the knitting buzz

the details

Serin Lace Wrap and Scarf pattern is graphic chevron design interrupted by a miniature diamond motifs offering textured detail while remaining light and airy.

The pattern is written in four sizes, offering variety based on what yardage you have on hand. For me, I gravitate to the larger wraps and buy yarn with that in mind. But I also understand that doesn't work for everyone. The yardage requirements range from 640 yards for the scarf to 1425 yards for the widest wrap. Details of the pattern and the sizing can be found on Ravelry.

 

The yarn used for this wrap was from a local farm, Eagle Bend Alpaca Farm and worked up to be a heavy lace/light fingering weight. Its 100% alpaca and was heaven to knit. The soft alpaca running through fingers was soothing to both my heart and soul. OK this sounds so corny, but its true. This was one project that I hated ending. Pure happiness.

I used a US#5 - 32" circular for this project, based on the yarn I was using. Swatching will help determine the needle needed to achieve the fabric you are after. Needle sizes US# 4 - 6 are a common range if using lace or fingering weight.

Normally any lace piece needs some serious blocking, soaking first then stretching it into shape on the blocking board.  When knitting with 100% alpaca, its a little different, once blocked it stays in that shape. This is can be both good and bad. Good because the times you will need to re-block this piece is few. Bad because if its mishandled, the piece could be ruined or just misshaped. When blocking alpaca, I do what is called a Mist Block.  I pin it into place while its dry, then mist it with water to set the stitches.

The reason to pin it dry is to avoid unwanted stretching. The fiber can easily stretch out of place, just in the movement from its bath to the blocking board. How do I know this?  That's right......experience. This was one hard lesson to learn.

Other yarns I choose to Mist Block over Wet Blocking is pure mohair, angora, cashmere, camel and yak. What these fibers have in common is that the fiber is more like hair verses wool which is curly and springs back into shape. If any of these fibers are blended with wool, I will normally wet block these pieces.

Until next time.....

Happy Knitting!

 

 

 

back in the drivers seat

My knitting has taken a back seat to a sundry of family concerns and events. Today I decided to hop back in the drivers seat.....

This change for me was ignited by the pure and simple act of binding off...a.k.a.... finishing a project.  This project has a little story and one that I haven't shared until now.

After moving from Chicago to Cincinnati, I found a nearby alpaca farm that captured my heart. No lie....love at first sight. It was this visit, when I purchased the yarn for the just-off-the-needles project.  You probably have guessed that the the yarn is 100% alpaca and its lovely.  The yarn is named from the animal it was sheared from, "Serin"......I'm getting ahead of myself.

The farm is the Eagle Bend Alpaca Farm and Yarn Shop in Burlington Kentucky.  The farm has a bounty of alpacas, some sheep, gorgeous chickens, 3 Scotties (2 black, 1 white....they look like salt and pepper shakers) and a cat.  The shop is in a small building/house at the front of the property, but you can't help but to be drawn to the closest barn and pasture near the shop where there are some alpacas and a pen next to the shop with chickens.  Before I got to the front porch of the shop, I was greeted by overjoyed Scotties and the owner of the farm and shop, Linda. I couldn't have felt more welcomed.

Eagle Bend sells both commercial yarns and yarns milled from there own animals.  Their alpaca yarn comes in a variety of weights, but I was thrilled when I found the section that held the thinner weights. These were in-between a fingering and a lace weight..... I guess that would make it a light fingering.  It was the color caught my eye, its kind of a cross between a dusty lavender and a taupe. I don't normally lean toward the purple family, but it had an antique-ish feel to it that I couldn't resist.  I pulled it off the shelf and Linda quickly apologized for it and said that she was trying her hand at dying and it was a mistake.  "Mistake?", I said, "I love it!".  Linda said I had made her day, but I think it was my day that was made. Linda said that she was trying dye on yarn from one of her tawny colored alpacas, which accounted for the lack of clarity of the colorway.  To me it was perfect.

Until now, I have never worked with alpaca yarn straight off the farm. The experience.....well....its glorious! After winding up a ball, I started swatching and came up with a few designs I liked, but with a jury vote decided on a chevron lace design interrupted with a mini diamond motif. The jury were the lovely ladies from the Eagle Bend Happy Knitter Knit Club.

Inspiration can come from anything, anywhere, anytime.....it can be the fiber/yarn, the animal, the color, the motif, the audience.........OR its just my excuse to start a new project.

Since I started from the end and jumped to how it all began....in the next post, I will share details about the completed pashmina style wrap.

Until next time....

Happy Knitting!

 

 

yarn shops on the go

When traveling, I love to visit local yarn shops along the way.  Usually, I only focused on those stores around my final destination.

Locating these stores used to take a little due diligence to map your trip with the help of Google. But things have changed......

Now these stores and stores in route are easy to plan using the new Ravelry.com Road Trip Planner, enabling you to plan your trips around yarn shops. This tool gives you all the yarn shops that you pass within an acceptable amount of miles (you determine how far you want to stray from your route.....1 mile, 5 miles, etc.).  I love traveling by car but this gives a whole new spin to the road less travelled.....especially if your are on a Yarn-y/Fiber trip to begin with. The Road Trip Planner gives store address, phone, store hours and web site.

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If getting onto Ravelry isn't easy enough..........

There is also an app for your smartphone called Knitmap - Yarn Store Finder available Android and iPhone.  Knitmap is destination driven and community supported listing of yarn store around the world.....over 5400 stores.  Search by city, county, district, state or just stores nearby. Detailed store information is mapped and lists address, phone, directions, store hours and web site. It also is loaded with reviews by others and you can review yourself.  Quite a handy tool.

Traveling to see the changing autumn colors, going apple picking or a trip to an out of the way pumpkin patch is a great time to try out these resources to add a little fiber to your jaunt.

Both give similar information about a specific yarn shop. The difference is that Road Trip Planner gives you stops along the way, while Knitmap give you details for a specific location/destination.  Try them both. Then take advantage of any upcoming weekends and holidays to make the most of your adventures with some yarn shop side trips.

 

Until next time........

Happy Knitting!

