Knitting in Beantown

What's on the needles?

2018-07-04T17:29:00.000-04:00

Hello knitting friends, I have a number of fun projects going and I've been thinking I want to get back to blogging again now that things are less hectic here. I do love summer vacation and the two months off from teaching. My knitting mojo has been rejuvenated recently, but more about that in a bit.

My focus has been to using patterns from favorite designers. I have collected my printed sheets from Stephen West, Mandarines, and Bristol Ivy for summer knitting. I love patterns where I can play with color, texture and can successfully de-stash! Today I want to show you patterns from Stephen West and Melody Hoffman, of Mandarines Design. Specifically, Samen and Homestead.

I have knit a number of Stephen West patterns numerous times and I keep returning because they ease me into my love of combining color, of course, de-stashing objectives and, well, I really enjoyed knitting them. Below is one of Stephen West's Smooth Moves, don't you love the design?? My summer project for this pattern is in the works, I will share the yarn and colors with you soon.

Smooth Moves, made with yarn from FiberCamp de-stash table

Back to the story of the return of my knitting mojo, I have to say thank you to Melody and the class she taught. I am back to knitting, a lot, each day, again!

Last month, Gather Here sponsored Melody of Mandarines Designs. On June 16, she taught a techniques class on provisional cast on, Latvian braid, slipped stitch design, and picot bind off. I was so pleased and excited to meet Melody!! I have been a longtime follower on Instagram and on her podcast. I am a Patreon donor; each month there is a small subscription fee, this supports Melody and earns you exclusive access to her videos and patterns.

I have so enjoyed watching the evolution of this gentle soul. She is from France, living in Latvia, and working full time as a knitwear designer. She only recently taught herself to knit and her esthetic is one of subdued tones of color, interesting knitting techniques, and simplicity. Her love of beautiful wool, tea, and nature have captivated me, I hope you will have time to take a look at her pages, videos and patterns.

Melody was in New England to attend and teach at Squam Lake. During her time here in the states, she also traveled to Harrisville Designs, Portland, and finally, Cambridge.
I have to admit I was a bad student. When I go to things like this class, especially with a teacher that makes me go FANGIRL silly, I have a hard time staying focused. I was chattering away with some of the wonderful ladies that I met there, and asking Melody about her visits to Squam... Magical!... and Harrisville Designs in NH and KnitWit in Portland, Maine. I was more a listener than a doer on that day...

As the class started, it was comfortable and easy going. Melody spoke in a shy way about her process, her love of swatching, and her notebooks full of design ideas. Her lessontaught us a provisional cast on, Latvian braid, slipped stitch design and a picot bind off. My swatch was less than perfect, and I changed yarns midway through... but my braid was abysmal! I have knit this technique before, but it is a task that takes mindfulness and focus. My conversation got in the way of my concentration! Melody was supportive and got me on track with following the directions on her handout...

It was a wonderful experience meeting Melody and seeing her work first hand. It was such fun to sit and knit in Gather Here, what a resource for any crafter. If you haven't been, try to put it on your bucket list this summer.

Samen, made a few years ago

I decided to make another Samen by Stephen West. My first one was so highly coveted by my sister, that I could barely block it before she kidnapped it and took it home. It came out so pretty; the yarn was from the de-stash table of Common Cod's Fiber Camp event. It is such a fun pattern to play with color and to use in de-stashing.

My summer Samen is knit using Cascade Alpaca Lace Paints and Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine.

Samen

Samen by Stephen West
Cascade Alpaca Lace Paints and Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine on size 5 needles
The yarn I am using was originally intended to make a Temperature Scarf, but when the yarn arrived from WEBS, I realized that even if I held it doubled, the fabric was going to be droopy. As I make this Samen, I am pairing two strands of color, and though it doesn't have the marled effect of the pattern, I do love how it is coming out so far. The pattern is fairly easy and because you work in bands of color, I find I stay knitting until I get to a point where the color changes before I set it down.

Homestead

Swan's Island Homestead

Pattern: Homestead by Mandarines
Yarn: Swan's Island Natural Colors Island Blend on size 8 needles

This is a very special combination of project, pattern, and yarn. I had begun this shawl way back when the pattern was released, but my gauge was too dense and I had made some silly mistakes. I dragged out this project just before taking a class with the designer, Melody Hoffman, at Gather Here. I decided to start again in order to do a justice to the pattern. The yarn was bought back when Windsor Button was still open, and it was one of my first purchases of high end yarn. I say that now, because the price tag was more than I had paid for a skein of wool. But, I indulged in order to get something special for my stash, to support the businesses of Windsor Button shop and Swan's Island Yarn.

It feels good to be back here again, sharing the WIPs in my project bags. I hope you are well and that your fingers are flying on the needles, despite this awful heat wave!!!

Hello from Knitting in Beantown!

2017-11-19T14:30:00.000-05:00

I have been here all along, but the past year has been busy with life changes to my family, We were once four, but now we have grown to eight, after two marriages and the birth of twins. Here is a quick look into what has been keeping me away from blogging.

In late June of 2016, my middle daughter got married. It was a beautiful wedding and everyone looked so lovely. There was a gorgeous outdoor wedding and reception at the Ridder Country Club.

June 2016

Cath's dress had millions of tiny flower shaped silk pieces and clear beading.

I was glad to be able to make my dress for the wedding, it was comfortable and I loved the color. I had two alternatives, but this one felt like me. Vogue pattern, silk shantung fabric.

Dancing to It Was All a Dream, smiling a mile....

About a month later, Helen and I headed to Hawaii and a long overdue visit to Honolulu. I feel in love with the people, the food and the views must be what heaven will look like. Rainbows, mountains and every possible shade of green. And of course, the blues of the ocean inspired some knitting.

Sunshower view from the lanai.

Gorgeous murals are everywhere in Honolulu, yes, this is a mural.

We drove along the coast as the showed the approach of a hurricane.

The best brisket sandwich I've ever had was from this farmer's market vendor.

This tree in Waimea Falls was the place my
daughter planned for her wedding, in December 2016.

