the knitting buzz

then there were three

It all started with some beautiful lace yarn (isn't that always the story). The beautiful yarn was Divine Lace from Grinning Gargoyle. Divine is a 50/50 Silk/Merino with 750 yards, 100 grams. The 750 yards was more than I needed for a scarf and not enough for a shawl or wrap.

So I decided on an Infinity Cowl with a mesh lace feel. I love the mesh trend and have had alot of fun with it this Spring.

The infinity cowl in lace is very light and airy and the perfect accessory to wear year round. I do love how delicate the lace weight yarn is in this mesh lace style.  Here it is as a WIP.

It can easily be wrapped twice for a long trendy look.

And it can easily be wrapped three times for additional coverage or warmth. 

I liked working on this project so much, that it got me to thinking (always dangerous). I bet it would look good in a hand dyed fingering weight yarn.  I just happened to have (of course) some Miss Babs Shiruku which would be perfect for a scarf. Shiruku is a fingering weight of 70% Fine Superwash Merino & 30% Cultivated Silk..... so lovely.

So that's what happened and it made a beautiful scarf.

And even better, finished and blocked. The color is called Heirloom and it reminds me of the tomato's at the Farmers Market. Yum!

 

Then it happened again .......

I love my wraps...... and what could be better than a mesh lace wrap.  Not that I needed any encouragement, but I happened to have some Handmaiden Mini Maiden that I had wound for another project last year, but in the end had changed my mind ....... I have been dying to knit with it and it seemed that there was no reason that it wouldn't make the perfect mesh lace wrap. 

Then there were three....   

 

 

The color of the Mini Maiden is Ebony, its tones of browns, purples and copper.  I know I will get alot of use out of it. 

I will make all three patterns available as one pattern on Ravelry.com in both lace  and fingering weight yarn.   I will work on the pdf and hopefully get it published this weekend.

let's catch up

Whew......time flies when your having fun.

I will spare you most of the chatter .....

Let's catch up thru some pictures on whats been happening in my little corner of the world. Pictures of my terrace renovation, Carly Lace Wrap extention, the Carlisle KAL progress, a Orange Sox project, Diamond Mesh Lace Wrap and more Amalfi Fishing Mesh Lace Accessories.

My terrace pictures are a bit gloomy, it seems like its been raining for a week. Added some planters and the table & chairs that I had been longing for. I love al fresco dining!

 My Carly Linen Lace Shawl came out great. It was well worth taking the time to take out the bind off and add the extra length. Thank you Bernadette for being such an excellent model.

The Carlisle KAL has been fun; I rarely get to knit a second wrap even though on my To Do List.  Admittedly, I have not gotten as far as I had hoped but its started and easy enough to pick up.

 

The Orange Sox are nearly complete..... I think I will call them Detour.  More later....

 

The Diamond Lace Wrap is a newer design project......more later.....

 Another new project design, Amalfi Fishing Mesh Infinity Cowl and Scarf......more later

 

 

 I will get into more details on current project designs soon.  Wishing you all the best.

Happy Knitting!

 

some hard lessons

My Carly Linen Lace Wrap has been finished for a couple of weeks and I do love it.... EXCEPT.... I made a couple of grave errors.

First of all, I determined the knit finished length based on past lace wraps and didn't take into account that the linen doesn't stretch like wool blends.  Soooo.....its really shorter than I would like.

So for the past week and a half, I have had it draped over a door, perhaps hoping it would stretch..... to no luck, I might add.

Till today, when I made the decision to take out the bind off and add the additional length that I truly desire.  This felt liberating, I had plenty of lace linen yarn left over and soon I would have the lace wrap I wanted. Right?  WRONG.

Which leads me to my second error....

Of course, I had woven in that end so well that it was impossible to find. So I decided to cut it, I have plenty of linen, no problem....right?

I don't no how to describe, without using a plethora of curse words, just how difficult it is to take apart the bind-off edge.  The linen lace has no give and of course I didn't do a simple bind off...............This may take the better part of today or days to do it.

Kind of reminds me of my Dad's words of wisdom......MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE.

In the long run, I knoiw I will be super happy. Stay tuned for some updated Carly pics.....hopefully soon.

In the meatime, here is a totally random picture for your enjoyment.....

He looks like how I'm feeling ......

Happy Knitting!

 

 

linen lace

I can't lie.....I am smitten with linen laceweight yarn. 

 

Especially Claudia Handpaint Linen Lace Yarn. It has amazing body and knits up beautifully with an open lacework pattern, like Carly. Each hank has 540 yards of handpainted linen, available in over 140 colorways......the choices or inspirations are endless. I chose the colorway Indian Turquoise for my Carly Lace Wrap project.

The linen lace will require little to no blocking and gets softer and more supple with use.

Wrapping up the details: The Carly Lace Wrap is knit with a US# 6 or 4.0 mm needle and I will probably use approx 1.5 hanks.

Its knitting up quickly......BONUS......I will post the finished project soon.

Happy Knitting!

sea shell inspired

When I'm at the beach, I love collecting sea shells .... in fact,  as long as I can remember, it was something I enjoyed doing with my family even as a kid. We went to Florida twice a year and at least one day of our vacation was combing the beaches looking for shells. 

Many times it was the search of the largest shell or a particular type of shell, but it always felt like a game or rather a treasure hunt. Some were harder to find than others, which made them the most coveted. I don't think I ever found a shell I didn't like..... sand dollars (not actually a shell & in my humble opinion the hardest to find), conch's, shark eyes, angel wings, slipper shell,  oyster, olive shells, cockle, babys ear, auger, chinese hat, scallop, starfish (also not a shell) and one of the easiest to find, the cats paw shell.    Just to name a few....

The many hours spent searchiung for shells inspired the knitted lace scarf design, Carly.  Carly is knit using a lacey cluster stitch that looks alot like the cats paw shell ..... at least, to my eye.

Carly Lace Scarf is a quick weekend knit. Its knit with just one ball of S.Charles Crystal Yarn.  Crystal is a laceweight metallic yarn with pre-strung sequins.  The bit of glitter looks great on Carly. 

I like this pattern so much that I think it could be a great wrap/shawl too.  

Stay tuned ..... news at 11.

Happy Knitting!

 

 

carlisle lace wrap KAL

Tomorrow (March 16th) is the start of the Carlisle Lace Wrap or Scarf KAL (Knit-a-long) at Loopy Yarns, Chicago.  We are meeting for 8 weeks to knit this wrap.

 Carlisle's design comes to life utilizing twisted stitches to emphasize the light and airy chevron pattern. I rarely get the opportunity to make a second lace wrap, so I am looking forward to this KAL myself.

 

The big decision is what yarn to choose.  My laceweight yarn stash is almost embarrassing.... I said ALMOST.  

I have been toying with lots of options, the amount of yardage is critical for me because I want to make it long and drapey.  Color is the next factor.....this is more an emotional decision.....what I'm feeling and what I will wear it with......what shoes.....will I need new shoes.....the answer to this question is always YES.  Then there is practicality......which is where I am leaning.  By practicality, I am referring to utilizing some lace yarns that had been previously wound into a ball for a prior project, but then abandoned due to change of heart or change of mind based on how the yarn knit up.