 

 

pink llama

A PINK LLAMA......Is that like seeing pink elephants????

 

Only if its getting dizzy or hallucinating-ly intoxicated by yarn.  Seems right!

The pink llama was the star at the Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival.  While in Cincinnati for a conference, I fell upon the Fiber Festival in Lexington Kentucky, which was only an hour a way and made for a perfect Saturday diversion.

Summer trips and side trips are the perfect time to visit Fiber Festivals, cashmere goat farms like Mountain Hollow or any farms hosting sheep, alpacas, llamas and goats and of course, any or all Local Yarn Shops. If you're near Cincinnati, you must not miss.... Fiber Optic Yarns in Milford.

This of course, comes with a warning......your stash will grow and grow. This stresses out some, but not me, I love being surrounded or rather drowned in beautiful luscious hanks of fiber. This yarns makes me happy. It inspires designs, its a virtual painters pallet for me.

Some like to keep track of their stash on Ravelry, this is a wonderful tool, but way too much accountability for me.  If I actually knew how much yarn I had, I might get stressed out too. That's right......Ignorance is bliss. 

I do have my yarns sorted by weight, which is really helpful when I have a design in mind.  I have bins under my bed, a stack of bins in a closet and a very cool metal basket style tower in my studio. The tower is filled with new yarns I want to try and of course, my favorites.  Yes, I do favorites.  

There is also that small matter of the 4 or more tub style bins that have been sealed up and relegated to storage.....for those are referred to as....He Who Must Not Be Named.  There is nothing wrong with the yarn in storage, they are either an abundance of a type of yarn (like facecloth cotton and computer dyed sock yarn) or those yarns that don't currently inspire. Yarns classified as SOMEDAY YARNS.

More later on new designs, what's on the needles and travels....

Until then.....

Happy Knitting!

sometimes its the yarn

I do love to knit lacy designs. It takes a certain level of concentration and practice, that can be mastered by most knitters.  The technique is for those who enjoy the process over the end product. The process of lace knitting is like painting a picture, but instead of paints and a brush its with artfully placed holes or yarn-overs combined with an equal number of decreases to fashion a highly decorative knitted fabric.

 

But today's post is not about actually knitting lace, but about getting your lace swatch to look just right; to have good stitch definition. Not too loose, giving an overall sheer look. Not too tight, where the holes and essentially the look of lace vanishes entirely. Whether its too loose or too tight, the lace design can get lost.

This is not meant to scare or dissuade anyone from trying to knit lace, in fact the opposite.... with some simple tweaks of needle size or even the yarn, results can vary greatly.

A lacy wrap pattern usually calls for a specific yarn and needle size.  In my humble opinion, these are merely a suggestion.... the chosen yarn and your own tension can have a dramatic effect on the overall knitted fabric, which may require you to try different needle sizes to get the desired fabric. For me, I tend to go down in needle size because I'm a fairly relaxed knitter.  For those who tend to knit more tightly, a larger needle may be in order.

On with the story.....

I purchased a beautiful sea-glass color lace yarn blend of tencel/alpaca/nylon that I had never worked with before, with the thoughts that it would make a fabulous spring/summer wrap.  Tencel is a natural product made of wood pulp cellulose, having a silky texture. Combining tencel with alpaca, seemed like it should hold its block better than if using tencel alone.

I worked up several swatches using first a US#4 which ended up with horrible results, the lacework was entirely to open. After ripping it out, then swatched with a US #3 with also unacceptable results, still to open for my liking, pictured below.

Then finally with a US#2.5 giving better, but still somewhat less than desirable results, pictured below. I'm disappointed by not getting the fabric that I thought I would love and not thrilled with the thought of knitting an entire wrap with a US#2.5 or smaller needle. Its a headset issue for me.....will just have to get over it!

The moral of the story is ......sometimes its not you or me.....sometimes its the yarn.  As I see it, I will have to make the decision to use a smaller needle or choose a different pattern, perhaps like Pebbly Mesh Lace Wrap that needs the loose and open effect. If interested, the pattern for Pebbly is available on Ravelry.com.

   
Until I decide how to use this beautiful yarn, I'm taking advantage of the colder temperatures and knitting some warm and cozy blankets.

And until next time.......

Happy Knitting!!!

 

 

 

 

 

trunk show at YarnCon

YarnCon Chicago is April 2 & 3 at the Plumbers Union Hall in the West Loop at 1340 W Washington, Chicago 60607. Its an annual event that aims to be the premier market for independent producers of yarn, knitted/crocheted objects, fiber for spinning, tools, gadgets, books, patterns, instructions, and gifts related to spinning, knitting, crochet, and weaving.

So why all the information about YarnCon.....as a yarn enthusiast, I have always enjoyed attending each year.

But this year is something special....this year I have been invited to do a TRUNK SHOW.  I couldn't be more thrilled and look forward to the exposure, as well as learning the ropes of how it's done.

I will have many of my designs available to view and try on.  I will also have patterns available for purchase.

You can find me in the BunnyBadger Fiber Booth.

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you.  And look forward to making your acquaintance, if we have not met yet. 

Until then....

Happy Knitting!

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upsy-daisy

its all about the tools

In this case....its all about the pens (or pencils).  Since I'm doing more actual writing, thanks to my new Old School Filofax Planner, I find myself becoming rather choosy about the pens/pencils I like to write with and have developed some favorites.  

