Knitting & Purling exclusive blog reviews

Blog reviews exclusive to the Knitting and Purling blog

Read blog reviews on various topics... all exclusive to the Knitting & Purling blog


Introduction

As you may be aware, this site covers quite a few topics!

Browse around for a bit and you’ll likely notice discussions on topics that cover all ends of the spectrum: knitting, arts & crafts, cooking recipes, style& fashion finds, tech talk, shopping handmade or living frugally… all of which can be found on the Knitting & Purling blog.

You may also be aware of an underlying, universal theme that ties all of those topics together. What’s that theme, you ask? Look closely and you’ll notice everything is reviewed in some way or another.

That’s right. There are reviews of the best beauty products and top fashion finds You’ll also find reviews for all sorts of kitchen & household gadgets. Not to mention my reviews on one of a kind artisans, as well as everything knitting (including “spotlight” blog posts on knitting magazines, knitwear designers & top yarn brands.

However, some of these posts belong to select review blog series that are exclusive to the Knitting & Purling blog. They are:

#1) “A girl’s love affair with…” blog series
  • Each entry in the series is a standalone story documenting one of the many favorite things that I adore, love or lust after
#2) “Best of the best top ten lists” blog series
  • Discover various top ten lists, all covering a wide range of different topics (Because who can resist a good list? I dare you to try!)
#3) “In search of perfection” blog series
  • These are single or multi-part blog entries documenting my hunt for “the perfect“… je ne sais quoi
#4) “Unboxings & product reviews” blog series
  • Blog posts, videos and photo galleries documenting the unboxing process on a wide variety of purchased goods (Sometimes complete with product reviews!)
Image source: Image courtesy of OliverMunday.com, tweaked by Karina of KnittingandPurling.com.

Legend

All Knitting & Purling exclusive review blog posts are unified by a brown color. They can be broken down into the following categories…

“A girl’s love affair with…” blog series “Best of the best top ten lists” blog series “In search of perfection” blog series “Unboxings and product reviews” blog series

Any blog post that falls under one of the above categories will display that category’s image.

Note: Categorization system currently being implemented… tune back soon to see it in place!

Oh, and any exclusive review “spotlight” blog post can be identified by this light brown colored background.

You’ll find below a list of all review posts exclusive to the Knitting & Purling blog. Enjoy!

Knitting & Purling Exclusive Review Blog Posts

Treble Charger reunion show: Review and concert photos of their Canadian Music Week 2012 performance at The Phoenix in Toronto!

Treble Charger at The Phoenix Concert Theatre for Canadian Music Week 2012 (banner ad image)

Treble Charger performed at The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto for Canadian Music Week 2012!


Treble Charger Reunion Show Review

Any Treble Charger fans out there?

Remember such memorable singles sung by Bill Priddle as “Red” and “Morale“… or such anthemic hits featuring Greig Nori as the frontman like “Friend of Mine” and “American Psycho?”

Well, here’s a bit of nostalgia for those of you who grew up listening to “Canadian pop-rock music” during the 90s like myself!

Before I go any further, my apologies for the timeliness of this blog post. I haven’t been the greatest at keeping up with blogging about certain events closer to when they had actually occurred (or at the very least, soon after the dates of their occurrence!). Some prime examples? Blogging about the Toronto Spring 2012 edition of the One of a Kind Show and Sale that took place at the end of March, as well as the Toronto Spring 2012 edition of the Creativ Festival craft show that took place at the end of April. Note: Blog posts on both events coming soon to the Knitting & Purling blog, I swear!

Anyway, like I was saying… Treble Charger definitely made their mark in the Canadian music scene during the 1990s and early 2000s. But after 14 years of producing great Canadian pop-rock songs, they decided to break up in 2006.

This was devastating for my husband and myself! Why, you ask? Because during the early years of our relationship (I’m talking about the time period coinciding with the release of Wide Awake Bored in 2000 and Detox in 2002), we had spent quite some time following Treble Charger around as they toured Southern Ontario.

To this day, I still have a mental connection between watching Treble Charger concerts and the beginning stages of my relationship with my husband. And that’s why when I found out they were reuniting in 2012, with their first performance in years to take place at The Phoenix Concert Theatre for Canadian Music Week 2012? I was ecstatic! I knew I had to attend.

It wasn’t until I was watching the show that I realized how much I had missed them. The Treble Charger reunion concert was filled to the brim with both hit singles and obscure album tracks for the die-hard fan… which definitely made for a happy Karina!

Treble Charger Reunion Show Setlist of Songs Played

Note: I’m not sure if this is the full set, nor do I remember what order these songs were played at the show, sorry!

  • Red
  • Trinity Bellwoods
  • Tenth Grade Love
  • Morale
  • Even Grable
  • Friend Of Mine
  • How She Died
  • Stupid Thing To Say
  • Ever She Flows
  • Forever Knowing
  • Mercury Smile
  • Christ Is On The Lawn
  • Fade
  • American Psycho
  • Business
  • Brand New Low
  • Cheat Away
  • More’s The Pity
  • Hundred Million

Here are some of my #treblecharger Instagram photos (click here to check out the full #treblecharger photo album that I’ve created on Ink361), taken from that reunion show. Enjoy!

