May 2008 Archives

or Do-It-Yourself Upholstery

I do love my staple gun. When shopping for yours go for the Heavy Duty, do not entertain any others.

And so as promised, more escapades in re-upholstery!

While this piece is actually new, I found it at a closeout furniture shop for such a steal that I couldn't pass it up despite the undesired upholstery fabric. I figured even with the cost of new fabric it would still be a deal, and well - it was perfect.

This kind of couch, or settee as I took to calling it, is really more an elongated chair. Which is good - chair upholstery is one of the easiest. If you're not sure about tackling that sofa Grandma donated to you yet I'd recommend trying out a "drop-in" seat style chair first, like the one I did here.

Here's what I did if you're interested in following along to try it yourself.

Conveniently with this piece the "Some Assembly Required" part could wait until after I was done, thus saving a step. Otherwise your first step would to be unscrew the seat and any other parts on the piece.

Starting with the seat cushion, flip it over and the bottom will most likely be covered with some backing material. Using a flat head screwdriver and some pliers I removed all the staples and the fabric. Save this fabric, you will want to put it back when finished.

Now I'm one for using what you have and being thrifty but sometimes the right tools make all the difference - especially if that difference is not cursing out every single one of several hundred staples. After the backing was off I stopped, went out and got myself a Staple/Tack Remover.

I would recommend doing this step first.

The cast-on desire for a memorizable compact project was overwhelming of late. So I decided it had been far too long since a pair of socks was on the needles. With some stashed Jawoll yarn and an idea of what I wanted, I took to looking for a pattern. I was itching for something with eyelets but a little funky. After awhile I wandered over to the "Friend Activity" feature in Ravelry (something I like to do often) - I feel my friends have good taste!

Waiting there was Fluke, matching just what I was looking for! I pulled up the details page and it actually calls for Jawoll - how often does that happen?? Obviously it was meant to be so I didn't argue and cast on. See the twisted garter stitch band? I am amused by cranking my knitting around and around on purpose; I'm a dork.

Speaking of twisting around, there has been some spinning too.

Singles from some of my hand-dyed Yarn School fiber, all ready to be plied.

And now- Even More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About PieKnits!

Someone help me- I    can    not    keep    from    rambling! The questions were fun and challenging though- thanks again for reading and playing along everyone. If for some reason you're morbidly curious and missed Vol. I it's right here.

Susan asks "Tell me about your dream yarn." I guess I really love depth of color in a yarn and slightly rustic texture. Semi-solid/heather that's soft and springy with a little alpaca texture would do me in at the moment.

soknitpicky asks "How much time do you spend knitting on an average day?" Hmm not sure about average, I usually just grab a few moments-anywhere from 0 - 2 hours?

nanc asks "What's your inspiration when you create patterns and select colors? I find both of these items very unique to you, but happily acceptable for the general public." I think once I have an idea it usually has a bit of a theme, or feeling I want to evoke with it and the color is chosen to be inline with that. I love fonts, as you can see on my Patterns page and I always choose one for each pattern that ties in with that theme/look/feeling. I keep on eye on color and fashion forecasting but I've always subscribed to the idea that fashion should be a personal creative expression. Not just following what was decided somewhere that "this" is going to be what everyone should like and wear that season.

Danielle asks "Do your inlaws know about/read your blog? What do they think of the knitting/spinning/designing?" Yep, they do- along with several of my family (word has gotten around apparently). *waves at the fam.* They've been really sweet and seemed to like the stuff I've done. ;)

girljerry asks "How did you meet Mr. Pieknits?" He was a contract programmer working at where I got my first "real" job out of college as a web designer. When his contract ended and he was transferred to Dallas I picked up and followed him here (after a whole 3? months dating). Hehe, it paid off. ;)
Fun anecdote - For our wedding date we went to a Hindu priest to consult Vedic Astrology to pick an auspicious date, as is traditional. It wasn't until on our way to our wedding destination that it occurred to me, and verified with checking my cell phone's calendar that it was the exact same day we first met- auspicious indeed! :)

Navi asks "How big is your stash?" Well, I do have a bit of a stash as I like to plan and all of my yarn is purchased for an intended project - probably more than some, less than many. I have an older shot of my "yarn closet" here. Uh, it's no longer as neat and in need of some reorganization with a few more additions.