My pen requirements:

• smooth continuous ink flow
• does not bleed through paper/pages
• feels good in my hand, I do like a comfort grip
• not too pricey

Top 5 Favorites

1. Uni-ball Signo 207 & Uni-ball Jetstream.  The Signo 207 is a retractable gel ink pen that deserves high praise. Its know for its qualities of being fraud resistant, especially in check writing. Its a medium point pen that moves effortlessly over the paper.  It comes in basic colors like black, blue and red. The Signo 207 BLX features different shades of black...blue/black, brown/black, green/black, red/black and purple/black....these provide a subtle shading to the typical black ink.  I personally love the BLX colors.   I was introduced to the Jetstream pen quite by accident. I was searching for the  Signo BLX 5 pack on Amazon, when I scrolled and saw BLX 5 pack, I tapped 1-Click and that's how it happened....Jetstream has BLX colors too. Initially disappointed by my mistake, but no worries.....its Uni-ball and BLX, what could be wrong with that?  Jetstream has an ever so slightly thicker line and writes smoothly.  I love the BLX colors.
2. Zebra Z Grip Flight - a ballpoint retractable that delivers on style. Smooth writing, has a superior ink and a comfort grip.  This was my go-to pen before I discovered the Signo 207.  Don't get me wrong, its still in my top 5 and I wouldn't give it away.
3. Sharpie Pen Stylo -   I have a major obsession with fine point Sharpies but don't always use them because they tend to bleed through some pages. Sharpie has developed a non-bleed ink that comes in a stainless steel pen case that is refillable and does not bleed.  I have the Fine Point and its in my top 5.
4. Pilot G-2 07 and Pentel EverGel X 07 - both of these pens are retractable gel ink pens with comfort grips. They are great choice and are available in traditional ink colors.
5. Pentel .05 mm P205 Mechanical Pencil - I like having a pencil for the parts of my planner that can change, like my calendar appointments and address book.  Mechanical pencils are a must for me, it needs to clip into my planner and needs to be sharp. I do prefer a fine point.

My Top 5 Favs are all available in an office supply store, like Staples and most can even be found at a drug store, like Walgreen's.  Who knew there could be pen-passion?  

Until next time.......

 

 

old school

Just recently, I have decided to re-embrace the beauty of a traditional planner.  So Old School, right?  I used to be a huge paper and pencil planner user, from paper then to digital, now back to paper. I just bought the Filofax Personal size planner. 

I have always been a planner junky....

• Many, many years ago I started with DayTimer. I liked it but, just needed more, its compact, but only a month at a time, basically works best for daily appointments and daily notes. I wanted to incorporate planning projects and more than just one month at a time.

• Then went to Franklin Planner, which I loved, I used the smaller compact version...... it had the versatility to plan projects and a written address book.  The only drawback for me was that it was too big to keep with me all the time (didn't fit in my handbag and was kind of heavy).

• Palm seemed like the answer. I had the handheld and the phone and this did seem to work for me, is was digital and written at the same time. Sadly, they didn't last.

• So what could be better than having all this on a smartphone, I was convinced!  And for years, I have used this method.  But as time goes by and thru upgrades of phones, I have completely lost my address book (have just names and phone numbers, no addresses), lost birthdays and project details and lists have disappeared. Its quite possible that I was the cause of losing the information and have never developed the best habits to keep track of lists and projects digitally.

 

The time has come for a change.......

I chose the Filofax Personal for its size (smaller than the Franklin Planner) and has versatile pages to make it exactly what I want and need.  I bought one with a beautiful leather cover, it came with 2016 and I chose a week on 2 pages format,  I don't have as many appointments as I once did. I also picked-up a ridiculously cheap version of 2015, as it should be,  so I could start immediately.....I was kind of all-guns-a-blazing to put everything in motion NOW, just couldn't wait for 2016.

I know this sounds crazy, but I can't believe the amount of satisfaction that this planner has given me..... I feel like I'm on top of the world.....or at least on top of my game. I write down everything....everything I need to do, current projects, project ideas, keeping track of works in progress, projects in queue, blog ideas, party planning, meeting agendas.....not to mention everyday things like a grocery list or a passing book recommendation.....I write it down.

For me, there is something completely fulfilling about writing something down, (with a pen or pencil).  It feels like a commitment....even if its just to myself.  I've heard that the act of writing something down increases ones memory......Not sure if this is true, but I can buy in to that line of thinking.  

It also gives me the venue to work on projects ideas as they pop in my head, again, because my planner is with me, I just turn to my project design ideas section and start writing, drawing, etc., as well as keep track of existing design projects progress/changes.

I honestly feel more productive already. I know that this could all be done digitally and can sync to all my devices, but this old school method seems to be really working for me.  My Filofax Planner is fairly new and could be sighted as a passing fancy. My own personal hopes are that I remain consistent and it turns into a productive habit......and eventually a better me.

Until next time......plan and conquer and......Happy Knitting!

where'd you go?

Where'd you go?

This has been a common thread of messages I have heard/received over the past few weeks.  First of all, thanks for missing me....it is truly great to be missed.

This year has been ripe full of emotion.  Both good and bad, happy and sad. Great news like the announcement of upcoming weddings & my favorite kindergartner reading...... to news about some serious health concerns of both a dear friend and family member, that has kept me in doctors offices and hospitals, more than I care to mention. 

Unfortunately, it took a little more out of me than I was willing to admit.... admit mainly to myself, that is.  In hind sight, I learned a great deal about myself. In someways, I was much stronger than I thought I could be and in other ways, more fragile than I might allow.

Yet through it all, I got to escape from time to time in books and knitting.  I actually read a lot, at least by my standard.....14 books......I do love my Kindle Paperwhite.  Even though I didn't knit as much as I would have liked, it still served as solace when needed.

Since my last post, I have published three patterns ..... a winter-y scarf, a lace wrap (which has turned into one of my favorites) and a reversible baby blanket.  Prior to these, I have also did a Chevron Study in  5 Knitted Decorative Pillows.  Of course, these are all available on Ravelry, in Knitting Buzz Designs. And getting ready to publish another lace wrap, hopefully in the next few days.

Over the next few posts..... I will try to briefly catch up on some past projects and yarns and then will promptly rush into what new on the needles.  I also have some lovely yarns that I am looking forward to knitting in some previous designs.

Thanks again for all of your love and support.

And as always.....HAPPY KNITTING!

 

 

 

puppets

Yesterday, I found a stray one-of-a-kind-mitten.  It was a test mitten that I didn't care for the shaping, so it never had a mate.

Upon finding it, it made me laugh and I wondered why I hadn't thrown it away.  Then it occured to me....

 

THIS ISN'T A STRAY MITTEN.........IT'S A PUPPET.