Stephen West, Smooth Moves.

Pattern: Smooth Move, by Stephen West. Pay for pattern.
Yarns: Malabrigo Silky Merino in Sunny Lime and Matisse Blue, Noro Silk Graden Sock s354
Needle: size 5
This was such a good travel pattern, lots and lots of garter stitch and breaks of color. I do love this shawl, though it is too heavy for Hawaii, it is perfect for New England.

We drove along the shore before the impending hurricane. The surf was fierce.

There were so many memories made on this trip, my daughter and her fiance made us feel at home in their beautiful condo in the 35th floor in Honolulu. We swam, went to eat in a ton of great places, I shoppied, found a yarn store and two fabric stores. My favorite shopping spot is Manuhealii. I stocked up on clothes with an island feel and to this day, they make me smile and remember the warmth of Hawaii.

Manuhealii

Sadly, I had to return and begin the school year. But I had memorable fashions to keep me smiling. My coral dress from my visit, my classroom and one of my students.

I have more to share in the way of stories and photos to update you, but I will stop here for now. So many pictures, luckily, few words for you to read.... aloha, mahalo

2017-06-29T08:03:00.002-04:00

Hello! I am back on the blog after a very long hiatus. There have been so many changes in life here and I may share a photo array of the past year, but for now a little housekeeping. I am testing out a new format for the page, I am regrouping to promote the Etsy shop and will begin to share what's been on my needles. But for the moment, I chose to go back in time and share an old entry about project bags. Unfortunately, Julie's Mooncusser shop in on vacation but please enjoy the read and please leave me comments, I love to hear what you are thinking!

The Brown Stitch, Cobbles Cowl

2016-10-02T05:31:00.000-04:00

Cobbles Cowl by Elizabeth Smith, The Brown Stitch

Pattern: Cobbles Cowl by Elizabeth Smith, The Brown Stitch Digital download on Ravelry, $5.00
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Mecha in Borrajas and Prussian Blue on size 10.5 needle

Elizabeth recently released this pattern on her Facebook page. I saw the textured stitches and fell so hard, went and downloaded it then and there! I was wondering what I had in stash to make this as I was trolling the Mecha yarn page and saw three skeins for de-stash that I ended up ordering. The colors in person made me swoon and I was caking up and casting on within the half hour of the delivery. (In case you are new here, I am a tad obsessed.......). It was quick progress with the chubby yarn and size 10.5 needles. I think this will become my go to for Christmas gifts. By the way, there is another size, the large, which can be looped around twice.

FO Friday Samen Shawl

2016-09-29T20:54:00.000-04:00

The beginning stage of my Samen Shawl, and my Knit Wit Yarns project bag.

I first saw this shawl on The Fat Squirrel Speaks podcast. My version looks different, as it is not knit with two different strands held together. The Stephen West pattern has a marled effect where the two yarns blend together. The yarns were all gathered from the De-Stash room at Fiber Camp this past March. Such beauteous colors! I was going to use the wool for mittens and hats but they looked too pretty together. When I saw the Samen design, it clicked!

Stephen West's Samen, from his Ravelry project page

Pattern: Samen by Stephen West Digital download on Ravelry.com $6.00
Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Solids and Louet Gems Worsted

The pattern is a fun puzzle to knit but not so challenging that you need to sit alone to knit. The yarn is so soft and sproingy. It is an aran weight and has been discontinued but you can find skeins for sale on the Ravelry yarn page if you like the hues. The pattern calls for short rows and eyelets and then garter across the width. It went pretty quickly and is a very good size. I'll need to add measurements later as it is in Maine....

As a note of encouragement, this was such a fun knit and not taxing on the brain to knit while watching Netflix or hanging out with family. The pattern is detailed and has great instructions. It is a $6.00 digital download on Ravelry. I'm actually surprised that only 587 projects are listed on his pattern page. I will definitely knit this again.

New in the Knitting in Beantown Etsy shop!

2016-09-25T20:11:00.001-04:00

This lovely print is such a happy one, do you agree?

Knitting in Beantown Louisburg Arc project bags

Some of my handmade zipper pulls

Hello friends, followers and new visitors. I have been away from my blog for such a long time, but now that I am back, I have some news for you! Earlier this year, I spent my April vacation caring for my dad and while he rested I was sewing up a storm. I found such sweet and beautiful fabrics that I was like an obsessed maniac, cranking out bag after bag in assembly line style. Now I find I have a stack of stock and need assistance in getting the word out, can you help? I have just created a Facebook page for the business, please go and hit "Like" and "Notifications", as I plan to add bags to the shop daily. If you click "Like" and "Notifications" you will see as I upload photos of new additions to the shop.

Link to Etsy shop....

Thanks in advance for your help, and I will return with some of the things I've been knitting. Also, I have photos from a recent trip to visit my oldest in Hawaii... more on that this week.

Aloha and Mahalo

Sewing mania!

2016-06-14T20:47:00.001-04:00

A project bag, under construction

I have been obsessed with sewing the past few months. It started with a whole new set of fabrics and shapes for project bags for my Knitting in Beantown Etsy shop. Then, I got brave and bought a few patterns to make clothing for me. It stings to take measurements and see that I no longer fit into a size 12. It stings like mad, but I got over it and decided to take the plunge and sew for my current size. I am in love! I have been using a number of patterns that are now on the market and I also modified patterns I used back in the 80's. Yes! The 80's! I have a stash of fabric suitable for apparel and so I plunged into dress making.
Here is s photo collection of my making. I love cotton or linen and the colors and prints were from a collection of fabric stashed over the years. Each dress is so comfortable and they actually fit! Thanks to Jenny of the Tiny Paper Foxes podcast. Her twenty minute making KAL inspired me to think about building a new collection of clothes that I made myself. Colors, shapes, prints all make me happy. Do you have sewing skills? A love for patterns and fabric. Do you love to pair the prints and drapes of cloth to a pattern? Come hang with me, I have more patterns queued up! The next step for these finished garments is to find something I have knit to accessorize with.

Six dresses in a week...

