstery class in NYC: http://www.furniturejoint.com/classes.htm
I'm a slight perfectionist, so I suck at this class. Perfection, or anything better than mediocrity, comes with experience. The same is true for knitting. The first time you try to knit, it's usually a jumbled mess:

Your tension is off
Stitches are twisted or dropped
Knit stitches are confused with purl stitches
Your rectangular scarf may end up being a triangular shawl

But that's all okay. You can do bad at knitting and have something viable. Not so with upholstery.

As per our instructor (implied), it's best when everything is perfect: tension of springs and fabric, stapling, nailing, tying down twine - it's too much. I wouldn't mind an inept, lumpy ottoman that may break down eventually, but alas my instructor won't allow it.

Why is (re)upholstery so expensive? Because generally you have to do the damn thing over again. Yep, practically build everything from scratch - hopefully not the frame. For reupholstery though, you have an extra step, taking apart everything that was built, to fix it.

Frame of my ottoman

Generally there are springs in chairs, couches and ottomans. Chairs and couches have seat cushions on top of the springs. Ottomans have foam and stuff covering the springs. I think ottomans and small chairs are like upside down couches. The springs are built near the top of the frame, while couches and comfortable chairs have springs near the bottom with cushions on top. My examples will be for ottomans, which could mean they are upside down for couches. Whatever, it's all a lot of detailed work.

Furniture (furny) can break in a few ways - one way is broken springs. They can pop out underneath or on top (for couches- underneath the cushion). Either way the whole furny has to be redone, not just the one spring.

1st step: Webbing - crisscrossed, then springs are sewn on, then tied down with twine (below)

If the spring pops out of the bottom, you have to redo all the webbing that the springs rest on. The webbing is crisscrossed and woven between each other - probably makes it sturdier. So if a piece of the webbing wears away, you have to redo it all - but first you have to undo that twine holding the springs down, then remove the springs from the webbing (see below). It may be worth it to buy a new chair.

(2nd-3rd step) Twine holding down springs. After this photo three more ties were made crosswise.

If the spring pops out on top it means the twine tying them together has broken. Why not just add more twine to tie down spring? Because all the springs are tied together with a continuous rope lengthwise and another crosswise. You have to redo most of the ties, just to fix one.

3rd step: all ties down. got rope burn from doing this. sad face. I'm ok, considering my instructor tied two of these lines. happy face

That been said, even though the first 2 weeks were über hard, the third week was fun and I'm looking forward to the last week.

Have you taken any classes, then used that skill? Or did you realize that you should just hire someone to to the job?

Blog Previews

2009-08-18T13:49:00.005-04:00

Ahh, I should post. There's so much going on, I don't have time to write. So I'm going to do previews.

Pic: movietome.com

Coming Soon with pics....

Upholster This!
I'm taking an upholstery class in NYC: http://www.furniturejoint.com/classes.htm
I'm a slight perfectionist, so I suck at this class...

Warning: Don't Overdo The Shiny Yarn
Finally found glittery yarn to accent my seaside crochet skirt. I went to 3 yarn stores and settled on...

Crochet Wavy Doily Update
My wavy doily is flattening out. Where there was extra fabric the pattern later calls for decreases. Smart. I have one more pineapple to do, so naturally I've put it down and moved on to another project. I've also bought some thread with stainless steel for a new project. I was thinking of making...

Real Estate Offers
Business wise, we've almost broken up a few times, but we're still going strong. Getting four people to agree is hard. Compromise is our middle name. We all want this store to happen. Our Real Estate Agent is amazing. She's smart and knows what we want. We've put on offer on two spaces, there may be a third...

Wavy Doily

2009-08-07T09:00:00.002-04:00

So I'm working on this oversized doily pattern from Crochet Today June / July 2007 issue. It's my first time using thread on a big project. Below is what it's supposed to look like.

Source: Flickr via Ravelry.com

Here's mine so far. Blurry pics.

Thread: Aunt Lydias Crochet Thread Size 10 color black
Hook Size: 8 - 1.5mm

What's with the waves?