Xander loves crafts and he loved the idea of turning the one-of-a-kind mitten into a puppet.  So he picked out the hair and selected some leftover eyes from the monster making and before you know it.....

We created a PUPPET!

Its a fun way to use up odds and ends, scrapes,  buttons, bows and even some silk flowers......to create the craziest puppets ever.  The crazier the better is my motto.

Our puppet is the first of many.  I am pretty sure I can find some single socks and perhaps some other mittens.  

We will have a very fun & unique puppet show.  We'll be sure to send out invitations.

Aside from turning our trash into treasures......

Puppets are also a very useful way to get kids to tell you whats on there mind.....they can talk thru the puppet when there words or feeling are difficult to express.   Of course, this can work for adults too.

Puppets are fun to use when reading and acting out a story.

We can't wait to make more puppets.

Happy Puppet-ing! 

lemon tree arrived

The arrival of the lemon tree was filled with some confusion...... only on my part. 

I was expecting a tree like the one above, full of lemons.

The box it arrived in was much smaller than what I was expecting or rather my delusion 

A 4 to 5 year old tree that was 3.5' to 4.5' ..... my vision was a tree that was that the height was from the ground up...... CORRECTION.......it includes the pot......which inturn reduces the height by a foot or so.

I imagined that I was going to have to get one of the maintenance men to help me get it to my unit on a dolly of some sort.  The fact was that the box had no trouble making it thru the door, in fact my daughter picked it along with some other packages. 

Imagine my surprise or shock.

I unboxed the tree and the air was filled with the smell of lemons.  There were no lemons on the tree...... actually my potted lemon tree ......was really more like a stick in a pot with a few leaves.  It was the Charlie Brown version of lemon trees.  But the few leaves that were on the tree were so fragrant that it reversed my initial disappointment.  Who could be upset with a lemon-y scent.  Its lovely.

 

Actually the whole ordeal was quite funny.  Can you just imagine the grower at the other end of the phone when I told him about my concern of getting it thru the door.  He must of hung up the phone in mad laughter.  I'm glad I could make his day! ;-) 

I will nurture my lemon tree and watch it grow with the hope of some lemons (in time), but until then I am enjoying the lemony fragrance. 

I can report that my lemon tree has sprouted its very first leaf under my care.

 

 Its actually growing, no leaves have dropped off, no leaves have turned yellow or brown and its still green...... SO EXCITED! THE FIRST NEW LEAF.  

More later......

lemons

Recently, I had the opportunity to read "The Lemon Book" by Mrs. Alexandra Vegant, available at Amazon. I had no idea of the extraordinary benefits this little fruit provides.  The book is chock full of information on its uses in health, beauty, recipes and even household tips. 

I have been preparing juice from one to three lemons with water and it makes a surprisingly refreshing drink.  I drink this most mornings and usually take one to work as well.  Lately I have been adding some cayenne pepper to my drink, and I know you are probably making a face right about now, but its really quite good.  If it gets to be a little much, I will add a tablespoon of real maple syrup. Stop with the faces.

I don't know if it actually is benefiting me or not, but I do believe it certainbly couldn't hurt. So I have been buying lemons by the bag full and giving my electric citrus juicer a workout. 

One thing I do know..... that the cutting board that I have been using to cut my lemons no longer has any stains, hmm.

OK! OK! OK! ......so I have been a little lemon crazy.....it gets worse...... I caught an episode of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and learned that Yolanda has her front yard full of ...you guessed it.... lemon trees.  And she picks them fresh every day and also makes a lemon drink.  We are like twins...... I wish......

Soooooo,

even though I live in Chicago, I yearned to have at least one lemon tree.  I found that lemon trees can be grown indoors as long as there is direct sunlight.  Ah ha! Direct sunlight is what I have!  So you guessed, I found a 4 - 5 year old, 3.5' to 4.5' tall tree.  Sounds perfect!

I had so many questions for the grower and I probably drove him crazy. I had concerns about repotting to a fancy container, pollinating, and sunlight, of which all my questions were answered.   

BUT one of my biggest concerns was.....will it fit thru my front door  I was worried that a 4 to 5 year old tree may be too big for the door.  The grower assured me that it would come wrapped as such that I would have no problem.

I can't wait, I will have my own lemon tree...... I can't express how truly excited I am. But I had to wait till conditions are not freezing for the tree to be shipped.

 

More on my very own lemon tree in the heart of Chicago coming soon.....

more about zentangle

As a follow up from my previous post and for those want to know more about tangling (the rules, if you will.....for those who know me, I'm not really a "rule" follower).  Here are the rules.

What is a zentangle?

The word brings to mind meditation, art, and mathematics. In simple terms, a zentangle is an image created with repetitive structured patterns. Anyone can create one. However, it's more than a doodle. To create a true zentangle, you follow a series of steps.
 
How to Draw a Zentangle, aka Tangle Doodle
 
While creating your tangle doodle, don't think too much. Just draw. Zentangle creation should be a relaxing intuitive process.
 
You'll need
 •a piece of paper and pen or pencil
 •markers or paint for color if desired
 
To get started
 1.Watch a Zentangle instruction video (check out YouTube).
 2.Draw your outside shape border. Squares are common especially for beginners.
 3.Divide the shape into sections. Dividing lines are called strings.
 4.Fill each section with a different repetitive pattern.
 5.Add shading and color as desired.
 
Mandala doodles. Once you get comfortable drawing basic zentangles, you might consider trying a "zendala" mandala-zentangle hybrid ( ck out on Youtube) or adding shading and color to your design. Mandala doodle instruction can be found in the book Mandala Doodles for Kids.
 
Benefits of Creating Zentangles
 •It's a form of creative expression.
 •It's relaxing and meditative.
 •Following the steps supports focus and inspiration.
 •You can improve eye-to-hand coordination and fine motor skills.
 •You can deliberately create a mood or state of mind.
 
Zentangle Resources: Ideas, Advanced Techniques, and Doodlers
 •Zentangles: Examples, Ideas, and Materials - See sample tangle patterns, find links to instructions, and find resources and recommendations for supplies and materials.
 •Zentangle Shading - Take your tangle doodles to the next level with shading.
 •Zentangle Blogs - Check out what other doodlers are up to. Compare technique, materials, and more.
 •Zentangle Patterns - Check out the many possible patterns for use in zentangle doodles.
 
