Tying up some loose ends

Literally. Weaving in the ends on four projects, and it feels so good.

Weekender sweater knit with Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards). I thoroughly enjoyed knitting this.  The designer, Andrea Mowry, used several techniques to add a level of sophistication to this otherwise simple (and elegant), oversized sweater. This is a class at Westport Yarns that I will be offering again in August. Click here for details.

Neve is unlike any cotton yarn I've ever used. This is the second sweater I've knit with it. The first was a cardigan for my mother.

The Churchmouse Mohair Bias Loop was a purse project, something always with me. Yarn: Alchemy Haiku (Lace: 60% Mohair, 40% Silk, 325 yards). This was a one skein project.

Vary the Gate by Casapinka was knit with Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles (Fingering: 100% Merino, 400 yards). Another one skein wonder. As an aside Casapinka will be teaching two classes at Westport Yarns on Saturday, July 14. If you're in the area (or even if you're not), I highly recommend taking a class with her.

Then there were two Secret Squirrelly Design Projects that have been shipped off for photography, due to be published this fall by Tahki Stacy Charles.

Since I finished four projects, does that mean I can cast on for four new projects? Maybe not the best approach.

I'm working on a collaboration with the Yarn Catcher for her upcoming trunk show at Westport Yarns, Saturday, July 7. I absolutely love her colorways, one is better than the next. Good thing I spent all that time cleaning out my yarns ~ makes room for more!

© Tahki Stacy Charles, Inc.

I'm casting on for my Banana Leaf Duster in Juniper Moon Farm Neve. (Yes, I'm knitting with this yarn again - I like it THAT much.) Believe it or not, I'm knitting it in a colorway called Olive Twist (no that isn't a trick name for purple)!!! For those green fans who do not know me very well, I am a purple girl through and though. It's just as strange for me as it is to those who know me.

Harry was not pleased to be used as a model for the picture. Maybe it clashes with his spots.

Cast on, Cast Off

Such is the nature of our craft ~ and life. Beginnings and Endings. Very philosophical don't you think? I figured any post at the beginning of the new year should be somewhat philosophical. That may be the extent of my musing, we'll see.

There are many reasons that I (we) cast on...

Gift knitting, this is a baby gift, The Taylor Blanket in Berroco Pima 100 (Worsted: 100% Pima, 219 yards).

And a sweater for my Mom in Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards). This started out as DROPS 112.  However, given that it's a collaboration with my mother and for my mother AND that I get my design/never leave well enough alone genes from her.... it is evolving into its own unique design. The sweater is black, so not much to show yet.

For fun, I cast on for Mirror by Yumiko Alexander. I've been intrigued by her designs for a while. Luckily the shop here in Florida, Knit or Knot Yarns, carries DanDoh Cotton Fine (Fingering: 100% Cotton Tape/paper, 435 yards). I am knitting it in exactly the color/yarn the pattern is pictured in. I can count on one hand the number of times I have done that, Riverbend being the first.

Last month I cast off on another Rock the Pompom Hat  in Periwinkle Sheep Merino Aran (Aran: 100% Superwash Merino, 180 yards) with a FELL pompom. LOVE IT. Given the temperatures in New England, I will be wearing this home for my visit later this week.

I knit up Frieze for an upcoming class at Knit or Knot Yarns.

My "purse" project was the Bias 'Before & After' Scarf in Koigu Lace Merino (Lace: 100% Merino, 292 yards). This fit in my purse perfectly, nice and small.

I collect random leftovers of yarn that (I think) work together, and knit up Margaret's Funnel Cowl (shop pattern from Westport Yarns).

The pattern encourages creativity and I enjoyed knitting it.

Lastly, I'm toying with some design ideas for Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles (Fingering: 100% Merino, 400 yards).

Harry has been by my side every stitch of the way ~ or on my lap if he feels I need a break from knitting.

Let 'er rip...

A couple of months ago a student of mine, Melissa, came to class wearing a dramatic infinity scarf.  I literally forgot I was the teacher and was all about her scarf. It looked like she was wearing a skein of yarn. I asked her to take it off and peppered her with questions:

• What's the pattern?  String Theory
• What yarn did you use? madelinetosh dk (pattern uses dk or fingering)
• How did you do the bind off? trick within the pattern ~ no spoiler.

The basic premise of the pattern is alternating knit and purl sections.  When you reach the desired depth, you drop the purl stitches down to the cast on.  The designer did an excellent job of including a photo tutorial for the bind off as well as a trick to keep the knit stitches from unravelling.

I decided to make this project one of my travel projects (to Ireland and Scotland) because the knitting itself was mindless and easy.. The yarn I chose is a compelling shade of Hedgehog Fibres Skinny singles, dragonfly (Fingering: 100% Merino Wool - single ply, 400 yards). This color is just magical to me.

The project fit perfectly into my "day bag" and was featured in my "I will knit" photos on Instagram and Facebook. Clockwise from top left: on a tour bus, breakfast with scones and clotted cream, at the oldest pub in Dublin,  on the plane, breakfast with black pudding and haggis, on a boat on Loch Ness, and in a replica of an fisherman's house.

