Royal Empress

When life gives you lemons…

royalempress — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:03:01 +0000

As you know I’ve been M.I.A. for a while. Things have been hectic around here. Between traveling for work, coming home to tornadoes and not sleeping and eating properly has got me going bonkers. Then there’s the knitting. My beloved needles and yarn have sat on the side of my bed just waiting for me to pick them up and click, click, click. I tried to finish the top of my vest yesterday but ended up falling asleep. Sigh.

Since I can’t seem to get a stitch in edge wise, I’ve decided to take the knitting with me to work and sit it next to my monitor as a friendly reminder….”KNIT ME IF YOU LOVE ME”. I only have the top and the ruffles on the sleeves to finish. On a good day, I could have that done in a couple of hours. Now it seems as though time is running through my fingers like sand. Ugh! I barely have time to style my hair farless knit a top. I think it’s the change in weather and many other situations in my life. I can’t say I’m depressed because I feel well emotionally. However, just thinking about how crazy things are is wearing me down. I MUST KNIT this weekend or else, I may just go postal!

On a lighter note, I’ve started drawing again. I still lack the zeal and the creative flow but I’m sure I’ll figure out how to get it back somehow. Over time, I will be back to my artsy fartsy self. ‘Til then, pray to the craft gods that I hang in there.

Ciao.

A need for speed

royalempress — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:35:43 +0000

Not much knitting or crocheting going on lately. I guess that’s what I’ve been itching (I’m literally scratching my palms) to get my hands on some needles and yarn. I need something that will become a full blown top or bottom with in 2-3 weeks. Any suggestions? Here’s what I found so far (click images for sites):

I have a little “junk” so I have to be careful with this one LOL!

Suggestions are greatly appreciated. I really NEED to get back into the swing of things! Hope you can help

Ciao.

Tie One On (cont.)

royalempress — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:41:33 +0000

Mission Accomplished:

Ok that’s enough of my ugly face LOL!

I think I’ve managed to convince my co-workers to participate in a “Tie Day”. There are quite a few ladies on my team so that should be fun. They’ve already asked me to borrow some of my ties. Of course I wanted to say “NO! Get your own!” but being the nice person I am (ahem ahem), I told them where I shop. Hopefully we will not show up with the same time. Actually…that would be pretty cool

Have a good weekend all and stay out of trouble

Tie One On

royalempress — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:17:43 +0000

Daring to be different has always been me. So of course, I came up with the grand idea to declare this week “TIE WEEK”.

See the above slide show for the fabulous ties.

Everyone has been asking me where I get my ties. Even the women at work! I think I may start a trend *yay*!

Stay Tuned. There’s more to come

An new reader has tagged me. Thanks Joan!

10 Weird Things about Royal <3 E:

1. I use to have bright (kool-aid) red hair.
2. I use to be a tomboy. I mean hardcore; climbing trees, wearing Timberland boots, hoodies and a gang of dudes hanging around me like I was one of the “boyz”. Good times.
3. I knit when I’m really upset and/or frustrated. My best and quickest work is churned out during those times.
4. I look 18 most of the time but I’m well pass a quarter of my life
5. I’m an avid reader. Not a picky one, but definitely avid.
6. I dare to be different as much as possible. Hence “Tie Week”.
7. I like to randomly hug people. I have come to realize this may be an HR issue at work so I’ve toned it down. I guess I think people need to be hugged to make them feel better. It’s like medicine to me. Don’t worry…I know my boundaries LOL.
8. I’m learning Arabic now. My goal is to be able to speak at least 2-3 other languages by age 50.
9. I have an obsession with fishnets/design tights. I love ‘em in all colours and styles.
10. I like to draw. Preferably graffiti. Not sure if that means I’m a product of my environment but whatever….I love it!

And there you have it. Do you think I’m officially weird now? LOL.

Knitting news next time.

Ciao.

Pass it on

royalempress — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:47:00 +0000

Ever since I considered myself an intermediate knitter (someone please tell me what the qualifications are so I can confirm I am), I decided that I need to pass on the gift of knitting. My goal is to teach any and everyone I meet that is genuinely interested. At first, I use to get slight annoyed when I spent my time and energy teaching someone and they never bothered to pick up the needles and yarn after the first lesson. Then I realized, I was the same way when I was first taught. I wasn’t ready until 8 years later.

Everyone will do things when they’re ready. I hope that all the people I have taught, even if it was just the knit stitch, will eventually pick up the sticks and go for it just because they remembered what I said and it all clicks. If they don’t, I’m ok with that too. I have come to the realization that knitting is truly not for everyone. I still believe everyone should respect it even if they can’t do it.

[Edit] Here’s my info for Swap Swap Gals

Wish List: Amazon

Hobbies? Knitting of course! But you already knew that I also like to make greeting cards.
Crafts? See above answer.
Favorite Colors? Purples, Blues, Pewter (weird huh) and black.
Favorite Animal? Cats and puppies although I don’t have any at the moment. *sob*
All Dislikes? Itchy fabric, nosy people, foul odours.
Favorite Candies? Milk chocolates, taffy and gummy stuff (bears, worms, Sour Patch, etc).
Favorite Smell Goods? Fixated on fig and currant at the moment. Tuberose is growing on me
Other things you may like or may not like? I think I said it all above.

I’m looking forward to swapping. There’s nothing like getting goodies in the mail. Woo hooo!