I am deciding between Mountain Colors Winter Lace in Teal Blue or Wollmeise Lace Garn in a Purpley color.  I have swatched up both and both look great in the Carlisle Lace pattern, once I found the best needle size. 

Originally, I decided on the Winter Lace but as of this morning, I changed my mind and will use the Wollmeise.   What you don't know....is that I am working on another design in a beautiful Linen Lace yarn that is named Indian Turquoise  .......very similar to the Teal Blue.   I know myself, I may not finish Carlisle #2 if I get to tired of working on the same color. I know this sounds crazy, but its true.  So Purple it is!

 

SPEAKING OF CRAZY.....................................

Normally, I am not obsessed about the weather, but yesterday it was 80 degrees and today its in the 70's......its March .....in Chicago.  And the next 10 days look the same.  Wow wee. So much better that the expected 40 - 60 degree temperatures. I have been spending as much free time out and about or on the balcony. SWEET! 

 

BACK to the KAL........

If you want to join the KAL, contact Loopy Yarns to reserve your seat.  Or if you just want to follow along online, I will be posting updates.

Happy Knitting!!!!

 

pebbly mesh lace wrap & scarf

The deconstructed - reconstructed Pebbly Mesh Lace Wrap & Scarf is finished, blocked, written and now published.  

The pattern is available on Ravelry.com. Its an allover mesh design with a simple garter border.  Its knit in a laceweight yarn from Fiber Optics Yarns in 100% merino wool, colorway Espresso. I love Kimber Baldwin's (Fiber Optics) hand-dying techniques......genius!

To open up the mesh pattern it does require a full block.  However, without blocking it is a somewhat open pebbly textured knit.

Still enjoying the warm temps....  this Wednesday its forecated to be 79 degrees ..... in Chicago.....  in MARCH.   Sweet!

twitchy

I don't know what it is ..... but I'm getting twitchy.

My Pebbly Mesh Shawl is about 70% complete in length or about 50 inches long.  I should be driven to get it completed, the end is near. And I am anxious to get it finished........BUT...... I find myself getting distracted by yarn  ......especially newly purchased lace yarn......

and the thoughts of casting on another lace shawl/wrap or even a scarf. 

I find myself matching up the yarn to the design, only to get twitch twitch twichy fingers to want to start winding the yarn into a ball and grab for another set of needles.

F O C U S

But which color first...... should it be the beautiful coral or the blue green or the marine blue or the mossy green or the steely blue.....

F O C U S

F O C U S

F O C U S

You have to admit..... they are pretty.  Does James Brown get down?

RIGHT!!!!

Back to the Pebbly Mesh Lace Wrap/Scarf...... it will be done before I know it.

Happy Knitting!

latest mesh update

My knitting focus has been on the reconstructed knitted mesh lace wrap. Its progress is around the halfway mark.  

Most design projects, I have the end in mind, before I even cast on.  Not this one..... perhaps because it was deconstructed/reconstructed from another point of view......but I find myself making changes to this one on a regular bases.

First I was going to make it very simple and clean.  (And it will still be able to be knit that way.....I will just have to photograph it in stages.) Now I am thinking it will look better by adding a simple crochet border. 

As for the latest development...... I am beginning to toy with the idea of adding some embellishments (QUICK... call the doctor.....this is totally out of character).  More on that later.....

For this pattern to work, like I see it in my head, it will need to go thru some extreme blocking. This should open up the pattern enough read "mesh".   Keeping my fingers crossed & saying a little prayer  that it all works.   I have decided to name it Pebbly Mesh Lace Wrap & Scarf. 

Since I don't have good pictures to share with you just yest on the Mesh Project.  Here is very random picture for your enjoyment......

There are never too many needles......Happy Knitting!

 

changed changes

Not even sure where to begin.... the knitted lace shawl/wrap design project that I started just after the first of the year has had so many adaptations that its beginning to make my head spin or maybe just hurt.

So this is my story of RE.... 

Rethink, Ripout, Redo, Ripout, Rework, Ripout, Revise, Revamp, Rewrite, Reconstruct, Readapt, Restart

It started with the idea of a very lacey shell-like center panel wrap style shawl with a very wide heavy border to give it more stability.  About 10" into the project, I decided I really didn't like it as much as I thought I would, so I ripped it out.

I decided I liked the idea of a wide border, but less heavy, so I incorporated a dense mesh stitch to replace the heavier border from before.  It was looking good, but then after about 12" into the project, I felt the borders now were too wide and made the open lace work look insignificant. 

So instead of ripping it out, I started with a different lace yarn to work on deconstructing the original idea and turning it into an entirely new idea.  Sheer and Mesh tops and coverups are all over the runway for late spring/summer.....so why not. 

With the new lace yarn I chose, I'm a little nervous about the yardage. Even though the yardage was a little over 1000 yards, I felt like I had to limit the width in order to get the length I desired out of the yarn (I really always need to buy at least 1200 to 1500+ yards, it makes things so much easier "down the road").

Even though I was now 18" into this new readapted pattern, I started wondering or rather second guessing myself that perhaps I should have used bigger needles.  So since I had quite a bit knit, I decided to do a premature wet block while on the needles. I am liking the effect I'm getting and I think this pattern will look good in a solid or a multi-colored yarn because of its mesh-nature. Thru this little "blocking" exercise, it looks like I should be able to get the width I had hoped for without sacrificing too much on the length. Although, going up a needle size would work nicely too.

While I am waiting for the newer yarn to dry, I started swatching another pattern with some Wollmeise Lace that I have.  The stitch pattern is looking good, BUT the yarn which looked like tones of purples and grays has way too many colors running thru it and is too distracting to the lace pattern.  It just won't work.  I also think I need to go down to a US#3 if I use Wollmeise for this pattern. 

Then I got to thinking,....... always dangerous.....since I'm still waiting for the mesh pattern to dry.....I could restart my mesh design in the Wollmeise lace that knits more open and has beautiful color changes.  This could be a win-win.  Making a quick swatch now to validate my theory.  More later.....

 

Now I haven't forgot about my original lacey shell pattern.  But I will be ripping it out.  While at TNNA, I found some yarns that will give my pattern  more stability without the heavy border.  Just waiting for the selections of yarns to arrive, then swatch,  before beginning that pattern.  I also think that instead of turning this into a wrap, it will be a pretty lacey  summer scarf.

 

Even though my Knitting New Year seems to have taken a slow start, I'm still energized. And......

I have a plan!

Happy Knitting!

carlisle lace wrap and scarf

My first pattern for 2012 is now complete and ready to share.  Carlisle Lace Wrap is the result of my Green Shoe Project and one that I couldn't be more thrilled that its ready to accessorize.

 

Carlisle Lace Wrap is available on Ravelry.com from Knitting Buzz Designs.  Its knit with the beautiful Madelinetosh Tosh Lace, colorway Thyme.

 

This is the first time I had test knitters and it was a wonderful experience.  I appreciated the feedback and seeing how different yarns knit in the pattern. Thank you Test Knitters. 

Below is a picture of Marian's WIP Pink Carlisle.  I think it exhibits beautifully how this pattern looks great without blocking.....BONUS!