These are the tightest crochet stitches, I've ever done. Crocheting with thread demands extra tension, because any variation shows easily. It's not hidden by the thickness of the yarn. Some major blocking is coming my way.

For my non-knitting friends, blocking is the process of wetting or steaming the yarn and reshaping it to lay flat in the shape you want it. Eunny Jang has a great tutorial on her old blog.

If only my doily could block itself. It's so wavy~~~~~~

Coffee Meltdown

2009-08-06T09:00:00.000-04:00

I had a minor "meltdown". That's what one of business partners says. It was all about the coffee or to be precise, the espresso machine. This particular partner, lets call her CG (Coffee Gal) is responsible for pricing cafe equipment for our store. A few weeks ago, she scoured the Bowery restaurant supply area in NYC and came back with new and used prices. It came up to around $6000. Well, we were only planning $10,000 for renovations, maybe we would have to up our price.

Fast forward to last week: After numerous coffee tastings, it seems that not many coffee roasters are willing to give free coffee equipment to a new small store. So suddenly our budget went out of control. I didn't realize that we didn't budget for all of the cafe equipment.

The price doubled.

Over the weekend, I thought it would be best to not get the espresso machine, and start with great drip coffee. I mentioned it at a meeting and, well CG disagreed, claiming that we would lose all our customers. I was like, dude it's coffee, what's the difference?

Then I was schooled.

There's drip coffee - nice, uses a Bunn something or other, large metal thermos.
Then there's Espresso - concentrated coffee - given in shots. That's how potent it is. People like this.
Americano - An Espresso with water. To me this is coffee, but I heard the flavor's different.
Cappuccino - An Espresso with steamed milk, then foamed milk - Popular.
Latte - An Espresso with more steamed milk than Cappuccino, then foamed milk on top.

Numbers 2 -5 , all need the super duper expensive espresso machine (below) to make. All of these items can also be iced. I soon realized that we might need that machine, and quickly got over the fact that all I have to offer is whole tea in a tea bag, because loose tea is complicated and we're trying to sell yarn.

Small Espresso Machine

What I've learned: Always budget at the going rate. Don't assume any discounts, they may not come through. Then you're already over budget.

Later researching on the internet, I found out that the espresso machine is needed to make hot chocolate. Why didn't anyone tell me! That's my thing. So I now have tea and hot chocolate.

I'm happy.

Photo Sources: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Latte-Art
http://www.dvorsons.com/laPavoni.html

Knitting Survey

2009-08-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

I took this survey, for Knitting Linguist. She's doing a research project on knitters and knitting communities. Reminds me of Darwin from the The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. But not as repressed.

Check it out. I learned that my stash is bigger than I thought.

Photo from TTU.edu

Real Estate Quest

2009-08-04T09:00:00.002-04:00

Source: www.allaboutathensga.com

We're starting to see spaces for us to rent. We need a bit more room for our store than a regular LYS, because of the café element and the seating required. Also we would like a storefront, which is great advertising, especially with people knitting inside. All of this makes our real estate looking, real expensive.

Prices are dropping because of the economy. There are so many empty storefronts in NYC. On every block, you can probably find at least one empty store. It's kind of sad, actually. Some stores have moved to the boroughs, others focus on an online presence, with no overhead. And some have moved on to be transformed to some other dream, and to make room for new dreams.

We were looking online for ads, and also taking numbers while walking in the neighborhoods. But then a friend hired a real estate agent. She said that have access to almost all the available real estate, and the landlords pay them a fee. So there's no fee for us. This is different from renting an apartment, where you pay a percentage for having an agent.

So we have someone looking for us. Actually 2 different people, recommended separately. They have different personalities. One thinks we can get want we want. The other is doubtful. We'll see what'll happen.

Our business counselors have all recommended hiring a real estate lawyer to negotiate the content of our lease. Most recommend a 5-year lease with our option for 5 more years. This allows us to have 5 years of great rent, and then if we want to expand or leave, we can. Or if we want to stay to keep the same rent with a small yearly increase.

