This is my new dress form / mannequin - I got it through Studio Rox online - they're made in NY I believe and it looks a lot like the ones from Abercrombie and Fitch - pretty vintage looking - I must admit I would prefer a "real" old form, but the chances of finding a MALE one (yes, this is a "male" form) and in my size (36" chest; I'm a small guy) is pretty far fetched.  The plan for the form is to use it for designing, assembling, etc. and mostly for assembling components in freeform knitting... He doesn't have a name yet... any ideas? - for now it will live in the office - next to my rusty "K" and my EEG machine - which I got from a Dr's office in Pasadena - it's one of the original prototypes for the real one - from the dr. who helped invent it - (I know, I know... I'm strange)

The form arrived quick via UPS, in 2 boxes and is a cinch to assemble, although the directions don't make a ton of sense... I plan on re-doing the metal plates that cover the arm holes - making them wood, and replacing or painting the knob at the top with either wood or something - I already changed out the screws on the armholes to be brass to more match the gold paint they made them... I love my new toy! 

On the form right now is the zip up cardigan I made earlier this year...

while I was cleaning up this afternoon, I ran across more of my squares for the mitered square blanket!  It inspired me to clean up the next batch of squares that I have completed - these 10 make a total of 20 squares completed and ready for assembly - I pinned them to size and blocked them out so that they're all ready to go when it's time.  I have about 30-40 squares to go before I'll assemble... If you ever make the mitered square blanket, be sure to weave in your ends as you go or they'll make you cry.  I'm happy to say that 20 squares are knitted, blocked, trimmed and all ready to go when the time comes!

I also finished the rust raglan sweater this past weekend, but haven't taken any photos of it - I'm also days away from finishing the snowflake sweater - it needs its zipper and then it'll be done too! 

I ordered my needle gauge pendant from Dream Weaver Yarns out of NY - I got it 2 days later (remember, I'm in California!) - I was impressed with the speed - and once I opened the package, I was impressed with the product!  As far as I can tell, it's made of enameled aluminum - I handed it to Gregg along with a needle, and he tried it out - "size 8" he said - confidently - and he was right (I guess it works haha) - I had been wanting a good needle gauge that was compact, contemporary and fun and stylish - this one from Debra's Garden is all that and MORE!

I ordered the Teal one - it's a bit bigger than I thought it would be - I guess you could use it as a pendant on a necklace (if you're a girl) but for me it's a bit too big - at least for jewelry! :)

It was $16 + 4.95 shipping/handling which totals out to $20.95- what an awesome gift for knitter friends - the holidays are coming up - or even just a gift for Stitch and Bitch pals you want to show you care... I should have bought a few of them but only got one.

Go to their website and order up one or two - and let 'em know that Kyle sent ya! :) - every knitter who has seen mine now wants one - trust me - it's the coolest gauge I have ever seen.... and thought I should let you know!

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