Thursday, November 3, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
TKGA Masters
It's been awhile since I have posted anything here. Summertime does not mean I have not been knitting. Summertime means I am knitting and I have kids home from school.
A few weeks ago I learned about The Knitter's Guild Association Master's program. It seemed like a good idea, so I embarked upon research. Lots of research. And I took the plunge.
A few weeks ago I learned about The Knitter's Guild Association Master's program. It seemed like a good idea, so I embarked upon research. Lots of research. And I took the plunge.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Mystery Knit-Along
Q: "What are you knitting?"
A: "I don't know."
But here's a couple of photos of my project after clue number 2.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
A: "I don't know."
But here's a couple of photos of my project after clue number 2.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, June 10, 2011
Backwards Loop Cast On
Cast On Techniques
Also known as the "single cast on" this is the simpliest cast on of all. It can be used for casting on stitches in the middle of a row (as for a buttonhole) but it is all too often quite sloppy and loose. If you need to cast on in the middle or at the end of a row, it's often better to do so by knitting on (seelast issue). I'm including it now because the tubular cast on that I'll be talking about next uses it as its base.
To work this cast on, simply make a backwards loop and place it on the needle.
The tubular cast on is, to put it mildly, a gorgeous way to cast on for working ribbing and has been praised for its loveliness all over the knitting blogosphere. Using a spare piece of yarn cast on half the number of stitches you need using the backwards loop cast on. (If you don't know what that is then you're not reading the entire article. Go back one technique.) Then, using the working yarn, purl one row. Now take a minute to look at what we've just done. Notice that there are purl bumps of the blue working yarn peeking out from between the loops of the wine colored waste yarn. We'll be using those bumps in a couple of minutes, so remember what they look like.
Purl the first stitch. Next insert the right needle into the first purl bump way back down on that first row you purled -- the ones were were just inspecting.
Slip the loop onto the left hand needle and knit it through the back loop.
Continue across the row, purling 1 stitch, then picking up and knitting tbl the next purl bump until you come to the last stitch. Purl the last stitch, the pick up the loop at the selvedge edge and knit through the back loop.
Turn and work ribbing, knitting the knit stitches and purling the purl stitches. Remove the waste yarn by cutting between some of the stitches and tugging to remove lengths of yarn.
Also known as the "single cast on" this is the simpliest cast on of all. It can be used for casting on stitches in the middle of a row (as for a buttonhole) but it is all too often quite sloppy and loose. If you need to cast on in the middle or at the end of a row, it's often better to do so by knitting on (seelast issue). I'm including it now because the tubular cast on that I'll be talking about next uses it as its base.
To work this cast on, simply make a backwards loop and place it on the needle.
Repeat until you have as many stitches as you require.
Tubular cast on
The tubular cast on is, to put it mildly, a gorgeous way to cast on for working ribbing and has been praised for its loveliness all over the knitting blogosphere. Using a spare piece of yarn cast on half the number of stitches you need using the backwards loop cast on. (If you don't know what that is then you're not reading the entire article. Go back one technique.) Then, using the working yarn, purl one row. Now take a minute to look at what we've just done. Notice that there are purl bumps of the blue working yarn peeking out from between the loops of the wine colored waste yarn. We'll be using those bumps in a couple of minutes, so remember what they look like.
Then work 3 more rows in stockingette stitch (knit one row, purl one row, knit one row) and turn the work so the purl side is facing you for the following bit.
Purl the first stitch. Next insert the right needle into the first purl bump way back down on that first row you purled -- the ones were were just inspecting.
Turn and work ribbing, knitting the knit stitches and purling the purl stitches. Remove the waste yarn by cutting between some of the stitches and tugging to remove lengths of yarn.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Picot Cast-On
Here's a new concept in casting-on: Picot Edge.