Merchant and Mills, Factory Dress in blue linen

The color is a french blue

I found this pattern in Z Fabrics, a shop in Portland, ME.

Fitted bodice of the Deer and Doe Sureau Dress

The print is called Stained Glass

Another Sureau Dress

Sureau number 3

I bought this pattern in Mercer's Fabrics on Charles Street, Beacon Hill.

Such a comfortable dress, flattering too.

The fabric is a batik, hand stamped print.

This McCall's dress is inspired by a 60's pattern.

Red linen shift.

This pattern is one from 1986.

I hope my post will inspire you to shop your stash or your local fabric store. Check out Stitch House and Mercer's Fabric in Boston, Z Fabrics in Portland. And happy making!

Some teasers

2016-05-04T10:24:00.001-04:00

What's on my needles? Rivulet by Tincan Knits

Hello....
I have been gone from writing here for over two months and must get back to the routine of posting more and sharing with you. I am now in Maine, caring for my dad. He has a bad fall three weeks ago and it caused a domino effect of health issues. I spent a week in the hospital with him, getting tested and having his vitals stabilized. Now he is in rehab and working hard to regain the strength he lost so rapidly. This period of time has taken me away from work and my home and family in Boston, but I am in my second happy place now that he is on the road to recovering. It has allowed me knitting and sewing time and I have been busy. Here are some tempting photos for you. I promise I will return with all of the details.....

Rivulet, pattern by Tincan Knits from the book Roadtrip Pattern costs $5.00, digital book, $18.00
Yarn: Classic Elite Yarn Woodland knit on size 6 needles.
I had ordered the book Roadtrip in anticipation of casting on the Clayquot Sweater, but I have been too preoccupied to get my stash yarns together for swatching. This pattern has such an interesting texture and it is actually an intuitive knit. The yarn is from the stash table at Fiber Camp 2016, thank you Alaisdair!!!

I'm adding a slew of new project bags to my Etsy shop

I am in the process of uploading the different bags, but I have over a dozen new prints. The link to the Etsy shop is here. I call this the Rowes Wharf/ Ornate Shears bag. The dimensions of this bag are 13" tall, 10" wide and 4" deep in the box bottom. The bag is lined and reinforced with interfacing, giving it the support needed to stand alone. The bag is made of cotton and is washable. The price will be $38.00. This is the only tall bag in the shop for now.

Rowes Wharf/ Bicycles and baskets of posies

Rowes Wharf/ Decorated Birds

Rowes Wharf/ Birds in a Row

These bags all measure approximately 10x10x4". They are hand made by me, currently here in Maine, or in Boston. The materials are cotton fabrics, poly zippers and interfacing. The bags can be washed, and will benefit from a touch up with the iron to give them a crisp finish. If you are a knitter, please know I intended the bags for holding a shawl, socks or the start of a sweater. They can also be used to organize your bag during travel or hold make up or tech devices.
I am currently working on listing them in the Etsy shop and expect them to be available for sale by 2PM today, May 4.

Off the needles- Frosted Hat, Coastal Gradient Cowl

2016-02-02T18:27:00.003-05:00

Vintage buttons on Coastal Gradient Cowl

Pattern: Coastal Gradient Cowl, by Elizabeth Smith of The Brown Stitch Pay for pattern, $5.00
Yarn: A Hundred Ravens Iachos mini skeins, Iachos in the Tardis colorway on size 5 needles
I had been hoping to make this cowl for some time now, and so when I spied the minis at the A Hundred Ravens Common Cod event, I snapped them up. The knit was relatively quick and easy to do, though I did modify the pattern. I did twice the number of color stripes as suggested in the pattern. The buttons are from a collection of oldies but goodies. This cowl looks great with everything!

Pattern: Frosted Hat by Amanda Lilley Pay for pattern, $3.99.
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in the Hudson Bay and Fisherman colorways on size 9 needles

I have made this pattern before with worsted weight yarn, but my daughter asked for something knit in a bulkier weight. I modified the pattern and cast on 54 stitches with the larger needle. There is a colorwork zigzag feature, but it doesn't show up in this yarn. The hat is super warm and the pompom is a cool feature. A quick knit and a great gift!

Off the needles, Atwood Shawl and 1,2,3, Chickadee

2016-01-31T18:36:00.000-05:00

1, 2, 3, Chickadee by Susan B. Anderson

Pattern: 1, 2, 3, Chickadee Shawl by Susan B. Anderson Pay for pattern $5.00
Yarn: Cascade 220 in colors 9448 and 9446, olive and brick and unlabeled yarn in honey on size 7

I am a goner for garter stitch and this was such a fun and fast knit, and how much do you love the tassels??? It was easy and the knitting was good for chatting or movie watching. I do love the colors.... next up, one in blues for my sister Jacqueline!

Atwood Shawl by Nicole of Hue_Loco

Pattern: Atwood Shawl by Nicole Clark, of the Hue_Loco podcast. Pay for pattern $4.99
Yarn: Madelintosh Tosh DK in Glazed Pecan, Madelinetosh Sport in Chicory on size 6 needles
This was a knit along project, hosted by Nicole on her podcast and in her Ravelry group. I love the pattern and the yarn colors make me swoon, both are from deep stash. The pattern is not difficult and you need to be able to knit, purl, do yarn overs and knit 2 together. I used the super stretchy bind off and after blocking, the shawl measures 64" across and 28" along the spine.

A year long project, Knit the Sky

2016-01-18T18:45:00.001-05:00

This was my first attempt at a palette for Knitting the Sky this year.

Knit the Sky, by Lea Redmond, is a different type of knitting book. It is a springboard for a new way to approach your project planning. It offers a number of novel ideas that allow you to make your knitting personal and memorable. The illustrations and upbeat text are inspiring and innovative, and this is a book I will keep on my shelf and probably gift to others. It is that good!

I am one who often gazes upward to view cloud formations, colors in the sky, and, of course, the weather. I like to think I got that from growing up in Maine where the weather can change rapidly. Many times I might remark to whomever I am with, "Oh that color! I wish I had paint or fabric in that shade!" Now I am setting myself the task of recording daily the hues of the sky and clouds.

