DestiKNITions

My first free-range projects!

2018-02-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Home on the Free Range...

I’ve only been a “free range knitter” since December, and it’s been an interesting process.

Because of the way DestiKNITions worked, I spent 90% of my time knitting projects given to me by yarn stores. I enjoyed the adventure—I tried things I might not have dared otherwise, and learned loads of new skills. But it also meant that in the past eight years I have very rarely knit something just because I wanted to.

Now I can, and well, the freedom is rather daunting.

Step one was easy. I had a rainbow Pfeilraupe shawl I hadn’t yet finished that only needed about two hours of stitching to complete. Nothing gives that jolt of momentum like binding off a beauty of a project.

But next?

The nice people at Love Knitting had gifted me with three scrumptious balls of MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran, hoping I’d write about my experience with the yarn. So I knew what fiber I’d use, but to make “what?” was a wide open landscape. Let’s face it, I haven’t had to answer the question “what shall I knit?” in a long time.

Ravelry to the rescue! It’s handy search functions let you browse from projects made with a particular yarn and from patterns using the amount of yardage you have on hand. With these two searches, I was able to select Angelique den Brok's Far Isle Fun cowl (provided I didn’t do all the sections). Pretty, colorful, and representing a challenge to my long-ignored colorwork skills.

I happily cast on, basking in the notion that I could get this finished whenever I got it finished—no deadline! Honestly, it made me nearly giddy to think of it.

I had to make a few minor alterations to the design to accommodate the fact that I wasn’t knitting all the sections, but that was easy enough. I’m delighted with the result, and couldn’t resist sharing it with you.

Who knows what I'll tackle for my next project? Actually, I do. But you'll just have to wait until it's ready for sharing. After all, I'm a "free range knitter" now...

The End of Year Click-Thru Tour...and a farewell of sorts

2017-12-30T16:29:00.000-08:00

Each year I take stock of my past adventures and round up my favorite posts from the previous months. This year is no exception--except that it is.

After eight years of yarny adventures, it’s time for a change. I’ll be taking my writing and speaking careers in new directions in 2018, so today's collection represents a “goodbye” of sorts to the blog you’ve known and loved (and followed). I need to focus my creative energy in places other than knitting on a deadline.

It’s not that I’m stopping knitting—heaven knows I could never do that! I’ll just stop posting on a regular schedule to this blog.

I won't take the blog down, and I doubt I'll disappear completely. I’ll simply fill you in when projects (of my own choosing for the first time since 2009!) get completed, when travel takes me to unique places (and yarn shops!), or when I feel I have something interesting to say (which, knowing me, may be often!). I expect I'll be more active on Ravelry--where you can find and friend me as Alliewriter--so come on over and suggest projects to me there now that I'm free to knit whatever, whenever, and wherever I like.

So, as my 7th annual "bind off" to the year, here are my favorite posts from 2017:

JANUARY: Brains and fingers

FEBRUARY:Knitting insomnia

MARCH: The looming danger of non-cutenes…

APRIL: Reader Who Crochets--Lisa Leoni

MAY:Half or half-not…

JUNE:"Make one" memory…

JULY: Head for the Hills…

AUGUST:Have I got the blues?

SEPTEMBER: Close to the finish line…

OCTOBER:Adoring an Asheville adventure…

NOVEMBER: Feelin' good…

DECEMBER: Bound(off) to please…

Thanks, DestiKNITters, for your support, comments, and delightful company on my adventures these past years. I’ve had loads of fun. That won’t stop, it will just be a bit more serendipitous now.

Blessings to all of you, and happiest of yarn adventures in the coming year!

Silk Moon Crescent shawl from KnitCircus - Done!

2017-12-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

Silk Moon Success!

This one was a challenge to block. Without blocking wires, it would have been hard to achieve the tension needed to really stretch this fiber out while keeping the arc of the crescent smooth.

But oh, look at it. The colors, the lovely light weight that blocking brought out of the yarn, the perfect accent of the eyelets.

It’s a beautiful piece just as at home gracing a winter turtleneck as it will be draping over my shoulders in a future summer breeze. When I wear it out tonight, I’m sure to get plenty of compliments. I’m delighted!

Thanks, KnitCircus, for a splendid knitting experience!

Silk Moon Crescent shawl from KnitCircus - Day 5

2017-12-02T16:30:00.001-08:00

Bound(off) to please...

I know I keep repeating myself, but oh, the color.

And not just the color, but the color progression. KnitCircus does color gradients like no one else—gorgeous!

It makes me wish that I had a huge, generous shawl of this to wrap around myself instead of a shawlette. But then, of course, who knows how long those final rows would be? As it was, that bind off took me the entire 2-hour premiere of this season’s Agents of Shield to complete. Granted, it was Jenny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off, which is always extra work but always 100% worth it. Jenny’s is my bind off of choice these days, no matter what the project.

I’m curious to see how much this increases with blocking. Sometimes these things stretch out quite a bit, other times not so much. I’d like it if it spread out and became a bit lighter in weight, but considering how lovely it is at the moment, I expect I’ll be pleased with any result.

Silk Moon Crescent shawl from KnitCircus - Day 4

2017-11-25T14:01:00.001-08:00

Oops...

You knew it would happen, didn’t you?

Before I could decide on a tactic, my cake burped up its insides all over my lap like a child who ate too much at the circus. Without warning, the issue of the collapsing cake forced itself upon me. Literally.

My most immediate option to solve this tangle of yarn was also the simplest: find the outside end and start winding. Not even with my fancy ball winder, but the good old-fashioned-by-hand way. That worked for a while as I wound down the outside of the cake, but when I approached the “burped” insides, things got tricky. With both ends fixed—one on the needles and the other in the cake—it was slow and tedious going.

It took me an exasperating hour of passing the ball through loops and twists before I could resume knitting.

So now I’m back on track, happily stitching my ever-increasing rows toward the completion of my project.

Silk Moon Crescent shawl from KnitCircus - Day 3

2017-11-19T12:10:00.001-08:00

A new problem...

I’ll admit, the rows are getting longer. I know this is heading toward row=effort instead of row=progress, but I can’t say that I mind…yet.