I did not knit much after the Guinness Brewery tour 

or after the Whisky Experience in Edinburgh. 

But I digress.....

I documented the finishing journey of the project. This was an e-ticket ride (probably dating myself). Hindsight being 20/20, a special beverage might have been bracing. 

Just for grins, giggles and the nerds out there (present company included), here are some measurements:

• 22" circumference before bind off
• One purl section measures 1.5"
• One dropped purl section measures 6"
• Pre-blocked (wet) circumference) measures 61"
• Blocked (stretched would be more accurate) measurement: 96" and will probably go to 98".

After dropping one section.  Point of interest, since my yarn was single ply/roving, it didn't run fast like a plied yarn or silky yarn.  I had to coax it row by row.  Sometimes it got sticky and I'd have to coax it with a little more enthusiasm. I admit to breaking into a bit of a sweat initially,

Halfway point and hitting a groove.

Having previous experience with hand-dyed yarns running a little bit when soaking, I added a splash of white vinegar to the water.  The water was clear when I took it out.

The pattern instructs you to hang it with weights.  I didn't and should have.  Also, there were some sticky sections that didn't unravel the whole way, so I'll soak it again.

Final verdict - LOVE IT! Definite do-over on a smaller scale maybe with a precious skein of Artyarns (variegated) or a non-wool yarn for summer wear.

What determines your next project?

As I knitter, I am constantly surfing Ravelry for my next project.  No matter what I'm knitting, I've got my eyes on what comes next.  You have to have a plan. We've talked about this. Sometimes I learn of new patterns from knitting friends.

However, when you work in a yarn store as I do, you are bombarded (in a good way) with project inspiration:

• Co-workers.
• Magazines and Pattern booklets
• Sales Reps with new yarns/patterns
• Shop samples
• Customers

and of course....

• my students.

There is no end to it.  That's ok, I enjoy the parade of ideas ~ it's inspiring.

© Brooklyn Tweed

Most recently I was inspired by Robin (a student) when she came to the shop to buy yarn for the Riverbend Cardigan. The pattern calls for Brooklyn Tweed Quarry (Bulky: 100% Wool - Targhee-Columbia, 200 yards) and it was right before we began carrying Brooklyn Tweed.  We agreed she would come back (and she did).  We both bought yarn for the sweater.

Being a knitting nut-job, I cast on right away.  With bulky yarn on a #15 needle I figured I could knit it up and still get at least one wear out of it before Spring.  I loved the pattern and the meticulous care Brooklyn Tweed takes with their instructions and techniques. 

I did finish it in record time. Full disclosure, I gave it to the Westport Yarns Finisher to block and finish while I was out of town.  When I came home, my beautiful sweater was ready to wear. New England weather being what it is, I have had occasion to wear it three times!

Robin also introduced me to the Pivot Cowl. This was a great travel project.  I took it with me to Iceland and had a little fun based on the Dr. Suess book, Green Eggs and Ham.

I will knit at a glacial lake, a waterfall, in the car, and on a glacier. 

Yarn: madelinetosh Pashmina (Sport: 75% Merino, 15% Silk, 10% Cashmere, 360 yards).  This project is a definite do-over.

Most recently, Melissa came to my 2 @ time, Toe-up, Magic Loop class wearing this gorgeous scarf.  She knit it with madelintosh dk (DK: 100% Merino, 225 yards). My mind went blank when I saw it.

Let me take a minute to talk about this.  The minute I see something that catches my interest, my mind goes blank and I am entranced by the project. I've seen it happen with other people as well.  Then the knitter's Holy Grail begins... obtaining the pattern and deciding upon a yarn.  This is the adrenaline stage of the Grail. You can't stop thinking about it or what yarn you will knit it with.

Melissa told us about the pattern, String Theory Scarf which can be knit with either fingering or DK weight yarn.  It looked like she was wearing a skein of gorgeous hand-dyed yarn - literally - a skein around her neck.  I get excited all over again.  Think of all those skeins of hand-dyed yarn languishing in your (I mean my) stash.

I'd love to know where you get your next project from and if you experience the same thrill of the hunt.  Now I'm off to find potential candidates for String Theory!

An adventure in color

This project was brought to my attention by one of the customers at Westport Yarns, Marianne.  I LOVE knitting projects like these that are "outside the box".  It quickly became a class, then two classes.  Fourteen intrepid knitters are following me down the line. (Pun intended.)

Linientreu loosely translated means "faithful to the line" or "in line".

Per the designer, Ute Nawratil, "‘Linientreu’ (‘In Line’) is a semicircular shawl, alternating equilateral triangles and simple garter stitch rows. The triangle modules are joined by knitting (no sewing necessary!) The right triangles at the border edge result from short rows." Kudos to the designer for coming up with such an imaginative design.