Chispy asks "What got you interested in designing?" This gave me pause, as honestly I can't think of an answer to that! I just wanted to from the beginning. (I generally prefer to do my own thing) ;) I think as far as actually publishing the patterns (as I suppose I could simply make up designs for myself to wear and that's it) it's the interaction and getting to see others make something that you envisioned.

Cindy asks "Have you frogged many projects?" I think I've only ever given up and completely frogged a project permanently once, otherwise I just can't let it go. :) With designing I feel I'm frequently ripping more than knitting though.

Cassie asks "Do you prefer flat or circular knitting? DPN's or fixed circs?" Well circular knitting seems easier simultaneous tv watching, but they each have their merits. I like dpns but otherwise I knit pretty much everything with my Denise circular needles (including flat knitting); I love them! Straight needles tend to bother me with the project weight resting at the needle ends.

Holly asks "Are you an English or continental knitter?" English, although I can do continental for colorwork and 2 stranded double knitting. I'm abysmal at purling continently though. I learned with English style and for awhile tried to train myself for continental for regular knitting as it seemed quicker but just couldn't do it - still feels more awkward.

Nicole asks "Did the name of your blog come before or after your knitted pie patterns?" Before actually. :) (Refer to Vol. I answers for name origination, ha). The pattern idea came to me because of the name.

Daphne asks "How's the piano playing going?" Good! :) I got some new music books and enjoying being reacquainted with my old ones

Lindsey asks "Has anyone recognized you on the street or randomly as a knitting designer?" Haha, no not on the street. A few people have at knitting stores/events though- which is always fun to meet knitters in "real life"!

Michelle asks "What is your favorite movie genre?" I'd have to say I'm a bit of a sucker for certain Sci-Fi and fantasy, as well as witty dialog and dark humor pieces. Lots of love for Tim Burton and Baz Luhrman.

PinkAdele asks "As a musician I have to ask; What's your favourite music? Do you share that interest with Mr Pieknits? (BTW, top marks for having a home with a piano!)" For music I listen to, I answered some in previous post but I've always played music as well. I grew up with it; my father is a guitarist and owned his own guitar shop. His current band even has a Myspace (which amuses me to no end) :) In addition to piano, I play guitar and was in band on clarinet, bass clarinet and cymbals in the drumline. So I play a lot of classical (penchant for pieces in the minor key, heh) with a little bit of musicals thrown in. Mr. PieKnits loves music but does not (Yet!) play - working on guitar and piano however. :)

Shelly asks "How long have you been knitting?" (Ooops missed this one last time!) Started sometime in February of 2005.

Phoebe asks "How did you learn to spin? Book, class, dvd? I'm dying to learn!" Haha, I don't know if I've really learned yet! I started learning on the spindle from the internet (w/ videos) and from library books. After I got my wheel I knew I really needed to see it demonstrated in person - so I went to Yarn School. I highly recommend it!

Anamarie asks "Do you stash, or do you buy yarn for each new project as you go?" Um, kinda a combo of both? I buy yarn only for a planned project, but sometimes that's rather in "advance" so it's stashed until then.

Red Sometimes asks "Where do you find the time needed to focus on knitting?" It's an ongoing effort isn't it? Usually I just fit it in whenever I'm not occupied with something else. Major times are end of the evening TV watching, sitting with the boy half while he plays Xbox, car riding, and in the kitchen while waiting for things (water boil, etc). Oh- and I day dream a lot through out the day. ;)

Jason asks "What is the air speed velocity of a coconut laden swallow?" An African or European swallow?

Elizabeth asks "If you were stuck in an alternate universe and could only knit one pattern for the next 10 years (I won't say the rest of your life, cause that would just be too overwhelming to contemplate) what would it be?" Wow- tough question! First thing that pops in my mind would probably be my Topi pattern. I'm slightly cheating here with a versatile pattern. It can really be done with any yarn/gauge and one could invent all kinds of stitch pattern variations. Plus it's a nice mix of dpn, circular and flat knitting with easy and trickier parts.

Turtle asks "When planting flowers which flower first catches your interest and which colors do you tend to lean towards?" Interesting question! I think I tend toward the more unusual or exotic and deep vibrant colors (purples, reds or whites).

Natalie asks "How long does it usually take for you to turn an idea into a finished, knitted piece?" You know, I really have Absolutely No Idea. And I've wondered often enough myself that I've been thinking of stopwatch timing my next project! Between so many variables and other projects going on I'm never really sure.