The second color change—while subtler— was as delightful as the first. Some of joy comes from the fact that it didn’t take quite so long to get there, but most of the pleasure comes from the pure satisfaction of meeting a sub-goal. I love the ability to wave to a milestone as you pass it by, rather like when you enter a new state on a road trip. Nothing substantial changes—you are still driving (or, in this case, knitting), but it feels different. If you’re the sort of person who loves the gratification of crossing items off your to do list (and I sure am), color changes give the same rush in a long stretch of garter stitch knitting.

The eyelet rows do the same thing. I’d have been bored stiff through the long blue portion of this project without those eyelet stitches. Had the first pattern directions read “garter stitch for 100 rows” or such, I might have passed this beautiful piece up. That would have been a shame.

Ah, but here’s a new problem: the collapsing center pull cake. Because the color went from dark to light, I wanted to start with the blue in the center. I know lots of knitters who prefer the stability of center pull, so you’re not continually watching the cake roll and tilt as you unwind. Only now I’ve gotten to the point where the cake doesn’t have enough center to hold the edges up. It’s going to fall in on itself any minute, and I’m on the hunt for coping mechanisms. If you’ve got any, please share?

Silk Moon Crescent shawl from KnitCircus - Day 2

2017-11-14T18:38:00.001-08:00

Ch-ch-ch-changes...

Cue the David Bowie.

The color change I've been waiting for has arrived!

The steady increase of rows is fine, the regular appearance of eyelet increase rows helps break things up into manageable subgoals, but let’s face it: we were all waiting for the color change. I thought it would appear around row 57—the 5th eyelet increase row—but it took all the way until the 80th row for that hue to shift.

The color change isn’t particularly sudden—you do see hints of it showing up for a few rows and I found I couldn’t exactly pinpoint when blue became purple. It’s not a slow gradient, either—the shift completes in one or two rows. In a smaller piece, the change might be more subtle, but in these long rows it happens in a perfect rhythm. I get the marvelous sensation that this fiber and pattern were made for each other. Because they were.

It’s a lovely piece, and I’m enjoying myself immensely. I’ve got a holiday party December 8, and I’ve already decided this will be my accessory of choice. Will I get it done in time? You’ll just have to wait and see.

Silk Moon Crescent shawl from KnitCircus - Day 1

2017-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

Feelin' good...

This is what I love about knitting.

When the color is so rich it goes straight to your soul. When the yarn is so soft it takes your pulse down just by touching it.

When even my dastardly nemesis the garter tab start can’t diminish my enjoyment of launching a new project.

Delightful beauty. If knitting could be chocolate cake (oh, the very idea!!), this would be the chocolate cake with buttercream frosting of knitting.

I’m in the early, small row stages when progress feels easy and satisfying. Oh, I know there are behemoth rows ahead of me, rows that take forever to finish, but today is not that day.

Today the stresses of my life melt away under the gratifying accumulation of soft and pretty stitches. Rows of eyelets pop their eyes to say “Hello! It’s not all garter—we show up every once in a while, too, just to keep things interesting.”

This is “feel-good knitting.”

Don’t get me wrong—I like “accomplishment knitting,” too. I welcome projects that up my skill level or challenge me in new ways.

But there is always a place in my heart—and my knitting bag—for the knitting that just feels wonderful. And this is one of those.

MADISON, WI

2017-11-01T19:23:00.001-07:00

Mad about Madison...

I've discovered a great fondness for this Wisconsin capitol city. Come with me, DestiKNITters, to find out why! Start your experience at:

Dane County Farmer’s Market

2 E Main St

Madison, WI 53703

608-455-1999

http://www.dcfm.org/

Various times and locations

Almost everyone told me the Farmer’s Market epitomized the Madison way of life. From the outdoor version on the square April to November to an indoor holiday market from mid-November to mid-December, and another indoor version January through April, it’s a year-round event where everyone meets everyone else. In short, it’s a whole lot more than just a place to get healthy things to eat. Check the website to see where the market is located during the week of your visit, and launch your Madison adventures like a local.

When you’re ready, head to our fiber find:

KnitCircus

NEW location in November:

584 Grand Canyon Drive

Madison WI 53719

608-841-1421

https://knitcircus.com

This isn’t a yarn shop in the traditional sense. It’s closer to a manufacturer’s showroom—but that’s what makes it so amazing. Because it’s all one vendor, this shop is all about the color—which is exactly the whole point of KnitCircus. Most midwestern knitters know this fiber for the exquisite color combinations owner Jaala Spiro is able to achieve. Honestly, you look at some of these and think “how on earth did she do that?” The technical marvel that KnitCircus achieves is only exceeded by the amazing things you can do with her yarn.

“I still get excited when a color comes out. I always want to knit with it right away,” says Jaala, who looks happily at home surrounded by the riot of colors that fills her showroom. I visited her in the old space in early October, but things will be even more exciting when the shop moves to its new location this month (November 2017). “I love getting a blank canvas of fiber and turning it into something beautiful,” Jaala says.

Her love affair with color and yarn started when she took knitting classes while her children were young. That grew into an online knitting magazine and dying fibers in her basement. It didn’t take long for things to expand, and in 2015 she launched a Kickstarter campaign to open her own space and hasn’t looked back since. The new space should be awesome. I love how the website advertises, “if your local group of friends or your out-of-town knitting/crochet group wants to arrange a hang out in the store, just let us know.” Who wouldn’t want to accept such a friendly invitation?

KnitCircus produces 40 to 60 cakes of color-soaked yarns per day. The majority of their sales come from shows and a vibrant online presence. They’re well known for their design partnerships as well as Jaala’s extensive library of her own designs. “We partner with knitwear designers to create patterns that are exclusive to us for a while. Many of our designs pair specifically to our gradients so that the colors match up in garments like sweaters and socks for a stunning effect.” In fact, I think kits are the way to go with some of the more complicated projects so that the colors sync just right. If you are a shawl knitter, this place is heaven—every gradient begs to be knit up into amazing accessories.