Treble Charger at Canadian Music Week 2012 Reunion Concert Photos

Show Info:

  • Venue: The Phoenix Concert Theatre
  • Location: Toronto, ON, CA
  • Date: March 21, 2012
Treble Charger at The Phoenix for Canadian Music Week 2012 (photo 1)

© March 21, 2012 of

Treble Charger at The Phoenix for Canadian Music Week 2012 (photo 2)

© March 21, 2012 of

Treble Charger at The Phoenix for Canadian Music Week 2012 (photo 3)

© March 21, 2012 of

Treble Charger at The Phoenix for Canadian Music Week 2012 (photo 4)

© March 21, 2012 of

Treble Charger at The Phoenix for Canadian Music Week 2012 (photo 5)

© March 21, 2012 of

Treble Charger at The Phoenix for Canadian Music Week 2012 (photo 6)

© March 21, 2012 of

Treble Charger at The Phoenix for Canadian Music Week 2012 (photo 7)

© March 21, 2012 of

Treble Charger at The Phoenix for Canadian Music Week 2012 (photo 8)

© March 21, 2012 of

Image sources: All concert photographs ©2012 Karina of KnittingandPurling.com.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterPin it on PinterestSave on DeliciousDigg ThisSubmit to redditSubmit to StumbleUponShare via email

Black Dr Martens women’s Phina tall leather buckle boot review: They bring out the 90s grunge rock girl from deep within me! (Part 2 in my hunt for footwear perfection)

Introduction

So I’ve already alluded to my obsession with shoes in a previous blog post on my discovery of the genius behind Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology shoes.

I initially discovered (and purchased!) them last year while doing a little pre-Boxing Day shoe shopping… and have been wearing them to work and just out and about ever since because they’re THAT comfortable. So chalk Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology footwear as my first find so far in my recent search for the treasure map to footwear perfection.

Now as for find #2? That would be my newly purchased (well, at this point it’s been 4 months… so not really THAT new) black Dr Martens women’s Phina tall leather buckle boots!

Style post bulletin board - Black Dr Martens womens Phina tall leather buckle boots

Today's featured top fashion find: Black Dr Martens women's Phina tall leather buckle boots!

Black Dr Martens Women’s Phina Tall Leather Buckle Boot Review

For years, I’ve been on a hunt for the perfect pair of black leather knee-high boots… so I would have the option to wear skirts and dresses in the cold fall or winter months. I wasn’t looking for a pair or brown leather boots, nor was I looking for something too overly dressy with a high heel (since I already have both of those, married together in the form of brown knee-high pointed-toe stiletto leather boots). I wanted something super casual, super comfortable, yet still uber stylish and possess that unique flair that I tend to gravitate towards when I shop for footwear.

Like I said, I’ve been seeking these perfect black boots literally for YEARS. But I’ve never been able to find anything I like because most of the ones I had looked at in the past were either sort of cheap looking (that’s one of my biggest style pet peeves… cheap-looking fashion items), or had ugly clunky heels that make them look sort of cloggish… if you know what I mean.

But lo and behold! Last year at Boxing Week when I found myself looking in shoe stores, trying to use the mall gift card that my boss had given me for Christmas? I struck footwear perfection gold.

Introducing the boots of my dreamswomen’s Dr Martens Phina tall buckle boots in black!

Hunt for the treasure map to footwear perfection - Dr Martens womens Phina black tall buckle boots

These are literally the black leather knee-high boots of my dreams!

Something about these boots just completely awoke the inner 90s grunge rock girl from deep within me. That’s right, back in the 90s during my angst-filled teenage years? I was all about alternative/grunge/heavy rock music. My favorite band of all time has always been (and always will be… to this day!) The Smashing Pumpkins. Heck, I slept on the streets overnight outside Toronto’s MuchMusic building just to see them perform at the MuchMusic Video Awards show one year! I even traveled far and wide (well, by which I mean Chicago & Columbus) to see my idol of all idols perform (I still ♥ you, Billy Corgan!). And not to mention my love for Nine Inch Nails, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Depeche Mode, The Pixiex, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, and more.

Anyway, the second I laid eyes on them at my neighbourhood SoftMoc, I knew I had to buy them (even though they were a BIT pricier than what I normally would like to spend on average on a pair of shoes or boots). It worked out perfectly because they were also on sale because of Boxing Week sales… and by using my mall gift card, the price really was quite negligible! (At least, that’s how i justified it in my head! Should be noted that’s how I justify ALL footwear purchases that I make…)

Here are some stats and highlights…

Dr Martens Women’s Phina Black Tall Buckle Boots

Dr Martens logoDescription:The PHINA boot brings you an updated style while maintaining a strong Dr. Martens® signature look & attitude.” -SoftMoc.com

Color: Black

Features & Benefits:

  • Leather upper & fabric lining
  • 5 straps with adjustable buckles to give you a comfortable fit with style
  • Inside zipper for easy on/off wear
  • Dr Martens signature “Air Wair” pull tab at back to help with getting in/out of the boots
  • Durable DML rubber outsole cusions & supports
  • Approximate shaft height = 15″ tall
  • Approximate circumference (i.e. around upper thigh) = 16″ long
  • Issued under UK sizing

Let me just say this: After purchasing my coveted black Phina Doc Martens boots? I ended up wearing them as my “winter boots” every day throughout all of winter 2012… and my feet never complained once!

They felt like they were cushioned in memory foam pillows or something thanks to the super soft footbeds that mould around your heels and arches. I didn’t even really treat the leather exterior, although I probably should have if I wanted them to last. They started gradually showing the expected wear and tear most leather would exhibit after several months of extended use… but that just gave it an extra vintage look that actually made the boots looked even better than when brand new! Practically felt like I had them since the early 1990s from the era of grunge rock. I almost felt like I should be pairing my Phina Doc Martens with a babydoll dress and pretend to be Brenda or Kelly from the high school era of the original 90210! Almost.

