Knitting in Beantown

My Blog Hub Yarn Swap box has arrived!!!

2012-02-29T15:26:00.001-05:00

I have been awaiting the arrival of this package with impatience.... Thanks PeatMoss83!!!

Blog Hug Yarn Swap Day 1

I got it! My package was waiting for me when I got home this afternoon. Imagine my excitement, and on top of a box of goodies for me, it is snowing here in Boston.... finally! Colleagues at work were debating whether or not we stood a chance of getting tomorrow as a snow day. I have yet to even go check out the weather because I was spilling out the contents of my box and sorting through the spring green and aqua wrapped packages to snap a picture and open gift number one.

Spring colors and hand written notes.

It is a white bag like those I remember from the penny candy days. The label reads, "Something for your sweet tooth!". I peek into the bag and see a cluster of chocolates from a place called Trecaso's Mary Coyle, Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and Fine Italian Cuisine. Hmmmm, this is such a good fit, sweets, old school ice cream AND italian food? Andrea included a menu and I'm torn between ordering the Eggplant parm, ( my favorite) or the Spaghetti ad aglio e olio ( spaghetti with garlic and olive oil). On the back is a list of the yummy ice cream flavors and a beverage called Phosphates, soda water mixed with cherry, lime, strawberry, etc. I'll have one of those too.

A handwritten note, a menu and two postcards.

But, as usual, my imagination and enthusiasm get ahead of me. Truth be told, I have eaten three of these delicacies, and they are a beautiful blend of chocolate and caramel, they look like they might be hand dipped.

The tiny bit I can tell you about my swap buddy is that she is from Ohio, and she writes a blog called Life on Laffer. She lives in Akron, has two dogs, and her Ravelry page says she has four original designs!

Thank you Andrea. I am off to peruse the blog, project pages, and pattern designs of my swap buddy. More tomorrow. (Cheshire cat smile, chocolate, bliss).

Tuesday...... wanna check out my swap partner's reactions?

2012-02-28T18:48:00.002-05:00

For the past month, I have been obsessing over items to send to my unknown swap partner. My mission was to come up with seven packages, three of which had to be yarn, a pattern, and something called Local Flavor, basically an item from where I live.

If you have been following the blog for the past few weeks, you may recall that I am in a Blogger Hub Yarn Swap. My partner is Manni of the blog CraftyYuppie. She has accomplished quite a bit for someone her age; she has a job working the mic at a radio station, she has, with her husbeast, become the owner of a beautiful home, and she spoils her kids, two whippets named Enza and Quinn. She likes to take long walks, she loves sushi and Thai food and she is multi talented in the craft arena. Check out her blog or Twitter feed if you doubt me, the girl is witty and prolific!

Day One: Gifts for the kids... I chose a box of doggie cookies, read about it here.
Day Two: Trip to Boston..... I went to one of the National Parks shops and picked up so many historic site brochures and added in a cool scrimshaw (replica) book mark, read about it here.
Day Three: Homemade. One of the suggestions was to make something for our partner. Recently Manni blogged about sewing jackets for her dogs, and I have always loved a pattern for a Bird Nest Pin Cushion in one of my Hannah Fettig pattern books, Closely Knit. Read about it here.
Day Four: Knitting and Sewing Notions. I had so much fun putting this package together. I included items from Windsor Button, a needle gauge, a really cool tape measure, buttons, mini skeins for Mann's hexi puff collection, a thread/yarn cutter, and some tags for personlizing handmade gifts. Read about it here.
Day Five: Something spa like... I have fallen in love with Crabtree and Evelyn's Pomegranate hand cream, to the point where I thought it had to be an item that I sent out in this box of goodies. Rich lotion, incredible scent, and long lasting. Read about it here.
Day Six: Patterns.... I have a sock pattern that was a gift to me from my good friend Julie at Urban Mouse to Country House, and since Manni has two dogs, I thought this might be a good gift. I also sent along two magazines I had won recently at Stitch House, and just in case, I also sent her two of my favorite accessory patterns. Go ahead, call me an enabler.... Guilty as Charged! Read about this package here.

So tomorrow, Manni will open her last package, and if you have been paying attention... the only thing I haven't mentioned is yarn. So check her page tomorow if you are curious as to what I chose to send! I think you will be envious....

As for me... I am anxiously awaiting the swap package I am to be blogging about. You'll know when it arrives, I'll share pictures and my reactions.

FO Friday Braided Swirl Tam

2012-02-25T11:21:00.002-05:00

Go to Tami's Amis to see what other FOs were blogged about today.

The four FOs I have for today are exciting and were so much fun to make.

Top Down Baby Bunting, by Amanda Lilley

Top Down Baby Bunting, Amanda Lilley

Faux button closure, snaps beneath. Buttons from Windsor Button.

I added the ribbon for stability wear, plus a punch of color.

The first is Amanda Lilley's Top Down Baby Bunting. I used big needles (9) and chunky yarn, and it knit up quickly. The yarn is Lion Brand Baby's First, a washable cotton/acrylic blend that I chose for its durability and weight. I got it from A. C. Moore's on sale for $3.00 a skein.