The imagination doesn’t stop at colors, however. I’m particularly tickled by the inspirations and even the yarn names. “The names have to make us laugh before we’ll use them,” comments Jaala. “My favorite is still ‘Vampire Boyfriend’.” It just adds to the charm—I mean, who doesn’t want to knit with Princess Bride themed “As You Wish” yarn, “Thanks for All the Fish,” or “Mischief Managed”?

The best way to get in on the fun is to subscribe to their weekly newsletter or join one of their three clubs: the Gradient Club, the Four Seasons Club, or the Sock Club. These insider’s groups get new colors exclusively before they go public.

Here are a few projects to consider:

Be Simple Variations

Carolyn Glauz-Todrank’s gently expanding asymmetrical triangle shawl pattern gives you the drape you need while making great use of the color changes in one skein of Impressionist Gradient or a matched double cake sock set. Stick with garter, add an edge, or throw in eyelet rows—the spectrum of color does most of the work for you so you can play with any number of variations. There isn’t a yarn in the showroom that wouldn’t look fabulous in this pattern.

Amy’s Favorite Toe Up Socks

As you can imagine, KnitCircus is a huge hit with sock knitters. No more guessing if your sock gradients will match—pre-wound dual pairs ensure your success! Jaala’s go-to pattern is this one by Amy Detjen that comes with access to five how-to videos to take you through every step of the process. Perfect for newbies or those ready to launch their sock obsession (and who isn’t?). Seriously, once you wear these gorgeous beauties, nothing else will ever come close.

Aeque Cowl

A cowl goes from simple to splendid with the right yarn, and this pattern lets the fiber shine. Some end up too bulky and rustic for my taste, but the classic garter stitch border and asymmetrical shape of this cowl adds just the right touch of style. The fine yarn and small stitches (size 3 needles) give it a versatile elegance that can be dressed up or down. If you dislike knitting in the round—and some do—this one is worked flat and seamed up at the end. Go dazzling or subtle—it’s up to you.

Our Knit Along: the Silk Moon Crescent

I’ll be knitting this beautiful garter crescent dotted with eyelets for extra appeal. Again, you don’t want to overwhelm this gorgeous color with a lot of stitch-work, and this simple top down pattern lets the yarn take the lead. I’ll be working with Opulence cashmere/merino blend—oh, so soft—in a lush “panoramic gradient” of blues and purples called The Knit Sky. Tactile bliss, I tell you!

Once you’ve satisfied your color cravings at KnitCircus, it’s time to satiate an appetite of a different kind. Head for lunch at:

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner

2089 Atwood Avenue

Madison, WI 53704

608-244-8505

Business websitemontysblueplatediner.com

You know me, I go where the pie is…and this is the spot. Of course, some may tell you it’s the milkshakes that steal the show here, but hey, who’s stopping you from sampling both? This is one of those classic diner places where the meatloaf (even the meatless meatloaf!) is grand and the hash browns inspire poetry.

Madison Modern Market

310 State St

Madison, WI 53703

608-257-1555

shopmadmod.com

Nifty gift stores are part of any DestiNITions adventure, and this one delivers on a variety of fronts. I’ve become a big fan of Swell Bottles, and they have a nice selection here. There’s a charming little kids’ section, too. Don’t be a gift card grinch this holiday season—stop in here and find something unique instead.

Red Elephant Chocolate

119 State St

Madison, WI 53703

608-448-3900

redelephantchocolate.com

Badger or Packer truffles? Get’em here in this friendly cafe that makes some of the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. Big Cheese truffles? Well, this is Wisconsin, after all. I don’t know how I left without trying the aged cheddar and sea-salt caramel ganache in white and dark chocolates—they sound surprisingly delicious. Slightly more expected is the Brown Cow peanut butter chocolate combo.

A Room of One’s Own Bookstore

315 W Gorham St

Madison, WI 53703

608-257-7888

http://www.roomofonesown.com/

DestiKNITters, you know what to do: an indie bookstore means you’ve got to do your part and give them your business. Author events, audiobook memberships, and new and used books help give this store a great local character. Check out their “Rec Room” of staff picks in loads of inventive categories.

Colectivo Coffee

583 State St

Madison, WI 53703

608-709-1911

http://colectivocoffee.com/cafes/state-st-madison/

Colectivo website photo

In case you didn’t get your caffeine at Red Elephant (or even if you did), this local coffeeshop is tops according to my sources. The skull motif is indicative of the inventive, original atmosphere, even though this qualifies as a “chain” with multiple locations in Milwaukee, Madison, and even Chicago. If the day is fine, the outdoor seating can be as splendid as the brew.

Spend the remainder of your afternoon touring the Wisconsin capitol building. It’s the tallest capitol building after DC, and the granite dome over the rotunda is worth your attention. Make sure you go up to the observation deck to, well, observe the stunning 360-degree view. Or turn your attention to the UW campus—this is a college town as well as a capitol, after all.

If you need a spot for drinks or dinner, I’d recommend nearby:

The Cooper’s Tavern

20 W Mifflin St

Madison, WI 53703

608-256-1600

thecooperstavern.com

I’m always appreciative when a spot teats me well as a lone diner, and my server was friendly and helpful. This is clearly a specialty beer spot, but the food was delicious, too. I had a tasty salad with crispy goat cheese and chicken, but lots of people rave about their turkey sandwich and cheese curds. All in all, a nice way to end a Wisconsin day.

There you have it: a lovely day of fiber and adventures in the Wisconsin capitol. Up next, I cast on the luxurious Silk Moon Crescent shawl.

The Asheville Scarf from Friends & Fiberworks - Done!

2017-10-26T19:41:00.001-07:00

It's easy being green...

I have to say, I really like how the crochet bind off edge came out—very smooth and clean. Totally worth the extra effort. This is a technique I will definitely use again!

Like many hand-dyed fibers, this one required patience in its final soak. It took nearly ten rinses to get the water clear—those deep greens are a stubborn sort, to be sure.

Still, it’s a small price to pay for such gorgeous colors. I’m already envisioning this with a red sweater for the holidays.

The simple design and generous length make for all kinds of wearing options. Knotted ends, multiple wraps, long and draped—the possibilities go on.

And yes, it softened up nicely.

Thanks, Friends & Fiberworks, for a great knitting adventure!