My header photo shows a batch of yarn I got from WEBS, and when I ordered, I thought the colors would be perfect. I chose the Alpaca lace weight because it allows you to blend two tones together to capture the color of the sky and clouds each day. Except.... when I got my package, the colors were a bit too dark, and the green, well, the green won't do. The only time I have seen a green sky is during the Wizard of Oz, so.... back to the drawing board.

This is a collage from my Instagram feed showing my project colors, Quince and Co!

This photo captures the array of hues I will knit to capture the colors of the sky. I do love Quince and Co Finch, it was easy to order and the yarn is so plump and beautiful. The solid cream is Malabrigo Silky Merino... somehow I forgot to order a natural color from Quince and Co. for a white, cloudy day. I am knitting with vintage peach colored needles, they are an eBay find and have a springy feedback for plastic and they have nice tips. Each day I take a few minutes to record in knitting the color of the sky. I have wondered if I will stick with it? Will it be long enough? Will I end up frogging? It is too early to say, but so far I have enjoyed this knit.

This is a record of the first half of January.

Knit the Sky
Pattern: One I have made up, garter stitch, seed stitch.
Yarn: Quince and Co Finch in the following colors: Delft, Glacier, Storm, Petal, Frost, Audouin. Malabrigo Silky Merino in Natural

Using size 3 needles, I cast on 76 stitches. I am thinking I may use the Petal to mark the end of each month, knitting a few rows of seed stitch in pale pink. I am hoping to get a decent length for a scarf but it may become a cowl if it is too short. How much do you love the garter stitch? Especially in the Finch?

So, if you are inclined to join in, another resource for yarn is Knit Picks, they have such an array of hues. Knit the Sky gives you so many ideas for knitting the sky, but the basics, choose a time of day, my window is 11AM to 1 PM. You can take a daily photo or make a note mentally, I have seen some Instagram images where the knitter uses colored pencils to record conditions. You can choose other stitches and widths, perhaps you decide to make a throw or a pillow, or a wall art piece, the concept can be applied in many ways. As I mentioned at the opening, the author suggests you choose a lace weight yarn that you hold double, that way the blending of blues, greys and whites has a broader array.

I have been using a hashtag when posting on Instagram, #knitthesky2016. If you join in, add the hashtag when you post so that our projects can be found and perhaps inspire others to join us!

Finished Objects January 8, 2016

2016-01-09T09:44:00.000-05:00

Faillyn Cowl

Pattern: Faillyn Cowl by Heidi May. Pay for pattern on Ravelry, $5.50
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in Barley colorway on size 15 needles
You may have seen this pattern as modeled by an adorable 4 year old, complete with ears and a captivating smile. My sister loved the cowl but wanted it for snow shoveling weather, so we made some modifications. I wish I had been able to take a photo of the cowl on Jackie, but perhaps in the next weekend trip to Maine I can do that.
The pattern goes so quickly, given the bulky yarn and the size 15 needles, I think I made this in an afternoon. The buttons are from the collection my mom has at her house. This is a sweet gift to make, for any age.

Faillyn Cowl

Top Down Baby Bunting

Pattern: Top Down Baby Bunting by Amanda Lilley. Pay for pattern on Ravelry, $4.99
Yarn: Vanna's Choice, in Dusty Blue on size 9 needles
I have made this pattern once before and I so enjoy the many techniques. Amanda gives you clear directions for the cables, buttonholes and Kitchenered hood seam. It does require a bit of knitting experience, but I think you could succeed in making this by using YouTube if you are unsure. It moves quickly on larger needles and in a worsted weight yarn. The buttonhole allows you to buckle the carseat over the infants legs.

The Sweetest Thing Cardigan

Pattern: The Sweetest Thing Cardigan by Melissa LaBarre. Pay for pattern, $6.00
Yarn: Red Heart on size 7 needles
I have been enjoying these baby patterns as I have a co-worker who just became a grandmother. She has been the person behind these commissions and it is leading me to more knitting for other moms of infants. It is rewarding to make a sweater in short time, so much speedier than adult scale knitting.
This pattern is easy to make and the band of arrow stitches is simple to follow. This photo shows my buttons before I corrected the line up, the stitch design isn't even, I had to re-sew the buttons.

Gulf of Maine

Pattern: Gulf of Maine, Elizabeth Smith. Pay for pattern in Ravelry, $3.00
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Brown Sheep Worsted in Prairie Fire, Persian Peacock, Blue Flannel colors using size 8 needle.
I scored some gorgeous Brown Sheep Worsted on Ravelry this summer, a member was de-stashing 8 skeins of beautiful colors for half the retail price, so I bought them. The pile of skeins sat on the sofa, near where I knit, and the combination possibilities often had me setting down my needles to create color stories. I found the pattern in my Favorites, it is by Elizabeth Smith of Brown Stitches. She also works at KnitWit in Portland and I have oogled her cowls while shopping. The finished object is lush and rich, and the garter stitch just sings. One modification I did to the pattern was that I knit it flat in order to just knit. I seamed it, but when I make this again, I will knit in the round.

What have you finished lately? If you would like, share the info in the comments box below!
Happy knitting....

What's on the Needles, or WIPs Wednesday

2016-01-06T04:20:00.001-05:00

Atwood KAL

Rather than fill this page with the many projects I have going, I would rather hone in on one in particular. I have had this Madelinetosh in my stash since the Windsor Button days and I have always loved this hue. It has stayed in the stash bag because I treasure my small hoard of Madelinetosh and never seem to land upon a pattern that is worthy of taking the skein to a cake and casting on. But, I was in Maine this past long weekend, visiting my parents and wanted to begin this KAL, there was just the right amount of DK and I adore this color, so I set about the process of a new shawl.