The pattern has enough variation of stitches to keep it interesting, and I am proud to say, this project forced me to master Kitchener stitch. (Which really isn't all that tricky once you get the sequence of stitches memorized, thank you KnitPicks for the tutorial, and optional dog tag!) If you note the details in my photos, you'll see I went with decorative buttons and snap fasteners. I confess, I was so into the knitting that I failed to see the buttonhole stitches in my directions.... bad character flaw!

If you know of an expectant mom, consider this pattern, it is a bit different from the traditional baby sweater and a great item for sleeping in cooler temps, or for going out in the stroller or carseat.

Braided Swirl Tam, by Lijuan Jing

Braided Swirl Tam

Top view, wedges are more noticeable here.

The second FO is my Braided Swirl Tam by Lijuan Jing. I found this pattern at Stitch House and have been urging it on any knitter I meet. I have never knit anything that compares to this pattern. Perhaps it is the yarn which is a variegated colorway. The long stretches of color contribute to the mystery of how the hat is constructed. This pattern comes with directions for three different weight Jojoland yarns; the only criticism I have is there is no gauge noted, so swapping to a different yarn will require some experimenting.

This pattern (slightly) challenged my knitterati knowledge too. I learned another skill this week, as this pattern calls for a provisional cast on. I never bothered to try it before, and in my haste to start a project, I would cast on normally and later sew the stitches when I got to the end. Now that I realize how simple provisional cast on is, I won't avoid it in the future.

I want to share the construction of this hat, if you will tolerate my lengthy discourse, here are some of the steps to demystifying the Braided Swirl Tam. Basically, you cast on 35 stitches, and as you go, you are cabling the central stiches and decreasing on one side and increasing on the other to create a triangle. Once you've knit 24 rows, you are left with 23 stitches, then you pick up 12 stitches on the side and begin again. There are five wedges to do, then you Kitchener stitch the provisional cast on edge to create the circular top. Once that is done, you pick up 90 crown edge stitches and knit in stockinette for about 3" to create the brim.

Wedge one, before picking up 12 side stitches.

Wedges one and two, before picking up 12 side stitches.

Because I am a nut, and a perfectionist, and I plan to wear this hat a lot.... I frogged, started with the other end of the yarn for a different color blend on the crown, and used stitch markers where the cables are placed to avoid any little mistakes.... Call me crazy, I know, I know.... But can you see how different it looks colorwise?

Second try, on size 10 needles and starting with peacock end of the Jojoland skein..

The third FO is my long-on-the-needles Baltic Tea Leaves. I treated myself to the extravagance that is Madelinetosh during last year's Red Line Yarn Crawl. It was my birthday and I felt ready to dive into the pool of "good" yarn. It took me a bit to choose a pattern, but once I cast on, it went well.

Tea Leaves in Madelinetosh Baltic

Problems arose at the sleeves. The first time I made them separately, and they were two different widths. I ripped out and decided to do them at one time on a Magic Loop. That way my decreases would be uniform. The challenge in doing this was the alternating of skeins every other row. (It is recommended that you switch between two balls of yarn as you knit to accommodate the fluctuations in the hand dyed yarn). The switching of skeins created a wonky seam and I had to rip out again. The sweater was in time out for a long stretch, but I picked it up again after the holidays. The sleeves look great but my nemesis of picking up button band stitches had me frogging until I could get both sides to be the same length. Why is it so hard to pick up stitches in a uniform manner so that the two sides are the same length, IDK....

Coronet

Coronet, byAlexandra Virgiel

Coronet
If you read the project page, you'll get the lowdown. This was a stash buster and meant to go with my much loved Puma Skimmers. Easy pattern, not such a great match to the yarn, but it works.

And lastly, a few snaps of the printer's tray that hangs about my project table. Some of my favorite collections.

Matreska Nesting dolls

Collection of rings and antique buttons

Blog Hub Yarn Swap..... Crafty Yuppie has opened gift #1

2012-02-23T14:30:00.003-05:00

Ravelry's

Blogger Hub

Yarn Swap

As I mentioned a few days back, I am in a yarn swap. I know those of you who happened onto this page by accident might say..... "Yarn swap, don't you already have a lot of yarn?" Uh, yeah I do, watcha going do bout it?? Wait, I am getting off track...

My yarn swap partner Manni/aka Crafty Yuppie has received her box! She has opened gift number one, she has blogged. If you'd like to enjoy the excitement as Manni posts after opening each packet, go to her blog page daily for the next week to see what I've sent.

(There are other people in my acquaintance who also go a bit gaga over fiber an such).