Jeanie asks "I am deathly afraid of making mistakes in knitting because I don't really know how to "frog" other than taking out the needles and undoing the work. How do you frog and still be able to pick up all your stitches without losing them? Or when you might do a crossed over type of stitch?" If I were to teach beginning knitting it would go: knit, purl, basic inc/dec then how to frog/tink and fix stitches! Nothing I have learned has been more liberating than this. I'd recommend really becoming comfortable picking up a dropped stitch with a crochet hook. Now that I am, I usually just pull out the needles and rip back without much fear of loosing a few stitches. However, when working on Liquid Silver the yarn was so slippery (with long rows) that dropped stitches ran like water. I was going nuts trying to pick them up after ripping when it dawned on me, duh- I could run an afterthought "life line" through the row I wanted to rip back to. Then all my stitches would be sitting safely for me after frogging. For undoing a small amount (like one or two rows) "TINKing" is probably easiest.

Kyla asks "Do you day-dream about your next baking creation when knitting or your next knitting creation when baking?" This literally made me laugh out loud! I had never thought about it but you're absolutely right- I do both. :) I think both are the type of activity where you can let you mind just kind of wander over all matter of things- good thinking time!

Juliana asks "Knitting in summer, how do you pull it off in that heat?" Um, I don't knit outside? Ha, honestly in our house most of the downstairs is all tiled and it keeps it very cool. Plus I'm one of those people that are always cold in A/C so the knitting with wool is never a problem. (It's finding days to wear it that's another issue.)

Margaret asks "Do you have real live knitting buddies, or does the sharing and enjoyment of your knitting world mostly take place with us - your virtual buddies?" For the longest time I didn't know any "real live" knitters. When I started it was on a whim and we hadn't lived here long so I didn't know many people. I finally decided that needed to change and started searching out groups. I remember at my first Dallas Hand Knitters Guild meeting I had never heard the word "skein" spoken aloud- I'd been saying it in my head wrong! ha. Unfortunately I don't make it out as much as I'd like so most is through virtual. :)

Miss T asks "What's your favorite kind of pie?" Actually, until more recently I used to not care for fruit pies. I love some french silk in chocolate or peanut butter though!

Alison Valtin asks "Do you have any secrets for perfect pie crust? I made a rhubarb pie last week, and it was yummy, but I can't manage a flaky crust with any regularity." I'm certainly not an accomplished pie maker but it seems the absolute minimum you handle the dough the better. Things such as rolling only once and even crimping the edges will toughen it.

Cassandra asks "Where do you find the time to be so crafty? Do other things suffer as a result? (ok that was 2 questions... but they are related!)" It really must all be relative- I think I don't get to half as much stuff as other people I see! :) But I do really work at finding a balance that my hobbies don't interfere (too much) with other responsibilities. I have slightly obsessive tendencies, hehe. Again, this is where Mr. PieKnits helps me out immensely. Basically I just work on my projects whenever everything else that needs to be done is done- or it's late enough to be just relaxing. (I don't feel guilty not vacuuming at 11pm and knitting instead you know?)

Sharon asks "Is there one particular craft you've been dying to try?" I'm kind of scared to take on anything completely new and add another! But I've really wanted to do a few fun cross stitch projects for some time now. I've done several when I was much younger but have only dabbled in recent years.

rockbridge asks "Your FO pics are always wonderful and i always notice not only your knits, but how clean and tidy your house is - how do you do it??" Got married to my husband. Haha, I'm kidding- well kind of. He's far tidier than I naturally am. That and moving to this city a few years back with only what fit in our cars- lot less stuff!

Aisling asks "Do you have a favorite (or least favorite) color to work with?" I'm not really a pastel kinda gal and I prefer my pink in more ironic doses. Sometimes the magazines/book editors send me colors I wouldn't necessarily choose myself but I enjoy being given the opportunities to branch out. I try to keep an open mind!

Love asks "What is your favorite ever food to cook/bake??" My really unoriginal answer is probably cookies. (Hard to say if that's process or result driven though, ha). But since I was a kid I've always loved doing fun and highly decorative pieces. On holidays I'd make stuff little edible turkeys and snowmen out of cookies and candies, stuff like that. I guess it's kind of like crafting with food.