Oh, also! The whole time I was decked out in my Doctor Martens, I realized something. Never in my life had I received so many compliments on one specific fashion item before, as I did with my Phina black buckle boots! It seemed like everywhere I went, people I knew and strangers alike kept constantly coming up to me just to tell me they LOVED my boots. Definitely made me love them more!

So yeah, anyone out there who’s looking for a really excellent pair of women’s leather knee-high black boots? I definitely recommend these black Dr Martens women’s Phina tall leather boots! Because you just can’t go wrong with Doctor Martens boots when it comes to quality footwear.

One last note: I normally wear a size 7 when it comes to women’s shoes… but these boots fit me in a size 6 (this might be because they’re listed in UK sizing?). Anyway, just keep in mind the sizes may run a bit larger than average if you’re seriously planning on buying these boots (which you should!).

My rating score? I give these boots a rating of 5 out of 5!


Where to Buy Dr Martens Phina Tall Boots Online?

Here are a few sample online stores that currently sell Phina Doc Martens footwear…

Image sources: Images of Dr Martens Phina women’s buckle boots courtesy of SoftMoc.com.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterPin it on PinterestSave on DeliciousDigg ThisSubmit to redditSubmit to StumbleUponShare via email

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology = A shoeaholic’s dream! (Part 1 in my search for the treasure map to footwear perfection)

Natalie Dee comic - Zappos shoe shopping

Hey, Zappos does claim to offer the biggest and best selection of shoes available!

I’m not going to beat around the bush about this. Yup. I have no shame in admitting this, and I’m going to come right out and say it: I love shopping for shoes.

In fact, I can pretty much come right out and admit to being a shoeaholic, through and through.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m such a huge shopaholic when it comes to fashion and apparel that I decided to transform our smallest bedroom into a gigantic walk-in-closet. I’m talking rows and rows of shelving across one wall of the room devoted entirely to storing my footwear!

Style post bulletin board - Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology shoes

Today's featured top fashion find: Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology shoes!

So as someone who has purchased her fair share of shoes and boots in the past, I would like to think of myself as a connoisseur of sorts on what footwear is hot and what shoe brand is to die for.

Since I already own so many pairs of shoes, I tend to restrict my shoe shopping tendencies until around the holidays… or at least when there are huge sales available (that’s my way of justifying it!).

Kenneth Cole shoe shopping banner ad image

Mmm... I now appreciate Kenneth Cole footwear, especially if it's on sale!

Which is why a month ago, I couldn’t resist hopping into my neighborhood Town Shoes right before Christmas break, when they still had a pretty good selection of shoes available (because by Boxing Day the whole store would be wiped clean in a matter of hours, I know… I’ve witnessed it first hand in years past!) and they were available at discount prices.

I’ve never had the chance to try on Kenneth Cole New York shoes before, and man. Have I been ever missing out, big time! I tried on a pair of Kenneth Cole New York pumps featuring Exclusive 925 Technology and I nearly had a shoegasm, the shoes were THAT comfy.

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology women's shoes quote

All Kenneth Cole New York women's shoes now feature Exclusive 925 Technology!

When it comes to dress shoes, I’m a complete sucker for high heels and pumps. Nothing beats the silhouette of a classic pump shoe with a 2″ or 3″ stiletto heel. I can do round toe or pointed toe pumps, and I’m good with matte leather, patent leather or suede. I’m also huge into color, so give me a dress pump in every bright color of the rainbow and I’ll be a happy camper.

So as you can see, I’m not selective in the least when it comes to buying heels. The only problem? They have to be comfortable to wear. Now there’s the rub… because 9 times out of 10, shoes that look nice aren’t necessarily the pain-free variety!

And that’s why I knew immediately after trying my first pair of Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology women’s heels that I had struck footwear goldmine.

What is Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology?

“This groundbreaking, patented, cushioning system has been four years in the making and is revolutionizing the shoe industry to create ‘the most comfortable shoes a woman has ever looked good in.’” -KennethCole.com

Kenneth Cole New York Silver Edition Exclusive 925 Technology shoe diagram of patented cushioning multi layer footbeds

You won't find more comfort in a dress pump than with Kenneth Cole New York Silver Edition Exclusive 925 Technology high heel shoes!

925 Exclusive Technology footwear offers supreme comfort thanks to its patented cushioning multilayer foot bed system:

  1. 3mm thick Poron memory foam foot beds provide that extra level of comfort to every step
  2. Cradling & supportive pillow arch molds made of natural flaxseeds constantly shift to conform to the contours & shape of your feet (and won’t break down like with synthetic alternatives!)
  3. Supple sheepskin lined insoles allow your feet to breathe & prevent them from slipping
  4. Additional 2mm thick Poron foam midsoles act as shock absorbers under the balls of the forefeet
  5. Impact resistant nylon heel lifts offer optimal balance & stability to reduce the risk of twisted ankles
  6. Flexible & durable rubber outsoles provide the extra traction needed to tackle any climate conditions
  7. Extra cushioning embedded cork layer made of bonded cellulose help reduce sensitivity to painful small objects (such as small stones) at front half of outsoles

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology footwear launch day video

Watch the Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology footwear launch day video!

Still don’t believe me when I proclaim Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology footwear is a shoeaholic’s dream come true?

Then see the excitement for yourself by watching this launch day video!

Check out these photographs of the two pairs of Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology high heel shoes I had purchased at Town Shoes last December.

Haven’t had the chance to break them in yet since it’s still the winter, and I’ve been obsessively wearing my new pair of coveted Dr Martens knee-high buckle boots (more on those on Part 2 of my “Search for the Treasure Map to Footwear Perfection” blog series). But don’t you worry… the second spring arrives I’ll be wearing them everywhere!