A birthday away

2012-02-22T06:26:00.003-05:00

Image imported from Smitten Kitchen, http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/07/best-birthday-cake/http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/07/best-birthday-cake/

On Thursday, my oldest daughter will be celebrating her 24th birthday. Just a little over a month ago my youngest had her 19th birthday. My middle daughter has a summer birthday, but she is now 21. How did these little cherubs evolve into accomplished young women? When they were small, so many older, wiser mothers would smile benevolently and murmur, take lots of pictures, it goes by in a flash. So true, so very true. Those cuddly nuggets of sweet smelling baby hair and sticky fingers are gone. Bedtime stories, huddled together, with one head in particular blocking our view, are distant but fond memories. My girls have tested their wings and can fly free with the knowledge and confidence of maturity. They make me proud, they make me smile, but they also make me a bit wistful that we can't resurrect those days when there was no desire to leave my side, playing together with the many toys they had was sufficient, nothing interrupted our flow of creativity and wonderment. They were too young to venture out with friends, so our circle of four was intact and we were content.

Children Playing at Seashore, imported from http://www.buymeposters.com/product/308333/children-playing-at-seashore.php

So, on Thursday, half an ocean away, my oldest will awaken on her 24th birthday in a place that is remote, otherworldly, and foreign. She and her college friends, on a bit of a whim, have planned a trip to Iceland. They have an itinerary that includes scuba diving near tectonic plates, climbing a glacier, watching the aurora borealis, and absorbing what life is like in Reykjavik. I am pleased that she has the means and the know-how to fulfill this dream, envious because I have often dreamt of traveling to this unique place in nature. So this evening they will begin their adventure, flying from Logan into the morning of tomorrow. Have fun, be safe, remember there's no place like home.

Click here to see streaming video of the Blue Lagoon.

Iceland is a country of real extremes, imported from http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/lifestyle-news/holidays-offers/2010/04/11/iceland-is-a-country-of-real-extremes-79310-26219511/

To the Post Office Tuesday.... Mailing my Blog Hub Swap Box

2012-02-21T13:09:00.001-05:00

The Blog Hub discussion starts here.

If you read this blog, you may recall my mention of another Blog Hub Yarn Swap. The members participating number 18 and about half have received their packages, opened and blogged about them.

We agreed to answer a number of questions, create a wish list of sorts, and then in turn spend $40.00 on the contents of a box of gifts for a stranger. One item had to be 100 grams of yarn, another had to be a pattern we think our partner might like, and lastly, we had to include a packet of local flavor. In total we are shipping seven packages which will be opened one per day and then blogged about. I have enjoyed reading the posts of the members who have received their boxes. Packing this box has been a lot like how I pack for vacation.... once the seven items were decided on and wrapped, I kept finding other things I felt should be added in. My partner may be the one who has more items to post about than others. I apologize in advance......

My collection of packages to be opened once per day for a week.

My carton will be shipped out first thing this morning. I can't show you the contents of these wrapped gifts, no spoilers here. But I will put up pictures once my partner has opened her gifts. I had so much fun lurking on her blog and Ravelry page. It was great fun to narrow down my choices for the yarn gift, I hope she adores it! I must confess I am a little nervous to get my package, as on Christmas, the anticipation and wonderment is the best part. I hope I love what is coming my way as much as I love what I am sending.

On a different topic, I wanted to share some information I have gathered over the past few days. I'll start with Stitch House. Lauren and I went to Knit Night on Friday and there was a lively group with so many threads of conversation going that I wished I could freeze frame and replay each story or tale and not miss anything. Three of us cast on for our KAL of the Braided Swirl Tam.

Braided Swirl Tam, this pattern can be downloaded for $5.00.

I love hats, I love the construction, wearing them, and finding yarns to make new ones. I have to shout about how much I enjoy this pattern!!!!! You start out with a provisional cast on and then do rows of welts (or garter stitch) which frame the central cabled section. After about 30 rows, you turn the work to pick up stitches to make another wedge. To me this is the epitome of potato chip knitting; I can't seem to stop, one row more, just one more, no, just to the end of this section..... Trust me, if you choose to make this hat, you will have fun knitting it and it is a flattering style to wear.

One of the scarves I snapped photos of in my post about Stitch House has me intrigued, so I sought it out and took a couple flat pictures and looked up the pattern. It is called Beaded Eyelet Shapely Shawlette by Judy Pascale.The beads give it such a beautiful drape and so I may queue this pattern and search the stash for yarn.

Annissa's Beaded Eyelet Shapely Shawlette, by Judy Pascale

Beaded Shawlette

Beaded Shawlette in the window of Stitch House

Sparkle Spiral, free pattern at Stitch House

The other scarf that I wanted to look at more closely was this ruffled scarf in teal and blue Lucci yarn. Let me know if you want the pattern, easy 17 stitches across.

Piega Cowl, please refer to Ravelry page for errata.

I also looked more closely at the Piega Cowl and will be eagerly awaiting the time (when I finish 5 more WIPs) when I can select two complimentary yarns and cast on this baby. I was in Windsor Button and found these yarns which might make a beautiful cowl.

Ritratto

Trendsetter Dune

While at Windsor I found this Rowan Big Wool marked down and it fits the need I have for a commission. A woman I work with wants a scarf and headband to match a jacket. This will work well.