Carishma asks "Non-knitting related - have you been to India? What do you think?" Well the first question is easy- Yes! As for the second it's always difficult to put into words. Before we went for our wedding I was excitedly looking at travel blogs and was a bit annoyed that most seemed to simply say "You have to go and experience it yourself." Now after I've been I find myself giving the same unsatisfactory answer. :) There are not enough words to describe the vibrant, wonderful extreme mix that is India. I'll try with: wonderful, crazy, fascinating, exhausting, exciting, frustrating, amazing, overwhelming, and so cool all at once.

RR asks "You are into a lot of Crafts. Is there any kind of craft that you don't like (Something like nahhhh)or something you think is not your cuppa tea" I don't see any scrapbooking in my future given that I've yet to even stick our wedding photos into an album. Then again it might be a good skill to pick up!

And yes, I have actually been knitting too. What? Swatching away for Classic Elite's spring line of yarns- pretty no?

Now as I've said many a time, I do love my cables. However it wasn't until knitting on a particularly cramped plane once that I suddenly became self aware enough to realize I was sticking my cable needle (and extra double point for that matter) in my mouth when not in use. Oh.
So what to do with it?

I know many rave about cabling without a cable needle and I do it for 1x1 cables sometimes but generally it's just not for me. (I end up feeling I'm strangling rather than working the cables). I like working fast though and all other methods have fallen short (sticking behind the ear- long hair bad idea / in the knitting - it falls out, split stitches / setting it down- the invisible gnomes abscond with it, etc).

With Mother Necessity nudging me, I set my mind to inventing a solution. I wanted a method that didn't require letting go of the knitting and liked a similar idea to the wrist pin cushion. After a few failed prototypes this is what I came up with and Eureka, it works perfectly!

This cable needle holder is worn like a ring on any finger that's comfortable. The elastic loop performs double duty as a button loop closure and holds the cable needle securely under tension. The cable needle is slipped in and out as needed without having to let go of the working yarn or needles.

What You Need (or what I used anyway):

• 2 1/2" long piece of round cord elastic
• 3" x 7/8" piece of fabric (approximately)
• Matching sewing thread
• One 1/2" button (with a shank strongly preferred)

If you'd like, you can print out this template for the fabric. First fold and press your hems, your final size should be 2" x 5/8". This final size is what matters, not the hem allowance. (Also, does pressing my folds with my hair straightener instead of the huge industrial iron make me a total freak?)

I used the fabric selvedge here as it was a little sturdier for attaching the elastic.

View from the right side. Note: if you have thin fingers (smaller than size 6), or would like to wear this on your pinky I'd recommend making the piece shorter.

Next fold the piece of elastic in half and secure it to the inside hem fabric making sure not to go through both layers. It's pictured here half unfolded on the right side. I found lashing down both ends by wrapping the thread around everything a few times help to initially secure it. Then work up and over each end in a figure 8 fashion being sure to pierce through the elastic a few times until it's nice and secure.

If you have greater finesse with a sewing machine than I, topstitch around all the edges to secure hem. Otherwise hand sew with backstitch.

Finally, sew on your button. If not using the recommended shank type button be sure you make a good strong thread shank. (You will be putting a lot a repeated tension on this closure.)

Now you're ready to zoom through your next cabling project!
I'm really rather fond of mine and happily wear it simply as jewelry. Definitely more stylish if forgotten than a needle behind the ear (or in the other stow-away place I've heard of- the cleavage)!

It was so cool reading everyone's contest entries! Thanks for reading and playing everyone. Now onto what we really want to know- the winner! I told the Random Integer Generator to give me a number between 1 and 90 and here's what it handed to me.

Commenter #50- which is Bex of Subversive Lesbian Anarchic Knitter! Congrats Bex! I've sent an email for your mailing address to get these goodies out to you.

And hooo boy did I get myself into something with all these questions, lol. For the sake of my sanity and post length I'll be breaking up the responses into different posts. So- now onto More Than You Could Possibly Want to Know About PieKnits!