On my quest of being intentional..... I would like to invite anyone who may be interested in test knitting one of my upcoming patterns please contact me on Ravelry.com, my user name is knittingbuzz

 Happy Knitting!

easing into 2012

Easing into 2012 with a head full of ideas......

I've been planning, plotting and pining. Resting, relaxing and recharging.  Knitting and crocheting, finishing up some older projects, getting close to finishing others, swatching some new patterns and my favorite, casting on and starting some new design projects.  Definitely feeling like I have the mojo to see my plans into fruition and with intention.

My Green Shoe project, my Carlisle Lace Wrap and Scarf pattern is finished and on the blocking board. 

 

 

The Green Shoe Project all started because last Fall, I bought a cute pair of green shoes and had NOTHING to go with them.  Which started with a search for finding the "just right" shade of green yarn...... by the way, I now have three shawls worth of green yarn......oops....I may need to start looking for more green shoes.....its a "vicious" cycle. 

Then it was the perfect pattern for the yarn I found....that took a little longer than I would have expected......but Carlisle was born and now blocking.....SWEET! 

My Carlisle Wrap and my green shoes are ready for me to sport at TNNA in Phoenix.  So if you see me, give me a nudge, I'd love to say "Hi!"

new year project updates

Anxious to get started on my Intentional Journey, I have updates and finishing up of some projects or.....some proverbial housekeeping to do.

Carlisle Lace Wrap Pattern (the one that will go with my green shoes) is nearly completed and should be ready to be published by the end of the week.

Retro Ripple Afghan  (a told pic)....a tribute and fond memory of my Grandma, I love her so much..... is only 6 or so rows before my yarns runs out.  I am really anxious to finish it because its so warm and cozy.  If nothing else, motivated by the current  temps that are in the teens and 20's.  Brrrr.....   Once I finish, I do have a portion of the blanket that I will need to weave in ends (because not being an avid crocheter, I just learned the "trick" about how to weave in ends as you go....love that trick!).

Longaberger Sock Pattern a fun basketweave pattern that I havn't decided if I will publish or not. If there is enough interest, I certainly will put it out there.

 

Next knitted lace wrap/shawl that I have swatched and hanging in the wings is Carly. Carly Lace Wrap is a knitting pattern that reminds me of the seashore. I am making it in a pretty tonal teal color in Winter Lace by Mountain Colors.  Its when its cold and snow-y that my mind drifts to long walks on the seashore, sand between my toes and the warm glow of the sun.  Let's go!

 

That' it for now.....

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

new year

With 2012 just around the corner, I find myself looking toward the New Year to seek out ways to improve ...... a better way, better habits, in short, a better me......

So my resolution for 2012 is to be INTENTIONAL. Intentional in everything I do.  Specifically, I want to turn my knitting design patterns into an intentional source of wealth. 

I want to thank all who have followed, supported and offered words of encouragement to me over the past few years.  For this I am eternally grateful.  And until there is a word that is capable of expressing all my gratitude, THANK YOU will have to do.

To get started, I took some time and gathered together all the thoughts & ideas, knitted swatches, drawings & sketches and that I had scribbled down on note cards, on loose sheets of paper or even in a notebook.  Then compiled them together into a three ring binder utilizing sheet protector sleeves for each project idea.  My "cocktail napkin" approach or random scraps of paper to jot down ideas or making sketches had resulted in ovewhelming clutter, disjointed thoughts and even lost or misplaced thoughts, now has bloomed into an intentional organized course of action. 

By the way, much to my own surprise, this gathering and sorting process resulted in 20+ new lace shawl/wrap & cowl designs and a dozen or so sock patterns.  Now this should be a good place to start for me to be intentional ;-) 

Next, I have also started keeping track of expenses.  I had never done this until now, always thought that I should but just hadn't done it.  To be intentional this seems like a prudent practice..... especially for tax purposes.

I'm really happy with this new "system" because its simple and gives me an excellent place to reference, as well as, update. Easy to intentionally add to previous thoughts and ideas, edit changes on projects in progress and its in a simple format to intentionally add new ideas, sketches, swatches, etc.  Feeling very liberated today.

NOW....all that is left for me to do is to some test swatches and start knitting my sample pieces to be photographed.   Its time to get busy knitting.

Knitting every chance I get......

Happy Knitting!!!!

test knitters

Having test knitters is something totally new for me and I am thoroughly loving it.  For my Carlisle Lace Wrap and Scarf (perhaps better known is the wrap to go with my green shoes), I now have two test knitters, Marian and Camila. 

This has forced me to get the pattern written earlier, which will make it faster to publish once its blocked and photographed.  Writing it while I am working on it, also forces me to take better notes and leave less to memory (always dangerous) ....... The best part its getting feedback on its clarity and ease of understanding.

So a big thank you to Marian and Camila for all there help.  I would also like to invite others who may be intersted in test knitting any of my future lace shawls/scarves or sock patterns.  To contact me, send me a pm on Ravelry, my user name is:  knittingbuzz.

Happy Knitting!   Another random picture for your enjoyment.....

inspired to start

I just love to cast on.  What is it about casting on that gives such a thrill? Is it the promise of a new adventure or the promise of a future finished new hand knit lovely, or is it just a deversion to that keeps other projects on the needles longer than they should be or could it just be, all of the above.

I have found myself in a start-up or cast on mode, partially because of the loom of gift knitting (which I am hopelessly behind on) and the visions of sugar plums new design ideas dance in my head.

Here is a quick snap shot.....

So this is a collection of ideas and gifts or both.  Why so many?  Good question.  Some are just ideas that spring up, some are determined by a need (like green shoes), some gifts emerge from wanting to see or experience how a particular yarn works up and then some are a combination of some of the above. (By the way, missing from the picture is my nearly finished (20 rows to go) Retro Afghan, that is just needs some cold temps to get dragged back out.)

This used to stress me out having so many projects on the needles. But I guess, I'm mellowing and now look at it look at it as I have the perfect project to work on regardless of what I'm doing or where I am. 

I would say that I have plenty to keep me entertained.  The pitiful part is that I am actually restraining to start a couple of project ideas because this deluted mindset could just turn into ridiculous, even by my standards.

Happy Knitting!

chevron love

I love the chevron pattern big and small, wide and narrow. 

My recent published pattern Charlie Chevron Stripe Scarf was a primer and study using Fibonacci numbers for the widths of stripes, for an upcoming afghan blanket project. 

As a breif recap........ Fibonacci numbers developed by Fibonacci Leonardo of Pisa in 1202, published a hypothetical math problem about multiplying rabbits and came up with the mathmatical numbering sequence.   This sequence of numbers can be found throughout nature:  branches on trees, leaves on braches, petals on flowers, etc.  It is acclaimed that the use of the numbers in the sequence always produces something visully appealing. 

The number sequence is as follows:

0,1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8. 13. 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377 and so on.

The sequence is the sum of the two numbers before starting with zero and one.

0+1=1, 1+1=2, 1+2= 3, 2+3=5 and so on.

My Charlie Scarf (which is now available on Ravelry) was my method for testing out a substantially larger blanket sized knitting project.  And with some tweeks, I have it all planned out and ready to go......as soon as I finish my Retro Crochet Afghan, that I started last winter (only about 20 rows to go). 

With the chilly weather, I may be able to get my Retro afghan finished this coming weekend.  Sweet!