On sale at Windsor Button, 20% off.

On sale at Windsor Button, 20% off. Color is really much deeper purple than blue.

As I approached the register with unintended yarn purchases in hand, I nearly fell over when my eyes spyed this! Also on sale!!! Malabrigo Greusa, in a shade of purpley blue that makes me think of the large mussel shells we find at Higgins. These shells have a band of a similar hue, and I always dream of making some sort of necklace from these found objects. Not sure what this will become but I love the color so much that I am contemplating sweaters. It is a bulky weight yarn though, so I may end up with a cowl or hat. Not sure.

WIP Wednesday 80

2012-02-15T22:28:00.004-05:00

Curious to see what other knitters are up to? Go here to see more.

I am a member of Ravelry's Blog Hub Group. We are in the midst of stalking our swap partner's blog and Ravelry pages to choose seven items which will be opened one a day for a week. We agreed to spend at least $40.00, send a pattern, 100 grams of yarn and something from our local area. We were also given loose instructions about the other things to include in the swap. Once the swap partner receives the package, they will open one thing a day and then blog about what they got. Go here if you'd like to read up on bloggers that have gotten their packages already.

I have so much to tell you! I feel like a kid on the day of Christmas Eve.... pleading to open a gift, just an eencie, teencie one..... PULEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZ?

The difference is, it's not Christmas, and my swap package has not arrived yet.

The difference is that I am wrapping, and putting packets in sequence (the order in which they should be opened), and then finding the right size box for my swap partner's goodies.

I am eager to get this mailed out tomorrow so I can sit and wait in expectation..... Will she like what I picked out? Did I get yarn that is the weight she prefers? I love the color but will she??? Will my local flavor stuff be ok? Did I do a good job of stalking? Will she have enough to blog about?

Hmmmm, we'll have to wait and see.

Funny, that's what my mother's response was to all of our pleading on Christmas Eve day. Now I know she used that phrase as incentive for the six of us kids to behave until it was time to set out the plate of cookies, glass of milk and bunch of carrots (for the reindeer, silly).

Once we had the refreshments set up, we got to open one package each... usually cozy pajamas.

The final step was to scramble up to our chilly bedrooms, hop into the new jammies, and then snuggle under the covers and try to fall asleep. How she and my dad did it with six of us I can only dream about.....

So, I can't show you any pictures, but I can show the collection of wrapped and numbered packages. HEY!!! No peeking under the paper, no shaking to try and guess...

The other exciting thing that has me all a-twitter, well, it was Twitter. As I was wrapping up my stuff for the swap, I got a Tweet notification on my phone. A kind reader mentioned me and said she liked my blog, and put me in the illustrious and good company of a couple of other blogs that she enjoys.... my head swelled a bit to be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Vickie Howell, knittydotcom, and..... the Yarn Harlot.

OMG, I am not worthy, but thank you so much craftyyuppie for the shout out!

So since it IS WIP Wednesday, here is what I have on the needles this week.

Amanda Lilley, image imported from http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/top-down-baby-bunting

Top Down Baby Bunting
I needed a quick newborn project for one of my teaching assistants, who is due the first week of March. I found this cute pattern on FB'S Knitter's group. This FB group gives you a window into what is happening with designers, big and small.

My version, using Lion Brand Baby's First

I saw this little bunting and thought "Perfect!". After downloading the pattern, I asked the designer how long it would take, using size ten needles and aran weight yarn should be quick, right? She said 5-6 hours. Well, she must knit like a hummingbird flies... but it is a quick knit, just that I'm not so speedy with my needles!

Jojoland Fantasia, picked this up last Friday at Stitch House.

Braided Swirl Tam
Go to my project page to check out the snaps I took of this while at Stitch House. I fell in love with the shape, the color, the yarn, and the complexity of the pattern. Reading the pattern through, it doesn't seem like it will be hard, but it produces a hat with very different shaping.

My friend Lauren and another Friday night knitter also got the pattern and we hope to do a KAL, check on Stitch House's forum page to see when we get it started.

Using size seven needles, no applied I-cord edging.

Fuschia Coronet
I ended up frogging the first attempt, and decided to fore go the applied I-cord edging and use size 7 needles. Looks much better, but it got bumped to the back of the bus by the bunting project.

My final WIP isn't exactly knitting, but it is knitting related. I'm trying my hand at doing social network promos for an upcoming knitting happening.

Tomorrow, the planning team for the third annual Fiber Camp event, sponsored by Common Cod Knitter's Guild will meet to tie up loose ends. We will be discussing more of the details for the event, which set to happen March 9-11 at MIT's Strata Arts Center. I will share the plans for the upcoming festivities tomorrow or Friday.

Shopping Saturday/ Squee Sunday/Making Monday

2012-02-13T15:26:00.005-05:00

Go to Calophi's page to see other posts.

So many beautiful fabrics to pick from. It was hard to narrow it down to just one, maybe a patchwork project?