We'll start with our winner's query - Bex asks "Mmm, I know you like Weezer (the band) - what other music do you like? Oh, and whats your favourite yarn to knit with?" I like so much stuff- but mostly heavy/hard rock and pieces with haunting melodies. I definitely have a penchant for female singers too. :) System of a Down, A Perfect circle, NIN, Rasputina, The Distillers, Kidneythieves, Korn, The Gossip, L7, Manson, Portishead, Tool, 7 year bitch, Crisis, Type O Negative, Voltaire, Weezer, White (and Rob) Zombie, and my latest love is probably Emilie Autumn. As for favorite yarn I think I answer that farther down in the post. :)

Monica asks "What's your day job?"
My job title is "Multimedia Developer." The company I work for makes eLearning and computer based training for corporations and their customers. I program, develop and do design on the courses which are mostly Flash based. And jezzabell asks "Is your day time job connected with this what you like to do?" I've found thinking geared toward instruction and learning has helped a lot with pattern writing! That and I'm doing less web design work-wise so this site is my fun side project.

Joanna Kostrzewa asks "What is your favorite Indian sweet?" Ooh that's a tough one! I have to admit the first thing that comes to mind in Mango Ice Cream that some of the Indian restaurants have because I love all things mango. And Indian ice cream is amazing- my FIL brought home a tub of ice cream every day while we were in India and we ate it all and it was awesome. As for traditional sweets- I'm rather fond of Peda (I think that's correct, there's soooo many names and variations!)

A popular one!
Gwen asks "Where do you get inspiration for your designs?", Jennifer "What inspires you in your design work?", Kristin asks "What inspires you?", Rachel asks "Where do you get the inspirations for your patterns?", Beverly asks "What inspires you when you design knitwear?", Alison asks "You come up with some of the most interesting things, where do you get your inspiration?" I get inspiration from all over and sometimes from who know where! I do keep an 'inspiration file' both in print and saved from web. Usually it's a certain element of something I see in commercial fashion, ads, vintage clothing such as a silhouette, interesting shaping, a closure. Sometimes the final piece is inspired by a certain feel. I also take inspiration from time periods, such as Celtic, Victorian, and a recent piece from Ancient Greece.

Kelly-Ann asks "What other designers inspire you?" and Earthchick asks "Who's your favorite designer?" There's so many amazing designers out there that blow me away but off the top of my head: Nora Gaughm, Teva Durham, Jenna Wilson, Adrian Bizilia, and Elsebeth Lavold. Goes to show I have a bit of a thing for interesting construction, complex cables and details.

Jenni asks "Whats the secret to making palek paneer?" Not sure how much help I can be as this isn't a usual one for us. However we do make spinach curries a lot and I'd recommend using fresh spinach and cooking it in a pressure cooker vs. using frozen.

Erin asks "Are you a cat or dog person (or neither)?" Actually I'm both! I love them both fiercely for their own unique ways. I could never pick one over the other as it's kinda like comparing apples to oranges for me. Unfortunately Mr. PieKnits is really allergic to cats. My love for kitties is well known in the family though and my grandfather upon hearing this joked "And you still married him?" hehe. We have the bestest, cutest, funniest, sweetest, smartest dog ever (not biased or anything) - Aejaz.

Gem asks "How long does it take you to get such cute photos of you modeling your FO's?" Awww the beauty of digital cameras and no 'wasting' of film. I usually just snap a lot very quickly. If modeling is required it's usually whenever I can snatch Mr. PieKnits during a few minutes of day light and us home together (half the time that's 10 minutes before work, ha.)

Beth asks "What's your favorite project you've knit?" I should have known I'd have to answer my own tough question! As for other designs between Anouk (enjoyable easy but engaging process, happy FO), Circumnavigated Cardigan (lots of interesting options for customization and clever technique) and the Cabled Newsboy Cap (for most worn).

Dave asks "What's your dream knit project? Details, please." I think what most knitters are looking for- that perfect balance of engrossing details without too much frustrating difficulty that produces a stunning or more complicated looking piece using beautiful and enjoyable yarn. Too much to ask!? ;)

Alice from France asks "Do you draw or note on a sketchbook your ideas for a design?" Yep, I tend to end up sketching all over the place. But once a design is pretty firmed up in my minds eye I sketch it out in a notebook with notes all over the place. I usually do a lot of "sketching" on the computer too. I draw in Illustrator or Flash all day at work so it's what I'm used to. Especially when I work up a final sketch for a design proposal. I'll usually do the silhouette on the computer, print it then add color and texture shading/detail with pencil and colored pencils.

Orli asks "Who takes all your photos? They're always so artistic, and some of them look impossible to do on one's own." Thanks, anything without me in it I take with a few exceptions such as this shot I'm rather amused I managed to get myself. (The benefit of having a wall of mirrors behind you, heh.)