Picot Cast On
Looking for a new edging? Tired of rolled edges, ribbing, hems, and garter stitch? Then nona's got an edging for you. Today I was helping one of my knitting students with the Miss Dashwood hat. This cute baby hat starts with a picot cast on, creating a nice decorative edging. After consulting Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge I found the "Picot Point Chain Edging", which creates a similar bind off edging.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tapestry Crochet
Tapestry Crochet
Tapestry crochet (also called mosaic crochet, jacquard crochet, intarsia, colorwork, fair isle, and hard crochet) is similar to regular crochet, except that one or more yarns are usually carried while another is crocheted. The finished pieces look woven instead of crocheted.
Tapestry crochet (also called mosaic crochet, jacquard crochet, intarsia, colorwork, fair isle, and hard crochet) is similar to regular crochet, except that one or more yarns are usually carried while another is crocheted. The finished pieces look woven instead of crocheted.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Summer Scarf
I never was one for wearing scarves, but then I moved to the Pacific Northwest. Scarves became my new best friend over the winter. Now that it's spring and too heavy for cashmere and wool, I kinda miss the feeling of a nice piece of neckwear. Then, too, scarves are really fun to knit, because they don't take a lot of time or materials, and they can be just as crazy-decorative as you want, because, well, they're scarves.
My Cala Luna Scarf, work in process
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Not Your Grandmother's Stitch Markers
I remember pilfering my mother's knitting bag, and wondering what in the world those little round things were - mom said they were stitch markers, so you could keep track of repeats. I never realized until I started kntting lace that these little items are really quite useful.
Plastic stitch markers will do the job, most of the time. But they have drawbacks: too wide for lace, and...well...they just aren't pretty. I have seen a few specialty stitch markers around, but none of them really grabbed me by the pocketbook and demanded that I purchase them.
One day, I was looking at some beaded, dangle earrings and had a brainstorm: wouldn't these make really nice stitch markers? Trip to local bead shop, and I was set to experiment.
I may have found a new, creative pasttime. This is more fun than knitting!
Plastic stitch markers will do the job, most of the time. But they have drawbacks: too wide for lace, and...well...they just aren't pretty. I have seen a few specialty stitch markers around, but none of them really grabbed me by the pocketbook and demanded that I purchase them.
One day, I was looking at some beaded, dangle earrings and had a brainstorm: wouldn't these make really nice stitch markers? Trip to local bead shop, and I was set to experiment.
I may have found a new, creative pasttime. This is more fun than knitting!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Block Head?
So often when I see comments/instructions about blocking it seems to be assumed that the reader will understand what is entailed in 'blocking'. When reading about blocking in different sources I have become confused as to what is best for what type of knitted fabric. Should one wash with soap and rinse and wring out before blocking? Should one only lightly get the knitted fabric damp, no need to actually wash? Is there no need to get the fabric completely wet and only lightly steam? If one steams, how is the best way to accomplish getting the steam to the fabric? For how long? Is the steam before or after pinning/working the fabric? I know that I should block but when a completed project is ready for blocking I'm completely at sea as to what steps to do next.
Eunny Jang's Exhaustive Expose on Blocking
Eunny Jang's Exhaustive Expose on Blocking
Puff Daddy - knitted stool - free knitting pattern - Pickles
Puff Daddy - knitted stool - free knitting pattern - Pickles
Puff is the Norwegian word for stool. We really liked the pouf from Christien Meinderstsma, but it´s way out of our price range. This simple pattern for a knitted stool has much thinner yarn, but the budget is just as thin;) Nice to rest your legs on, and very popular for the kids.
The Spiral Sock
While surfing the web for a suitable pattern to adorn my first pair of adult-sized socks, I came across this blog filled with knitted lace, most notably, Vintage Lace!
These Wristlets are worked in the round.
I decided that this pattern just begged to be made into a sock. Needless to say, it requires a bit of redesign in order to make that happen. I'll post another photo when I'm done.
I decided that this pattern just begged to be made into a sock. Needless to say, it requires a bit of redesign in order to make that happen. I'll post another photo when I'm done.
Computers - Love/Hate
I love that any time I think of something I want to know how to knit or crochet, I can "Google" it. Today I discovered that Ravelry has a "add to ravelry queue" button. All I have to do is drag it to my bookmark bar and click it when I'm browsing the web and find a pattern I want to queue up.