The Asheville Scarf from Friends & Fiberworks - Day 4

2017-10-22T09:25:00.001-07:00

The long end of it...

This is a bind-off that takes a time commitment. I can crochet, but not well, and I don’t really enjoy it. However, given my sketchy history with getting my bind-offs to have the right elasticity, I’m always in the market to learn a new technique that might lead to success.

The single crochet bind-off uses a hook the same size as your knitting needle, crocheting into each stitch as you slip it from your left needle. You get a lovely edge and a nice amount of give, but it’s not a quick process, especially for a long edge like this. It took me almost two hours to accomplish this task. Granted, it might have gone faster if I were not watching something as engrossing as Stranger Things, but be warned this isn’t a quick finish.

Bella chose to pose with the scarf, too

Now, of course, I’m itching to give this pretty little thing a bath and see how it transforms. With the fiber soften, will the edges smooth out and the stitches open up? Stay tuned and we’ll see.

The Asheville Scarf from Friends & Fiberworks - Day 3

2017-10-18T16:04:00.001-07:00

How do you know?

I’ve been clipping along at such a great pace that now I’ve got to answer an essential question: when to stop?

Since the rows keep getting longer, I need a way to measure how many rows’ worth of yarn I’ve got left so I don’t start a final row only to run out in the middle.

How? I employ the tried and true tactic of weight.

Usually, weighing what you’ve done and what yarn remains helps ensure you have fiber enough for a second sock or mitten. Here, I conduct a few experiments to measure how many grams of yarn a row requires so I can evaluate how many rows are “in” my remaining ball.

I walk you through it step by step:

1) Weigh the remaining ball of yarn. This is most easily done on a food scale using grams (ounces are too big). While I don’t own one, I’m told a postal scale works well, too.
2) Knit one row.
3) Measure the ball again, noting how much lighter it is after the row. In my case, 2 grams.

4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 to confirm your findings—again, in my case 2 grams. I also unwind two grams off the scale and place a knot to test it by length as well as weight.
5) Since my ball after these steps weighs 22 grams, I now know I’ve got roughly 10 rows of yarn left. So I’ll plan on 8, ensuring I have sufficient yarn for the single-chain crochet bind-off the pattern calls for.

See? Math can be your friend, in life as well as in knitting. If a writer—a words person rather than a numbers gal—can befriend math, you can too!

The Asheville Scarf from Friends & Fiberworks - Day 2

2017-10-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

The least crazy thing...

I’ve had the craziest of weeks. Plot twists (and not in my books!), surprise issues, things that didn't work the way they were supposed to…you know, life.

If I were knitting a complicated lace project right now, I don’t know that I could pick it up. I'm not sure I'd want to pick it up. Seriously, I don't seem to have enough brain cells left at the end of these days.

But this scarf? It fits the bill perfectly. I was in another meeting last night (my 3rd!) and I could simply sit and listen and knit. I can’t express how wonderful that was.

Even if nothing else went right in my day, that row would still be done, I’d be that much closer to the finish line on this project. I can’t say that about much in my life right now. Things seem to unravel as fast as I put them together.

Soothing. That’s the word for this project. The lush greens and easy stitches are soooo soothing. I smile as it grows into itself, stitch by stitch. My breath slows and my pulse rate goes down.

Ah, knitting. What would I do without you?

The Asheville Scarf from Friends & Fiberworks - Day 1

2017-10-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Say hello...

It’s rather satisfying to have met the people who make the yarn you’re using. In the same way I adored meeting the alpaca who “donated” their fleece to my mittens, I feel a special pleasure in having met Lisa and knowing that her husband dyes the yarn on my needles. It's the knitting version of having the chef come say hello at the restaurant. As an author, I deeply relate to the “here, I made this for you,” vibe that comes when artists connect with their customers or fans. After all, we who create do so to share. Yarn is created to be knit in the same way my books are written to be read. It’s a connective process.

I’m delighted to start a top down shawl without that pesky garter tab business. I never get it right. The simple increase employed by this pattern means I am off and running in the first handful of rows. No pattern consultation needed after the first half-hour! I can go nearly the entire row without looking down, and that’s especially useful in seminars and meetings.

You can tell this is wool. It has the spring, and at the moment, it has the scratch. This is a sturdy fiber. Not much "ahh” factor between the fingers, but the lush colors and the promise of a softer post-wash texture make it worth the process.

I’m looking forward to the finished product.

ASHEVILLE, NC

2017-10-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Adoring an Asheville adventure...

I’m setting a series of books in western North Carolina, so this August I made the first of what will be several trips to the area. I only had time to visit one yarn shop in the midst of all my book research, but it was a welcome addition to the DestiKNITions family. Come along on my first exploration of Asheville!

A few purely travel-related notes to begin:

—No matter how you got here, try to make sure your visit includes a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Even if you only manage it for a small portion, this ranks as one of America’s great drives. The scenery, even on a cloudy day, can take your breath away.

—If you’ve got time to spare, WNCyarntrail.com has got your back! My eyes popped when I noticed our hotel brochure rack had a yarn-crawl type guide of area fiber finds! The area’s dozen+ yarn shops host an annual Yarn Crawl every May, and in late October Asheville hosts the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair. This is yarn-friendly country, DestiKNITters!

Every DestiKNITions adventure starts with coffee, and this one’s no different. Head on in to:

Rejavanation Cafe

909 Smoky Park Hwy

Asheville, NC 28715

828-670-5595

rejavanationcafe.com

Go beyond the caffeine fix and grab a tasty breakfast from their specials board. Sweet potato grits? Yes, please! Indoor and outdoor seating, wifi, plus a warm and friendly staff make this an ideal place to wake up, meet up, or tackle your to-do (or even to-knit) list.

Properly caffeinated, you’ll only have to travel across the parking lot for today’s fiber find:

Friends & Fiberworks

19 Westridge Marketplace

Candler, NC 28715

828-633-2500

friendsandfiberworks.com

That's Lisa on the left with yours truly

Why did owner Lisa Mackey open a yarn shop? The answer will charm you: “My husband wanted the house back!” Who among us can’t relate to that??