For the rest though I have brag on my hubby- Mr. PieKnits a bit. :) He takes nearly all the modeled shots. I usually provide "art direction" and sometimes have a very specific shot in mind that I want but he's the one that finds them and otherwise it's all him. :)

Wendy asks "Do you have any tips for beginners on how to design patterns?" My biggest thing is always Just Try It; I'm a believer in learning by doing. But otherwise get yourself some good reference books and then forget about them and dream up whatever you can, then worry about how you're going to make it work in stitches. If the design has to evolve so be it, but I found the biggest thing hindering me in the beginning would be shying away from an idea as I was unsure I could figure it out. (Which dawned on me that was really counter-productive.)

Ern asks "How many WIPs do you have at any given time?" I guess I usually have "active WIPs" and "on indefinite hold WIPs". Just counting the pieces I'm actually going between always at least two usually more like four. Now that could be with four other items lounging for months and several swatches thrown in too though, heh.

Cecilia asks "What's your favorite thing you've ever knit and/or designed." and Liz G. asks "What is your favorite of all you have designed?" Refer to above for favorite knit, as for favorite design it really feels like choosing between your children! If I had to say, I think it'd be the Celtic Tote. I loved everything about the entire design and process. It was fun coming up with, fun charting, enjoyable knitting and such satisfying results with the finished piece looking like what I'd hoped for. It's been the awesomest thing ever getting to see so many other FOs.

Kirstie asks "What's your favorite type of thing to knit (or design)?" Hmm, I guess I don't have a specific "type" as I've done so many different things. I'd have to say I like the technically involved stuff. I joke that I like to wrestle with my knitting, I don't know I'm weird. :)

Amanda asks "What was your last yarn purchase?" Wow, I really had to think about this one, ha. I'm pretty set with my stash at the moment. I think technically it was some Patons Classic Wool Merino I picked up to swatch in for a book submission (had the right colors I needed) but I haven't been able to show that one yet. Otherwise it was probably the Victorian beaded thimble bag kit last October.

Lori asks "Hmm...how's the weather?" Ha, right now actually cloudy and rainy! I've gotten so incredibly spoiled with Texas weather and sunshine all the time. At least it's still 78 degrees. :)

Allison asks "Do you have a recipe for Carrot Halwa you'd like to share? ;)" I'm sorry I don't actually! But I will check with my MIL and see if I can't get one up here. :)

Stephanie asks "Do you have a favorite yarn?" Not really, at least not one clear favorite. Yarn and the individual project are so uniquely linked for me. Although I do tend to oooh and aww over heathers, subtle multi's and nearly solids. And handspun- so much handspun out there makes me fall down with want!

Aimee asks "Where do you start when you are coming up with a design? (If that makes no sense, I'm sorry, I have been hand raising a runt kitten, its like having a newborn again)" First lets all say "awwww" for the little kitten. As for where I start I guess it depends. There's the initial spark of an idea which can come from about anything- something I saw in commercial fashion, an interesting closure, a new technique, totally random out of the sky, etc. I usually end up turning it over in my head for awhile until I have to start doodling it out usually on whatever random scrap of paper is around. For my own sanity I'll later try to gather these bits of paper and properly sketch out the design with notes in my actual "design journal". Then it's off to swatching (or obsessive yarn hunting).

Molly asks "How did you first start knitting?" and Carole asks "How/where did you learn to knit?" I wrote a bit about it on my 1 year blogiversary here but basically I stumbled upon knitting blogs and the Stitch N' Bitch book online and knew I wanted to learn to knit and Make All This Cool Stuff out there. I picked up the book and some Wally World basics figuring I'd start slowly as I didn't want to end up frustrated and quitting and before I knew it I was knitting away. :)

Melanie asks "What's on your needles, other than your designs?" Hmmm, well I'm really trying to finish up some long standing design WIPs and swatching but what I'm most looking forward to getting back to is the Peacock Feathers Shawl. Poor thing hasn't seen the light of day in ages. Considering how looong I take to finish things I'm seriously considering finally casting on Rogue so that it may be done in time for the next brief cool season. (See I am so behind the times.)

Jen C. asks "Where do you think your knitting is headed? (as in more sweaters, more socks, going fair isle, lace?)" I actually keep a notepad file with a loose 'plan/schedule' of my ideas and I'd really like to get to some more garment designs next. Plans include a textural hoodie and a more complex corset inspired/victorian flair top but several handbag designs won't let me sleep, so expect a few of those coming up. Also hoping to get a non-traditional lace scarf moved from paper to fiber and take a stab at some socks.