There's many other things to negotiate, like who's responsible for repairs, who shovels the sidewalk when it snows, who pays for renovations. This all has to be put in the lease, so it's beneficial to get a great real estate lawyer. You don't want to be stuck with a bad lease for a number of years.

We start seeing places this Monday. Wish us luck!

Crochetez-Vous?

2009-08-03T09:00:00.007-04:00

I enjoy crocheting immensely. It's way easier than knitting. My stitches come out more even, and the whole process goes by way quicker. It's also easy to shape items as you go, that's why it's the easiest way to make flowers and other circular items.

Crochet fabrics take up a lot of yarn, and there isn't as much variation in the stitches as in knitting. But it's great for thick, warm fabrics and lace.

In the above baby dress, the yoke was single crochet, the midriff was single crochet crisscrossed. I skipped a stitch, crocheted the next stitch, then went back and crocheted the stitch I skipped. The body was a lace pattern from a crochet stitch library. The hem is shell stitch.

I'm in charge of the crochet section in my store. We plan on developing a great selection of crochet threads along with all the yarns available. The threads are great for thin garments and crafts. I'm making a doily now, just because (pics later).

Learn more about crochet at about.com. Check out my fave crochet blog, Crochet & Craft.

Partnerships

2009-08-02T10:00:00.002-04:00

Source: Iycanada

Partnerships are challenging. For some reason, my partners and I don't all agree all the time. We have to learn to pick our disagreements, and let the others go. The hardest decision we have to make so far is our name. Sometimes it's 2-2 or 3-1. I think we found one though. I have to let it go. It's not that important. I just have to be able to live with it.

My partners and I are probably going to form an S Corporation. We can put any profit or loss on our personal tax return. So it off sets our other income we made during the year. This is beneficial if you have outside jobs, and we do. It also gives us limited liability, so if your company gets sued, only it's assets can be taken, not your personal assets, like your house or investments.

To file an S Corp. First you form an C Corporation, then elect for a subchapter S. You can do it online yourself for about $150. Sounds confusing? That's why we're hiring an accountant to handle all that. It costs around $800, not including their fee. But it takes about 2 days, and then you have your Tax ID number to do business. With a tax ID, we can open up a business account, sign a lease, and start ordering yarn!

Fantasy Pattern - Man Cardigan

2009-07-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Source: Just Jared

Check out Tom Cruise's double breasted cardigan! I love the shawl collar with the mock neck.

The cable details on the sleeve and body, and that zigzag pattern on the front.

Great gift for that special guy.

If you had to make up a pattern, how would you design this?

How long do you think it would take to make this?
What color yarn would you use?
What modifications would you do - sleeveless, single breasted?
What closures would you use - covered buttons, zipper?

My answers:

This will take me a really long time to make. Definitely won't finish until next year. I would love to try this in an oatmeal or cream colored yarn. Dream: Cashmere. Reality: Not. Probably a wool blend, the cables will keep you warm. Add some large wood buttons for a natural style. I'll have to get a pattern for this one, seriously complicated. I think it looks perfect. No changes.

Maxwell and Michael & Michael

2009-07-21T11:59:00.006-04:00

So, I'm typing while listening to the beautiful Maxwell. I'm obsessed with the song Pretty Wings from BLACKSummers' night.

Yes, I know I was obsessed with Beyonce's Halo. That's still my song, forever. But Maxwell's phrasing and melody on Pretty Wings, is so emotional, that it just loops itself on my ipod by sheer emotion. Love.

Let's talk about the Michael & Michael Have Issues premiere party!

Last Wednesday, I donned a printed summer dress, I bought at Red Lipstick, a cute boutique in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.
Source: Redlipstick.net

Kinda like Anthropologie, but without the overpricing. The owner Stacey, is also a fabulous knitter.

I wore red shoes and red lipstick. To top off the look, I wore lace textured stockings. It was all a bit of an overkill, but the party was at a bar / screening room, so it's dark...

They did a comedy set then we watched the show on a projected screen. It got a great reaction, and I hope you all saw it. I actually didn't work on this episode, because it was the pilot. But check out the rest. They're funnier.