I hear voices

royalempress — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 04:43:53 +0000

Lately I would look at yarn and see full garments. I remember when I looked at a ball or skein and think “that would make a cute hat or scarf…”. Not anymore. Now I always envision full garments like a sweater, a vest or even a dress. Does this mean I have graduated from a beginner’s way of thinking to an intermediate student who’s not afraid to be challenged? Seriously. The yarn speaks to me. Especially if it’s the good and luscious stuff. The kind of yarn you can’t stop touching or admiring or dream about being wrapped in or…..you know what I mean.

I opened my yarn closet doors and thought the first thing that catches my eye will be my next project for myself. This is the one that screamed out “KNIT ME!”:

The red just popped out from behind all the other muted colours. So I grabbed it and started knitting at 1am. It’s nice and chunky so hopefully I’ll be done soon. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Until then….keep your ears and minds open

8 Things About Royal.E

royalempress — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 04:54:13 +0000

Thanks Jen for forcing me to blog Yes, I’ve been tagged so here goes.

The Rules:Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you. Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged.

1.) I have this weird urge to do/learn various things. I may not use it after I learn it, but I want to learn just for the heck of it. It could be random things like martial arts, sewing, another language, computer programming, how to write with my left hand, how to assemble parts of things like cookware or a chair, you name it. They say variety is the spice of life. I guess that’s why I like to learn new and in some cases, unusual and borderline useless things.

2.) Between the ages of 12-17, I was a tomboy. I use to wear hooded sweatshirts, work boots, baggy pants, all that good stuff. I only had guy friends for a while and I would hang with the boys and think nothing of it. One day a young lady introduced me to the world of high heels and I’ve never looked back since.

3.) I have a fascination with crowns. I’d like to think I was royalty in a former life. That’s why purple is my favourite colour. I admire crowns of all types. They can be small, big, male, female, with stones, without, in various precious metals, shiny, dull and any other kind you can think of. They symbolize a status that I often wonder if such things are lost in today’s world. Could you see the president of the US wearing a crown? That would be interesting…..

4.) I watch my husband when he’s doing various things like watching a movie, working on the car, mowing the lawn, fixing the computer. He makes interesting faces that shows how involved he gets and I can’t help but to stare. Sometimes they are so cute. Is that weird? Of course I get the occasional, “why are you staring at me” question. He hasn’t asked asked in a while so I guess he’s getting use to it.

5.) I LOVE hearing children laugh. There’s something about a child’s laughter that makes everything better when I’m down.

6.) I LOVE sunshine in hot and cold weather. I feel like the day isn’t complete if I don’t see the sun. It refreshes me and makes me feel awake. Once I step foot into a building, I don’t feel so refreshed. I’m pretty sure the painfully brisk air of winter coming around the corner is really what has been waking me up but I’d still like to think the sun is the reason instead.

7.) I like logo shirts. Especially when they describe who you are and/or how you feel. I try not to get too vulgar for the sake of self respect. Believe me if I could, I would attempt to get away with what I really want to say on a shirt…but I have a family to think about lol.

8.) I look up words at random on http://www.dictionary.com. Yes, I like to enhance my vocab by looking at words that I may not use on a conference call at work, but it’s good to know in case I want to drop it in a group e-mail or conversation to look smart. “Although the training was somniferous, I hope everyone managed to learn something from the course.” Ooooooooooo you like that? taking a bow You too can be a word wiz by subscribing to the site’s RSS feed to receive the word of the day.

Beware: if the words are used in the incorrect context, you may risk the chance of being eschewed. Good luck and use wisely!

Next up:
Nik
Vera
Ladybug
Sock Knitter
Sheila
Erica
Christie
Rose-Kim

Still knitting for Christmas

royalempress — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:27:49 +0000

Meet my next gift; My So Called Scarf.

Thanks to the wonderful Malabrigo yarn (colors Stone Chast and Autumn), she’s lookin’ good!

Glitzy Glam

royalempress — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 05:38:18 +0000

Ladies and Gents,

I proudly introduce to you a fabulous scarf that can’t wait to meet its recipient. Meet Glitzy Glam.

Noro Striped Scarf
4 balls: Silk Garden Lite #2015 & 2017, Aurora # 5 & 6
US 6 needle

Also known as the Noro Striped Scarf seen here on Brooklyntweed’s site. Jared suggested soaking it in fabric softener to give it a more pleasant feel. I think since it’s Silk Garden Lite and not Kureyon, it’ll be fine. I decided to give it a little feminine touch by adding Noro Aurora to Silk Garden Lite. Can you see it shine and shimmer? You like? I like

I have enough Silk Garden laying around to attempt this next number. It should be stunning… if it ever gets done.

3 Christmas gifts down, BLANK more to go….

New Findings

royalempress — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 04:37:43 +0000

I came across this designer the other day [Lily McNeal]:

I like her knits since they are simple and straight and to the point. Thank goodness they are so I can knit my own. I mean, I don’t have $300 to spend on a (very nice, soft, cuddly) sweater. Even if it is made of cashmere. Mmmmmm cashmere *drool*.

I think I’m going to knit the cable hooded sweater vest on the cover of knit simple with Paton’s Upcountry. For some reason, I can’t seem to find this stuff in abundance anywhere. Oh well. I’ll have to buy up whatever I can find. I’ll be sure to post pics when it’s done. In my dreamworld, it will be done by next month. I know…that was funny HA!