In theory, it should make my life easier to do that. In practice - not so much. Y'see, when the geek-mama cannot make the 'drag-and-drop' actually DRAG, mama gets frustrated.
Sooooo, Dear Ravelry: Please do not tell me to drag this bookmarklet to my bookmark bar unless you also include a note on what to do if it won't drag. Kthxbai.
in reference to: Ravelry: skitknit's Queue (view on Google Sidewiki)
In theory, it should make my life easier to do that. In practice - not so much. Y'see, when the geek-mama cannot make the 'drag-and-drop' actually DRAG, mama gets frustrated.
Sooooo, Dear Ravelry: Please do not tell me to drag this bookmarklet to my bookmark bar unless you also include a note on what to do if it won't drag. Kthxbai.
in reference to: Ravelry: skitknit's Queue (view on Google Sidewiki)
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
My Baby's Knits
I was pregnant with my first child and had a lot of time on my hands. I sewed and knitted for that baby, and for all my babies after her. That was 25 years ago. A quarter century. That's a long time. Today, I was looking for something and found the baby blanket and knit dress that I made, still in good enough shape to use again - that blanket looks like it could easily wrap around babies for another decade or two. The dress will probably sit on a hanger for awhile, until one of my children eventually blesses me with a granddaughter. No rush!
The blanket was my own design, adapted from a bit of a lace pattern that I used to have many years ago. The dress is a pale lilac, and used to have a satin ribbon sash that's long gone, but won't be difficult to replace if the dress is ever put to use again in my lifetime. Both items were knit of acrylic, and have been machine washed countless times - especially the blanket.
The baby blanket is one of my most precious mementos - all seven of my babies were wrapped in it throughout their infancy. It covered me when I nursed them and swaddled them when they were cold or tired. It attended their baby dedication ceremonies at church and kept them company on countless trips to grandma's house.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Did I Buy Enough Yarn?
Estimating Yarn Yardage
Other Calculators
Nothing is quite so frustrating as getting to the last row of a project and not having enough yarn to bind off! Maybe this will help avoid that problem in the future.
Other Calculators
Nothing is quite so frustrating as getting to the last row of a project and not having enough yarn to bind off! Maybe this will help avoid that problem in the future.
Needle Rolls
There are lots of needle rolls out there, but I'm only going to post a few that really have the potential of becoming my own.
Lupin Bunny
Alexandria's Needle Case
DIY Maven's Super Simple Knitting Needle Case
E-How Knitting Needle Case
Now I need to bust out the sewing machine.
Lupin Bunny
Alexandria's Needle Case
DIY Maven's Super Simple Knitting Needle Case
E-How Knitting Needle Case
Now I need to bust out the sewing machine.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Tip Top Toes
Three Different Toes for Toe-Up Socks
By Wendy D. Johnson
Photos by Ian M. Ories
editor's note: There are many photos in this article, and they're quite large. Being able to see Wendy's work up close is essential, so if you have a slow modem, please grab a coffee and let this page load. It's worth it. Oh, and once you're done the toes, you can find Wendy's fabulous toe-up sock pattern here. It's the only one I use.
By Wendy D. Johnson
Photos by Ian M. Ories
editor's note: There are many photos in this article, and they're quite large. Being able to see Wendy's work up close is essential, so if you have a slow modem, please grab a coffee and let this page load. It's worth it. Oh, and once you're done the toes, you can find Wendy's fabulous toe-up sock pattern here. It's the only one I use.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Csipkesál | Lace shawl - :: m a z e ::
Csipkesál Lace shawl - :: m a z e ::
One of my knitting club mates is from Estonia. She lent me her book about Estonian lace knitting (Leili Reimann: Pitsilised Koekirjad).
I fell in love with pattern #184 for the first sight.
I have a bad quality copy of the chart, so I drew it in excel (because I didn't find a knitting chart drawer program (is there any?)).
I shared the chart on ravelry as pattern #184.
Unfortunately ggh kid kills the lace (at least if it's a lace shawl).