Check out Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter on Jimmy Fallon tonight, I think 12:35 am EST on NBC. Then Wed, 10:30 pm EST on Comedy Central for the show.

Cheers!

Michael & Michael Have Nothing To Wear

2009-07-15T14:41:00.005-04:00

Source: Comedy Central

Michael & Michael Have Issues premieres tonight on Comedy Central 10:30PM / 9:30C!!!

I worked on this show, and tonight's the premiere party. I seriously have nothing to wear. I think I wore everything I own to set. Maybe I'll wear what I wore the first day of shooting. I remember that it was super cute. Gonna stretch out those shoes for a dangerous dance party. I don't know where I come up with these played out adjectives ("played out", are you for real?)

The show is really funny. Everyone was laughing on set, while we were shooting. Usually a no-no because it ruins the sound. It's a sitcom, with sketches in between like commercials. Here's a link to the NY Times article.

Tell you about the party later. I'm promise to behave ;-)

Money Talk

2009-07-10T09:00:00.001-04:00

I've been busy writing a business plan. I think I'm over my writers block and I'm now moving into the financial plan. This is an extremely important part. You need to have an accurate estimate (seems contrary) of your expenses and revenue to figure out how much money you need, and how much you have to make to break even, then make a profit.

First you need start-up money. This is money you never see back. It includes rent deposit & 1st month (3-4 months rent), renovations, legal fees and licensing, payroll, and buying inventory.

But then you have to count the first months expenses. Oops, forgot about those. It totally adds up. When you compose it all in a spread sheet, it all comes to light. This exercise also helps you find places where you can cut spending, and brainstorm where you can increase revenue.

This part may take me a week. But it's definitely my next step to moving forward.

Talk to you later!

Fantasy Pattern - Hermione's Cardigan

2009-07-07T09:00:00.006-04:00

Source: Movie Web

Let's talk about Hermione's cardigan. Do you love it? It's has a 1950's style and it's oh so cute.

The ribbed waist is by the natural waistline and is slightly longer then usual. I think it gives a better shape. 3/4 sleeves are perfect for upcoming fall. I love her layering technique.

Those pintucks are to die for.

For knitters and crocheters, Argot has compiled a list of her favorite HP inspired woolly creations and patterns on the internet. Click here for her faves.

One thing that isn't included is a pattern for this cardigan worn by Hermione.

If you had to make up a pattern, how would you design this?

Would you use crochet, or knit this wonder?
What yarn would you use - worsted, variegated?
What modifications would you do - longer sleeves, pockets?
What closures would you use - covered buttons, zipper?

I'll answer after the video.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Trailer
Source: MySpace Video

It has to be knit. The stretchiness of the ribbing is very important in keeping the shape.
I would love to try this wool yarn spun by Knithound and hand dyed by Pumpkinmama on Etsy. It's one of my favorite colors, and Knithound says it's "soft and squishy"

3. Look pretty perfect to me.
4. I prefer buttons, so I can just close the middle button. Must be shiny in some way.

Would love to hear about your fantasy pattern. You can also e-mail me at theknittingbelle@gmail.com

Knit Development

2009-07-06T09:00:00.001-04:00

I'm excited to have our first meeting with a small business consultant. It's someone from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). We have so many questions from starting a partnership to writing a business plan.

We have a start on the business plan, because one of our partners started one when researching her own store, but I feel Opening a LYS and a café is like opening up two businesses in one. A retail and a mini -restaurant.

Not cooking food certainly makes it easier, though. I'll let you know what I learned after the meeting.

What questions do you think we should ask the consultant?
Do you have any questions that you need an expert to answer?

ʍǝu puɐɹq sʞool plɹoʍ ǝɥʇ

2009-07-05T12:00:00.002-04:00

Just for fun. Check out this website: http://revfad.com/flip

Write a few words. Then copy and paste anywhere. Works well in Facebook and e-mails.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T12:47:00.007-04:00

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays here in the U.S., even though I was born in England. I still feel connected to the theme of declaring your own independence.
Such a bold move.
Then to put it into writing, no joke.
Here's to deciding your own life.

