the knitting buzz

moving delivers a dose of reality

Moving has its own set of complexities.  Whether moving within the same area, cross town or to an entirely new city/new state.  I just did the latter.....oofdah! That's all I have to say about that!

The reason for the move is all good.  The actual "making the move" has a lot to be desired. Making the trip to find a home, packing, scheduling movers, turning-off and turning-on utilities, actual move across several states, unpacking and setting up house. Its exhausting. A month of my life I will never get back.

However, it gave me a SUPER SIZED dose of the reality when it came to my yarn stash. OUT OF CONTROL.....doesn't even begin to describe it.

Previously, I always enjoyed and justified my stash.....

• the colors and textures resulted in inspiration
• it gave me the freedom to freely cast-on to a new design/project with reckless abandon, I always had yarn
• I purchased yarn freely, knowing or justifying it was for a new design project.
• Don't you know the saying "sock yarn doesn't count"
• its not a pile of yarn....it's a pile of possibilities.
• I often joked that I would live forever, you can't die if you still have yarn....right?

REALITY has me hit hard and I better get knitting because I have more yarn than is humanly possible to knit, crochet, weave or use as insulation to stay warm. Conservatively....

• I may have enough sock yarn to outfit 2 human centipedes or more, OK, sock yarn "counts"!
• enough Aran weight yarn to make 7 or 8 full size afghan throw blankets
• enough DK/Sport yarn to make 6+ baby blankets and 6 ginormous wraps
• enough lace weight yarn to make a gazillion lace wraps
• enough cotton yarn to make 50 face complexion cloths
• then there bins of odds and ends that have no determined shape or use
• I have recently been accused of having more yarn than the yarn store....if only!

YIKES!!!!! I know I have champagne problems....  Does this mean that I will never buy another hank of yarn? 

Of course not! Let's not get crazy.....it just means that I just might think twice before making a yarn purchase.

Advice from Dory from "Finding Nemo".....just keep knitting...just keep knitting.....

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!

 

 

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! 

quick lemon tree update

My little, and I do mean little, lemon tree has had some new growth and some stress.

After the first month or two, it had a growth sprout; a new branch reaching about 14 inches.  This was really exciting, but there has been NO other growth, until now.

It has growth in two places; a new branch is sprouting (the light green shoot in the picture above)  and some new little leaves are forming on a different branch.    I'm certain the new growth is due to the the vitamins or rather fertilizer I have been adding to the water. 

Totally love seeing the new growth, its like watching your baby roll over for the first time......... BUT would really love to see some little flowers.  Little flowers mean future lemons.....and it is ....... really all about the lemons! Right?

As for the stresses..... Recently my little lemon tree had a bout of aphids.  Shhh....I really should have whispered that. I feel like the Mother whose child got sent home for head lice, oh the shame, the shame.  

The aphids were remedied quite quickly.  A little spritz of some spray and overnight, *poof* they were gone. Whew!

I think I may be causing some of the tree stress..........my little lemon tree is still in its growers pot and not in its "I have a new home" fancy pot.  I believe that the growers pot may be hampering its growth.  

So whats the big deal about transplanting my tree.....Well its the pots......Have struggled to find the perfect pot for my little lemon tree, both aesthetically pleasing and having functuality too.  The pot is for indoors; it needs to be pretty,  it needs to have good drainage and needs to be 20" to 24" tall. So far, I have not found anything that matched all the criteria, except for the one that cost a gagillion dollars before shipping. Must keep looking.....

Calling my lemon tree, "little lemon tree" probably has not done much for it growth potential either....its akin to bad karma.  

From this day and going forward, my lemon tree will now be called "YOLANDA".....for obvious reasons.

Wishing you lots of lemons on your lemon tree......literally or proverbial.

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......

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!

 

third times a charm

At least its true in this case...... 

I have 2 wound balls of Mountain Colors Winter Lace yarn that have been sitting on my desk for more than a year.  Each hank has 1200 yards or 2400 yards of a  constant reminder.  They have turned into more of torment than anything else.

Repeatedly, I have wanted to use them in one project or another, but has never seemed quite right for any of the projects that I would swatch.  And now with all this swatching, you might guess that these hanks have been had a bit of wear & tear, but holding up well.

So where am I going with this?......

Well......I am liking how my  "to be named" red lace wrap is knitting up so much that I thought, just maybe,  I finally could use the forsaken 2 hanks of Mountain Colors Winter Lace into the larger wrap size of this pattern.....there is so much yardage here, that I should have no worries about running short of yarn for this project. 

So I jumped right in..... casting on 135 stitches with a US #4, because a US#4 is my go to size 99.9% of the time when working with a laceweight yarn.   And after working about 12 rows, I convinced myself that I just hated how it looked. I really should have taken a picture before ripping it out, but it was pretty dreadful. 