 

Another random picture to share........

 

 

 

chevron, zigzag, ripple, herringbone, arrow, flamestitch, rick-rack

I have a slight obsession with the chevron pattern at the moment for the past year or so. 

 

Both in knitting and crochet patterns.  I can even pinpoint the start .......

 
it all started with my Retro Blanket,

 

in memory of the crochet afghan my sweet Grandma made for me when I was 16. My Retro Blanket is only 26 rows away from being complete. Why not finish it???? Its been put aside because its just too heavy and warm to work on...... I will finish it up as soon as we get some freezing temps.....not rushing that one. 

Since the Retro Blanket, other designs have surfaced and are completed, on the needles and in swatches.

 
Promanade Lace Wrap/Scarf. In mohair.

 

Gilded Sock pattern

 

Recently finished colorwork scarf (more later on this one)

 

 
Carlisle Lace Wrap/Scarf (more later). And some others that are just in the swatch phase.

That's alot of up and down patterns.    

I don't want to believe its because of a childhood thing....

 

 

of course not....... now that would be ridiculous.  I was always a Snoopy fan. Unless its just the many fond memories of my Grandma crocheting beautiful afghans for everyone she knew.

Perhaps there is no explanation.

But I love the chevron, zigzag, ripple, herringbone, flamestitch and rick-rack patterns regardless.

 

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

Lastly, another random picture for your enjoyment....

 

promenade lace wrap and scarf

Promenade is the handknit lace wrap that I have been working on, in the beautiful mohair from Wagtail Yarns.  Its a  4 ply 100% Super Fine Kid Mohair (fingering weight) AND even though its been finished for a couple of weeks, its finally published.....yay!

 

The pattern is available on Ravelry.com thru Knitting Buzz Designs.  I am really pleased how it turned out and can't wait to start wearing it. 

 

 

 

 
Lastly.....another RANDOM photo

 
Happy Knitting!

how to tie a scarf, wrap and pashmina

Scarves, Wraps and Shawls are a fabulous accessory.  I love wearing them. 

 
Knitting and designing lace wraps and scarves are one of my favorite things......to some of you this may not come as a surprise.  I can certainly go on and on about it. 

 
My favorite is the pashmina style..... a wide and long rectangular wrap. It can be used as a wide scarf, it can be wrapped around the shoulders, it can be tied together to make a long infinity scarf/cowl......it has just tons of options.

I know that trying to wear them can seem intimidating and almost a daunting task. 

 

With the thanks to Eileen Fisher's How to tie a Fall scarf YouTube video, it makes wearing beautiful scarves and wraps almost effortless. 

Give them a try and have fun with it. You will feel liberated. 

If you are really feeling sassy, here are some other links to great videos on How to tie a Spring Scarf and How to wear a Pashmina

are you ready for some football?

The start of the 2011 NFL Football Season is less than a week away. 

Its time to get your knitting/crochet projects ready for your Sunday & Monday night routine (and sometimes Thursday).  If you are lucky enough to live in a fanatic football household you know better than anyone that this can be some SERIOUS (sometimes uninterrupted) knitting time. 

 
If you don't consider your self lucky enough..... you may just not be looking at it from your knitting vantage point.

 

I believe there are THREE Styles of Football Knitting.  

The first style is the ADVOCATE.  This is the individual that love and lives for football, but still has the sensibility that its time that can also be productive for their other love.....knitting.  The Advocates choose projects that do not require them to look up. Self patterning yarn or hand-dyed yarns are favorites. Garter stitch scarves and stockinette socks are both good project choices.

Then there are the CONTENDERS.  This is the person that enjoys spending time with friends and family watching their favorite teams. They may not watch all day, but they are able to intermittently knit and watch, watch and knit. The Contenders choose projects that are moderately challenging to enable them to enjoy both the knitting and football experience. Many times the Contender will take this opportunity to work on projects in their teams colors.

And lastly, there are the PRETENDERS. You will know them when you see them. This is the person that only looks at football season as a time to knit without interruption.  They are happy to hang out with the Advocates because it means free knitting time from 11am till 9pm. The Pretenders choose more complicated projects like intricate lace, cables, fairile or gansey's. 

 

So it all starts this Thursday night, September 8th. Are you ready for some Football.....(knitting)?????

 

What will you be working on...... a  garter stitch scarf, or a ribbed hat in your teams colors, or a sweater or a lace shawl?

Happy Knitting and enjoy the game.

 

 
 How's that for random?  =-) 

 

its not easy being green

I am not really a green (the color) person by nature, but for some reason I have been in pursuit of green.  It all started with the infamous green shoes.  I have never owned green shoes before (until now) and I can't really explain why I had to have them ...... but I did....

So....this led to the search for the perfect green yarn for the perfect accessory to my beautiful green shoes. I found Madelintosh Tosh Lace in Thyme which I was sure to satisfy my accessory notion.

 

And recently started a knit lace wrap that I think will be perfect accessory and works perfectly with the yarn construction. (The Tosh Lace is tightly plied and knits up differently than other laceweight yarns I have worked with previously).

Then......dun dun dun duuunnnn....... there was Stitches Midwest.  Where I found myself drawn to more green laceweight yarn.   

 
 This is Ivy Brambles Romantica (above) 100% merino laceweight yarn in colorway Pine Tree (1000 yards per hank). My photo really doesn't do the color justice.  Anyway,  it is a perfect match to my shoes.

 
Then...... there was Miss Babs Yasmin Lace (above) 80% merino wool 20% tussah silk, 1250 yards in colorway Nori.  Which looks forest green in my picture, but is really more like a dark olive color. It doesn't match the shoes but it blends beautifully with them.

 

Now I have enough yarn for three knitted lace wraps.... in green..... to go with ONE pair of green shoes.  Got to ask the obvious question.......

Will this ONE pair of green shoes survive the knitting and wearing of THREE knitted lace wraps ......

OR......

are there more green shoes in my future?  I guess I could have worse problems....blush.


Enough about green!

 

On a separate topic..... I have decided to include in each post in the forseeable future a random picture (and I do mean random) of something I have seen or found that may or most likely may not have anything to do with anything......

Are you ready?

 

Happy Knitting!

 

 

 

 

wagtail mohair yarn

I have recently started knitting with Wagtail 100% Mohair 4ply yarn and enjoying every moment of it.  I have had a few hiccups and froggings upon first starting up.....all because of my own cockiness.

 
Mohair comes from the Angora goat and is known for the high luster and softness. It also has similar warming and felting characteristics as wool. Wagtail yarns are produced in Queensland, Austrailia. 

Knitting with 100% mohair is slipperier than I was prepared for and combined with Signature needles made it ripe for frogging.  After a couple of incidents, I switched over to Addi Lace needles which has made all the difference. 

 
I am loving this yarn, perhaps it should be called "Tail-Wagging" instead of Wagtail. I do apologize for the corn.

I can't wait to finish this project and parade it around town.  I figure it should be complete just in time for the autumn chill.  What could be better than wearing a mohair wrap and sipping a pumpkin spice latte......

OH NO......don't get me started on pumpkin spice latte ....... or pumpkin muffins ......or anything pumpkin......except pumpkin pie, have never been a fan of pumpkin pie, odd right?