Personal Photos of My Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology Shoes

First up, let’s start with the unboxing…
Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology shoes (boxes image 1)

Pretty black Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology shoe boxes with silver writing (black and silver being the signature colors for 925 Technology footwear)

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology shoes (boxes image 2)

Proof I purchased my Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology high heels from Town Shoes!

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology shoes (boxes image 3)

Here's a tip: I'm normally a women's shoe size 7, but I was able to fit comfortably in size 6.5 for both pairs of newly purchased Kenneth Cole New York shoes (i.e. be prepared to order a half size down)

Next up? Introducing my new Sugar MIA penny loafer pump shoes, featuring Kenneth Cole New York’s Exclusive 925 Technology!
Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology Sugar MIA penny loafer pump shoes

These shoes are one-part pump, one-part penny loafer, but 100% office-chic! A must-have for any professional skirt-and-blazer combo.

Shadows of Motown Charcoal Reversible Smoking Jacket (aka my dream charcoal wool fitted trench coat)

Those Sugar MIA penny loafer-style high heel pumps would perfectly complement this dream charcoal wool fabric fitted trench jacket that's currently at the top of my wishlist!

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology Sugar MIA penny loafer pump shoes (image 1)

Time to reveal my charcoal color, wool fabric Sugar MIA penny loafer pump-style high heel shoes

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology Sugar MIA penny loafer pump shoes (image 2)

Take a peek inside these Sugar MIA penny loafer pumps... now don't those insoles look super comfy?

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology Sugar MIA penny loafer pump shoes (image 4)

It's fitting that I took these photos of my Sugar MIA heels on my cushy white leather ottoman... because walking in these 925 Technology shoes is like walking on pillowy clouds of supple white leather!

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology Sugar MIA penny loafer pump shoes (image 5)

Close-up view of the Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology patented cushioning foot bed system in action!

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology Sugar MIA penny loaf pump shoes (image 6)

Closer look at the dark gray wool fabric vamp, featuring a horizontal accent strip of black leather across each toe cap (making these shoes the perfect complement to any smart, fitted women's charcoal wool blazer!)

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology Sugar MIA penny loafer pump shoes (image 7)

View of the 3.75" chunky heels and bottom outsoles of these Sugar MIA shoes (featuring metal charms of the signature KC logo attached to the bottom of the outer soles)

Lastly, Check Out These Conservative (Yet Sexy!) Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology Clay-Colored Matte Leather Pumps
Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology clay color matte leather pumps (image 1)

Unboxing my new Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology classic leather pump high heels

Kennetnh Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology clay color matte leather pumps (image 2)

The thing I love about these pumps? They have such a classic silhouette, with all proportions being perfectly in balance (from the length of the pointed toe to the height of the stiletto!).

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology clay colored matte leather pumps (image 3)

See the insoles? You're looking at 7 layers of foot beds at work to make these pumps the most comfortable high heels you'll ever wear.

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology clay color matte leather pumps (image 4)

Closer peek at the shoe's insole, which is emblazoned with the Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology logo

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology clay color matte leather pumps (image 5)

The 3mm Poron memory foam foot bed means walking in these high heels is like walking on a cloud. Mmm...

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology clay color matte leather pumps (image 6)

Close-up of the pump's outsole (with view of Kenneth Cole's signature "KC" silver charm located on the bottom of the shoe)

Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology clay color matte leather pumps (image 7)

A signature feature of Kenneth Cole New York Exclusive 925 Technology footwear? Shiny silver reflective stiletto heels! So hot.

Image sources: Zappos comic image courtesy of NatalieDee.com. Kenneth Cole shoe shopping banner ad image, plus Exclusive 925 Technology footwear quote, shoe diagram & launch day video images courtesy of KennethCole.com. All photographs featured in blog post ©2012 Karina of KnittingandPurling.com.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterPin it on PinterestSave on DeliciousDigg ThisSubmit to redditSubmit to StumbleUponShare via email

Top ten twenty milestone events (in the life of Karina!) for 2011

New Years Resolutions comic - healthy eating means wanting half a cupcake

This comic says it all... didn't it seem like 2011 was all about cupcakes?

Once again, Happy New Year!

Before officially ringing in 2012 (and by official, I mean an entire month late considering it’s already end of January… man, time sure goes by fast!), I wanted to summarize the major events that happened in my life during 2011.

Note: This post is part of my “Best of the Best Top Ten Lists” blog series. But as you can see… it somehow turned into a “Top 20″ list instead of 10 (only because there were too many events that had occured during 2011 to reduce the list to 10!).

Anyway, without further ado, here we go…

Top 20 events of 2011 - New Canon and Sony cameras and lenses
#1 New Cameras, Lenses & Filters… Oh My!
(January 2011 & December 2011)
2011 started with receiving my Boxing Day 2010 camera purchases in the mail: A) Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR camera kit (w/ 18-55mm zoom lens) from BestBuy.ca; B) Sony Alpha NEX-3 interchangeable camera kit (w/ 18-55mm zoom & 16mm wide-angle lenses) + camera filters from Henrys.ca
In January, I bought a Canon 75-300mm telephoto lens at J&R while traveling to NYC
For Boxing Day 2011, I bought a 33mm macro lens for my Sony Alpha NEX-3 camera, on sale at Vistek.ca