Lisa had been gathering knitters and yarn in her house for a while until she made the leap to open this huge 4,000 square foot yarn wonderland. “It’s epic,” she (and the shop sign) boasts. “We place a high value in welcoming places to sit and knit.” The shop not only features loads of fibers for knitting and crochet, but for spinning, weaving, and felting as well. This is also the first shop I’ve seen that a sells clothing, too—ones cleverly designed to enhance a knitter’s treasured wardrobe of accessories. Epic, indeed!

Friends & Fiberworks lives up to its name with lots of places to make fiber friends. Shop manager Sandy keeps the place hopping: knitting nights, knit-alongs, generous help from staff, open instruction sessions to bolster your skills on whatever project you’ve taken on, trips and cruises (sign me up!) connect you in lots of ways.

A healthy calendar of yarn show event participation also means the store is full of enticing kits. Always a hit with the tourist crowd, the shop’s many kits mean you’ll always have exactly what you need to achieve success. The store’s remarkably deep stock means you’ll finally have the chance to get your hands on—literally—that yarn you’ve heard so much about. We know knitters need to touch what we’re craving to buy.

Quick to support local fibers and designers, Mackey’s husband Robert even creates the store’s own line of hand-dyed yarns. I’ll be using it in my knit-along from Friends & Fiberworks:

Asheville Scarf

When you’ve got a great fiber like Friends & Fiberwork’s Hand dyed superwash merino/nylon blend, you don’t need much fancy stitch work to show it off. This store-exclusive pattern makes great use of garter stitch and simple yarn-over increases to create a generous top-down triangular shawl sure to please. I love the touch of knotting the ends—why didn’t I ever think of that for those long and skinny pieces? If you crave some nice-and-easy knitting with fab results, this is the way to go.

Uneek Shawl

Take a skein of Malabrigo’s richly colored Mechita, match it with a skein of Uneek merino, and you get this eye-catching cross between shawl and scarf. The store-exclusive pattern creates a super-elongated skinny triangle that boasts a load of wearing options. If you’re looking for a “uneek” piece that is all about how color and texture combine, I’d start right here.

Drum Circle Cowl

Did you know that from April through October downtown Asheville has a famous Friday night drum circle in Pritchard Park? Celebrate this fascinating local tradition with a cowl kit that comes in as many varieties as there are yarn. Diverse—like the crazy-wonderful variety of the city. It's the perfect souvenir knitting to capture Asheville’s artistic flavor.

Liesl top

More than one DestiKNITion has featured this simple-yet-stylish tank top. Glitz it up with Glitter linen cotton blend by Universal. You may need up to 6 balls depending on the size you choose. Another piece that can take on different characteristics depending on the fiber you choose, you can’t beat this top for sleek style!

All that shopping just might work up an appetite. Good thing we’ve got a nearby recommendation for lunch!

Papas & Beer

1000 Brevard Rd

Asheville, NC 28806

818-687-9869

papasandbeerasheville.net

My sources cite the Chicken fajita as the delicious option, but I also give high marks for the guacamole made tableside (always my favorite). Really good (and warm) tortilla chips hit your table as soon as you are seated, along with a unique bean dip. Ah, but if you’re into salsa, this place has an entire salsa bar. Lunch is a great option as the dinner crowd often has a wait. Still, there’s a reason the place is packed—the food is outstanding. But don’t order dessert…we’ve got plans for that:

Frostbite Ice Cream

1475 Patton Ave

Asheville, NC 28806

828-774-5245

frostbiteicecream.com

Delicious soft serve dolled out by super-happy people in tie-dye shirts—can you get any more cheerful? Get anything that ups your happiness quotient, but I was glad I took Lisa’s recommendation and sampled the salted caramel dipped in chocolate. It’s been so long since I’ve had a dipped cone—I went right back to my childhood.

For the next portion of your adventures, travel into downtown Asheville. There are loads of interesting little shops along Haywood Street, but make sure your adventures include:

Malaprop’s Book Store/Cafe

55 Haywood St

Asheville, NC 28801

828-254-6734

malaprops.com

As an author, this is the kind of bookstore we all dream about. The store has a delightful independent personality, right down to the checkerboard floors, endless nooks for exploring, a shelf of “staff picks,” and a great children’s section. They even have a signed first edition book club. And I LOVE that they deliver! The other thing I loved was the sign that said: “Be here now. Kindly take calls outside.” Advice we should all heed, isn’t it?

Spend the rest of the afternoon discovering downtown Asheville.

If you’re like me, afternoons always require a second dose of caffeine. You could have grabbed a cup in Malaprops, but consider venturing to one final stop to score really good cuppa at:

Biltmore Coffee Roasters

518 Hendersonville Rd

Asheville, NC 28803

828-277-9227

biltmorecoffeeroasters.com

The roaster is right out in back—and you can smell the beauty of the brew as you sit and sip. This funky indie spot features gorgeous rustic wooden stools and a garden out back where you can watch the roasting taking place. Daily specials feature different brews. I had a very good latte and a near-perfect scone—who could ask for a better afternoon snack break?

Brevard

If you have time—and especially if waterfalls are your thing (I had to visit some for book research), I’d recommend venturing out to Brevard. It’s a delightful community with great shops, delicious restaurants, outfitters for fishing and other river sports, and several stunning waterfalls in the immediate vicinity (western North Carolina boasts no less than 19!). Be on the lookout for the town’s legendary white squirrels, too.

I could have easily spent a few days instead of the day-and-a-half I had. Honestly, it’s practically a crime to be in Asheville and miss the Biltmore Estate! You can bet your stash I’ll be back for more…and soon.

ALEXANDRIA, VA

2017-09-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

My kind of Old Town...

Earlier this year I had the chance to return to the Washington DC area. Sure, I was there for a family gathering, but I had to add on a little yarny tourism so I could share my adventures with you!

Misha’s Coffee Roaster and Coffeehouse

102 S Patrick Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-548-4089

mishascoffee.com

DestiKNITters know every adventure needs to be launched with coffee, and this bustling independent roaster/coffeehouse is the perfect place to start. Sure it may be no frills and down-to-earth, but I rather like the atmosphere. Oh, and they have pie. You know how I feel about pie—even for breakfast (yes!)