 

some random updates

My knitting time seems to have taken a big cut..... so any free time I do get, I try to knit. Sometimes in the most unusual places.  This past weekend, I felt like I was on the go a bit more than usual. I wanted to make Xander a pair of socks, which was the perfect knitting project to tuck into my handbag and have ready to go. 

Probably the most unusual place I have ever knit was at a casino.  I'm not a gambler at all. In fact I find, if or when I have tried my hand at it, I tend to look at the lost money as lost things;  like I just lost a new pair of shoes or worse yet....YARN.

But what I recently learned is that people who frequent casinos.... stay away, far away from pointy sticks. Its almost like my knitting was a counterculture.  So for me, I got hours of uninterrupted knitting time in, with an occassional free drink delivered to me.  What could be better......

Project Updates......

 
Xander's socks should be finished in time for his birthday party. I knitting these with Cascade Heritage Paints Sock Yarn.

 

The lace wrap/scarf I have been knitting with It's Native by Dream in Color has enough yarn for about 2 more repeats before its complete.  I am anxious to get it on the blocking board.  I have decided to call it Glen Coe because the pattern reminds me of the hilly terrain.

 
I am on the foot of sock #2 out of Malabrigo Sock on my Guilded Sock Pattern (not published yet).

Feeling very independent, I broke out some Wagtail mohair that has been sitting in my stash. Its better than dessert!  More later on that one.

I have a few other project in the wings, but realistically I won't be pulling those out till Fall.

heading to TNNA

Its that time again to pack my bags and head to Columbus for TNNA. 

Today is packed full of doing laundry, some chores and packing.  The hardest part of packing is to decide what knitting projects to take. Yes, that's right, it requires multiple projects.  This may seem crazy to some but it really does require a little thought, at least for me. 

This trip is 5 days loaded with classes, speakers, a fashion show and the most important part, the market.  Where there are thousands of booths to navigate to find the best products and yarns for this Fall and Winter.

So back to selecting the knitting projects to pack.

• I need some simple projects that I can do during the speaker luncheon and some of the classes. 
• I always like to take some more interesting or slightly more complicated projects for any down time (as long as there is no alcohol involved, never works for me).
• Need a project for the plane, that won't be taken away because of needles that are too pointy or circulars that are too long.

I usually seem to over compensate and take more projects than I can possibly work on.....visions of grandeur perhaps.

Truth be told, usually I will take the opportunity to use this as an  excuse a platform to start new projects.  And after about a week of swatching and not quite getting the desired effects I was looking for,...... I have decided to dig out some unfinished projects and use this time to reclaim some project bags from the dark corners of the closet.  This almost feels heroic..... oh my, way too much drama.

 
So I have decided to take 3 different sock projects (1 2nd sock and 2 1st socks), a crochet pillow cover project, the "Its Native" wrap/scarf (feeling very optimistic) and some linen lace to start another Bubbles.

I failed to mention that some time between now and class time, I have to complete 4 swatches as homework for two different classes, one on Thursday and the other on Friday. I think I will start the first one on the plane. 

Looks like my homework will cut into some knitting time. Better rethink the number of projects to pack.....just may be over zealous.

I will be sure to take lots of pictures to share with you and report back. 

More later.....

 

stash treasure

 I spied some Berroco Bonsai that I had stashed in a bronze-ish color. I've been wanting to make a summer scarf or something with it for at least a year or so. Bonsai is a ribbon/tape style yarn,  97% Bamboo, 3% Nylon,it has a nice sheen and somewhat drape-y.

Lightbulb goes on....bing bing bing..... and yes, you guessed it......another (or third) Dandelion Lace Scarf has emerged. I am knitting this scarf a little narrower,  with one less repeat and using a US# 9 knitting needle to open up the stitch.

  

The result looks less like dandelions and more like bunches of wheat sheaves. But I think it will show well all the same. And the best part is, it will done in time for TNNA.....sweet!

 

inspired

"Shoulda, woulda, coulda" gave me the "kick in the pants" inspiration I needed to set a goal to get the beautiful lace knitted wrap/scarf design completed, so I could wear it to TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) Trade Show in Columbus.  I calculated that I needed to complete 20 rows every day, giving me enough time for blocking and pack it for my trip. Twenty rows sounded ambitious even to me, but I was determined to give it my all

The first two days of this challenge, were indeed challenging, but 40 rows were completed. I pushed myself and got it done. 

Day 3 was a different story...... I got up at 4:30 am to knit with the endless cup of Starbucks House Blend, then off to work.  Came home to look after Xander, then resumed knitting around 9pm and stayed up to till around 11:30pm kniitng groggily and at times falling asleep. Still not completing my 20 rows....OOFDAH!!!

Day 4 was worse..... this is the day I found the mistakes I made under heavy eyelids, late the night before.  Kind of like a Day of Reckoning.  I quickly faced the fact that this beautiful wrap/scarf knit in Dream In Color's Its Native, will be finished at a later date and will not be going to Columbus with me in any form other than a UFO (un-finished object).

So, this opened up season on knitting up something else to wear at TNNA. Not surprised, I'm positve.

shoulda, woulda, coulda

Or translation..... EXCUSES.......

Its been awhile since I worked on my wrap/scarf design that I'm knitting with Dream in Color, It's Native;  53% U.S. Superfine Kid Mohair, 48% U.S. Superfine Merino Wool, 1000 yards.  I LOVE this yarn and I really like the pattern design, BUT it tends to be the first project to get pushed aside for another.

For instance.... over the last month or so, it quickly got moved to the "back burner" to crank out some gift knits and then there was the interruption of my Dandelion Lace Scarf and now another one in PINK.

I have been quick to whip out the excuses.....

• Nearly halfway into the project and it feels like I should have used larger needles.  Feels like the mohair is filling in more than expected.  Now I did a knitted swatch (but not a blocked swatch), where I made the decision to take the needle size down.
• I should have blocked the swatch to better understand how the mohair would perform
• Why didn't I block the swatch? It meant cutting the yarn.   I was concerned that the yardage may be too skimpy for a full fledged wrap, I just couldn't part with losing any potential yardage.
• So I made the wrap one repeat less (slightly narrower) than intended to get some added length, which now feels too narrow (hoping that wet blocking will be my friend). I guess I should just surrender to the notion that its a gorgeous scarf.....and get over it!
• I am nearing the halfway mark, I feel like the wrap/scarf may be .....dare I say... too short. Blocking may be my answer. Time will tell.

What else?????

My normal reaction would be to frog the whole thing and start again......but since we are talking mohair, I have thought better.

Soooooo......I am going to persevere....whether its a bit too narrow or short for my liking(sounds kind of pitiful, sorry about that) ....its still going to be beautiful.  

More later.....

 

couldn't resist

That's right!

I just couldn't resist casting on another Dandelion Lace Scarf.  I had a second hank of Alisha Goes Around, Richness of Martens Fingering in PINK..... tell me who could resist???  Everyone looks great in PINK.

I did make a couple of changes, I am making this one slightly narrower and using a size larger needles. Translation.... I cast on 33 stitches on US#7. 

I think the more open stitches may eliminate blocking.... just a guess....stay tuned.....news at 11.