#2 Vogue Knitting LIVE! Convention in New York
(January 21-23, 2011)
I spent much of 2010 waiting for “The Ultimate Knitting EVENT from the Ultimate Knitting Magazine“… and it finally came in January 2011
I’m talking about attending the 1st ever Vogue Knitting LIVE! in NYC
Highlights include: A) Getting my “Vogue Knitting Knitopedia: The Ultimate A to Z for Knitters” book autographed; B) Meeting Knitterati-member Nicky Epstein; C) Buying more yarn than I could stuff in my carry-on (It’s true, I had to FedEx a box home!); D) Getting tips on designing my own knitwear & learning about different yarn fibers
Top 20 events of 2011 - Voge Knitting LIVE! convention in New York City

Top 20 events of 2011 - Watching Billie Joe Armstrong star in American Idiot Broadway musical
#3 Watching Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong Star as St. Jimmy in American Idiot Broadway Musical
(January 21, 2011)
While in New York for the Vogue Knitting LIVE! convention in January, we were lucky enough to be able to catch Green Day‘s front man Billie Joe Armstrong actually star in American Idiot The Musical, during his month-long stint playing St. Jimmy
We were also lucky enough to accidentally stumble upon him signing autographs outside the theater (watch video here)

#4 2011: The Year Google’s Panda Algorithm Update Changed the Landscape of Search
(The world changed after February 24, 2011)
As someone working in the Search Engine Optimization field, the year 2011 was most definitely a roller coaster ride… dominated by a giant black & white endangered animal that feasts exclusively on bamboo
The Google Panda algorithm update made its arrival in the U.S. after February 24th & would later hit other English-speaking countries April 11th
Regular Panda updates continued every 6 weeks or so all through 2011
Top 20 events of 2011 - Google Panda algorithm update

Top 20 events of 2011 - Rainbow color yarn
#5 Buying Rainbow Colored Yarn of All Fibers
(January to March, 2011)
After receiving a chullo hat & fingerless gloves knitting book from my mother-in-law for Christmas 2010, I became obsessed with knitting winter accessories… and teaching myself how to create my own custom-designed knitwear
It was during early 2011 when I came up with the idea of creating my own Hand Knitted SEO/HTML Geek Wear, to sell online through this site
This led to me being obsessed with the idea of buying yarn of all fiber types (merino wool, alpaca, organic cotton… oh my!) in every single color of the rainbow. I’m talking pinks, reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues & purples

#6 Goodbye, Long Locks… Hello, New Short Bob Haircut From My New Fave Hair Stylist
(May 2011)
Before 2011, I can’t remember when I last had short hair
I started growing it long prior to my May 12th, 2010 wedding… but kept it long a year later (b/c I was cheap & lazy)
In May, I made an impromptu decision to abandon going to my regular salon & instead went back to trying Toni & Guy
Although I went with a random stylist, the guy became the best I’ve ever had (he knew exactly how to cut my hair based on how it naturally sat on my head). And what did I get? A spontaneous short bob haircut!
I tried finding him last month for haircut #2 of 2011, but turns out he had quit to start his own salon. Went to the new place & had him cut my hair in the same style as before. It looks equally great. So yay, he’s a keeper!
Top 20 events of 2011 - New short bob hair style

Top 20 events of 2011 - New Sony VAIO laptop computer
#7 Upgraded to New Sony VAIO Laptop Computer
(May 2011)
Also in May, I finally bit the bullet & threw away my previously beloved (but wonky) Spring Green colored Dell Inspiron notebook computer (it had a faulty monitor connection & wouldn’t load half the time)
When I noticed a sale on Sony VAIO E Series laptops at Best Buy? I made the decision to buy it… in electric blue
I’ve been using my trusty new Sony VAIO as my go-to, regular home computer since then & I gotta say… Most definitely infatuated with it!

#8 Made the Switch from iPhone to Android & Never, Ever Looked Back
(July 21, 2011)
I’ve had my iPhone 3GS for a while before one fine day in June and BAM! This happened: 1) I lost it by leaving it at a restaurant; 2) One of the staffers took it, then lied about doing so when I went back & inquired
Luckily, the (read: super cheap, under-the-table) phone plan I was on allowed me to get a new smartphone by renewing my contract in July
After consulting with friends, family & people at work, I ended up waiting patiently until nearly end of July so I could purchase the Samsung Galaxy S II 4G the day it was released on Bell Mobility
I gotta say, I love my new Android phone & wouldn’t go back to an iPhone even if you gave me the choice for free! Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Samsung phones are hot. And by hot? I mean sexy.
Top 20 events of 2011 - New Sumsung Galaxy S2 Android smartphone

Top 20 events of 2011 - New house
#9 1st Comes Marriage, Then Comes a New House…
(May 2011 & August 2011)
My husband and I are pros at renting apartments (together as a couple we’ve lived in 5 different rentals!)
In the middle of our 1-year lease at the last apartment, there was an uproar involving the landlord. They threatened to evict us “as long as we get 2 months notice” (which was NOT true)
We decided to be proactive & move out by the end of our lease in August before they forced us out on their terms
We also decided the time was right to buy property. Our tiff with the landlord at the last condo really soured us on the idea of renting. Plus, we had just celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary, and what comes next after marriage except our very own house?
We started house hunting in May & found the perfect townhouse immediately! Without a doubt, 2011 will forever be remembered as the year we bought our house.