What is it about a local yarn shop (LYS)? Are you lucky enough to live near one that has great atmosphere, helpful staff, knowledgeable instructors, great assortments of work horse yarns as well as yarns that we all covet.... (Can you say Madelinetosh)??? I enjoy the welcome I get when I enter, their genuine interest in what I have in my project bag, and helpful advice when I get stuck. Stitch House is a bit like the bar Cheers, when you enter, they greet you by name and make you wish you had never left.

Friday I went to Stitch House's Knit Night with a new friend I made at our Monday Charlestown Library knitters group. I have a feeling that my new pal, Ms. L., will be great company; she is thoughtful, knowledgeable, knits with abandon, even on challenging projects, and acts as an enabler when out in the LYS. Maybe not a great thing for my budget but what fun we will have!

Maybe you aren't aware that Stitch House has a Friday night knit group. The deal is you show up with some WIP or plans to start a new one. You can bring wine or any other beverage, cheese or crackers, or fruit. You sit, you knit, you chat, and some nights you order out from a nearby Mexican take out place. It is good fun, inspiring, and friendly.

This particular Friday we arrived ahead of most of the others, and so we soaked up all the beautiful displays, squeezed new yarns, browsed the plentiful assortment of books, oogled the array of Amy Butler fabrics, buttons, and finished projects. Here is what it looked like.

Hello hats! This is where we found the hat we couldn't leave behind. It is the one on the left.

Braided Swirl Tam

Jojoland, Fantasia. Hat pattern requires one skein.

There are many sizes and types of needles in stock. I got a pair of AddiClicks. Now I know what people are raving about, in love with the cable which doesn't kink, the tips which are just the right degree of sharpness, and I got a 47" cable in size 8, the needle I use most often.

Just one section of the Madelinetosh yarns. I got Celadon for a baby sweater.

Cascade Yarns are in plentiful supply, as are the books. Why wait for Amazon to deliver?

Shiny, fancy yarn with sequin and beads woven in.

I wanted this scarf too, maybe I'll get it during the Red Line Yarn Crawl?

This mohair scarf is made with beads; the drape of it is stunning.

There are so many samples to inspire you, in case you need an idea of what to make.


Piega, Shibui Knits This cowl is constructed of two rectangles that are braided by pulling them through openings knit into the design. Ms. L. and I fell for this cowl, as well as the Braided Swirl Tam. The unique construction and the swishy yarn were irresistible. Look for these projects on my posts in the near future.We both succumbed to the effects of yarn fumes and purchased yarn, pattern and needles. This is why I get up and go, albeit reluctantly, to work each day; I need to be able to shop......

WIP Wednesday 79

2012-02-08T15:34:00.003-05:00

Visit Tami's Amis to see other works in progress

Wow it is Wednesday again. The weeks seem to unravel faster than a ball of yarn chased by a kitten. The sunshine crests the horizon at 6:30 each morning and there is more and more bird song activity lately. The afternoons don't seem as gloomy and thanks to our (so far anyway) mild winter, we really can't complain here in Boston.

I haven't been knitting as much this week, I had errands to run and meetings to attend. Joined the gym on Monday and then went to the Genius Bar at the Apple Store. I took a relatively new MacBook in for help. It won't start up. Water damage is the diagnosis and a hefty bill will be incurred once it is refurbished. Owwweeeee.

Yesterday was a work day, followed by two hours of professional development, which was then followed by a meeting with the superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. She has these field meetings on different topics; yesterday the focus was on Special Education. Suffice it to say that the challenges and concerns were the same as always, the common problems of support staff and not enough money were reiterated by nearly everyone I sat near. The practical solutions were few, and the promises of change were vague. I finally got home by 7:00 and proceeded to cook up some suppa, then off to the calm solitude of my room where I promptly dropped off to sleep while reading a recent Interweave Knits magazine.

So enough already, here is what I have on the needles this week.

Tea Leaves
Both sleeves are finished.... yay! I will be doing the button band picking up of stitches tonight, hopefully pictures will be up on the Friday FO post. I need to block it and stretch the sleeves alittle, or drop twenty pounds fast!

Sprouting Cloche
I had trouble with this hat, and so I ripped it out and started over. I focused only on that project Friday and got 18 rows done. I love the yarn and the puzzle of a pattern. It isn't that difficult, but I have been doing a lot of fast and easy patterns for months so I need to build up my concentration skills again.

Bird's Nest Pin Cushion
This is a pattern from Hannah Fettig's Closely Knit. You might know her name from Coastal Knits, a great book released this past fall. I bought the Closely Knit book because of this pin cushion, I love birds, nature and sewing, but I hadn't made it for myself up until this weekend. I am making it for a secret gift and need only to make the eggs and it will be finished. (Edited to add this note). I used size 6 DPNs and a worsted weight yarn for the eggs to get a bulkier size. Also, I used a pattern from Purl Bee to make the eggs. No provisional cast on, easier.
This nest can easily be turned into a little basket for change or keys. I think it would make a nice gift for my brothers next Christmas.