Nicole Clark of the Hue_Loco podcast is hosting this KAL and she asks you to tag her on Instagram when you share your progress photos. There is a Hue_Loco Ravelry group and if you need a nudge of enabling, go take a look at the many shawls now in progress. Beautiful! If you decide to cast on, Nicole has a coupon code to buy her pattern on her new website at a discount. The code is Atwood KAL and brings the price down to 2.99. This coupon code is only good on the new website, and if you venture to buy some of the delicious skeins Nicole has dyed, you will get the pattern for free. If you fall into Nicole's Etsy rabbit hole, you might emerge with an Atwood Shawl kit which includes yarn, the pattern and a project bag!

Pattern: Atwood Shawl, by Nicole Clark
Yarn: Madelinetosh DK in the Glazed Pecan colorway knit using two skeins and size 6 needles
This is such a zen pattern, easy to work when watching a movie, chatting with family or riding the bus back to Boston! This yarn is so elegant and the color makes me smile. It will be worn a lot I am sure. I am making the larger size shawl and may need to add a border in another color to get the full coverage, 49"x23". Also, the design calls for fingering weight, but the pattern can be modified to use another weight.

I would be interested to know if you decide to join in, share your photos on the East Coast Knitters group or tag me (and Nicole) on Instagram.

Knit the Sky

2016-01-03T06:45:00.002-05:00

Knit the Sky

I found this cool book while browsing on Amazon a month ago. I so loved the artwork, and the concept, that I ordered it. I have wanted to share it with you here, but I have been waiting to get the best palette of yarns. I was planning to start this on New Year's Day.... but the yarns ordered just don't do the project justice. I ordered Finch yarns from Quince and Co and will continue to record the day's weather until I receive my shipment. I have decided that I will use the 10 AM to 2 PM window to record the weather/sky and use yarn in the matching hue. I am still undecided as to which pattern I intend to knit. A narrow scarf is not my style and I knit daily, so I am thinking a row of 120 or so stitches is do-able. I will knit garter or seed stitch, or maybe mix it up... but I am eager to begin. I was also thinking I will use some way to signify the month's end, perhaps a stitch pattern or color, still not sure yet.... I am going to give this book a full post for review and some of my favorite ideas, along with a view of my stash and pattern choice for knitting my year of Knit the Sky scarf/shawl.

I am optimistic about this new year and the possibilities it holds. There are some significant milestones planned, at least one wedding, perhaps two. Travel.... knitting retreats, blogging and a high probability of a podcast... Would you be interested? I am motivated to join the many podcasters for a few reasons, first the sense of community. I have friends in the local knitting Guild, I have online friends and Instagram friends, but I am pondering a podcast to share with you in a more immediate way. Second, I do love to enable, encourage and contribute to the knitting habits of others. Anyone who knows me will attest, my brain is locked down on knitting most all of my waking hours, there are knitting dreams too.... As for the format of a show, I am thinking of including topics like: what I am working on, new additions to the craft cave, friends far and near, Guild events, knitting retreats, perhaps a tutorial, and then, shameless self promotion of project bags and commission knitting.... Currently the draw backs include... time, vanity and more than a touch of nervousness to expose myself and my work on the web. The idea has percolated for a while, but I have so enjoyed the shows by a team of new podcasters that I want to jump in and add my two cents.

Tiny Paper Foxes

Have you listened to and watched Jenny of the Tiny Paper Foxes? Jenny is a relatively new knitter with an impressive list of finished sweaters and shawls. She lives with her husband and her cat in Brooklyn New York and her show is very interesting. She has exquisite taste in yarns and patterns, she is working to construct a hand made wardrobe, and she knits during her commute each day, so her FOs are consistent. Jenny is very thoughtful and intentional in her project planning and she has such a peaceful and endearing manner. Please go and watch a few episodes. She has just begun podcasting, so it won't be hard to go back to the beginning.

Hue_Loco

Another podcaster that I have come to love is Nicole Clark of the Hue_Loco podcast. Nicole is a young mum who hand dyes yarns, sews project bags and offers video tutorials on how to make a bag and dye your own yarn. Her quiet and calming voice is something I look forward to, I sit and knit and watch what she has accomplished over the past week. She has a Hue_Loco Etsy shop for her patterns, yarn, and project bags. I enjoy watching the stock turn over and refresh with new colors. Given that she is a new podcaster, she seems to have a major impact on the shopping habits of her viewers! I have linked to the tutorials, have a peek.

Make a project bag.

Link to video

Finally, a podcaster who has a longer episode archive is Molly of the Homespun House podcast. She lives in Berlin, makes bags, dyes yarns and writes patterns. Again, her podcasting style is one of calm and soothing voice, interesting project and pattern choices, and she gives you a view into her creative thought process. There is a shop link on her webpage, go and see some of her unique creations in areas of project bags, stitch markers and progress keepers. Molly speaks of other knitters, yarn dyers, and designers; she keeps you abreast of the things happening in her circles. Another thing I love about Molly is her love of coffee, teas, and teacups....

Link to episode

So, my viewing of these ladies and a number of other podcasters have emboldened me, have encouraged me to give this podcasting thing a try. Wishing you the best in 2016, happiness, good health and speedy needles! Hugs, Erin

Etsy Shop update and coupon code

2015-12-30T14:07:00.001-05:00

Vintage bead zipper pulls

All bags are 20% off, coupon code NEWYEAR2016

I have been neglecting the Etsy shop and have decided to update the photos and listings and offer you 20% off for the New Year. The bags are made of decorator fabric, are fully lined and have unique zipper pulls.

Louisburg Square, Criss Cross

Louisbrug Square, Blue Paisley

Louisburg Square, Green Tie

Louisburg Square, Jalopies

Louisburg Square, Woven Blue Stripe

Louisburg Square, Orange Circles

Louisburg Square, Happy

Notions Pouch, Red Dots

Venture on over to the KnitinginBeantown Etsy shop and buy yourself or a friend a project bag at 20% off. COUPON CODE IS NEWYEAR2016.
More prints will be added to the shop weekly.

Knitting in Beantown Project Bags

2015-12-29T15:56:00.002-05:00

I have been working on project bags and will be selling them on the blog. Until I can get that new page working, I have listed the items in my Knitting in Beantown Etsy shop. Here are a few samples.