One of my knitting club mates is from Estonia. She lent me her book about Estonian lace knitting (Leili Reimann: Pitsilised Koekirjad).
I fell in love with pattern #184 for the first sight.
I have a bad quality copy of the chart, so I drew it in excel (because I didn't find a knitting chart drawer program (is there any?)).
I shared the chart on ravelry as pattern #184.
Unfortunately ggh kid kills the lace (at least if it's a lace shawl).
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Quest for Lace Curtains
I was looking for a lacy curtain for my kitchen window. What's out there isn't worth paying for. Then I got the bright idea that I could knit my own. This is one pattern I might try.
lace pattern
lace pattern
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tools for Yarn
There was a time when I thought that working with yarn or thread basically required minimal tools, such as needles or hooks, and a pair of scissors. Recently I became aware of a whole slew of tools or implements on which the yarn addict can spend all one's hard-earned cash, while expanding one's vocabulary to include quaint and archaic names of tools, such as "nostepinne" and "niddy-noddy."
 |
| Nostepinne |
Being a word junkie, when I come across a terms that are unfamiliar, I simply MUST find out what the word means (and how to pronounce it). Obviously, the internet is an invaluable source of information, right at the tip of my fingers. I soon learned that a Nostepinne (pictured above) is an implement on which one can wind a ball of yarn, with the option to have the working end pull out from the center. I watched how-to videos and read blogs, until it became clear that having one could prove to be very useful, so I embarked upon the adventure of locating one.
Always one to support our local economy, I visited the local ye-olde-yarn-shoppe in our town. Not only did they not have any, but the person running the shop that day had NO IDEA what a Nostepinne was! I had the same experience two other places. At a fourth place, the woman running the shop that day KNEW what a Nostepinne was, and told me she had just gotten one - from a friend who made it for her! She suggested I might be able to find one in Seattle, two hours away. Given the price of gas these days, I decided to return home and let my fingers do the walking-on-my-keyboard.
I found dozens of them, but didn't like the prices. And let's face facts - who wants to pay $20-$30 for a tool so simple that a child could, theoretically, make one. Okay, maybe the child would have to have access to a lathe....Many thanks to my dad (the master woodworker) for letting me watch while he worked his magic with wood. Thanks, also, to God who gave me a keen mind and the ability to improvise. I used some ingenuity and some items I picked up at the local hardware store and came up with a reasonable approximation.
I can't wait til the urethane dries so I can start using it.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Ravelry: Miscellaneous discussion topic - Sock HELP
Ravelry: Miscellaneous discussion topic - Sock HELP: "I have tried the 8 method but I didn’t like the looseness of it. I found the following method a few years ago somewhere and use it: Cast on 24 stitches Knit1 bring yarn forward as if to purl Slip1. Repeat this for the whole first row. Divide the finished row onto two DPN’s as follows: Knits on one needle Slips on the other. This creates a woven seam/pocket by pulling every other stitch away from each other. (Increase at the beginning and end of both needles as you knit across them. Knit the next row) Repeat It is at this point you can divide the stitches onto two more needles so the work is on 4 total. Continue increasing every other row until you reach about 40 stitches or the garment fits across and over your toes."
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Toe Up Womens Sock
http://media.wendyknits.net/knit/DetailedToeUp.pdf
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, April 11, 2011
The art of knitting: masterpieces reimagined | Life and style | guardian.co.uk
The art of knitting: masterpieces reimagined Life and style guardian.co.uk
The art of knitting: masterpieces reimagined
Each year amateur knitting group The Materialistics take on a wildly extreme project, involving hundreds of knitters in their South Tyneside community.
Last year it was a Victorian house kitted out for Christmas, before that a coat for a boat. But this year might just be their most impressive: The Grand Tour exhibition contains knitted versions of some of the most famous paintings in the world.
Having just shown the collection at the Stitch and Craft show in London, the group are now working on where to take it next. Perri Lewis picks the highlights
Last year it was a Victorian house kitted out for Christmas, before that a coat for a boat. But this year might just be their most impressive: The Grand Tour exhibition contains knitted versions of some of the most famous paintings in the world.