OK, right right....it occurred to me that I am using a US #3 on my "to be named" red lace wrap......SO, it must be this pattern that is dictating the smaller size needle.  

Convinced that I finally have a solution for this yarn, I cast on 135 stitches again, now with a US #3 needle, I knit 9 rows only to be completely disgusted by how this yarn is knitting up and the fabric it made.  Again.... I wish I would have taken a picture before ripping it out......Trust me it was pretty bad. 

Now I find myself in a mode, that I will not  be beaten by this yarn. Primarily becasue I have 2400 yards haunting me every day (so dramatic, right?) and decided to try it with a US #2.  This now required a needle purchase, because I don't own a lacepoint needle in a US #2. Irritating right?

With a US#2, I cast on 135 stitches and knit 8 rows and its GLORIOUS.  I feel like I have finally broken the curse of this yarn...... Must celebrate!!!!! ...... Margarita anyone? 

Moral of this story......

• third time is a charm, definitely in this case, keep trying, .....but more so
• change needles until you get to a knitted fabric that you like.

Some lessons are harder than others.  This definitely makes swatching a more desirable option. 

Happy Knitting!!!

 

sweet georgia tough love sock yarn

Sweet Georgia Yarns are a nice find. 

Sweet Georgia is hand-dyed yarn out of Vancouver Candada. I especially like the Tough Love Sock yarn, cute name for a sock yarn.  It's an 80% superwash merino wool & 20% nylon fingering weight yarn, 425 yards, I chose colorway Lakeshore Drive. Sadly, the photo of my finished socks does not do it justice.

Sweet Geogia's photo is much better.

 

 

These socks were apart of a birthday gift.  They were planned to match up a color theme of bright turquoise blue and bright green. 

I hazard to share the story....because it just may confirm something ...... about me. YIKES!

It all started with a Dodo case for the iPad....so socks are always a natural choice as a gift compliment, right? ......not really...... but for those of you who know..... I know you understand.

Fun right?

I also added a couple of knit tops in the same colors.   Yes, that's right.....everyone wants to match there Dodocase to their outfit to their socks.  My dear friend is such a good sport.......

But it really didn't end there....... while in Target, I found a perfectly matching desk set of paperclips, binder clips and push pins...... which would coordinate with the Dodo case on her desk.......how geekey is that? (I wish I had taken a picture of them, because you wouldn't believe it)

AND.......you guessed it, they ended in the box too. 

My dear friend told me that she got a bit of ribbing over the coordinating desk accessories to her Dodo case.....but I'm guessing, she didn't share with her co-workers that she also had matching knit tops and socks that matched too. Who could blame her.

Moral of this story....

Choose your friends carefully....becasue you may end up with a friend like me....BEWARE!

 

 

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......

social knitting

I love getting together with friends and fellow knitters to knit, share, compare, learn.....and of course,.......gossip and solve the worlds problems.  Yes, I said gossip.....I always loved Olympia Dukakis' line in "Steel Magnolias",.........

"Well you know what they say:  if you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me".

 

I have been involved with knitting groups (commonly referred to "stitch n' bitch") that got together weekly, whether it was around lunchtime or in the evening, during the week or on the weekend.  I found I looked forward to it every week, to see the regulars and to meet newcomers.  Some times treats were shared, then recipes followed. But always a good time that seemed to end much to quickly......not to be trite, but time flys when you're having fun.

The evening groups sometimes got a little more social with the addition of ones preferred libation.  And as fun as this is, I have always found it to be a little dangerous to my knitting.  Or rather what I have to unknit/rip-out the day after.

So what's the harm in a glass of wine or a beer.....probably nothing.  But to delute the effects on my knitting and to be able to have more than just one (its like Lays potato chips, no one can have just one..... oops.....perhaps I have said too much), I have taken to finding the merits in a wine spritzer, a shandy (looking forward to trying this one) or a michelada to put the "social" back in social knitting.

A wine spritzer is a combination of red or white wine, sparkling soda and ice.  Making wine spritzers at home is a great way to reduce alcohol consumption and cut calorie intake too. Follow these easy steps to make your own wine spritzer:

• Combine 4 oz. (118 ml) red or white wine, 2 oz. (59 ml) club soda or seltzer water and ice cubes.  And if you are feeling extra fancy, add some fruit for a garnish.

A shandy is a combination of beer and ginger ale or 7-Up. Since I have not tried this one yet, I'm not sure if ice cubes are added or not.   To make your own shandy follow these easy steps:

• Combine 1/2 glass beer and 1/2 glass ginger ale.  Ice cubes optional.

A michelada is the cousin to the bloody mary, utilizing a beer base potentially less alcohol, but all the zip. I had this at TNNA and found it quite nice, but I think you have to like bloody mary's to appreciate it. Warning.....its kind of a big drink.  Follow this recipe to make a michelada at home.