Louisburg Arc bag in the Red Dot print

I was inspired to create many of these bags when I thought of my male friends who knit. The bags are not too sweet and cutesy, but rather classic and elegant. The bag closes with a Tree of Life zipper pull, is lined with a cream color, and is made of decorator fabric in a drapery weight. The medium size dimensions are 10" tall, 7.5" wide and the base has a boxed base that is 2.5" wide. Spot or dry clean. $38.00, one available.

Louisburg Arc bag in Flower Power print
This bag is a bit larger, dimensions are 12" wide, 8.5" tall, base measures 3". The bag closes with an antique heart zipper pull. The flower print is on drapery weight decorator fabric and the bag is lined. One feature I enjoy on these bags is the arc zipper edge, when folded down, the bag stays open for easy access to your work. Spot or dry clean. $42.00, three available.

Louisburg Arc in Sand Dollar print
The brown print is decorator fabric in a drapery weight, lined with cream fabric. Bag closes with a Tree of Life zipper pull. Spot or dry clean. One available, $42.00
Dimensions 8.5 tall, 11.5 wide, 3" base

Louisburg Arc in Jalopy print
This project bag honors autos of the past and is made of lightweight cotton fabric lined with a green print. Zipper closure. Spot or dry clean. Two available, $38.00.
Dimensions 8.5" tall, 12" wide, 3" base

Louisburg Arc in Orange Circles print
This bright project bag is made of lightweight cotton fabric and is lined with a cream fabric. Zipper closure. Spot or dry clean. One available, $38.00. Dimensions 8.5" tall, 12" wide, 3" base

Louisburg Arc in Blue Stripe print
This project bag is made of a woven stripe in blue on cream ground and is medium weight cotton fabric, lined with a cream print-on-print floral. Zipper closure. Spot or dry clean. Two available, $42.00. Dimensions 9" tall, 12" wide, 3" base

Finished!!

2015-12-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

Amari

Do you love this border?

Pattern: Amari by Marie Grace Smith
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in Amethyst and Aztec Turquoise, and Berroco Vintage Chunky in yellow, on size 8 needles.
I've made this pattern a few times before and I love the mindlessness of the pattern, my hands can stay busy and I make few mistakes while chatting with friends, watching TV or just looking to have something to meditate on. It is easy enough to knit and the lace border is fun and beautiful once blocked. I am not sure if this will be a gift or if I will keep it. The weight and colors make me happy, but then how many shawls can one person wear??? What would you do?

Navarra

This wrap is so long and cozy.

Pattern: Navarra by Berocco Design Team
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ECO +, color Amethyst Heather on size 11 needles
I made this for my sister and worked on it in the heat of the summer. It was a bit of a slog but the final 20 inches or so flew. I checked the pattern and realized how close I was to finishing and worked away til it was done. It is super long and if you know Eco+, you know how warm and soft the wool is. I would definitely make this again, it is a lot of seed stitch but it is such a statement piece. It looks great just folded over the back of a chair. Pattern is free on the Berroco website.

Twiddle-Muff

Pattern: Twiddle Muff by Warrington and Halton Hospital
Yarn: Red Heart Worsted, knit on size 13 needles
I have seen these Twiddle Muffs on my Facebook feed over the past six months and I thought I would try making one. It is an easy knit, basically a stockinette rectangle that you fold into a tube and then join the ends to create a bulky cylinder. I held the yarn doubled and used a large needle, so it was finished quickly.
I will definitely do some things differently next time. First off, I will use super-wash wool next time. I think I will choose a more neutral color, and I will make the twiddle items detachable. The ones on this project are sewn on and this will make washing it a bit fussy, the pompoms will need to be taken off when washed. (I should note that in my mention of making the fiddle toys detachable, I have seen some that have a fabric tab sewn to the item and a button holds it to the muff. This means laundering will be easier and more gentle on the pom poms and ribbons).
The purpose of a Twiddle Muff is to occupy the hands of patients with dementia or Alzheimer's. The muff give restless hands a warm place to touch and work the various items attached to it. There is a free pattern that I used for this project and you will find many more if you search the web and Ravelry. This project would make a nice gift for a family member but would also make for a new type of charity knitting. Nursing homes and geriatric wards would appreciate these too.

Knit the Sky

2015-12-12T07:34:00.002-05:00

Knit the Sky

Knit the Sky, by Lea Redmond. $13.56 on Amazon.com, released August 2015

I expect to upload this post soon! (With temtping shots of the yarn I have to knit with)!!

Big heap 'o wool, not much progress

2015-12-12T07:33:00.002-05:00

This is but one small view into my stash and collection of books,

Dedicated knitters are prone to the pitfalls of yarn sales, pattern queuing, and knitter's envy. A case of knitter's envy often occurs during social knitting, but it can also happen while trolling Ravelry or reading magazines. You see something that you covet, that you must make, and you think, uh oh, I already have more than a dozen projects on the needles. How can I keep casting on? The sign of a truly dedicated knitter is someone who has plenty of needles, and doesn't have the natural stop gap of..... oops, no more size 7 needles until I cast some projects off.

This is a photo of my stash in the brown hues..... I'll not admit if there is more

The casual knitter is a lucky crafter, they don't feel the compulsion to knit one "just" more row, or stock up on the work horse yarns they find on sale. When they describe their stash, it in amazing to me that they have fewer than two dozen skeins. Trust me, love my stash and I use it regularly, but there is a burden to bear when you have things tucked into numerous nooks, crannies and storage totes. The long view over what you have is so much easier to make I you are in the group that describes stash in quantities of one or two dozen, right? Many casual knitters don't even use the term workhorse yarn, perhaps because they don't understand yet tat there will be a collection of suppliers that will become "go-to" sources for projects because the yarn is so soft/squishy, gives good stitch definition or comes in coveted colorways.

Brooklyn Tweed's Loft. One of my go-to yarns.