Having just shown the collection at the Stitch and Craft show in London, the group are now working on where to take it next. Perri Lewis picks the highlights
Welcome to Knit Rowan :: Your First Stop for the Latest News, Events and Product Launches from Rowan
Welcome to Knit Rowan :: Your First Stop for the Latest News, Events and Product Launches from Rowan These are some really pretty yarns. Nice patterns, too.
Honing My Craft
I used to knit & crochet this and that, and did an ok job of most projects. However, I always looked at some projects as being "way out of my league." Like socks. And anything that required an accurate gauge, or fitting, or would take longer than a week to finish. Over the years, I limited myself with doubts of adequacy and lack of instruction.
Having recently returned to the world of fiber arts, and having also discovered a veritable smorgasbord of helpful (and not-so-helpful) "show-and-tell" clips on You Tube, I have discovered that I have more talent than I thought. Or more determination. Whichever,
Having recently returned to the world of fiber arts, and having also discovered a veritable smorgasbord of helpful (and not-so-helpful) "show-and-tell" clips on You Tube, I have discovered that I have more talent than I thought. Or more determination. Whichever,
Crochet Guild of America
Crochet Guild of America
CGOA MASTER OF ADVANCED CROCHET STITCHES AND TECHNIQUES
ABOUT THE MASTERS PROGRAM
The CGOA Masters Committee, led by Jean Leinhauser, created the CGOA Masters Program offering called the CGOA Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques. Intermediate or better crocheters are invited to enroll to stretch their knowledge and show mastery of advanced techniques and stitches.
The Masters program is not a program for beginners, but is open to both members and non-members of CGOA. Best of all, it is easy to enroll. Go to https://www.e-offinger.net/cgoadata/scriptcontent/IndexJoin.cfm. Direct all other correspondence to CGOA, 1100-H Brandywine Blvd., Zanesville OH 43701-7303 or CGOA@Offinger.com.
Once you sign up, what can you expect? You will receive via e-mail or mail a program workbook that will guide you through crocheting 48 swatches and you will answer a few questions. All swatches are to be made in your choice of worsted weight yarn (Group 4), sport weight yarn (Group 3) or Size 10 crochet thread. You will create a portfolio of your work by tagging each swatch with your name and swatch number, and placing them and your question answers in plastic sleeves in 3-ring binders. You will then ship your portfolio to a specified reviewer. These reviewers are CGOA members who are experts trained in reviewing the program.
You may submit questions if you need help along the way. Your portfolio will be returned with a written review of your work, and with an attractive certificate upon successful completion.
The program is divided into seven parts. All are to be completed and submitted at one time. Here is a quick look at what is covered.
Are you ready to begin? Place your order, today!
- Part One: Different methods of working into starting chains, including foundation single crochet (sometimes called chainless foundation), and different methods of starting pieces worked in the round, including the Magic Ring method. Neither the foundation single crochet nor the Magic Ring is new, but both have recently become popular and are being used in many new patterns. Also included are instructions for working a flat circle, which is often used in patterns for crocheting hats and handbags.
- Part Two: This covers your understanding of gauge and its importance, and explains the Golden Loop method of adjusting row gauge, which is a challenge for many crocheters.
- Part Three: Instructions are given for working special stitches such as extended stitches and linked stitches.
- Part Four: This covers textured stitches, including working in back or front loops only, post stitches, front and back popcorns, clusters, puff stitches, cables, shells, fans, bullion or roll stitches and picots.
- Part Five: Here you will work swatches of 10 advanced decorative stitch patterns, using many of the techniques already covered. Instructions are given for each, but there are no photos so this will challenge your ability to carefully read and follow written patterns.
- Part Six: Here you will work a variety of motifs, including a square, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, a dimensional flower and others.
- Part 7: This covers final touches, such as edgings (including reverse single crochet or crab stitch) and braids.