Fuschia Coronet
This project has been neglected lately, but I plan to show it an hour or so of attention to get it to the point of picking up the crown stitches. (I have been thinking I might frog and use a smaller needle for tighter gauge. Not sure....)

Adding this as an after thought. I just found Yarn Yard's stretchy bind off here. Thank you!!!!

Making Mondays

2012-02-07T03:39:00.001-05:00

Close up of socks from Natalie's current Yarn Yard/ Making Monday post. Image imported from http://www.theyarnyard.co.uk/

Making Monday is a meme created by Natalie of Yarn Yard. I have linked to this topic in the past when I had cooked something or knitted something, but for today, I want to share something different that I have fostered the growth of.

Charlestown Knitter's Group

Monday evenings, 6-7:45 PM

Boston Public Library

Charlestown Branch

In the past month I have successfully, with help from my new friends, made one of my dreams come true. As a lone knitter, I have longed for the company of someone who enjoys knitting in the rabid manner that I do. I wanted to see what projects occupied their needles, where they found their inspiration, what help they might lend when I get stuck. Mostly, I just wanted to hang out in the company of people who spoke the language of creativity and and anything knit related.

I now anticipate Mondays like a kid anticipates the arrival of summer vacation. A group of us meet in the Children's section, and sit and knit, and chat about a wide range of topics. We have only been getting together for a month, but we now have a core group that shows up each week.

We are knitters of hats, baby blankets, unending swaths of mohair shawl in the works, sweaters, and vanilla (mindless, easy to do while yapping) projects. We come from varied backgrounds; some of us work, others are happily ensconced on the throne of retirement. We are native to Charlestown or newly arrived. We share a love of fiber, and to different degrees, an addiction to creating with wool and needles. And we love to talk.

The topics of discussion have ranged from experiences at work, tales from family life, and even the history of education in general and of Boston in particular. We catch each other up on the current state of affairs. My new friends sat by my side as I fielded a troubling phone call from my daughter. They sympathized with the bad news that I had received, and tonight they commiserated with the consequences of the whole debacle. It was affirmation in action. I don't feel like such a lone wolf now. They knit, they listen, and they sympathize. What more could a girl ask for?

They also are quick to disclose personal info, such as favorite yarns, designs and knitting snafus. One week we heard of a podcast that discussed taking control of one's knitting and allowing things to be frogged with diminished guilt.

Another session included info found while trolling Ravelry, and Knitty, and other related blogs. Recent developments include possible road trips to Freeport, Maine for NETA's Spa Knit and Spin Retreat Weekend. The Facebook page shows that there are a number of activities people are eager to attend. Another, more local event, is the Common Cod's Fiber Camp. I am hoping to get a number of friends to attend that one with me over the weekend of March 9-11.

Some of the queries of my new friends include, "Where do you shop for yarn?" Some of the shops mentioned include Windsor Button, Mind's Eye, Stitch House, Wild and Woolly, Another Yarn, and Yarns in the Farms. Further afield, other shops mentioned include Purl Diva, KnitWit, WEBS, Kaleidoscope Yarns, Lady Bug, Butterfly Yarns, Coveted Yarns, and Sit n Knit.

Other things I have inquired include "How much are you on Ravelry?", "Who taught you to knit and when?" Each individual is quick to share and the stories are illuminating and inspiring. The peripatetic ebb and flow of conversation is refreshing and informative. Often, there are numerous "convos" going on around the circle and my nosey ear wants to absorb all that is going on around me! This beats sitting at home, alone, listening to books on tape!

Tonight our meeting coincided with the library's monthly book club. As women ascended the stairs, they approached our group and assessed that we were not the book club. A few acknowledged that they had heard there was a group of knitters meeting at the branch. Others lingered and checked us out; we encouraged them to return with their current WIPs (works in progress) and a friend. Who knows how large our circle might become?

Please, if you are in the area and would like to be a part of this lively group, know that you and a friend are welcome to join us. Bring your knitting and enjoy the company of other like minded friends.

FO Friday #72

2012-02-03T06:10:00.004-05:00

Visit Tami's Amis for other FO Friday goodies!

These FOs are a collection of things that I finished recently but haven't blogged about.

Cream Brambles
I must say I enjoyed this one. The stitch was a totally new one and I love the architectural quality of it. It is an easy pattern, and because I used size 17 needles and Lion Brand Thick and Quick yarn, it was speedy! My girls have absconded with this cowl, too. Oh, and there is a hat pattern to match if that's more your cuppa tea.

Cream Gap-Tastic Cowl
Ok, this is probably the fourth one I have made since December. The first time I used this pattern, last year, it was interminably long and cumbersome to knit. This year, moss stitch and seed stitch lull me into my happy place. I find this pattern is vanilla knitting and because the girls all want one, I have been diligent and can crank them out in quick time.