• Combine 12 oz. of beer, juice of 1 lemon, 2 dashes of worcestershire sauce, 1 dash of soy sauce, 1 dash tabasco sauce, a pinch of pepper and salt to taste. Serve in a tall glass with lots of ice. Stir and enjoy.

Enjoy your knitting and stay social. 

 

And last but not least......a random photo for your enjoyment....

Keep on knitting, keep on knitting, knitting, knitting, knitting......

 

san francisco treats

On a recent trip to San Francisco, it proved to be just chock full of San Francisco treats..... and I'm not talking about Rice-a-Roni.  I enjoyed doing some of the tourist-y things.  Here are some pictures of a few of them,

 

 

I did get to ride the famous Trolley cars.....it was quite fun but those hills....so steep....wow wee.

 
 

Sourdough bread or sourdough anything?

 

Oops ..... sorry about the missing bite..... I just couldn't resist...... yum yum.

 

The fog.  It was very foggy and I took tons of pictures that are masked with the haze.

 

The flora.  I am a sucker for beautiful flowers and here are a few I just have to share.

 

 

 

 

The painted ladies.  They are beautiful.  However, I was surprised by this famous (Full House) landmark....they seemed like they could use a fresh coat of paint. 

  

The road to Twin Peaks........ curvey

 

Tartine's Morning Bun. INCREDIBLE! And highly recommended.  I was lucky enough that a customer recommended it to me, when she heard I was going to San Francisco and planning on visiting ImagiKnit (its just down the street).  I had the squash and sun-dried tomato quiche and of course, the famous Morning Bun.

  

And of course ..... a yarn store..... ImagiKint

 

 

 

It  was a super great trip with lots of shopping, eating, sightseeing and exploring.

Lastly, one random picture to share.....

Happy Knitting! 

 

 

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.

love the farmers market

I got a tip that Hoosier Mama Pies  is now selling her pies and other bake goods at the Green City Farmers Market.  I love pie and I have been wanting to get to her shop for nearly a year, but had not managed it. 

So today I set out early for the Farmers Market in search of pie.  So excited..... ok this may be a little sad that someone, mainly me, would get so excited about pie......BUT HEY, we are talking pie now.  Still excited.

I found Hoosier Mama and she had 4 pie choices today:  Blueberry, Raspberry, Chess with Vinegar and Apricot Raspberry.  Hard to choose just one.... but I am a sucker for Blueberry, especially if its warm....yummy.

 

Apparently, I had a rough journey home, I did choose a different bus, which had me walking 4 extra blocks.  Note to self: take the picture at the market.  Even though it doesn't look so pretty, it was pretty tasty and well worth the journey.

Much to my delight I had an unexpected find..... FARM FRESH EGGS.  OOOOLALA!!!!! I have not had these in forever, so I was so excited to buy some.  These eggs come from the Grass is Greener Farm (isn't that the cutest name) in Wisconsin.

 
Arn't they pretty? You may have noticed that there are two missing.... yep, I had two as soon as I got home. they were soooo tasty.  Grocery store eggs just don't hold a candle to these. (However, if you are lucky enough to find Phil's Eggs...they are pretty good too).

The fruits and vegtables were all beautiful and it was hard to resist buy one of everything.

But as I was leaving, I spyed these beautiful brioche buns which seemed like they would be the perfect compliment with my straight from the farm fresh eggs.....

......and they didn't disappoint. What a yummy morning.

 

A quick knitting update....

I am delighted to report that my It's Native by Dream in Color knitted lace shawl/wrap is off the needles and blocked.  I just need to get some pictures taken, finalize the pattern and put it into a pdf.  Hoping to get it published by next week.

 

 

 

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.

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!

lots of socks

Even though the holidays bring joy and reminds us of the importance of family and friends, it also is has a way of becoming stressful with all the commitments of parties, decorating, and shopping. I can't believe I am going to say this.... but even knitting can become stressful to make deadlines.

 
 
 
Soooooo........ Holiday gift knitting has consumed all of my knitting time. The most requested item this year is socks. Actually it seems to be the most requested item every year. I like knitting socks, but better yet I like wearing hand knit socks. So I understand the request for the warm and cozy, knit with love to keep their toes snuggly warm request.

BUT, did you know.....Fun Fact....... that the average pair of socks has around 26,000 stitches. That's alot of stitches and they take more time than one might think.

This year I have taken a few shortcuts by using more of the German & Italian engineered yarn that is dyed to look like stripes or fair-isle patterns.  As much as I do love the beautiful hand dyed yarns, I have to give credit to the brilliant computer dying techniques the Germans & Italian have mastered. Unfortunately there is no shortcut for getting around the 26,000 hand knit stitches.

I have a few more pairs to go before the December 25th deadline.  In hopes of eeking out a pair or two for myself this year. A girl can dream.....right?

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.