#10 …Then Comes Living in Debt Thanks to a Mortgage on That New House!
(August 2011)
Guess what comes along with buying a brand new house? A brand spankin’ new mortgage loan, that’s what!
Lawyer fees, land transfer taxes, property taxes & maintenance fees aside… it’s good to know that at the end of the day, the money spent throughout this whole house-purchasing process (& money that we’ll continue to spend for years to come) is at least all going towards paying off our house debts
Top 20 events of 2011 - New mortgage debt

Top 20 events of 2011 - House painting fun
#11 House Painting Fun, Fun, Fun!
(August 2011)
>The best part about buying a house vs. renting a condo? You’re free to decorate it however you like! As someone who lives and breathes arts & crafts, I was jumping at the chance to get to work decorating it.
That’s right. I hoarded paint swatches from Home Depot. I clipped pictures of rooms I liked from storage organization/home decor magazines. I made “to-scale” floor plans for each room in the house & where to put the furniture. I literally had a sketchbook of ideas on how to decorate the crap out of the new house… before we even got the place.
At the end of the day, I didn’t really have to do much in terms of decorating the house outside of painting the rooms (since the previous owner had bought it just to completely reno it from top-to-bottom & flip it for profit). But man, did I have fun painting! Let’s just say there were 5 rooms that ended up getting painted & I used 5 different colors of paint!

#12 Furniture Shopping? Even MORE Fun!
(Summer 2011)
Guess what also comes along with buying a brand new house? Shopping for brand spankin’ new furniture, that’s what!
Yes, my husband and I have lived in our share of apartments so most of our furniture had already been purchased. But we’ve never lived in anything bigger than a 2 bedroom apartment! And going from a max. 1080 sq. ft. condo to a 3+1 bedroom 3 storey house? There were definitely additional furniture items needed to bought!
Let’s just say during 2011, I discovered the inner furniture shopaholic in me. I could NOT avoid the neighborhood Urban Barn Outlet, was constantly at Structube & scoured every Toronto indie furniture store in search of custom upholstered sofas & armchairs.
It took me several months to amass everything, but at the end of the day I’d say I’m quite pleased with the furniture pieces that I ended up with!
Top 20 events of 2011 - New furniture shopping

Top 20 events of 2011 - Custom built dream walk-in closet
#13 Turning the Smallest Bedroom into a Custom Built, Dream Walk-in Closet
(August 2011)
Every girl dreams of their perfect, walk-in closet… one that’s the size of an entire bedroom (Hello? Remember the walk-in closet Mr. Big had custom built for Carrie in the 1st Sex and the City movie?). Well, that dream became a reality for me when we moved into our new house.
Back in August when we were about to move in, my dad (being the super awesome handyman that he is) followed my requests to the letter and transformed our smallest bedroom into my ideal, personalized walk-in closet. I’m talking a full wall-to-wall, floor-to-bottom set of PAX wardrobes from IKEA on one side of the room, facing a wall covered top-to-bottom with rows and rows of shelving to house my numerous pairs of shoes and boots. Can we say, heavenly bliss?

#14 Discovered Newfound Rubber Ducky Obsession
(August 2011)
I have no idea where it came from (seriously, this is completely from left field), but I’ve developed a newfound obsession with rubber duckies
It all started when decorating our main floor bathroom in the new house, and I made a spontaneous decision to have the decor revolve around a rubber ducky theme. I’m talking framed scrapbook prints of rubber ducky patterns on the wall, rubber ducky wall decal stickers, rubber ducky hand towels, rubber ducky lotion & soap pumps, plus a current grand total of TWENTY FIVE rubber duckies just, y’know, sittin’ around.
Yuppers. Just call me the rubber ducky hoarder!
Top 20 events of 2011 - New rubber ducky obsession

Top 20 events of 2011 - Food Network channel TV shows
#15 Became Obsessed with the Food Network TV Channel… and Watching It Nonstop While Cooking!
(Starting August 2011)
When we moved into our new house, we were able to enjoy the perks of free access to channels available through Rogers’ VIP digital TV package
OK, so it’s not technically free… it’s actually included as part of our townhouse maintenance fees. But they gave us 3 free boxes!And you know what that means? That’s right. I gots me a brand new flat screen Samsung TV to mount on my kitchen wall… and in white, to match!
As if the new kitchen and its brand new cabinets and fixtures and appliances didn’t make cooking in the new house completely awesome to begin with. Add in the brand new pivoting TV and free access to the Canadian Food Network TV channel? Pure cooking bliss.

#16 Expanded My Pet Bunny Clan to Two
(August 27, 2011)
My husband and I may not have kids (yet!), but we’re currently content with our close knit family that consists of pet bunnies.
We’ve had 2 Mini Rex bunnies before, but both have since passed. In September 2010, we adopted a gorgeous charcoal-colored Netherlands Dwarf rabbit. She looked like a koala, so I named her “The Koala Bunny“… much to my husband’s chagrin. To this day he refuses to acknowledge that was ever her name. She’s now referred to fondly as “The Chicken“… because, well, she clucks! It’s funny, because our old Mini Rex bunnies used to honk like geese, I swear.
Anyway, this relates to 2011 because after moving into our new house, we decided to seek a soul mate for “The Chicken” (because bunnies don’t cope well on their own… they’re social creatures!).
I’ve always longed for a floppy-eared Holland Lop rabbit, one that’s brown with a dark nose. I finally found the perfect dream bunny and we welcomed him into our family on August 27, 2011. This one isn’t “pretty” like the other one (he’s more scrappy looking, a bit scrungy). But he is absolutely beyond adorable because he looks (and acts!) exactly like a perpetually enthusiastic and energetic puppy dog. Which is why he’s officially named “The Puppy.” And boy, do we love him!
So now, our little family of 4 is complete.
Top 20 events of 2011 - New puppy bunny

Top 20 events of 2011 - Intro to sewing classes
#17 Used a Groupon for Intro to Sewing Classes
(September 2011)
At the end of 2010, I purchased a Groupon for 50% off an 8-Week-Long Introductory Sewing course. However, it wasn’t until September 2011 (when the coupon was about to expire) before I put it to good use
I’ve had previous experience with sewing before (in Family Studies class at school & having been taught by my mom when I was young), but I definitely needed a major refresher
I learned quite a lot! It definitely sparked something inside of me to want to continue learning how to sew. So at the end of the day, 2011 will go down in my books as the year I fell in love with sewing again.
Plus, the best part to learning how to sew? Hands down, shopping for fabrics. Especially at Mood Designer Fabrics in New York, the official fabric store for Project Runwayone of my fave TV shows of all time!