Snappy Cap and Gap-Tastic Cowl

Snappy Cap
This set was a Christmas gift for Anastasia. The hat is made of Lion Brand Thick and Quick using size 10 1/2 needles. I will make this hat again and I like the cabling. It has a structural quality in yarn of this weight and it is very warm. A quick knit and great gift!

Brattleboro Hat from New England Knits

Cream Brattleboro
This is my second Brattleboro. The first I gave to Catherine, and she took it away to college. This means I can't steal it, so I made one for me. Have you heard of any other knitter's raving over this pattern? I read a about it in a few blogs in the fall, and because they sounded so enamored of the pattern, I had to try it out for myself. It is easy enough to knit and quick, but there is just something magical about how it works up. Not to mention it creates a super showcase for vintage buttons.

Fall Leaves II
I have this scarf and whenever I wear it to school, I have people asking me to make one for them. I lucked out at Stitch House, and found some skeins (on sale!) and made this up for Lucy. It is a simple garter stitch that highlights the thick and thin quality of the yarn.

Maroon 5 Gap-Tastic Cowl
Another? I know.... but they make up quick and the kids here expect them, so what can I say? Plus, I must confess, I want to empty my yarn baskets of the Lion Brand stuff leftover from Christmas knitting so that I can get to the good yarn that is waiting in the wings!

Charlestown Chix with Stix
Monday Night 6-8 PM Charlestown branch of Boston Public Library

Not actually a knitting project, but a knitting ambition that has become a reality. I have hoped for company and inspiration, and through Ravelry (of course!) my hopes have come to fruition. If you are interested in joining, please come and bring your projects, ideas and questions. (It isn't a knitting lesson group, but if you want to learn, I will sit with you and get you started.)

There was a post on Boston Yarn Party's forum asking for knitters near Charlestown. The Charlestown branch of the Boston Public Library has been willing to give us a spot every Monday night from 6 to 8 PM in the Children's section. We now have a date, and a place, and a great group of women who show up with their projects and lively conversation. Who knows where this might lead? There have been mentions of roadtrips to Rhinebeck and WEBs, and maybe even Stitches or Squam Lake in the future.

Purl Diva, Brunswick Maine

If you were here earlier and have returned to access the coupon code.... I have removed the link because the code doesn't work anymore. I apologize, profusely..... so sorry

I was reading Purl Diva's FB page (of Brunswick, Maine) and she had this link to an interesting interview by SouleMama. Read about Fiber Company and follow the link to get a pattern from their collection.
Do you want to see which pattern I chose? Now, to go scope out some Fiber Company Canopy, I wonder which color will be best?

Olmsted, by Jennie Ujiie. Image imported from http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/zeitgeistyarns/32967060/olmstedfrontcloselarge_medium.png

Olmsted, by Jennie Ujiie

Work in Progress Wednesday #78

2012-02-01T20:03:00.002-05:00

Visit Tami's page to view other WIP Wednesday goodies.

It is the start of a new month.... I am pledging to blog more often.... I have been remiss and need to get back on track. I hope to do the WIP Wednesday, FO Friday, Shopping Saturday, and Making Monday. If I can fit in more than that I will.

Here is what I have OTN currently....

TEA LEAVES
I have promised to meet the challenge of working for an hour a day on my Tea Leaves. I so want to be done with it; I am doing Magic Loop to get symmetrical sleeves and it is fiddly. I have about 6 inches to go and then I need to do the two button bands on the front.

BRULEE SCARF
This is my vanilla knitting. Easy, but a bit boring. I guess I just need to pop in a good movie to get the needles flying. It is a scarf for Catherine that will match the down coat I gave her for Christmas.

FUSCHIA CORONET
This yarn was won in a Stitch House give away a few years ago and because there are only 200 yards, I was challenged to come up with a project until I got the Puma skimmers (on my project page). I decided to make a hat as an accessory to go with all of the black that dominates my wardrobe. This pattern is fun to work on, and a good first cable project. I am hoping I will have enough to get a tall enough crown on the hat.


Cupido Cowl by Hiroku Fukatsu. Image imported from http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cupido-cowl

CUPIDO COWL
I found this cowl and thought the stitch pattern looked very interesting, but I may frog it because it looks so very acme in the Lion Brand yarn I am using. I think a home spun or variegated yarn will be better suited.

Sprouting Cloche by Norah Gaughan. Image imported from http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sprouting-cloche

SPROUTING CLOCHE
This pattern is from Brave New Knits, one of my favorite knitting books. I am using Berroco Lustra yarn in a glazed carrot color, deep rusty goodness. I got about 20 rows in and realized I was making a few mistakes that would affect the leaf motif, so I frogged and have started over, using a blown up copy of the chart. I hope after all of the work I put in that I won't look like some freak with the 3-D leaf effect on my head!

BUTTER CHINOOK
To be honest, I have this in my work basket, and I want to get to the half way mark, and then the decreases will begin, but I never seem to get to it. It was supposed to be a Christmas gift and I should try to send it off for Valentine's instead. Must begin again!!