Happy Knitting!

dandelion lace scarf

It's finished!  The Dandelion Lace Scarf pattern design, inspired by this beautiful field of dandelions. Who could resist? Read more about the inspiration here.

 

The scarf design is blocked, measured, photographed and published. The pattern is available at Knitting Buzz Designs on Ravelry.com. My blocked version almost looks like the field of dandelions, right?  Maybe if you squint. LOL.

 

It's knit with the gorgeous yarn from  Alisha Goes Around, Richness of Martens Fingering weight, 75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk in colorway: Trick Goldfish. I thought the color was a perfect match for the inspiration, but I think it would look good in any color.  It looks good in both hand-dyed yarns, as well as solid colors.

 

Its a very easy pattern ..... practically a piece 'a cake. 

I had so much fun knitting it, that I have already started another in pink. 

this pattern will also look great using other yarn weights.  I am thinking about doing it in a lace weight shawl in white (I think it would look like the dandelion seed puff after the wind has caught it and disbursed the seedlings) and a whimsical afghan/blanket. Needle size details for other weights are included in the pattern.

 

 

 More later......  Happy Knitting!!!

made a dent

Progress!  That's right!  I made a dent in finishing some of my knitting projects that were on needles.  I must admit..... it feels quite good.  Completed projects are the best!  Took 8 daunting unfinished projects down to 5. Sweet ..... now there is no guilt to cast on something new. 

I have finished and blocked the socks I was knitting with the Creatively Dyed Yarn for a gift.

 

 
I have Charlize #2 on the blocking board (above). And I have my latest scarf design, Dandelion. waiting to be measured, blocked, measured again and photographed. 

 

 
Dandelion has a open look (but not lace) and was inspired by the beauty of a field of dandelions.  It works well with hand-dyed yarns, as well as solid colors.  It is knit in Alisha Goes Around, Richness of Martens, a fingering weight yarn with merino, cashmere and silk.  I think it could also look great in yarns that have large stripe repeats like Jawoll Magic or Zauberball. 

 
I hope to release and publish Dandelion later this week.  Dandelion is very easy and a fun knit. It was so fun to knit I think I would like to make it as a wrap and an afghan blanket too.  I have worked out some pattern changes to make it into a wrap/shawl and afghan/throw blanket.  I will publish and make those chages available as ready.

 

too many projects?

I am feeling like a mosquito..... I'm everywhere all at the same time. 

I have reached the point that I have surpassed my own comfort level (which I have a fairly high tolerance) of the number of projects I have on the needles. These are project  that I truly want and intend to finish.  My goal is to get one or several completed QUICKLY.

Project Progress Update

Dandelions (new design) - Scarf - about 75% complete (most focused on getting this one completed)

Its Native (new design) Shawl/Scarf - nearly 50% complete

Charlize for a gift - 90% complete (have a little time before this has to be finished)

Creatively Dyed Socks - 75% complete (time sensitive)

New Sock Design - 25% complete

Retro Ripple Crochet afghan - 90% complete (will probably dust this off when its gets cooler, unless the AC is cranked up)

Crochet Pillow Cover - about 10% complete (a me project using a pretty crochet stitch and the beautiful Ultra Pima Cotton from Cascade

Crochet Face Cloth - 25% complete (a side project that is fairly mindless and toteable, when I am not knitting socks).

Whew!!!

To make matters worse, I have three, maybe four designs that I'm aching to get some test swatches started for lace wraps and shawls.  It is my own level of uncomfort that is "holding this at bay" ...... at least for now.

So today......  after chores and errands, I hope to get some serious knitting time in.  OR perhaps it should be ......maybe I can squeeze some time in for chores and errands after knitting...... I think that sounds much better.

Happy Knitting!  =)

its a dandy!

Fields of dandelions..... dance in my head and onto my needles.  I have been knitting away and my latest knit scarf design inspired by....that's right... dandelions..... is about 75% complete.  It has an allover openwork feel, somewhat lacy I suppose.  

 
I am knitting with a fingering weight yarn; the gorgeous Richness (of Martens) by Alisha Goes Around, in the colorway: Trick Goldfish (isn't that the perfect color name).   Richness fingering weight is 400 yards of scrumptious 75% Fine Superwash Merino, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk..... yummy....got to love it!

 

Alisha is a relative newbie to the hand-dyed yarn world. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting her at TNNA, her booth was decorated with hand-knit peacocks and famingos. She started her company in her kitchen and does everything herself.  Her colors are rich and bold, I couldn't wait to start knitting with it myself.  Alisha is bubbly and fun..... and maybe even a teensy weensy bit quirkey.  Her hand-dyed yarns are pure genius.  I love her motto; "Knit Happy, Knit Healthy, Knit Early, Knit Often".

 

dandelions inspire

 
What is it about the dandelion?  Many consider it a pesky weed, a nuisance, especially if one shows up in your pristine lawn. And then, before you know it, more may be on there way, transformed from perky flower to the sculptural round white puff ball of seedlings that are carried away by the wind, like tiny parachutes.

 

Others consider it a valuable herb with many culinary and medical uses. Some use the leaves in salads or on sandwiches,  the roots can be found in some coffee substitutes & digestive aids, while the flowers have been used to make certain wines.

For me, I see them as beautiful, especially an entire field of the sunny yellow flowers. There is something about the color yellow that evokes happiness and joy.  So..... an entire field of dandelions can't help but make you smile.... unless of course its your front lawn. 

Its this stunning field of  sunny yellow blooming clusters that  is the inspiration for my next knitted lace scarf design.  Its on the needles ........ its making me so happy to knit it already......

Stay tuned for more photos and details on this new design.  Hope to get it done while the danelions are still around.

summer lace rib scarf pattern

I'm on a mission to make a "dent" in my fingering weight/ sock yarn.......its beyond bountiful......there is so much it just might exceed my life expectancy. Seriously...

I love sock yarn for lots of reasons.....its a single hank with generous yardage ranging usually from 400 - 450 yards of goodness. I am a love the gorgeous hand dyes and become weak in the knees when it comes to the MCN or MCS varieties (Merino/Cashmere/Nylon or Merino/Cashmere/Silk, respectively).

Besides socks, it can be easily knit into a scarf, a hat, a cowl and if I'm lucky enough of having two or more in the same color/dye lot, it can be a wrap/shawl or even a lightweight cardi.

It all started with the Charlize Shawlette by Vanessa Smith, a fun neck scarf that can be worn year round.

I want to share another..... my Summer Lace Rib Scarf. a fun decorative piece that can be used as an accessory as well as ward off a chill when the AC is too cold.

 

Summer Lace Rib - Free Pattern

Skill level - Easy

• Yarn: Shown in Fingering weight (any weight yarn can be used)
• Needle: US#7 - US #9  for Fingering 
• Gauge: Doesn't really matter here for a scarf

Stitches used: k (knit), p (purl), yo (yarn over), sk2p (slip 1 st knitwise, k2tog, psso)

 

Cast on 29 (or any multiple of 4 + 1)

Row 1  Purl

Row 2  K1, *yo, sk2p, yo, k1 ..... repeat from * to end of row

Knit to desired length, ending with Row 1.

Bind off *p2tog, slip purled st from right hand needle to left hand needle.....repeat till all sts are bound off.