Melissa asks "Any more cookie recipes in the future?" Why yes actually! Cookies being my ultimate weakness of course, some sandwich cookies are in the queue.

Jen asks "When did you start knitting and when did you start designing?" I started knitting sometime in February of 2005, and I think I wanted to design pretty much off the bat. Didn't really think about it, coming from an art design background I immediately wanted to do my own stuff. I think I started to work on the design for Topi (my first design) about 6 months in.

Heidi asks "How did you get started with designing?" I just kind of dived in! The web is such a wonderful resource and I'm really grateful to online magazines that gave me my first platform. I read whatever knitting books I could get my hands on, deconstructed designs I liked and then just started submitting.

Rebecca asks "How long have you and hubby been married??" 3 years in less than 2 months!

Heather asks "What makes knitting click for you? Is it the process, the outcome, or maybe just the challenge?" I use to say it was both, but honestly looking at how much i actually wear/use some of my FOs I have to admit it's more process. I like the creative challenges and simply the creating. Though it's not that I think you need to make something you even use- in the same way I wouldn't think a sculpture or painting needs to "do something".

knittripps asks "What was the last design you saw that you told yourself "Oh, I have to make that"?" Hmm, well I had hunted down the Vogue Holiday 2005 for the High Neck Lace Top (#23) pattern but I just saw a recently completed one that nearly had me running for the yarn and needles to cast on Right Now.

Nichole D. asks "I've always wondered- why "PieKnits"?" Hehe, yeah I've never really shared that. Seems fitting for the the blogiversary though. When Mr. PieKnits and I were first dating, one day messing around he started writing on my hand after me asking about him being "hex-lingual" (6 languages!) and wrote the same phrase several times over in different scripts. When I asked what it said he said, grinning "sweetie pie". After that it kinda became a joke/pet name and was shorted to just "Pie". It has evolved into "Pielu" as well actually as a kind of slang homogenization of English and Telugu (sorta like Spanglish - Telugish?). We amuse ourselves with lots of words like this. :) So anyway, when on a whim I started a blog and needed a name, Pie (me) Knits was what popped into my head. :)

I am having so much fun reading all your interesting contest answers and questions! Keep 'em coming- the contest ends tomorrow at midnight!

In the meantime, I've been sustaining baking compulsions (that whole spring-time revitalization thing going on). Therefore another recipe - Whole Wheat Apple Muffins.

These were super yummy, a nice change of pace and kept well. The lower guilt factor compared to some of my other baking was a large bonus too. Fruit! Whole wheat! See healthy stuff! If you wanted to go even healthier you could substitute half the butter with applesauce which I think I will do next time to also boost the apple flavor. The other modification I made was the original recipe called for one Tablespoon of cinnamon. Now that stopped me in my tracks as I was making this and though I'm not a huge fan of cinnamon that still seemed like a lot. So I cut back but I still feel I could have used less. The cinnamon overpowered a bit- even Mr. Pieknits commented they seemed very "masala-y". So here I've recommended just 1 teaspoon.

Also I dusted mine with Turbinado sugar instead of regular brown sugar, because well- wee sparkly!

Recipe and all that after the cut so as not to totally bombard those here just for the knitting. :)

Three years of pieKnits today!

I just find myself thinking how the hell did that time go so quickly! I swear each year the time goes faster exponentially. I have discovered and learned so much through this crazy thing, the blogsphere and all of you. So as a Blogiversary celebration and a thanks for reading- a contest! Weee!

Now on to the fun stuff- the prizes!

One 459 yd skein of Trekking Handart in gorgeous multi blues, colorway "Karibik". And I think some homemade yummies among other things might find their way into the mix.

So what do you need to do to enter? Well I thought a little Q & A might be fun. I love hearing from you (and because I'm just curious, hehe)! Simply post your answers in the comments to enter by, let's say 12:00pm central time on Wednesday (May 7). Winner will be chosen by the trusty Random Integer Generator.

1. How long have you been knitting?

2. Are you a regular, new reader, lurker?

3. What's your favorite thing you ever knit?

4. Your turn! Anything you're curious to ask me?

Good luck to everyone and thanks for reading!