Masters Program | TKGA
Masters Program TKGA
A Brief History
The Master Hand Knitting Program was announced in the Fall 1987 issue of Cast On as a way for members of The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) to have their knitting evaluated using specific criteria and guidelines. It was designed as an educational process, not a competition or contest. (While it is an educational program, it is not for new knitters. If you want help learning to knit, please consider enrolling in the Learn to Knit or the Basics, Basics, Basics correspondence courses offered by TKGA.) Although the program has evolved over the years, at its core it hasn’t changed much. Knitters work through three levels, each building on techniques demonstrated in the previous level. Each level is completed independently, and evaluated by the Master Hand Knitting Committee, before the knitter goes to the next level.
This program requires you to research the technique as you work the swatches and projects. This program emphasizes independent and involved learning on the part of the knitter. You may not have some of these skills when you begin the program, but through research and practice you can acquire them. It is not enough to demonstrate that you can perform a technique. To pass a level, you must go beyond basic ability to perform techniques to a mastery of those techniques.
Experienced knitters may require less practice to master a technique while less experienced knitters may need to rework a swatch many times. Both can become Master Knitters. By the time you finish the program you should have a complete mastery of knitting techniques. You will have a knowledge of knitting-related topics such as care of knitwear, the history of knitting, and knitting traditions. You will have experience in design and writing your own patterns and instructions. But more importantly you will have the confidence in your own abilities. Where this confidence takes you is up to you.
While the Master Knitter certificate is not a professional certificate, it does enhance any knitting resume. It verifies, among other things that you:
• Knit very well
• Understand knitting techniques
• Can properly prepare designs for submission
• Can write reasonably well about knitting
Because of your proven knitting expertise, you may find yourself using the Master Knitting title to teach and knit for local shops, guilds and more; write articles or submit patterns for publication; or even work with yarn companies on original designs.
The standards of the program are very high. The swatches and written work are evaluated with very specific criteria. The instructions for each swatch and report state the criteria by which members of the Master Hand Knitting committee evaluate the work.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Measuring Up?
My dad is a woodworking genius. He used to joke, "I cut it twice and it's still too short!" and, "Measure once, cut twice." I think it was his humorous way to help me remember that measuring carefully was a way to avoid having to re-work or re-make something. I should have paid more attention.
Two days ago I finished my grandson's first short-row heel sock and was SO PLEASED with how it turned out...until this morning when I tried it on his foot. It was too small.
In an effort to be optimistic about having to rip out all that work, I have decided that it was an opportunity to practice picking up stitches. Ahem.
Here we go again!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Two days ago I finished my grandson's first short-row heel sock and was SO PLEASED with how it turned out...until this morning when I tried it on his foot. It was too small.
In an effort to be optimistic about having to rip out all that work, I have decided that it was an opportunity to practice picking up stitches. Ahem.
Here we go again!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Grandson's 2nd Pair of Socks
He liked the first pair so much that I had a hard time getting him to take them off so we could launder them. And, since there was PLENTY of that wonderful lime green baby alpaca yarn left from the last pair, I'm knitting him a second pair. I am using the same "toe-up" pattern, except that I'm changing the heel from a gusseted one to a short-row. What does that mean? Well, after some trial and error, I have one sock that's the right foot length, and the heel is mitered instead of knit with a gusset. And what does THAT mean? I guess I need to post some photos.
This is a mitered, or "short row" sock. Note the heel stitches are neatly angled from the heel toward the instep. Very tidy.
This is a knit sock with a gusseted heel - note the different directions that the stitches go: up-and-down at the back of the heel with a triangular section near the instep. It's not as nice-looking (IMO).
The short row heel wasn't more difficult, once I figured out just how to read the directions. Many thanks to Kaity Knits...A LOT! for posting the directions, and for not deleting her blog when she stopped using it.
The short row heel wasn't more difficult, once I figured out just how to read the directions. Many thanks to Kaity Knits...A LOT! for posting the directions, and for not deleting her blog when she stopped using it.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Places Influence Creativity
I just returned to the Pacific Northwest from a quick trip to California. I learned something. There is a reasonable explanation for my decade-long hiatus from fiber arts. There are no really good yarn shops or resources there.