There’s a reason this area is called the “Old Town Boutique District,” so wander the length of King Street and the surrounding blocks, taking in whatever shops pique your interest, such as:

Red Barn Mercantile

1117 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-838-0355

redbarnmercantile.com

There’s a little bit of everything here—housewares, gifts, cards, candles—but nothing that feels like a department or mall store. The infusion of color just feels wonderful to soak in, even if you only end up browsing. Great for gift shopping or finding a little something to treat yourself.

Stitch Sew Shop

102 N Fayette Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

571-777-8783

stitchsewshop.com

Hey, we support all crafts, not just the yarny kind. Good, quality sewing stores (that aren’t just a few aisles in big box craft stores) are starting to crop up everywhere, and we’re glad for the trend. Rent an hour on one of their machines and workspaces—what a great idea!—or take a class to build up your skills or dip your toes in the world of fabrics.

Now's a good time to check out today’s fiber—or is that fibre—find:

fibre space

1319 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

703-664-0344

fibrespace.com

AlexandriaNews photo

FIRST OFF: fibre space used to be right around the corner from Stitch Sew, but just this month they've moved to a spiffy new home. The new digs boast more parking, one large open space rather than the several rooms of the former location, a second floor for events, and two private classrooms. Talk about making a good thing even better!

Now, about this lovely store: Owner Danielle Romanetti began her fiber career teaching knitting classes on the side. Once she added the retail component, things just took off from there. An integral player in the Old Town business district, this long and narrow space is packed full of fibers, samples, ideas, and happy customers who knit, crochet, and weave. You may also get the chance to say hello to Danielle’s two “shop mascots,” Italian Greyhounds Nemo and Kermit. Fibre space calls itself “a yarn universe”—and the description fits!

the were still in their former space for
my visit...the new one's even better!

Lots of free events like movie nights build community, allowing knitters and crocheters to interact with each other as well as the yarn. Danielle dreams up yarn tastings that partner with local businesses so the experience is always an adventure. Weekly open knitting nights and programs like “Survival Skills Wednesdays” make sure you can get the help you need when you need it. A great MSNBC piece on why Danielle wants you in the shop rather than on your computer can be found here.

again, the former space during my visit

And there’s plenty of reason to venture in.“I carefully curate the inventory,” Romanetti says. “I look for the best quality fiber for lots of price-points. “You’ll find tried and true workhorse yarns here, but I’m especially interested in bringing unique things my customers can’t find everywhere.” If you’re looking for souvenir yarn, check out anything by local Neighborhood Fibre Co., where all the fibers are named after DC-area neighborhoods. The shop features sought-after lines like Hedgehog Fibres from Ireland, Woolfolk, and Brooklyn Tweed. You’re bound to find something you “need” from the wide selection organized by gauge. If weaving is your thing, fibre space has started a program in tapestry and rigid heddle weaving as well.

DC can be a pressure-cooker of a place to live and work, so she views the shop’s role as an important counterbalance. “This is stress relief for a busy, high-stress customer base.” Couches, groupings of chairs, and a conversational atmosphere make this a friendly gathering spot for tourists like myself as well as DC natives.

If you need a place to start, here are a few projects to help you unwind:

Hei Snood Cowl

Color progression and texture share the stage in this striking cowl by Olga Buraya-Kefelian (Olgajazzy on Ravelry). Danielle suggests two cakes of Knitwhits’ Freia Handpaints Ombre Sport for this in-store pattern. Make sure you get a bit of staff help picking out your yarn, because you need to make sure you get two that are wound in different directions in order to achieve the lovely color effect that makes this shawl such an eye-catcher.

Knockout Round Shawl

If you’ve been yearning to experiment with color interplay, Ann Weaver’s generous triangular shawl is a great way to explore. The stitching is simple (so you can do other things like watch a knockout round), while the alternating rows of ombre and solid colors make the style for you. You’ll need either two different skeins of fingering weight ombre like the Fria Handpaints Ombre Petit or one ombre and a complimenting solid from Neighborhood Fiber Co Studio Sock. The pattern is available in store or through Ravelry.

Jimi Shawlette

Local designer Dee O’Keefe works some contrast magic with any pair of worsted skeins from Virginia dyer The Fiberist in this smaller-scale top-down triangular piece. A good first shawl for novices ready to stretch their skills, the pattern comes with extensive tutorials and super-helpful photo instructions.

Knit-Along: Brick Sidewalk Beanie

An excellent souvenir choice, I’ll be knitting Ann Weaver’s clever hat nodding to Alexandria’s brick walkways. The pattern features instructions for multiple sizes (Mother-daughter hats! Father-son hats!) and works up wonderfully in Neighborhood Fiber Co’s Superwash Merino Studio DK. A locally focused pattern in locally crafted yarn—what could serve as a better tourist treasure than that?

Once you’ve satisfied your yarn cravings, continue your exploration of King Street. My recommendations today head you back in the direction of where you started, but visitalexandria.com can show you a host of other adventures. Still, you won’t have to go far to experience.

Olio

1223 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-299-3004

oliotastingroom.com

I never knew all I didn’t know about oils and infused vinegars! Now such upscale condiments are my go-to hostess gift as well as the occasional in-home splurge. Yes, it really does make a difference. You can customize your own sampler box, or fill a basket with all the jams, crackers, teas, spices, honeys and sauces the store carries.

La Fromagerie

1222 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-879-2467

lafromagerieonline.com

If you like happy hours, this is a great place to experience the slow food movement that’s becoming so popular. Wines and cheeses complement fresh local fare “lovingly prepared.” Sit back and stitch while you sip, or pick up a few bottles from their vast selection to take home.

Alexandria Cupcake

1022 King Street

Alexandria VA 22314

703) 299-9099

alexandriacupcake.com

I maintain my theory: where there’s yarn, there’s cupcakes. There aren’t a lot of places to sit in this cheery little bakery, but I was just as happy to nosh on a sunny park bench and watch the world go by.

If cupakes aren’t your thing, Danielle also recommends the “Tango” gelato at La Casa Rosada.