In the case of the obsessive knitter, workhorse yarn is a term used to rationalize excessive spending. No, that's not true. a knitter comes to find yarn that they love for a multiple of uses. The colors available, the texture and softness.... all of these qualities create a craving for the equivalent of a well stocked pantry. Workhorse yarn means the "staple" stash yarn that works for hats, baby items, toys or scarves. Sweaters, mittens, socks, you name it.

I wonder where you are on the spectrum, as a knitter collecting a pantry of stash? Are you discerning when it comes to bringing more skeins home to squirrel away? Or are you a hungry wool pig and want to give most cast offs a home so they can become something knitted? Do you see de-stash offerings from friends as a "pile'o puppies" needing a forever home? I do.... hence the overflow, LOL. Happy knitting friends!!

Hello!!!!!! Yes, the page looks a bit different

2015-12-12T07:14:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! I send you thoughts of Merry making for Christmas and speedy needle mojo to those who are still working on gifts to be given in two weeks!!! Yikes! I am not in that frenzied mind set of "getting all the gifts done", but I have been contemplating changes here. As I am redesigning the blog layout, I thought you might enjoy a different portal into what happens on my craft table. The photos are the teaser or bait. Maybe you will venture into reading a post that you did not see before. I plan to end the stocking of my Etsy shop and instead create links here where you can shop here on the blog for project bags, stitch markers and knitted items for the Muggles.

Leave me a comment or suggestions, and send out happy thoughts!

What am I working on these days?

2015-11-12T20:47:00.001-05:00

My second Puerperineum Cardigan

Hello!! I have been here the whole time, just remiss about getting posts written. I miss you and hope all is well with you and your knitting projects.

Today is a patch/replacement for Wednesday WIPs. I missed posting a Wednesday WIP because I was relaxing on Veteran's Day and never got any good photos due to the overcast conditions. I have been making some baby items for a friend at work and this is my second Puerperium Cardigan. While I knit, I watched a few new podcasts I want to share with you. You know I am a die hard fan of The Fat Squirrel Speaks and The Fiberista Files, also my friend's The Knitting Dish, but I found three new ones that you should check out.

Susan B. Andersen's 1-2-3 Chickdee Shawl

Susan B. Andersen
You may Susan from her many varied pattern designs, kid's toys, hats, and shawl! Plus, she is the queen of the" full hand-knitted socks drawer" photo meme some have posted. Her latest episode tells of her finished Antrorse Sweater and a new shawl pattern release. I have already down loaded the 1-2-3- Chickadee Shawl and now need to stash dive and dig out my Knitting Pipeline Chickadee skeins (from two years ago) for this shawl. It looks like easy, relaxing knitting and the shape is versatile. I love Susan's easy style of delivery and her voice, her pattern tips, and yarn sourcing help are very interesting. I also love hearing about her connections to other knitters, designers, and retreats. There are quite a few episodes, if you are into binge watching. As I am. LOL

Such a striking and beautiful "maker"

Tiny Paper Foxes
This is a brand new podcast and I only happened to find it because I had been watching Susan on YouTube and it was near the top of their knitting podcast list. The episodes are long, but oh so interesting.(Plus, for me, long episodes help me to just keep knitting). Jennie, the host, has a style and presence that I enjoy, she has a gorgeous cat co-host, and she is enamored of Madelinetosh. Watching her queue of FOs and WIPs has me craving those MadTosh colors now. I also enjoy hearing of her desire to create a handmade wardrobe. She is knitting sweaters and shawls, and making skirts to create an outfit. That has inspired me to search for some patterns and join her in the "Handmade" endeavor. The other great thing about this podcast is her husband is a professional photographer and he does brief segments describing ways to improve the quality of your WIP and FO pictures.

Nicole of Hue_Loco podcast

Hue_Loco
Nicole is an adorable bundle of energy with cool YouTube "How to" Videos on dyeing yarn and other helpful, crafty skills. She has great color sense, knits with high quality yarns and has a number of designs I have queued for future knitting. She lives in Colorado and actually grew up with and knows the host of the Homespun House podcast. She only has a few episodes, but I love what I have seen so far. Note, she has a pattern and video tutorial on making a project bag. And she shows how to do dyeing in your home. I forward to more from this inspiring knitter!

Leave a comment with the name of the podcasts you want to recommend! Happy Knitting!

Tools and Techniques: Pompoms!

2015-10-27T12:55:00.001-04:00

Hello knitters! I am not on hiatus but rather, back to work, and anyone who teaches knows that September and October are the "heavy lifting" months. We have returned to the school routine, I have a number of new personalities in my room. I have been working on getting to know them, their skills and their needs, and in that time, building trust. As special educators, we are ever on the look out for ways to build in data collection, and I am lucky to be a recipient of a new online tool to use as a curriculum. It gives us a uniform plan to follow and use to create IEP goals, and use for assessment and program development. This tool has been an additional sharp learning curve, and I am still fumbling, but pushing on.

Gramma's Hug by Carolyn Macpherson

I have been knitting, but I am working on a few projects that don't reward me with blissful moments as often as I would like. I have been ripping back, fixing errors, and making slow progress, but I can share that info on WIP Wednesday....
So, back in the summer, if you were reading along with my journey, I decided that with a stash the size that I have, more yarn purchases could not always be rationalized. (Note that I built in some wiggle room for myself in that statement). I have been on the look-out for tools and techniques, and have really enjoyed a shift of focus for blogpost inspirations! This week I want to share with you a technique and a tool.

Image imported from and credit given to honestlywtf.com

POMPOMS!!!!!
Do you love pompoms? They are great to add to hats, and make for fun toys or decorations. Often, when at knitting retreats, I have seen trees and shrubs adorned with garlands of pompoms. I think making pompoms would be a fun rainy day activity to do with kids or knitting friends.
These little devices are not expensive, and are worth checking out the next time you visit your LYS. Pompoms can be made in alternative ways, with items found at home, but these tools were fun to experiment with and I don't regret my small investment. They are tools I know I will use in the future.