Knitting Café - The Beginning

2009-07-03T09:00:00.007-04:00

The Point Knitting Café Via: Yelp

Ever since our beloved The Point Knitting Café in NYC closed, my days have been at a loss. I used to go there almost every day when I vacaying (waiting for a freelance job). Sometimes I wouldn't even knit. I'd bring my computer and break down scripts for Script Supervisor jobs. It was such a calming environment.

Other times I would meet by film friends and knit, talk about work, chat with people in the store, drink tea and eat peanut butter covered chocolate cupcakes.

The need for a regular knitting café was so great, that some of my knitting buddies decided that all that talk about wanting to open up a kniting café in another borough or another country some day, couldn't compare to opening up one in Manhattan this year.

Good thing I was saving up to buy an expensive condo. It became my knitting café fund :-)

What new things are you excited about? What stage are you in?

Amigurumi, Here I Come

2009-07-02T12:18:00.004-04:00

I discovered the cutest etsy shop: skymagenta crochets food and animals and sells the pattern. I never was really into amigurumi, but I like her tight stitches, and I think the yarn make the difference. The expressions on the faces are also soooo cute!
This one has the best eyes.

Yummy, I love donuts! Do you see the icing dripping down? Lovely detail.

A traveling Octupus family. Who knew that Octupuses have such cute headwear?

Check out her blog, which explains her inspiration for these lovely designs. http://www.skymagenta.com/

Bliss on the Subway

2009-07-02T00:09:00.012-04:00

I love knitting. I love good music. I ride the subway almost every day. So I listen to music and/or knit on the subway. If there's no seat, on a crowded train, I listen to my ipod. On a semi-crowded train, it's possible to knit standing up while leaning. That's when I feel like a true New Yorker. But the best is when I can sit and knit, while listening to my music. It's bliss on the subway.

Today, while working on my mohair bubble dress (see above), I felt like listening to my newest download, Halo, by Beyoncé . I love the song, and I die for the video. I downloaded both, and I'm contemplating the ringtone.

Remember those walls I built
Well, baby they're tumbling down
And they didn't even put up a fight
They didn't even make up a sound

I found a way to let you in
But I never really had a doubt
Standing in the light of your halo
I got my angel now

It's like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
It's the risk that I'm takin'
I ain't never gonna shut you out

Source: Beyoncé - Halo

Seriously, this may be my song forever. When I meet that guy, this is gonna be our song. He has no say in it, because it really has nothing to do with him, except him being the halo. He just has to accept it.

But then my ipod died on me. All I heard was tinny music. I have a backup ipod nano at home, but I don't think it can hold all the new Michael Jackson songs and full length videos I downloaded.

When I got home, I tried my headphones in my nano pod. Hmm, same sound. Seems like my earphones died. Way cheaper than a new ipod touch.

Tomorrow on the train I will just have an almost blissful experience. It's alright.

What makes you blissful?

Daisy Baby Dress

2009-06-29T17:24:00.000-04:00

I finally finished my first foray into Feather & Fan (F&F) and Fair Isle! The pattern I used was designed by Marie Connolly for Tahki Stacy Charles. Feather & Fan is a pattern that uses yarn overs (yo) and knit 2 together (k2tog) to create a beautiful scalloped finished edge. This pattern also used make one's (M1) to increase the degree of the scalloped edge.
The pattern was hard to memorize, even though only 1 in 5 rows had the F&F stitch. Couldn't wait for it end.

But that was no comparison to the fair isle. Tension is very important for this stitch. It has to be loose or the pattern will pull. With wool, I heard you can block it out, but I used Lion Brand's Cotton Bamboo so no stretching was allowed :-(

I redid the fair isle using my friend Connie's advice, to knit one color English style and the other Continental. I normally knit Continental but learned English first, so this was easy to do. No more tangled yarns, it was a dream to knit. Totally kept the yarns separate and allowed me to control the tension easier. My tension was still off though. Is it possible to be too tight yet loose in some areas? Yes it is.