 
I chose not to block this scarf to keep a more casual look and to focus on the color play.

Here is a couple of shots where I spread the stitches out a bit to see the stitch pattern up close.

 

 

Its knit out of Creatively Dyed Yarn Calypso, You can easily find Dianne (owner of Creatively Dyed) at Fiber Shows, like Stitches and Midwest Folk and Fiber Festival (the website does not do justice to her beautiful work and technique).

 

simple, yet humbling

My Charlize Shawl knitting project is coming along nicely, but I have had my fair share of humbling moments.

It was the perfect travel project and the pattern is very well written. 

"So what's so humbling?", you may ask.....  the humbling moment comes from the actual simplicity of the pattern and my own confidence or rather over confidence of the rhythm of the stitches. The ace lpattern utilizes yo, k and sk2p. In the long repeats I found that psso sometimes got missed throwing the stitch count off. Disaster could have easily been diverted on the purl back row if by paying attention that inbetween every stitch is a yo.... lesson learned.

I chalk it up to all the talking, laughing and having such a good time on the train ...... translation: not paying attention.

life interrupted

Planning  a day trip by train for a change of pace.  I'm looking forward to getting a break from the city, especially when gelato is involved.... yum yum.

So a quick train jaunt is the perfect time to get in some knitting. Surprised? Travel knitting is my favorite, whether its train or plane.  But I like train knitting best because of the opportunity to spread out, not quite as crowded and has occasional stops.

What to take to knit does require some consideration. I don't dare take the knitted lace wrap I am knitting,  that has all the makings for a disaster, knitting disaster that is. 
Which leaves me the socks I have been knitting off & on.....lets be honest, its been more off than on.  So I'm all set & ready to go, right?

UNTIL, I spy Evelyn knitting Charlize Shawlette by Vanessa Smith. Yes, you guessed it, there was no turning back. It was perfect!  For all the right reasons..... I have some very special girls/women in my life that would look great in this piece..... and..... I have tons of gorgeous fingering weight yarn that is just yearning to be knit.......and ...... its lace, I love to knit anything lace ....and..... its simple enough that I could work on it on the train......and...... and ....... and.... and......

I told Evelyn that I was going to "blame" her for getting another project on the needles, BUT instead I must thank her. Its a great piece and thrilled to start it.  So Evelyn, here is a big THANK YOU for you.

skimp and stretch

Just a quick update  on my Dream in Color It's Native wrap/scarf in color Velvet Port.....

With a premature light blocking, while on the needles (while I am typing this it feels almost illegal), I was able to get about an 1.5 inches length out of one repeat and about 2 inches in the width. With a proper blocking I should be able to get a little more width and length out of it.

 

It still feels like it will be skimpier than what I usually prefer, but definitely workable.  Just keep knitting.

On a side note, I have to say... I love this yarn!!! Just wish I had more of it..... its 52% U.S. superfine kid mohair and 48% U.S. superfine merino.  Its heaven!  I LOVE knitting with it!

 

off the needles, blocked and published

Whew!  Venetia Lace Wrap/Shawl is finally finished and ready to worn around town.  It went from coming off the needles.

 

 

To the blocking board.

 

To this.....its kind of like going from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly.

 
 

Venetia gets its name from the Diamond Mines in South Africa.  It's a gem! Badumbump

 

This lace knit wrap/shawl was knit using the beautiful Gossamer Lace Yarn from Sheepytime.  Its 80% Merino 20% Silk, 100 grams and 1312 yards.   I purchased this yarn a few years ago at Stitches Midwest and wonder why I waited so long to knit with it.  I thoroughly loved it ..... it knits and blocks beautifuly.  Lucky for me I have another hank.

Venetia Lace Wrap/Shawl & Scarf Pattern is available on Ravelry along with my other pattern designs.

finishing up, means its time to start up

Venetia Lace Shawl/Wrap is nearly finished ...hooray....I am on the final lace knit border, then onto the outer edge, bind off, soak and off to the blocking board.    Even admist all the distrative swatching for my "next" project, my Venetia Wrap is nearly done and I am looking forward to sporting it around town. 

 

The "need" to start swatching for the next project got me thinking.  Why am I compelled to do this even though the current project is  NOT finished?  It seems that the thought of going project-less weighs on me for some unknown (to me) reason.  I'm sure there is some psychological term for it, OR perhaps its just the theory.....If you don't know where you are going you will probably end up some place else.

Which brings up another issue.  Not being project-less also means that I tend to be in a constant "scout" mode when it comes to finding the "perfect" yarn......which could be interpreted that I may on occassion buy entirely too much yarn.....usually of the  lace and fingering weight variety. 

Now that's just absurd......there is no such thing as too much yarn.   Denial is a river in Egypt, right?

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!

 

distracted

How does this happen?  Once my trip to Portland was cancelled,  I have lost my focus on my Venetia Shawl/Wrap project .....and I was doing so well.  Now that the deadline or rather goal has been removed, I find myself taking on new projects. 

I have started crocheting a pillow cover, testing out some patterns in the form of cotton facecloths and to top it off, I spent a good part of the weekend, swatching some knit lace designs for my next lace shawl/wrap design.

I can explain...... The distraction could happen to anyone.  I have recently acquired some beautiful laceweight and fingering weight yarn. A couple of hanks of Wollmeisse Lace Garn, Madelintosh Tosh Lace and Tosh Merino Light.  Ok, ok, ok.... who wouldn't be distracted by that.

Happy Knitting!

some progress

I have made some progress on my Venetia Lace Wrap that I am racing to get finished for the Yarn Market News Conference in Portland OR, which begins March 13th.  I had previously figured that I needed to knit about 2" per day or about 20 rows to finish the knitting and leave enough time to block it and pack.

 

Based on the latest measurements, it looks like I am on track, but I have been finding it increasingly more difficult to get enough knitting time in each day.

My blogging has suffered some....and for this I apologize, but appreciate all your support and confidence. 

Some days I feel like the fish, Dorey in "Finding Nemo"...... instead of "just keep swimming"...... I say...just keep knitting, just keep knitting, just keep knitting.......

Have a super great week and Happy Knitting!

 

in demand

I have had so many requests for a wrap/shawl design version of my Venetian Scarf that I couldn't resist starting it.  I decided to exaggerate the borders and of course widen it as well. 

 
 

Since it hasn't been blocked, it doesn't look like much yet, but I'm happy with the proportions and can't wait to get it finished.  I would love to get done in time for my trip to Yarn Market News in Portland OR in early March.  So far I have 16" completed which is a long way away from the 63" (before blocking) that I have calculated I should be able to get out of the lace weight yarn.

Ok....so the inner nerd in me says that I need to knit about 2.5" a day.  Seems do-able but could be close. 

I am using some yarn I have had in my stash from a incredibly talented indie dyer from Indiana, Sheepytime Yarns.  I am using the Gossamer Lace that is 1312 yards of 80% Merino Wool, 20% Silk in color Black Water.  Its really been great for lace knitting.

 

 

 

 

endive cowl pattern

I'm sure the color had something to do with it, but my latest cowl design reminds me of fresh endive.

 

 

 

The Endive Lace Cowl is a pretty layer for chilly days. The pattern is available on Ravelry.com.