Clover Pom-Pom Maker, image imported from and credited to WEBs.com

The Clover Pom-Pom Maker can be found in most big box craft stores and small local yarn shops. This item is linked to WEBs, where you can order a small or large size tool (it includes two large or two small devices) for $7.00 and $8.00 respectively. I enjoyed using this tool because of the ease in winding the yarn and the cutting of the pompom. Here is a five minute video that shows you the basics.

Lion Brand PomPom Maker, image imported from and credited to Amazon.com

The other PomPom maker I bought was this one by Lion Brand, it is a tool that comes in three sizes. It's a little more challenging to use, but the smallest size rings makes a tiny pompom. This device can also be purchased in most craft stores and LYSs.

If you go to YouTube or Google and type in "Making pompoms", you will find many tutorials and crafty inspirations for using pompoms. Pinterest is another good spot to go and browse for ideas.

I hope this post adds a bit to your day, good luck, and happy knitting!

Making Monday, Diane Ivey and Lady Dye Yarns

2015-09-28T19:27:00.000-04:00

Lady Dye Yarns

I had the pleasure of listening to Diane Ivey speak of her journey into becoming and indie dyer at the Common Cod Fiber Guild a few weeks ago. Lady Dye Yarns is a locally produced, skein by skein operation, Diane's color inspiration is based in the graphic tagging, street art and graffiti found in the local environs. Her growth has been on a trajectory over the past few years, the rockets are ready to blast her into the next orbit. She is doing and IdieGoGo fund raiser if you would like to contribute to her goal of raising enough funds to lease space and hire a business manager. I just checked the web page and today is the final day to contribute, anything you donate will stay with Diane as she raises funds for the next step in her business. You know I push for knitters to support local artisans and this is a perfect time to donate, show you care!

Yes, the yellow is that hue!!!!

Yarn for sale at Guild night, an array of colors.

Worsted weight.

Stunning color combinations!

Happy brights to warm you in the cold winter weather!

Image imported from Melanie Berg's Drachenfels pattern page.

Pattern: Drachenfels by Melanie Berg
Yarn: Lady Dye Yarns Fingering Weight in on size 6 needles

This is the current version, love the tones of green.

This is the first attempt, the colors are gorgeous but the wedge proportions are off.

I have liked this shawl since it was featured on the Top Twenty Patterns last fall. I added it to my Favorites and then Queued it when I saw that Heather of Highland Handmades was doing a KAL (Knit A-Long) in her Ravelry forum group. I like the way the pattern blends colors to create another hue, and I think the multi colored skein from Lady Dye will be the exciting pop of color.
I must say, the garter stitch is fun, but the pattern needs a bit of attention paid as you knit the sections. I started once and redid it with new colors when I realized I had not followed the directions. Here are the two images, the blue is the attempt with bad reading of pattern steps.

What are you working on now? Share in the comments!

FO Friday Larissa Brown and Ultra-Eyelet Shawl

2015-09-25T09:20:00.000-04:00

My daughter went to Europe and look what she brought back!

Earlier this summer, my youngest went on a group tour of Italy, France, and Spain. She travelled with friends from high school and saw the sights, ate the food, and sipped the wine. While in Rome, she visited a yarn shop and bought me this yarn. I love the shades of blue and it ties into the color of a leather bag she bought for me.

I love this cross body bag, the color is so beautiful!

As I pondered what to make with it, I reflected on her frequent comments while abroad and then back home. "They really don't like Americans there".... "I finally started saying I was from Canada"..... how funny is that?? Helen arrived back in Boston just after the Fourth of July. She admitted that missing the Fourth while in Europe made her homesick. My girl who isn't particularly patriotic inspired my Ultra Eyelet. Using some leftover Classic Elite Ultra Pima and the yarn from Rome, I cast on. It was an easy knit, one that did not take too much concentration.

A WIP photo of my Ultra-Eyelet

Ultra-Eyelet

Pattern: Ultra-Eyelet by Larissa Brown, a "pay for" pattern.
Yarn: Classic Elite Ultra Pima, Calipso, Miss Tricot Filati on size 6 needles
This was an intuitive knit, the stitch patterns were easy to follow and it was carefree knitting. The progress went fairly quickly, and I enjoyed knitting with cotton during the heat of the summer days. I did block it aggressively and the dimensions are 38"x40". The pattern is designed for fingering weight yarn, imagine a Magic Cake paired with a solid color? It would be a great stash buster project.

Larissa Brown, Ultra-Eyelet

There is a story behind this pattern Ultra-Eyelet, do you care to hear of it? The pattern was in the Ravelry Top Twenty, and the shape of the design appealed to me, you know I am a sucker for shawl patterns. During July, the pattern design proceeds were donated to a fund raising event for an adoption of a child by her sister. That detail had me hitting the "Purchase Pattern" button in a wink.

Hefeweizen

The designer, Larissa Brown, is also an author. She has written books on knitting, including My Grandmother's Knitting and Knit Along- Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together. She also written has two fiction books, A Beautiful Wreck and Tress. I ordered the two knitting books and plan to get the novels at my library. As I perused her pattern page, I fell for these two hat patterns, do you love the look of them and the loose fit too?

Beverley's Hat

I have so many FOs to put up on a Friday but alas, I am in Boston and my knits are in Maine.... perhaps I can feature them next week? Sending you warm wishes in this new season of fall! Happy knitting!

A moving pattern description and a tribute to a loved one

2015-09-22T19:21:00.002-04:00

Gramma's Hug by Carolyn Macpherson, image imported from Ravelry.

I try to make a habit of reading the Top Twenty Patterns on Ravelry, sometimes I score a short term offer of a free patten, Other times, I discover something that will become a trend, and most of the time, I like to see what favorite designers are up to.

Today, I found this shawl, Gramma's Hug and the description of the design inspiration is one you just must read. It inspired me and lifted me up. I plan to cast one on and give it to my mum. She moved to a Memory Care Assisted living a week ago and she is having a hard time adjusting. It breaks my heart to see her insisting she needs to come home and raise her family.... I think this pattern will give me a place to pray for her as I knit and hope that she comes to accept the new place to live.

Do you have a prayer shawl or pattern you knit on when you feel adrift, sad or helpless? Please share in the comments.