I love the result anyway. This dress is being sent off to Switzerland for a beautiful little girl.

Dear Michael

2009-06-27T16:32:00.002-04:00

I plan to remember Michael Jackson as the best that he was. His friend Deepak Chopra has written a beautiful tribute to him. It shows Michael as a regular person, who sometimes did unusual things. Not unlike the people I know, and even myself.
His legacy has changed me. I pledge to try my best to see through all the crap that people put out, and see them as their best.
All my love,
Z

Secret Knitting at Work

2009-06-24T18:58:00.000-04:00

When you're on a production job, it's hard to find time to knit or crochet. Set hours are long. 12-14 hour days are the norm.

The perfect job combines knit/crochet with actual working. There are many ways to incorporate this valuable pastime into making movies, shooting commercials, and filming TV shows. I decided to make a list to show the many ways this craft can be used to create moving images.

8 WAYS TO USE KNIT/CROCHET SUPPLIES ON SET

KNIT AN I-CORD

Grip & Electric (G & E) – Hang a light. Use as a belt for the guy who forgot his belt today.
Camera – Make inch marks and use as tape measure to pull focus.
Costume/Wardrobe (Cost/Ward) – Use silver or gold lamé yarn to make a multi-strand necklace or slouchy belt. Does the old lady's glasses keep falling off? Make eyeglass holders so she doesn't lose them. Shoelaces break? Substitute an i-cord.
Script/Continuity Supervisor (Scripty) - Attach to stopwatch, hang around neck. Ditto for mini flashlight.
Hair/Makeup (HMU) – Tie back that hair that keeps falling in the actor's face or make a headband (Can also be used by any long haired G&E member).
Art/Props – Chain break on that bike? Use an i-cord. Ran out of rope to tie that guy to a tree? Good thing you have an i-cord.

CROCHET A SANDBAG FOR A CUTE GRIP – Don't forget to line it.

Camera – a smaller version can be used to mark where an actor would stand – can be made in all colors.
Art/Props – Make that suitcase extra heavy for that actor.
Cost/Ward – Adding some weight to a pregnancy belly, helps the actor walk like she's really pregnant.

KNIT A COZIE -

Camera - Cozie the camera, to keep it warm in the winter. Can also muffle camera sound, if need be.
Cost/Ward – Use as a man sock for romantic scenes. Use soft yarn.
Sound – Need an extra mic pac for the non-speaking actor who gets bumped up to an under-five? Also a cozie out of fun fur is perfect to cover the boom and minimize wind sound
Craft Services (Crafty)- Can you say coffee warmers? Leave off the bottom of the cozie and protect your hands from hot coffee cups, all while keeping your coffee hot.

CROCHET A WASH CLOTH

Crew - Hot weather trick- Douse washcloths in Sea Breeze and put in plastic baggie, blot face for instant cool down. Can also be used for actors around their necks to keep them cool.

5. MAKE POMPOMS

G & E – Why use tennis balls? Add pompoms to the end of c-stands or anything that sticks out.
HMU – Did the director add a clown in the party scene at the last minute? Use a red pompom as a clown nose.

CROCHET FLOWERS

Cost/Ward – Did an actor lose weight, and now her blouse, dress or skirt is too big? Use a crochet flower attached to a safety pin to gather the clothes and make a perfect brooch. (May not work for male actors).
HMU – Curly hair going every where? Pin up with a flower.
Art/Props – Use for everything.

KNITTING NEEDLES

G & E – Fencing is fun. Fencing swords are dangerous - use large knitting needles instead - to pass the time during setups. Note to self and others: Blunt the tips first.
HMU – Size 4, 6 “ double pointed needles (dpn's) can make a lovely upsweep.

KNIT CURTAINS IN AN HOUR

Art/Props – Use size 50 needles to knit sheer curtains out of mohair.
Cost/Ward – Curtains for changing room, or shawl for chilly actor – how many ways...
Crafty – Can you say, instant mosquito net.

Do you think I left anything out? What ways can you use knit/crochet to make your daily work more creative?