History of Zentangles and the Zentangle Method and Art Form
 
The term Zentangle was coined by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Maria Thomas described her doodling experience as "feeling timeless, free and engendering a sense of deep well-being." Rick Roberts recognized that Maria was in a meditative state. The Zentangle Method was born.
 
Zentangle® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc.
 
Practitioners have since incorporated these tangle doodles into artwork, art journaling, and active meditation.
 
Tangle doodling is easy to learn and easy to do. 

So those are the rules. Just have fun!

do you tangle doodle

I'm a doodler.  No scrap of paper is safe.  I doodle when I'm on the phone.  When I'm thinking.  When I'm not.    Mostly I just doodle wherever there's a blank spot on a piece of paper and I have a moment and a pen..I have been doodling as long as I can remember.

Arrows, circles, dots, daisy shaped flowers and sometime even hearts all seem to play heavily in doodles.  I draw them everywhere.  Long, skinny ones.  Short, squat ones.  Loopy, curling ones. 

The whole Zentangle craze was something that I totally missed until recently.  I downloaded the book "Tangled Doodles" by Jeanne Paglio, a free book from the Kindle Buffet and available on Amazon. And found myself completely entertained.  Imagine, which once I thought was a complete waste of time, is actually a thing. Who knew? The book reffered to Zentangles which is trademarked and   I did a bit of research and realized that a Zentangle wasn't all that far from the stuff I'd been doodling.  A bit less haphazard than my stuff perhaps, but as it turns out, I was Zentangling and had no idea!

At the risk of being laughed at, I'm going to share some of my doodles from my first works to more recent doodles.  I do see some improvement, but not an expert by any means.  But quite frankly, who cares?.....its just fun!

Perhaps the nicest thing about Zentangles, aside from the pure fun to be had while creating them, is that you need very little to begin.  I use a journal rather than the little precut squares.  Why?  Not because I'm advant garde and decided to create a new way, but because I had a blank journal at hand that was ready for my pen and the stuff that was emerging looked suspiciously like Zentangles!  Of course, this is one more distraction. but a distraction that I can see a benefit. Its turning into a condoit of styling my random thoughts into pen and ink.  There are several that strike me as potential interesting knitted lace patterns. Hmmm.....it always turns into something about knitting....

Now I know many of you are going to bemoan the fact that you believe you can't draw.  I prefer to think of it as a lack of practice.  Compared to my architect arty family, I can't draw either....but I can doodle. So perhaps, I can draw somewhat - I've done it in the past when I've really had the time to devote to practicing.  If you saw the stuff I try to draw when I'm out of practice you'd be convinced that I have no drawing ability.  Which is utter baloney by the way.  I'm simply waaay out of practice. 

The even better part is, that I believe that most people can draw (doodle) too.  What they lack is the patience and perseverance to keep at it until they experience some success.  What does that have to do with Zentangles?  A lot... and nothing at all.  It's both because I don't believe anyone needs a "gift" to create Zentangles, though I know many people will view them as complex and something they're unable to achieve.  Nonsense.  I also believe that some people will require more practice before seeing a Zentangle that they're pleased with.  If you stick with it I really believe that you can succeed.

At heart, Zentangles are nothing more than a stylized doodle.  My opinion only.  Some may disagree and that's ok.

So... how does one doodle?  Pick up a pen, grab a piece of paper, and start.  It really is that easy.     I   doodle circles, curvy lines (I love organic shapes), dots, lines with points on both ends and all manner of goofy stuff.  I draw what flows out of the pen.  Vines with little leaves, checkerboard borders, circles within circles.  And triangles.  Despite they fact that they're neither curvy or organic, I love triangles.  You get the picture - there is basically no limit to what can be doodled.

Ok, so you're hesitant to try.  I get it.  That blank page can be an intimidating thing.  Start small and doodle something you're comfortable with and find easy.  A straight line.  A circle or oval.  Add arrows to the ends of the line.  Add dots to the circle or oval.  Once you get started it becomes simpler and you get into a flow.  Spirals are easy but stop trying to make them perfectly symmetrical for heaven's sake! 

 
 I'm not trying to sell anything here.....and clearly I'm not an artist or an expert......BUT ......TRY IT YOU'LL LIKE IT! Its fun and relaxing.

Happy Tangeling! Happy Doodling!

 

stainless steel yarn

Stainless Steel and Silk Yarn.  There really is such a thing.  It's not new, but until now I had not had the pleasure of knitting with it.

 

The yarn is by HABU Textiles and is 69% stainless steel and 31% silk in a very fine lace weight, style A-20, 1/20.  Many have made the Kusha Kusha Scarf combining it with a fine merino wool lace weight yarn. 

I really wanted to try the stainless steel/silk alone.  Then it came to me...... the Pebbly Mesh Lace Wrap & Scarf (see below) requires an extreme blocking...... with the stainless steel, it may not need a blocking at all. 

So I gave it a try, as a scarf (see below), with a beautiful eggplant color #21.  So far, it's knitting up nicely and I think I am going to really like it.

 

Fun! Right?  As I get further along I will post more pictures. It is fun to try something new. Enjoy widening your horizons......

Happy Knitting!

blocking boards

Just wanted to share.

Blocking  boards are essential for lace knitting.  When it comes to blocking boards, I am partial to the Ohio Table Pads Sew EZ Pad. 

These blocking boards are durable, have grid markings for ease of measuring and insuring straight blocking lines, it handles pinning beautifully, drys quickly and folds for easy storage behind a door or headboard.  I also use it to dry any of my other handknits, works great for sweaters too,

I have had my Sew EZ blocking board for over 8 years. It gets used several times a month and has shown little to no wear.  

I love it & am a total fan of this spectacular product.  Did I mention you can iron on it too?