Bellacara

1000 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-299-9652

bellacara.com

I’m becoming a fan of makeup boutiques like this one. I love the personalized service, spot-on advice, and interesting products I discover whenever I browse. I always let them try something new on my face or hands—I’ve discovered some wonderful products this way. Plus, no calories (useful after wolfing down two cupcakes ten minutes earlier).

When you’re ready for dinner, head to:

The Majestic

911 King St

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-837-9117

themajesticva.com

Their famous coconut cake is reason enough to go, but my sources also recommend the Cheshire Pork Chop or the gnocchi. The atmosphere of this restaurant—around in some form since 1932—is as wonderful as the food.

Spend the rest of your day doing whatever DC adventures suit you, but make sure at some point you take in one of my new favorites:

Duck Donuts

3610 King St

Ste F

Alexandria, VA 22302

571-297-2298

duckdonuts.com

They’re all over the east coast and I cannot wait for them to make their way to Chicago! Warm, made-to-order donuts in a gazillion scrumptious flavors—what’s not to love? Choose your donut, your glaze, your topping, and your drizzle and watch it take shape right in front of you. I would eat these any time of day or night! Very good coffee too (that’s important).

There are lots of reasons to visit the nation’s capitol, but it’s always nice to include yarn among your travel incentives. I hope I’ve given your tourism new fiber enhancements as well as made your tastebuds and shopping bags happy.

Next up, we venture to Asheville, North Carolina.

Brick Sidewalk Beanie from fibre space--Done!

2017-09-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hats off!

My relationship with knitted hats has been a rocky one. In Chicago, we definitely need warm hats, but my hair and my head don’t seem to get along with knitted hats. Some people look adorable in beanies, tams, or all types of hats, but I am not one of them. I am happy to make them, but I usually end up giving them away.

The fact that I don’t hate how it looks on my head is a high testament to this pattern. I don’t love it, but I never expected it to. I tolerate it—style-wise—but I do have to tell you it feels wonderful. Cozy and plush, with the perfect snugness of headband. And the little bit of slouch makes it feel trendy. Seriously, for a knit hat, that’s a home-run in my world.

I know what will probably happen. I’ll keep it, maybe wear it once or twice when I truly need to feel warm. Then I’ll run across some adorable millennial—my daughter, someone else’s daughter, someone from church or writing group—and I’ll know in my knitter’s heart of hearts it belongs to them. And without a moment’s hesitation and a gleeful heart, I’ll say, “Here, I made this, and I want you to have it.” I’ll have enjoyed the pleasure of knitting it, and they’ll have the pleasure of wearing it—everybody wins!

Now that we’ve had our knitting experience, my next post will introduce you to the lovely store that provided this pattern: fibre space in Alexandria, VA. Stay tuned to learn about their brand new location!

Brick Sidewalk Beanie from fibre space--Day 4

2017-09-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Close to the finish line...

The dpn’s are in use, which means—as my horsey friend often puts it—“we are heading for the barn!”

The brick sidewalk that gives this beanie its name fades off into the crown like a road veering off into the sunset. It’s a great aesthetic touch, just as clever as the whole pattern. Sure, the headband could be an ordinary ribbing, but I’m so pleased that it isn’t. I’ve knit hats that looked great but didn’t feel or function well. This one sure feels like it will be as pleasant to wear as it has been to knit. It has just the right amount of elasticity and slouch—comfy but not sloppy, snug but not strangling. Perfect.

I could use a dose of perfection. My week has been crazy-stuffed with tasks, but I’ve tried not to let my knitting time pay the price. Like exercise, I need a daily dose of the peace knitting gives me. The anchor creating something—even though I create with words all day long—gives to my spirit. I suspect you’re the same way.

I’m just a nicer, calmer, better person when I knit. Aren’t you?

Brick Sidewalk Beanie from fibre space--Day 3

2017-09-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

The Delight of Decreasing

There’s always a burst of energy for me when I reach those magic words “begin decrease” on a hat.

It means I’m racing toward the finish line of my project. It means the rows will get shorter and shorter from here on in. As a knitter continually haunted by the growing rows of top-down shawls, “begin decrease” is the chocolate cake of pattern directions. Dessert course! Most delicious!

Not that any of the middle section of this hat has been at all tedious. Rather, it’s been peaceful, engaging, and productive at a pleasant speed. Everything I look for in a knitting project. I only have to look down for a small portion of each row, and it just plain feels wonderful to knit.

My only complaint with hats is that unlike socks, you can’t really try them on unfinished. Sure, you can slip the in-progress hat on your head, but it won’t give you a true taste of what the thing will look like on your noggin when blocked and finished. Considering how ridiculous I look in most knitted hats, this represents a sizable risk for me. I’ve loved knitting it, but will I love wearing it?

Then again, that’s not really a problem, is it? Because you and I both know that if I don’t fancy how it looks on me, it won't take long to find a head it fits perfectly. Granted, if this were a large, complicated shawl, I might balk at gifting it. But a hat? It’s just the right size to release with pleasure to someone else.

Having said all that, I really like how it feels and hope I do like how it fits.

Brick Sidewalk Beanie from fibre space--Day 2

2017-09-10T14:32:00.003-07:00

What’s better than a hand-knit hat?

I’ll tell you—it’s a hat knitting pattern that is clever enough to escape boredom, yet simple enough to allow easy memorization.

In this case, done and done. There’s enough basic stockinette to make this a thing of ease. Still, the line of “bricks” that adorn the brim and a “sidewalk” up the rest of the hat keep things from feeling monotonous. The brick motif is easily memorized. Especially for meeting or TV knitting, I love not having to whip out a pattern or fear annoying my companions with clicks of my row counter.

I wish the camera captured the color better...

And then there’s the fiber. This yarn from Neighborhood Fiber Co. is nothing short of splendid. There’s something about a really good wool, isn’t there? Nothing else has the spring between your fingers, the clarity of stitches, or the ability to hold such lush colors. Even before this blog, I was—and am—a yarn snob. Whatever I work with has to feel luscious between my fingers. It’s too much a part of the process for me to slog through something that doesn’t offer the tactile pleasure I seem to need from knitting.