Lang Yarns

I knit Linientreu with Lang Mille Colori Baby (Fingering: 100% Wool, 208 yards, color #52) and for the contrast color I used Cascade Heritage Sock (Fingering: 100% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, 438 yards, color #5618 Snow). I was inspired by another Ravelers project.

Although there was some purple in this colorway, for the most part it was a departure from my usual purples. I chose the Snow as my contrast because I really wanted a dramatic contrast.

Here were my first three triangles, after blocking. Before blocking the triangles are more 3D. Think bra cup and you'll have an good visual.  I always read other ravelers experiences when embarking on a new project.  Several knitters blocked the project along the way to assure themselves that the piece would lie flat.  I was assured.

While knitting outside this fall, I noticed that my shawl bore all the colors of the season.  I took this artistic photo to remember the moment.

Here's a before (top) and after (bottom) blocking comparison after knitting the long section of sixteen triangles.  Cool, huh?

Thursday I finished the bottom border.  

The triangles at the bottom are knit with German short rows and went quickly.  I enjoyed seeing the colors play out. Only once did I mess with the order of the colors.  What I mean is, I knit with the Mille Colori Baby as it came from the ball rather than cutting here and there to get more of the colors I preferred.

When I was knitting the first set of stripes there was a faded yellow that was coming along in the ball - I did not like how it was going to look.  That was the only time I cut out a color.

There was just a little more to knit at this point.  The designer included a top border to make the shawl edge uniform.  It really made a big difference.

The shawl measured 21" down the center and 52" across the wingspan before blocking. Once again, it blocked out beautifully.  The final dimensions were 26" down the center and 67" across the wingspan.

I enjoyed knitting Linientreu.  Seeing the colors enfold was part of the fun.  Working the triangles modularly was a bit fiddly at times, and worth the effort. I made minimal modifications, which can be viewed on my project page.

Wait till you see what I'm considering next.....

Harry can't wait to find out.  He wants to know now.

Weekend Update

Here's what's been on my needles lately:

After publishing Baby's First Hat (which I really aught to have checked before naming - there are many by that name),  one of my co-workers asked for a "tea-bag" hat as she calls it.  I'm a sucker for "can you knit this", so I knit one up and added it to the pattern.  If you bought the pattern already, you would have received an update.

I'm in the midst of knitting my Centerport Cropped Poncho in Aruba (Aran: 80% Cotton, 10% Linen, 98 yards).  True to my own spirit of never leaving well enough alone, I have modified my own pattern. As the title states, it is a cropped poncho.  I wanted mine longer. So far it's 5" longer than the pattern.  I may go longer after I finish the front.

I finished my Rockaways Racerback Tank in Ripple (Aran: 100% Cotton, 142 yards). Again, true to form I modified this as well.  I want to wear it as a beach cover up so I knit the large, made it (much) longer and decreased to the medium as I neared the armholes.  Then I crocheted around the sleeves and neckline.

My oldest, who does not knit or crochet (finds it stressful - don't ask), occasionally asks me to make baby gifts for friends. A picture like this is the best thank you. The pattern is Otto by Ysolda Teague. The dress is a modification I made. 

At the beginning of the spring/summer knitting season, I told myself I would knit for this season until July when I would revisit unfinished projects for the fall/winter.  I have two more projects I'm considering making, Lefty which looks to be an easy top and the Poncho Air Lux.

And Mom, these ponchos are for me.  

 

I will gladly knit you one. 

Third times a charm.

It doesn't seem like it's only been a month since I knit my first Ponchette. 

Since then I've sent my mother my Ponchette.

I knit one for the shop if Rowan Softknit Cotton (Worsted: 92% Cotton, 8% Nylon, 115 yards). And finally, knit a replacement for my original Ponchette.  I honestly think I know the pattern by heart.

I'm in finishing mode for several other works in progress.  My socks are done. I absolutely love the feel of the socks, Serenity 20 (Fingering: 70% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 10% Nylon, 400 yards). The colorway is called Convergence. 

I've sewn my Odele shirt together.  On a side note here, I tried a sloped bind off for the front shoulders (right shoulder in picture) versus the step bind off for shaping a shoulder (left shoulder in picture).  Very easy to execute, much nicer looking, and easier to sew together.  I totally recommend it.

The i-cord edging for the neckline and armholes is very pretty, slow going, but pretty. I love how drapey the final top is, knit with Mykonos yarn (DK: 66% Linen, 26% Nylon, 8% Cotton, 142 yards).

I'm swatched 

blocked and ready to cast on for the Mirage Poncho that I'm knitting with Stacy Charles Alicia (Lace: 100% Linen, 180 yards).

My easy knitting project is my Rockaways Racerback Tank pattern in Tahki Ripple (Aran: 100% Cotton, 142 yards).  I'm knitting it in the larger size up till the waist, then narrowing it to the medium.  My goal is to wear it as a pool cover-up.

All the recent rain has made it perfect knitting weather.  My dogs, on the other hand are bored!

When they aren't causing mischief, like snatching a log from the fireplace,

they are snoozing. At least Harry had the decency to look guilty.  Tucker, not so much.