#18 Started New KnittingNPurling Etsy Store
(September 28, 2011)
Starting in September, I finally got around to starting up a brand new store on Etsy called KnittingNPurling, where I intend to exclusively sell “handmade geeky gifts for computer nerds
Currently, you can purchase: 1) gold or silver wire wrapped name necklaces with “geekery” words written in cursive letters, 2) computer keyboard keys & lampwork glass beaded earrings, and 3) computer keyboard keys & chunky layered button rose rings
More items are planned for the near future, including lots of SEO/HTML themed custom knitted geek wear… so stay tuned! And if you’re on Etsy, please feel free to add me to your circles. Cheers.
Top 20 events of 2011 - Handmade computer keyboard jewelry at my KnittingNPurling Etsy store

Top 20 events of 2011 - Toronto Bead Fair and One of a Kind Show
#19 Hi, My Name is Karina and I’m a Bead Hoarder
(Bead Fair in November & OOAK Show in December 2011)
When I restarted Etsy in September, I also rediscovered my love of volunteer group of people who share an abiding love of, and enthusiasm for, beads, beadwork, and related jewelry-making skills.” Sounds like me!
I also attended the twice yearly 2011 Fall Bead & Jewelry Fair in November. It wasn’t a big shindig, but the smorgasbord of beads available (including my coveted handmade lampwork beads by local artisans) made the show to die for. And I got to network with other bead lovers!
Lastly, I made my requisite pit stop at the Christmas Toronto One of a Kind Show, where I got the chance to both buy AND meet up with additional bead connoisseurs. 2011 was definitely a good craft year!

#20 Back From My Longest Hiatus From Blogging (With a Vengeance!)
(December 6, 2011)
I’ve been known to go in on long breaks between blogging (there’s just so much going on in my life all the time that I can never find the time to devote to blogging!) However, the break that elapsed between the last blog post I had written on April 24th, pre-hiatus… vs. the comeback post I had written on December 6th? That was SEVEN months long! Ouch.
Well, just wanted to say I want to end that trend of going on hiatus now that 2011 has come to a close. I’m refreshed. I’ve got the new house, and everything has settled down in my life. So I’m ready to tackle maintaining this Knitting & Purling blogwith a vengeance!
Hopefully you’ll keep returning back to read more of my posts. Cheers and much thanks in advance if you do. XOXO, Karina
Top 20 events of 2011 - Restarting my Knitting and Purling blog (after a 7-month hiatus)
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterPin it on PinterestSave on DeliciousDigg ThisSubmit to redditSubmit to StumbleUponShare via email

Deep discounts on art supplies & a hand painted yarn dream (Finale to my 2-part Boxing Day 2011 shopping experience blog series)

Cloudscape comic - Boxing Day sale

Boxing Day really brings out the mob mentality in everyone, doesn't it? Especially if you're at a mall...

I’ve already written the 1st blog post in my 2-part series documenting my Boxing Day 2011 shopping experience, which focused on my horrendous trip to Best Buy.

For part 2, I decided to focus more on the positive parts of my Boxing Week shopping extravaganza.

The theme? Big savings on items that allow me to unleash my creativity!

Deep Discounts on Art Supplies

DeSerres Boxing Day 2011 sale (newsletter ad image)

Canadian-based art supply store DeSerres had a 20% off everything Boxing Day sale this year!

This year, I discovered the awesomeness that is DeSerres.

They’re a Canadian arts & crafts store offering everything from sketchbooks, oil & acrylic paints, easels and canvases for the pro artist, to scrapbooking paper, decorative stickers, photo albums and rubber stamps for the hobby crafter.

Similar to Curry’s (another awesome Canadian-based art store!), but with a bigger selection of craft products (i.e. not focused on supplies meant exclusively for art students).

Anyway, over Boxing Day (and the 27th), DeSerres had an amazing sale of 20% off the lowest ticketed price for everything in-store!

That’s right. Everything. Let’s just say I went bananas and practically bought out the entire store. My creative juices were flowing all over the place, it was so much fun going on a free-for-all shopping spree for arts and craft supplies… without having to analyze every sticker price and restricting myself to only buying whatever was currently on sale that week (much like I would during a regular visit to Michaels). Yay for arts & crafts!

A Hand Painted Yarn Dream

Rowan Winter Drift knitting brochure book cover image

The Rowan "Winter Drift" knitting pattern brochure book that I picked up at the Boxing Day sale

Every year on December 27th (i.e. the day after Boxing Day), my favorite Toronto yarn store Romni Wools holds their biggest annual sale of 25% off all yarn purchases. That’s right. That’s TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT off everything!

For the last 3 years, I’ve made it my mission to attend the sale… and this year was no different. Last year I went crazy buying Cascade 220 Heathers yarn in anticipation of spending 2011 working on my Vogue Knitting Stitch-a-Day 2011 Calendar quilt knitting project. Needless to say, that project never really got running beyond the initial kick-start in January… whoops?

This year, I went into the sale without a clue on what I wanted to get… just something pretty.