I once met delightfully outrageous knit designer Steven Be at a yarn show in Chicago. He was clad in a sweater famously knit from a Willie Nelson eight-track tape. Fascinating, impressive even, but totally unappealing to me. Plarn—yarn made from shreds of plastic bags—never calls to me, either. I understand the functionality, I support re-purposing, but those things are not why I knit.

Well, I suppose it’s yarn functionality isn’t a value for me. Item functionality is another matter. I think mittens are functional and I enjoy knitting them. Granted shawls—my personal favorite—are mostly decorative, but when some restaurant’s air conditioning is making your teeth chatter, they feel mighty functional to me.

All this is to say that while I’m sure I (or someone I love) will use the hat, it’s most important to me that I’m enjoying knitting it. I enjoy knitting this, and for that I’m endlessly thankful to fibre space.

Brick Sidewalk Beanie from fibre space--Day 1

2017-09-05T20:06:00.001-07:00

Switcheroo...

For this DestiKNITion, we’re going to tackle the project first, and then feature the store and adventures.

Project first? Why’d I switch things up like that?

It’s because fibre space, our DC yarn shop, is in the middle of a location change. It didn’t make much sense to give you all the information in the midst of their move, so we’re going to give them some time to settle in and introduce you to the shop and its neighborhood afterward.

So, on to our project.

I love hats. I’m not especially fond of wearing them—they always do terrible things to my hair—but I do love to knit them. Their short, sweet, and stylish, less complicated than socks or mittens, but just as fun to have around. In a town like Chicago, a good warm hat is a marvelous thing. One that recalls a fun adventure is just that much more marvelous.

The Brick Sidewalk Beanie launches with something a step up from ordinary ribbing. The fisherman’s rib, with its alterations of knit/purl rectangles between ktbl rows does indeed give you the feeling of a brick sidewalk—especially in the reddish brown color of Neighborhood Fibre Co. superwash marino yarn I’ve chosen.

This texture detail will continue up just one portion of the full hat, but circles all the way around the brim.

This yarn represents the first time I used my new swift and ball winder—purchases from Stitches Midwest. I loved being able to make my own ball without endless hours balancing a hank on my knees or imposing upon my husband to hold his hands up. I’ve wanted to own one for years, and was delighted to finally make the purchase.

Who knows? Maybe this will become the first hat I love to wear.

Maverick Cowl from Lucky Ewe Yarn - Done!

2017-08-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

It turned out beautifully!

As always, I was nervous about the bind-off--you need just the right amount of elasticity for something like this--but I'm pleased with the results. It gives the appearance of cozy while still maintaining a nice, fluffy light weight.

Wonderful!

Thanks, Lucky Ewe Yarn, and Maverick Fiber Company for a clever and chic knitting experience!

Next up, a return visit to our nation's capitol to check out a great DC-area yarn shop.

Maverick Cowl from Lucky Ewe Yarn - Day 5

2017-08-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

Deja blue...

Back to brilliant blue! The final burst of color means I’m in the last two sections of this cowl. In a clever detail, the K2TOG of the first smaller stripe gets swapped out for SSK so that the slant goes the other direction. This, to me, is the brilliant thing about knitting—there are endless variations built from just simple stitches. Color and texture give us an infinite playground to make all kinds of beauty.

And I could use a playground this week. I’m swamped with work, which means I spend way to many of my waking hours staring at (or making) words on a screen. The tactile soothing of knitting always has been my favorite antidote to work stress. I think it is why so many writers and knitters. We need something physical, something without words, to cleanse our mental palates. Nothing does that like knitting for me.

Just one more color change—back to the silver-grey—and this lovely piece from Lucky Ewe Yarn will be done. I can hardly wait.

PS: If you’re a reader/writer and a knitter, click on over to my Facebook page, where we’ve been having a bit of fun with shawls and book covers.

Maverick Cowl from Lucky Ewe Yarn - Day 4

2017-08-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

An ode to stockinette...

Stockinette.

It doesn’t get enough respect, does it? Stockinette is the foundation of most knitting, second only to garter—only if you ask non-knitters what knitting looks like, they’ll point to the stockinette of their sweater rather than any garter stitch item. If the word “knitting” had a visual definition, it’d be stockinette (even though most non-knitters have never heard the term).

Twelve rounds of stockinette may sound boring—it is over 2,600 repetitions of the very same stitch, after all—but it’s not. Given the right circumstances, it can be downright soothing. The long meeting I had this week is a new group to me, the one where I requested to bring my knitting if they wanted me to join. Three hours in one hotel conference chair is a challenge for this middle-aged gal, even with interesting presentations.

I smiled when one of the other members of the group asked “Got your knitting?” as I walked into the room. “Absolutely,” I smiled back. He wasn’t challenging, he was curious. And, as I sat in the group actively participating, offering comments and barely even looking down as I stitched, I think he got it.

I was indeed grateful for the occupation of simple stockinette during that session. I could focus. I could pay close attention, my mind not wandering the way it tends to. I could enjoy the long stretch of time that might have taxed me otherwise. And, when the meeting was over, I had accomplished the twelve rounds of soothing, simple stockinette that offer counterpoint to the bright and bold blue that comes next.

If only life’s soothing seasons and bold seasons alternated each other with such order and enjoyment.

Maverick Cowl from Lucky Ewe Yarn - Day 3

2017-08-12T14:07:00.002-07:00

Color and shine...

Another reader mentioned the beautiful sheen on this yarn. Merino is a lovely fiber, but when you add the touch of silk this fiber has you get this marvelous shimmer that works beautifully on colors like blue and gray. It makes the blue look more like Caribbean waters and the grey look more like silver. And oh, the softness…

While it’s not apparent on this circular needle right now, this is going to be a cowl of a nice, generous length. Those are always my favorite. The ones that wrap once around never quite seem to fall right around my neck—they always look the wrong size (even though cowls are “one size fits all”).

Having the lacework double back on itself by swapping out the K2TOG to SSK creates a clever chevron pattern that draws attention nicely to the center of the piece. It also adds a nice “halfway” benchmark that lets me know I’m on track to finish in time.

I think this could make a lovely school or team colors gift for someone. It’s not quite as obvious as straight block stripes, but still makes the bold color combo statement a collegiate or sports fan would appreciate. This one, however, I’m keeping for myself.