I am pleased to say that I recently bought my second blocking board, to make it easier to block my long rectangle shawls/wraps. With one blocking board it was easy to use on top of a mattress. But with two, I need to move my blocking to the floor or to a table top & arms of chairs, (arm chairs because my table is not quite long enough). 

I personally like using a table top to block, over the floor, but my largest table is outside.  While blocking outside works for now (depending on the forecast, of course). Come winter, I will need to get a little more creative or just use the floor (this can be tricky with a "helpful" three year old, if you know what I mean).

I actually enjoy blocking, not just because my work turns from a rumpled heap of knitting to a beautiful knitted lace creation, kind of like a catapillar to a butterfly. I enjoy it because the blocking board makes it so easy.... no pun intended......really. 

So easy....  SewEZ ....sorry about that.... 

The pattern above is my Amalfi Mesh Lace Wrap which is now available for purchase thru Knitting Buzz Designs on Ravelry.com.  Amalfi has three shapes (wrap, infinity cowl & scarf) and is written in fingering weight and lace weight for all three sizes.  All kinds of possiblities!  Enjoy!!

Have fun blocking and happy knitting!

iDye changing garment color update

Initially, I used iDye to re-dye a couple faded black cotton sweaters......and it worked beautifully. 

THEN.... I got the idea to change the color of some knitwear that I seem to never wear. I like the pieces but don't wear them because of the color ......or have nothing really to go with them. 

So my great idea came with some mixed results.  The cotton knits took a couple of goes at it to get the saturated color that I wanted.......and now have a few pieces that have gone from dust collectors to vital wardrobe pieces.   Love this!

The mixed result came from a silk/linen blend cardi that was a pale pale blue.  Lovely in its own right, but I never wore it.  If it were black I knew I would wear it all the time....right?

So in the iDye instructions, you add salt if the garment is cotten or linen and you add white vinegar if it is silk.   What to do?  My cardi is silk and linen.  So my logic said to add both..... do I hear shreeks and screams?

Yes, that is what I did, added both and my pretty pale blue cardi that I never wore is now a funky plum color.  Not horrible, but its plum and not black. I'm not exactly sure what I did wrong and  why my black dye produced a plum color.  I may give it another try later.....but for now I am a little "gun-shy".  Perhaps...some research is involved......

must share

Have you ever had perfectly good knitwear that has faded and you were to embarrassed to wear them? 

Well that is what happened to me.  I have two cardi's that I wear often and even though they are structurally fine, they look shabby because they have faded.

I got the notion that maybe I could dye them, instead of buying new replacements.  My dying experience (which was not a good one) was limited to RIT dye.  I didn't even know if RIT dye was still around.  So I did some inquiring, found it was available BUT Taylor told me about her experiences with the product iDye.

iDye couldn't be easier. Drop the packet in the washing machine, add salt or vinegar (depending on the fabric) and with NO MESS. I now have two cardi's that look brand new.  How great is that?  I love this product.

I am going to experiment with changing the color of a couple of garments OR rectify some impulse shopping.

I have a couple of sweaters that I never wear, only because of the color.....I really don't own or haven't found something to go with them......so why not change the color.  THIS is so liberating!!!!   I will report back on how the color change project worked.....stay tuned....news at 11......

finding merit

Trying to find the merit in this article about How to Make your own Yarn Dispenser and quite frankly, its a struggle. 

Seems like it would require alot of space.  I guess if I were graced with endless space for my stash I would have a yarn/craft room. 

GLORIOUS!

Until I have a "room", I think I would invest in something like this (minus the inchworm)....

Or perhaps I just have too much yarn.....STOP ......thats crazy talk.

Personally I think the bottle approach may make Martha Stewart shudder or maybe not.  Not that I really care about what Martha thinks, says or does, but you have to admit she has some very clever ideas or staff and if a phenomenal marketer of herself and her brand.

I digress.

Happy Knitting and LOVE your Yarn, no matter how its stored.

cheeseburger cheeseburger

Tomorrow is National Cheeseburger Day (September 18th). 

 

Since I am always a sucker for a good cheeseburger, this seems like the perfect reason and opportunity to celebrate. 

I love high-end fancy cheeseburgers, diner cheeseburgers, fast food cheeseburgers, mini cheeseburgers, double cheeseburgers, veggie burgers....... that's right..... I do like cheeseburgers.

 
Of course, there is always the cheese choice.  I love blue cheese, swiss or any tangy cheese, but usually NEVER American.  I don't think American cheese can really be classified as cheese.

Then there are the toppings..... this usually depends on the burger itself of what is chosen:  lettuce, tomato, onion, sauteed mushrooms, bacon, jalapenos, egg..... I like toppings and they can easily sway my choice of cheeseburger when ordering.

 As for spreads, I like mayonaisse or the chefs choice.  But never ketchup (I save the ketchup for my fries)

Then there is the sides.... do you prefer fries, onion rings, or potato chips?  My choice sometimes is determined by the cheeseburger or the place.  I do like all three, but prefer the fries, both french fries or sweet potato fries...... but never home fries (I don't really even consider that a choice).

So with the thoughts of how to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day, my mind races.  I find that I have become rather opinionated about the topic.

Do I go to one of my favorite burger discoveries,

• the Burger Bar  (did I mention they serve truffle fries and have an awesome selection of beers)  OR
• Epic Burger (also good fries & serve yummy shakes) OR
• should I go to the other end of the spectrum to celebrate my childhood roots at Frisches/Shoneys Big Boy or Whitecaste.  I can't even remember when I have had a Big Boy or a Slider (the official slider).

 

So many choices..... how will you celebrate?   Enjoy!!!!!

 

Lastly, I want to share a random picture. 

 
I didn't think it was possible to love Cary Grant more than I already do.

Happy Knitting.

smitten with mohair

Knitting with mohair has been a newer experience for me.  Primarily, dictated by my past misconceptions that it is scratchy.  And indeed, it can be scratchy, BUT it can also be incredibly silky and soft.  Its all about knowing what you are buying.

So with a little research, here is what I know about mohair.  Mohair is a silk-like yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat, a small good natured animal know for its long curls. (Not to be confused with Angora which comes from Angora Rabbits).