It makes me doubly happy to be home again.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
It makes me doubly happy to be home again.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Neck Warmer
Ok. The knitting is finished. Just need to put on buttons and weave in loose ends.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Toe-Up Child's Sock
http://www.mindseyeyarns.com/resources/patterns/childs_socks.htm
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Short-row Heel
http://kaityvr.wordpress.com/2007/05/28/the-easiest-way-to-do-a-short-row-heel/
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sew What! Quilts & Yarn
What did you do on vacation? I finished a neck warmer that I probably won't need until next fall, and decided to check out the local quilting & yarn shop. My youngest daughter is a budding knitter. She found a shawl patter she wanted to try, so her grandma and I joined pocketbooks so we could get her started.
Sew What! Has a nice selection of fabrics and quilting stuff and a small section for knitting & crochet. The staff are helpful and cheerful. They offer classes and have some seating so you can just sit and work on projects. It's not Oak Harbor Knit & Sew, but it's better than WalMart.
I intend to visit more places in my travels. You just never know what you'll find.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sew What! Has a nice selection of fabrics and quilting stuff and a small section for knitting & crochet. The staff are helpful and cheerful. They offer classes and have some seating so you can just sit and work on projects. It's not Oak Harbor Knit & Sew, but it's better than WalMart.
I intend to visit more places in my travels. You just never know what you'll find.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Crochet Hub » Tunisian Crochet and Stitches
Crochet Hub » Tunisian Crochet and Stitches When I first learned how to crochet, I learned something called the Afghan Stitch. At the time, I thought that the stitch was called that because you could make afghans (throw blankets) out of the squares. I recently learned that the stitch is called Afghan, or Tunisian, and that it's a geographical designation. I've linked to this page so that I can find it again in the future. I would love to try some of these interesting techniques and stitch patterns. Once again, I must admit I'm hooked on crochet!
Knitting a Neck Warmer
It wasn't too long ago that I had a chance to stop in at Ana-Cross Stitch in Anacortes, WA. Lovely shop, filled with yarns and other lovely stuffs for working with your hands. Needleworkers can stop by, work on their projects, share tips, or help each other work out the more confusing parts of some new pattern. There are lots of samples, too, making it even more difficult to resist blowing the entire week's grocery budget on a dozen balls of Merino Wool/Silk Blend Hand Dyed yarn to knit up a sweater or cape or...or...breathe!
Having recently moved to the Pacific Northwest, I find that I am wearing scarves. A lot. Every day, and sometimes when I come inside, I forget to take them off until I am trying to cook dinner and notice the tails of my cashmere scarf dangling dangerously over the spaghetti sauce. I needed something else. I needed a neck warmer.
Having recently moved to the Pacific Northwest, I find that I am wearing scarves. A lot. Every day, and sometimes when I come inside, I forget to take them off until I am trying to cook dinner and notice the tails of my cashmere scarf dangling dangerously over the spaghetti sauce. I needed something else. I needed a neck warmer.
The pattern that caught my eye was designed by Fran Jepperson, knitted out of Manos Silk Blend (Silk & Merino Wool). I couldn't stop touching that luscious, soft, yarn. I chose Manos del Uruguay, color Adobe because the subtle colors of indigo and tan were just what I'd need to wear with my everyday jeans, but could "dress up" to wear with slacks, too.
The tag on the skein reads, "Manos del Uruguay is a non-profit organization which assembles over 400 artisans in cooperatives scattered throughout the countryside of Uruguay. The aim of the organization is to bring economic and social opportunities to rural women. Manos Silk Blend is a luxurious blend of merino wool and silk. Hand-dyed in large kettle to create a marbelized, subtly striated effect that forms a rich palette of glorious colors. No two skeins are exactly alike and there are no dye lots."
Luxurious. Yup. That's what it feels like to work with. I cannot WAIT to have this around my neck.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Rediscovering Handwork
Many years ago I found myself staring at a woman who was doing this "thing" with thread and a single "needle" making something that looked like lace. I was mesmerized. My 'satiable curiosity finally got the better of my childhood shyness, and I asked the lady if she was knitting. She kindly replied that it was "crochet."