 
It was designed to be worn over the head and around the neck.  It is long enough to pull over the nose and mouth or up over the head for extra warmth.  It is knit out of a fingering weight yarn, Malabrigo Sock, keeping it lightweight, soft and warm.  It can be easily knit in a sport weight yarn without having to change the pattern.

 

The closeup photo shows the stitch pattern in more detail, however the color is way off.... please ignore the color.

 

 
This was fun to knit and I want to thank Katie for being such a gracious model.  Thanks KK!

What's on the horizon? 
Well I have had such a positive reaction to my Venetia Lace Scarf, that I am working on wrap/shawl version with a exaggerated border.  Photos soon, I promise.

AND...... I am one stripe away from finally finishing my crochet Retro Ripple Afghan/Blanket as a tribute to my dear sweet Grandma. One large stripe or three hanks of yarn.

 

 

 

lace class inspired

Finally, my lace class inspired scarf design  is finished, blocked, written and finally published.  I called it Venetia Lace Scarf, named for the famous Diamond Mine in South Africa. 

 I knit it with Punta Space Dyed Lace yarn, a 100% Merino Wool.  This yarn was very nice to work with and was super easy to block.  And if you remember my wip picture, it appeared to need pins, wires and the works......

 
But instead....... it was so easy that I didn't use any t-pins or blocking wires.  I just let it soak in wool wash for about 15 minutes, then gently squeezed out as much water as I could with my hands, rolled it in a towel, then positioned it to the blocked size with my hands.  I blocked it 2 inches wider and 14 inches longer.  It was a breeze!  Don't you love it when that happens.....I know I do.

The pattern is available on Ravelry, along with the rest of my designs.   

 

 

plan change

Today was one of those days. 

Had great plans for this forecasted incredibly cold day to take Katie and Xander to the Museum of Science and Industy.  Only to find my sweet Xander, sick with head/chest cold & congestion.  Better to keep him indoors and ward off any chance for something worse.  I was sad about the plan change, but .....now saw my day ripe full of opportunity.

Opportunity to catch up on some chores and the opportunity to work on knitting  my latest lace scarf design. 

 

So with some hot coffee, my new project bag from Lantern Moon, my trusty Knit Kit  and the afternoon to myself, I made some decent progress.

This scarf was inspired by a set of three patterns, from the Barbara Walker Treasury, that I use in the Intermediate Lace Class I teach. Many of my students wanted a scarf pattern and I told them I would work something up.  The lace details are really difficult to see until it has been blocked. 

So, I used two of the three designs to construct a bordered lace pattern.  The smaller pattern is the border and the larger pattern is the insert.  I think it could make a very nice wrap or shawl too. I am using the 100% Merino Wool Space Dyed Lace from Punta Yarns. They have a beautiful range of colors.  It should block nicely.

 
As I have been working on this piece, I have been getting a lot of requests for the pattern. So once I have finished the knitting and  blocked it......  I will get it written up, take better pictures and published.  Hopefully within the week....

On a side note,  there is still some good football knitting this weekend......  GO BEARS!!!!

heading for tnna

TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) hosts a show twice a year for retailers, offering classes, a fashion show, interesting speakers and the show to purchase yarn, needles , notions and accessories for the upcoming season. The best part is that it is hosted in Long Beach CA; a nice break from the down coat and Uggs routine.

We leave tomorrow, so today is filled with all the usual pre-travel errands, (hair cut, manicure/pedicure, dry cleaner and Walgreens) and what to pack, clothes and more importantly, which knitting projects to take. 

Don't laugh.....the projects are the most important part. Need to have a project that is somewhat mindless to have on hand during speakers presentations and classes. Something interesting to work on in the evening. And most important, something that will get through airport security.....we are talking about a 4 hour flight here. 

My history is that I have visions of grandeur and pack more projects than I can possibly work on. I think, secretly I have a fear of "what if I finish and nothing to work with on the way home"....YIKES!   

But this time, I am going to try to be more reasonable about the amount of project I take.

•  I have my lace scarf project which is a must have, but since they are on Signatures, I worry about them being taken by the TSA. So this will be packed in my checked luggage.
• A sock project that was abandoned during my holiday knitting because its recipient had a color change request, this could be my airport/plane knitting.
• A Linen lace scarf I started last year in my Bubbles pattern, this could also be airport/plane knitting
• A new sock design I started before the rash of holiday knits and its cowl compliment that has been cast on but really needs a gauge change. This may be too taxing a project and should probably stay home.
• There are others to consider, but so far, the lace scarf and the abandoned socks are definites.
  

Then there is the "other thing".....this is something that is only whispered. For some peculiar reason, I am compelled to take a plethora of needles, just in case. Just in case, there is a new yarn to try, just in case I score some yarn that has to be cast on immediately. Just in case, just in case, just in case......

More later on our TNNA findings.....

BTW.....we are staying on the renovated Queen Mary and it could be haunted....sounds exciting, right?

 

craving lace

Since I can only work on my retro afghan when its colder (usually early morning or late at night), I need an alternative project or two, a lace project and a traveling project (Can't be left empty handed (if you know what I'm talking about, than you know and if you don't know what I'm talking about, then you just may be better off). 

 I am totally yearning to work on a knitted lace project, a lace scarf or shawl, or maybe even a lacey cowl or dare I say even socks.  Maybe not socks.  With all the gift sock knitting this year, 12 pairs or 24 socks or approx 250,000 stitches ..... no matter how I say it.....that's a lot of socks.  Socks may have to go on a back burner for a bit.

I took a couple of the stitch patterns that I usese in my Intermediate Lace Class teaching a variety of stitches and combined them into a pattern for a lace scarf, which could be easily adapted into shawl or a wider scarf. Here is a shot of my unblocked work in progess thus far.

I'm using a newer space-dyed laceweight yarn form Punta Yarns that is 100% plyed merino. This space-dyed yarn give a tonal effect.

some rambling

Some rambling and a quick update.

Recently, I had gotten some disheartening news that took its toll on me. I learned or rather was reminded that its so importnant to enjoy and appreciate those in your life right now. I also learned that instead of feeling hurt, that I'm grateful for the opportunities I have been blessed with.  I know this must sound mysterious, but those who know me best will understand.

My gift knitting or finishing large project knitting has taken over.  I truly enjoy knitting gifts for others BUT it has a way of turning into "duty" knitting, which is not so much fun.  I guess that's not entirely true.  I am so happy when each gift is completed and I am able to move on. The knitted gift list plan (I'm almost afraid to detail it because it may inset instant panic). One sweater, seven pairs of socks (this is not for one person, you know who you are), one scarf, four hats and two toys......and I have 11 weeks to go....YIKES!

The Great Blanket Race has taken a slight back seat. For a quick blanket update: My Reversible Eyelet Check Blanket (Teal Blue) is now 72% complete and the crochet retro ripple afghan has been set aside, but will pick it back up after the holidays.

I have a few knitting patterns that are in various stages from near publication (of which there is one), to on the needles (there are 2), to swatching (there are 3),  to just sketches (there are 2). Of course, these projects are mostly on hold while gift knitting takes center stage. All in the hope that this will make my life a little less crazy in December when the calendar races by and the clock is ticking and... and... and....  However, I do try to sneak some work on them now and then.....its hard to resist.