 

Mohair is one of the oldest textile fibers in use and is know for its strength, durability, resilience, warmth and high luster. The goats are sheared (without being harmed) twice a year.  As the goat ages, its hair becomes coarse and thus mohair is graded based on the age of the animal.

 

A superfine or fine mohair refers to the fiber from a kid and is usually the the animals first shearing.  This is also the softest and silkiest of the fiber grades. Kid Mohair which is also very soft can come from the animals second to third shearing.

Fiber sheared later, when the goat is an adult is either blended with other fibers. An older adult goats hair becomes coarser and used for its sturdiness in outerwear, rugs, carpets and upholstry.

 
 

The fibers halo seems to vary on different types of mohair, from subtle to almost hairy.  I have not been able to find out what causes the difference, but I'm guessing it may have to do with the age of the animal....just a guess.

Mohair is frequently blended with silk, merino or nylon.  But the softest & silkiest fiber can be experienced with 100% superfine or fine kid mohair.....oooo-lala.  More on 100% mohair in an upcoming post....

I got hooked on the luxury of mohair knitting with the laceweight yarn from Dream in Color, It's Native. Its Native is a blend of 52% U.S. superfine kid mohair and 48% U.S. superfine merino, which is grown in the U.S., spun in the U.S, and dyed in the U.S.  Its is extremely soft to the touch with a subtle halo. 

Knitting with mohair can feel a little slippery on the needles and may not suitable for a newer knitter. Mohair also has the reputation that it is impossible to rip out, to fix mistakes or back track.  I have not found that to be the case with It's Native experience. 

 

If you have not knit with mohair in awhile or are new to mohair, I encourage you to give it a spin.....you may just get hooked....it happened to me. 

meryl streep knits

Did I really need another reason to adore the genius of Meryl Streep?

No. But its true. 

In separate interviews with the BBC and Oprah, Meryl Streep commented on how she does alot of knitting inbetween scenes, keeping her focused and in-character. Meryl has even taught co-stars how to knit while on location. 

Now my mind wanders, what would I do if I found myself in the company of Meryl Streep at the Yarn Store?  No telling... but I bet it would be embarrassing....for me.

more about knitted lace

As a followup to a previous post about the difference between knitted lace and lace knitting.....

Knitted Lace is the lace fabric that is knitted utilizing holes/yarnovers and corresponding decreases to form the lace pattern. It provides us the opportunity to give the pattern more defininition,  where it kind of "jumps off the page".

The additional rows of yarnovers used on the wrong side,  give the pattern more holes or  a lacey feel. But the decreases can add further definition to the design.  The trick of it all is in the decreases..... and in particular its the decreases that are knitted through the backloop.  Utilizing the backloop, twists the stitch resulting in a raised effect.  When these are done in succession over several rows it creates a defined edge or line in the design.

Here are some tips for mastering this technique.

Decreases thru the backloop.

p2togb - Purl two stitches together as one through the backloop.   With yarn in front, insert the right needle from the left into the backloops of the second and first stitches, in that order. Then wrap yarn around the needle in front to complete the stitch.

Note: some knitters find this too awkward to work.  If that is the case, the same effect can be gotten by purling one stitch, slip that stich back onto the left needle, with the right needle lift the next stitch over the purled stitch and off the needle, then slip the same stitch back to the right hand needle and continue.

Double decreases through the backloop.

p3togb - Purl three stitches as one through the backloop.  This is done the same as p2togb but with 3 stitches instead of 2.

s2pp2 - sl2 p1 p2sso - Slip 2 purl 1 pass slipped stiches over. This double decrease on the wrong side produces a dominant central stich on the right side or a defined point. With yarn in front, insert the right needle into the backs of the second and first stitch on the left needle, in that order at the same time, as if to p2togb,  and slip them from the left needle to the right needle. Purl the next stitch on the left needle, then insert the left needle into the two slipped stitches together, at the same time and pass them over the purled stitch and off the right needle.

The s2pp2 is not commonly done, but when it is used it produces a beautiful and distinctive pointed stitch.

More later...... as always ......Happy Knitting!

knitted lace vs. lace knitting

Did you know there was a difference?  Or more importantly..... did you care? 

It's true! Really.  After much reading, it appears that it is generally accepted that Lace Knitting is defined as a knitted fabric where there is a row of plain knitting (usually the wrong side/purl row) worked alternately with a row of knitted holes/yarnovers and decreases made in various patterns. 

Knitted Lace is knitted fabric where there are holes/yarnovers and corresponding decreases are made on every row. Giving more definition to a lace pattern utilizing stitches like p2tog, p2togb. p3tog, p3togb, sp2p, and s2pp2. I'll post more about these stitches later.

The easiest way to tell the difference that the strands separating the holes/yarnovers in lace kniiting are twisted. Where is knitted lace the strands appear more in a suspended manner and not twisted.

In this closeup photo of the Kalokairi Lace Wrap, both examples are exhibited in one piece.  The wave or leaf looking pattern is knitted lace or worked in pattern on both the front or right side and the back or wrong side.  Notice how the strands inbetween the holes/yarnovers are straight, without any twists. 

While the rows of faggoting separating, the wave pattern, are twisted and form distinctively round holes or lace knitting.

For me, I get the difference, but find the terminology confusing at best, and easily mixed up.

My philosophy is ...... just keep knitting knitted lace and lace knitting!  =-)

Happy Knitting!

 

who knits?

Did you know....

Julia Roberts, Madonna, Cameron Diaz, Winona Ryder, Dakota Fanning, Daryl Hannah, Brooke Sheilds, Tyra Banks, Kristin Davis, Debra Messing, Justine Bateman, Russell Crowe, Uma Thurman, Kate Moss, Sandra Bullock, Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Tim Daly, Bridget Fonda, Tracey Ullman, Sally Fields, Caroline Rhea, Laurence Fishburne, Madeleine Albright, Eartha Kitt, Karen Allen, Joanne Woodward, Stu Bloomberg, Elizabeth Taylor and Goldie Hawn all knit and find knitting as a satisfying pastime. 