Soon after, I found myself in our local Woolworth store, standing in the aisle where there were a vast assortment of needlework implements and supplies. I picked up a ball of thread, a hook, and a "how-to" booklet, thus embarking upon my first foray into the realm of fiber arts. I was, in a word, HOOKED.
Throughout the years I have picked up various other fiber arts. Thanks to You Tube, I am expanding my knowledge about various techniques. I needed a place to archive my favorite videos and patterns. Hopefully someone else will find my selections helpful, too. And eventually I plan to post my own designs - and sell my patterns.
So if you happened to stumble into my space, welcome. If I travel on alone, that's fine, too.
My motto is: "Busy Hands are Happy Hands."
Soon after, I found myself in our local Woolworth store, standing in the aisle where there were a vast assortment of needlework implements and supplies. I picked up a ball of thread, a hook, and a "how-to" booklet, thus embarking upon my first foray into the realm of fiber arts. I was, in a word, HOOKED.
Throughout the years I have picked up various other fiber arts. Thanks to You Tube, I am expanding my knowledge about various techniques. I needed a place to archive my favorite videos and patterns. Hopefully someone else will find my selections helpful, too. And eventually I plan to post my own designs - and sell my patterns.
So if you happened to stumble into my space, welcome. If I travel on alone, that's fine, too.
My motto is: "Busy Hands are Happy Hands."
To Knit Two or Not to Knit Two...
Today while perusing the wonderful world of knitting demos on YouTube, I stumbled upon a fascinating concept: knit 2 socks at the same time, on the same needles, or "2S1N". Why would this appeal to anyone? Isn't knitting socks in general considered a bit of a daunting task, especially for beginners or those (like me) who are returning to knitting after a long hiatus?
The idea stems from the all-too-common syndrome called "orphan sock" that occurs when we never get around to making that second sock. I also use the term to refer to the single sock left at the end of a laundry day, but that's another story.
The two-socks-at-a-time thing is also allegedly useful for ensuring that both socks fit the same (same numbers of rows/stitches, and your gauge is, theoretically, going to be the same for both socks).
How is it done? I found two different styles of 2S1N: one inside the other, and side-by-side. One inside the other is similar to double knitting, except that the two layers are not supposed to become intertwined at all. It's a very intriguing concept, and I think I'd like to try it - IF I can figure out how to cast on, and how to work those two yarns without tearing out my hair in the process.
Side by side should, theoretically, be easier to accomplish, because you can actually SEE both socks forming in front of your eyes. I wonder, though, just how hard it will be to keep track of which sock you are currently working.
Maybe I will try one or the other technique with my next pair of socks.
BTW: It's nice to have a 3-year-old to try out these experiments on, because he is THRILLED to wear ANYTHING I make him, even if it isn't perfect. Maybe once I dial in my technique, I'll make myself a pair.
TTFN
The idea stems from the all-too-common syndrome called "orphan sock" that occurs when we never get around to making that second sock. I also use the term to refer to the single sock left at the end of a laundry day, but that's another story.
The two-socks-at-a-time thing is also allegedly useful for ensuring that both socks fit the same (same numbers of rows/stitches, and your gauge is, theoretically, going to be the same for both socks).
How is it done? I found two different styles of 2S1N: one inside the other, and side-by-side. One inside the other is similar to double knitting, except that the two layers are not supposed to become intertwined at all. It's a very intriguing concept, and I think I'd like to try it - IF I can figure out how to cast on, and how to work those two yarns without tearing out my hair in the process.
Side by side should, theoretically, be easier to accomplish, because you can actually SEE both socks forming in front of your eyes. I wonder, though, just how hard it will be to keep track of which sock you are currently working.
Maybe I will try one or the other technique with my next pair of socks.
BTW: It's nice to have a 3-year-old to try out these experiments on, because he is THRILLED to wear ANYTHING I make him, even if it isn't perfect. Maybe once I dial in my technique, I'll make myself a pair.
TTFN
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