My first plan of attack? Heading straight for the store’s vast selection of knitting pattern magazines and books. After flipping through a few Rowan knitting pattern pattern brochure books (Which I adore! Mmmm…), I fell head over heels in love with a knitting pattern for the PERFECT soft and cozy, but stylishly chunky, cardigan sweater.

I’m talking about the “Cradle” collared cardigan with cable detail by Marie Wallin, taken from the 2010 “Winter Drift” (featuring “15 designs for women and men using Rowan Drift & Big Wool by the Rowan Design Team“).

Cradle cardigan knitting pattern by Marie Wallin from Winter Drift Rowan brochure book

I fell in love with this "Cradle" cardigan knitting pattern by Marie Wallin, taken from the "Winter Drift" Rowan knitting brochure

Now that I had my knitting pattern picked out, I started circling the inside of the store and going down each and every aisle… multiple times! But in the end, I found myself drawn back to the classics that I knew and loved so much before.

A Girl's Love Affair with Misti Alpaca hand painted yarns

This girl? Why, she's in love with Misti Alpaca's line of hand painted yarns!

Up to this point, I have yet to find a yarn brand that I loved more than Misti Alpaca. And I’m speaking from 15 years of yarn buying experience!

Misti Alpaca Qolla Chunky hand painted yarn (knitted swatches collage image)

Sample swatches knitted in different colors of Misti Alpaca's Qolla Chunky hand painted yarn

With its roots originating from the base of the Misti Volcano in Arequipa, Peru (Peru being home to the world’s best alpaca yarns, of course!), Misti Alpaca‘s high quality alpaca and alpaca-blend yarns are simply GORGEOUS.

Why are they better than the rest, you ask? Because of the way the yarn fibers are lovingly hand-painted, with each hank dyed to be uniquely different… even from other hanks of the same lot # and color series!

Current knitting project - Nicky Epstein Cardigan with Cabled Points

My current knitting project du jour? Nicky Epstein's Cardigan with Cabled Points, knitted using Misti Alpaca's Hand Paint Chunky yarn in Winter Queen!

I’ve purchased my fair share of Misti Alpaca yarn in the past (I’m currently knitting Nicky Epstein‘s “Cardigan with Cabled Points” from her “Knitting Beyond The Edge” book using Misti Alpaca’s Hand Paint Chunky yarn and it is simply divine. Mmm…), so I know based on experience that you can’t go wrong with their yarn. However, since each hank is so unique and individually hand-painted… they don’t come cheap! And that’s why Boxing Day is the perfect time to shop for Misti Alpaca yarn.

Misti Alpaca Qolla Chunky yarn - QC02 Gabriela color knitted swatch

Square swatch knitted in QC02 Gabriela color of Misti Alpaca Qolla Chunky hand painted yarn

Anyway, seeing how 2011 was the year I fell in love with the color purple, I was immediately drawn to Misti Alpaca’s Qolla Chunky yarn (20% baby alpaca/80% Merino wool) in QC02 Gabriela color.

This variegated color yarn cycles through beautiful shades of purples and greens (trust me, the colors are more subtle and WAY more pretty when viewing the yarn in person than based on this picture).

I knew immediately this yarn was what I wanted to use for my upcoming “Cradle” cardigan knitting project!

Other yarn purchases that I made during the Boxing Day sale? Well, I basically cleaned out the store’s entire stock of Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply yarn in 020 Purple color.

Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply Merino wool super fine superwash yarn (020 Purple color)

Debbie Bliss' Rialto 4ply yarn in 020 Purple color

Again, with the purple this year! And Debbie Bliss yarn? Excuse me while I swoon!

You can always trust Debbie Bliss to put out a fabulous and practical yarn… and this Italian-made, 100% Merino wool extra fine superwash yarn is no different. It’s delicate, pretty and soft… but machine-washable. Can’t go wrong with that!

Lastly, I also pretty much cleared out the store’s entire stock of Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton Naturally Dyed yarn in shade #985 Lipstick Tree color (i.e. sort of like a light peachy/coral pink color).

Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton Naturally Dyed yarn (985 Lipstick Tree color)

Rowan's Purelife Organic Cotton Naturally Dyed yarn in 985 Lipstick Tree color

Once again, the color is gorgeous (I know, I’ve used that word already in this blog post in describing yarn… but there really is no other word that would do it justice!)… it kind of matches the color theme of this Knitting & Purling blog!

And while I normally would shy away from cotton yarns when knitting (I’m definitely more comfortable knitting with animal fibers like Merino wool or alpaca than cotton)… something about the softness of this yarn and the elegantly subtle color shade drew me in.

I have yet to decide on what to knit with both the Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply and the Rowan Purelife yarns (more than likely I’ll just end up knitting a couple cardigans with those yarns… because I sure do love knitting cardigans!), but I’ll definitely keep you posted!

Image sources: Boxing Day comic courtesy of ClearlyACliffhanger.Blogspot.com. DeSerres Boxing Day sale ad image courtesy of DeSerres.ca. “Winter Drift” Rowan knitting pattern brochure booklet cover image & “Cradle” cardigan images courtesy of KnitRowan.com. Both images depicting sample swatches of Misti Alpaca’s Qolla Chunky yarn courtesy of MistiAlpaca.com. Image of Debbie Bliss’ Rialto 4ply yarn in 020 Purple color courtesy of BlackSheepWools.com. Image of Rowan’s Purelife Organic Cotton Naturally Dyed yarn in Lipstick Tree color courtesy of YarnCountry.com.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterPin it on PinterestSave on DeliciousDigg ThisSubmit to redditSubmit to StumbleUponShare via email