I'm sure my findings are not exhaustive,  but its still fun to think that they share something in common with us. 

Feel like a celeb and knit often!

unstripe to unspiral

Did you know?

I love most sock yarn, but my least favorite  happens to be hand-dyed yarns that do that spiral stripey thing. With that said, I took the pattern that I shared earlier this week, of "how to unstripe" a stripeing sock yarn and tried the same approach with a predictable spiraling hand-dye sock yarn.

The photos are showing both sides of the work.

I can't believe I am saying this.......but I am liking the results.  Even though there is still a hint of spiraling, I'm liking it!

The yarn that I am using is Socks that Rock Lightweight Sock Yarn from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. On a crazy buying spree during my visit to Seattle, I had the uncontrollable urge to buy 6 hanks of Socks that Rock. I simply couldn't choose, they were all so beautiful.  I couldn't wait to cast on and quickly found that even though the yarn itself was wonderful to work with, I (hate is such a strong word) didn't love the spiraling nature of the dyeing process.

But now, with a little experimentation, I'm a fan!!! I am so thrilled since I still have 4 hanks to go.

 

another tribute to the knit kit

 

"The Knit Kit" company has come out with their fourth color, in red,  of their ingenious knit kit. I am now the proud owner of the red knit kit, as well as the black & turquoise knit kits.

 

 
 I had sung the praises of the knit kit in an earlier post and admittedly did not buy into the concept on the first pass. They are perfect for travel and are TSA approved. However I have one for each knitting project that I am working on. Yes, I love them that much.

I love them so much that I now have this secret desire to own them all (not so secret now, I suppose), but I am missing the first one that was ivory & pink.

If anyone knows where I can get my hands on one of the originals.......lets just say, I am most interested. = )

Plaid - WSJ. Magazine - WSJ

Plaid

From Scottish clansmen to modern runways, traditional tartan gets turned on its head this season

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By Jenny Studenroth

MENThe beginning:Cloth patterned with interlocking stripes in multiple colors and thicknesses, or “tartan,” is famously connected to the Scots, who, from the 1600s forward, wore the fabric, most notably to signify clanship, but its origins can be traced to ancient Celtic populations in 400 B.C. In 1822, King George IV of England attended a Scottish tartan celebration and brought the trend home. Americans were crazy for the pattern by the 1850s—and rechristened it plaid. The print hit a high note in the 1970s when Scottish pop sensation the Bay City Rollers added tartan edging—plaid is strictly a North American term—to their
wide-leg pants.
The look:Dapper, down-home or punk. The “Mad Men” of the ’60s stylishly wore three-piece plaid suits. Since the ’80s, Bruce Springsteen has celebrated the American working class in his plaid flannel shirts. Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain inspired scores of youths to pair plaid with everything—especially if torn or dirty.
The news:Michael Bastian combined a bow tie, a vest and trousers, varying the check’s widths and colors. Banana Republic was all about muted gray plaids on heavy peacoats, classic cardigans and V-neck sweaters. Duckie Brown pushed the envelope, putting contrasting plaids on cropped pants with combat boots.
How to wear it:On a belted fall coat in blac

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Don't you just love autumn? Have fun and get your plaid on!

A Gripping Yarn - WSJ. Magazine - WSJ

A Gripping Yarn

As craftmaking finds respect in even the most rarefied design circles, knitting makes a high-concept comeback. Warm, fuzzy feeling still included

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Can knitting go too far? Never!

Couldn't wait to share this article with you from the Wall Street Journal.

weighing in

When there is the question of will I have enough yarn for a project, I have gotten into a new habit of weighing each ball of yarn (without ball band) before starting a project.....

Why you ask? Well you might just be surprised by the results.  And those times when you ran short of yarn or had more yardage leftover than you expected, you can stop doubting yourself or cursing the pattern.....it just may have been the yarn.

Before I share my findings, I will let you in on the "RULES" (this may surprise you as well), Yarn manufactures are allowed by law to be within + or - 10% of what is stated on the ball band, these weights can vary from ball to ball within the same style and color of the yarn.

That means that a skein that is described to have 100 yards may  have as much as 110 yards or as little as 90 yards......and if you have a sweaters worth of yarn that are on the light side, the project might have been short 170 yards. Surprised?  This was a little shocking and somewhat disappointing all at the same time. 

Enough teasing, back to my findings.... many yarn manufactures really deliver the goods by giving 10% or more yarn than in stated.....we all cheer.... hooray!  But there are some other yarn manufactures that abuse this privilege and usually, not always under deliver and short us on our precious yarn.

In a random sampling of manufacturers, fiber content and price point, here is what I found.... (Note: all manufactures were within the law limits, except for one very generous Indie Dyer)

 

Some of the most generous are:

Cascade Heritage -  +8% or an additional 35 yards

Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Worsted - +5% or an additional 10 yards

Creatively Dyed Sock - +18% or an additional 96 yards

Dream in Color Smooshy - +5% or an additional 22.5 yards

Schaefer Nicole  - +4% or an additional 16.2 yards

 

And in all fairness, some of the stingiest are:

Noro Kureyon -  -6% or a shortage of 6 yards

Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed - -8% or a shortage of 7 yards

Patons Classic Merino - -2% or a shortage of 4.5 yards

Schaefer Audrey Lace - -2.5% or a shortage of 17.5 yards

Malabrigo Worsted - -6% or a shortage of 12 yards

Rowan Denim - -2% or a shortage of 3 yards

 

Just wanted to restate, that the sample was random and another skein of the same yarn may weighed heavier or lighter.

If you had known that there was an an extra 96 yards on a skein that already offers generous yardage (like the Creatively Dyed Sock), you may choose to make something other than socks with it.  Having this knowledge is indeed quite powerful.

So when yardage is an issue of "will there be enough???", I definitely recommend weighing in.  A small scale is an essential piece of equipment to add to the craft arsenal. It doesn't have to be to fancy, but it is important that it weighs in both ounces and grams.  Personally, I prefer a digital scale, which eliminates alot of the guesswork

AND ALWAYS, when you can  purchase one more skein than you think you might need. Its always better to be safe than sorry.