I have ten projects on my Ravelry page and I really want to narrow it down so that I can begin some new things. I have enjoyed these small projects because they are usually quick and fairly easy. I have a stash of yarns awaiting my attention, things found on ebay and some sweater quantity stuff bought at Stitch House in the fall. Need to clear the decks a bit before casting on anything else.

Check back tomorrow, I have an interesting post to share with you on health, fitness, and setting goals.

The Common Cod is sponsoring Fiber Camp, March 9-11, 2012

2012-01-31T05:32:00.001-05:00

The Common Cod Knitter's Guild is sponsoring the third annual Fiber Camp. Come to MIT's Strata Art Center and enjoy the company of other fiber aficionados as we learn new techniques, meet new people and share our love of creating hand made items. Go here to register. Remember, bring a friend or a bevy of friends!
Check back for more details and teasers.

Independence and do-it-yourself skills

2012-01-31T04:50:00.000-05:00

We are a house of women. I have tried hard to raise my girls in the model of the Little Red Hen... Who will help me re-glaze the storm windows? Who will help me strip rooms of wallpaper from the 50s? Who will help me dig out the car in a snowstorm? No takers? Then I'll do it myself..... My daughters have proven that they are capable, motivated and resourceful. I am a proud mum.

Here is a photo story of how my girls applied what they have learned in the school of "I'll do it myself" as they spent the weekend fixing up our spare bedroom.

Third floor bedroom before clean up and new paint.

Rearrangement of furniture, new paint, window treatment.

The color is a periwinkle blue, knee wall is a coffee with cream color. Carpet is a sandy beige. The before photo didn't show it, but the floors are old, wide pine, in poor condition. Some day I hope to have them sanded and polyurethaned. Then an area rug will be all that is needed and the wood can be showcased.

The periwinkle blue is a bit washed out in this shot.

Knee wall in coffee with cream tone.

I love this antique oak dresser that I found at a yard sale.

With bed moved to window wall, there is more floor space.

We have been told that this door is from the late 1800s.

The medallion to the left of the window was formerly a gas light fixture.

The girls surprised Anastasia with their handiwork. She was away for the weekend and returned to a transformed room.

WIP Wednesday 76 and more eBay finds!

2012-01-18T21:06:00.000-05:00

WIP Wednesday... visit Tami's Amis for more eye candy!

I have been a bad girl! I promised myself that I would avoid any more yarn expenditures for a while, but I couldn't resist the buys I found here. I won three skeins of Cascade 220 worsted in Italian plum for 15.00 and 2 skeins of Berroco Ultra Fine Alpaca in Potting Soil for $12.00. There were two other lots that I had been bidding on, but lost.
I have become so enamored of hand knit hats lately and that is what I hope to use these skeins for.

On the Needles... WIPs

Cream Bramble Cowl- nearly finished... this pattern made me want to cry... only because I couldn't read where I was in the pattern, would make a mistake, frog back and still not succeed. I ended up frogging the whole thing, and then sat and studiously whipped the pattern into submission!

Cream Brattleboro Hat- again, nearly finished. This was to be a stash buster, but I ran out of yarn and need to get to the store for another ball. I love love love this pattern and how quickly it works up. Who knew how much one could love moss stitch?

Brulee Scarf for Cath-this is in the early stages. It's just garter stitch but I modified the pattern and gave it applied I-cord edging. The color matches Cath's Christmas coat perfectly. Hoping to have it finished by the time she comes back home from college in a week or ten days.

Fall Leaves II-this one is at the halfway mark. I brought it to Ignite Craft Boston and got so much done. Again, just garter stitch, but the wool is so stunning that it works. I am making this on commission for a woman at work.

Waiting to be cast on....
I must get some more items off my in process list before I can begin anything else! But here is what I am pining for....

Escargot, by Veronica Parsons, Knitty Deep Winter, 2011. Image imported from http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escargot

Escargot in Berroco Lustra, color is a dark rust shade.
Coronet in cream. I may modify the cable in some way and the next hat will be on a larger needle and will fit a tad more loose at the cable edge.

Textured Hat by Simona Merchant-Dest, image imported from http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/31-textured-hat.

This hat intrigues me because of the way the stitch patterns revolve around the crown. I may or may not meet the challenge of this new collection of techniques.

Have I told you lately that I miss you?

2012-01-17T06:32:00.000-05:00

Image imported from whynottri.wordpress.com

a stream of consciousness attempt to explain my absence. watching stats and observing many visits to blog. absence of any kind of proper post. guilt feelings over no posts. thoughts of you readers. hoping to chat you up on the latest this evening.

Friday... work at school, home to scramble a clean up before appointment, two hour visit from furnace expert to have proposal drawn up to replace boiler and convert from radiators to baseboard, dinner shop/prep for the family, then out to catch the T to MIT for Ignite Craft Boston event, on an empty stomach, growl. Bringing knitting, Fall Leaves Scarf II.

Large turnout......Presenters spoke of
making pie, specifically, pie crust, yum
of using egg cartons to build amazing mathematical spheres,
of sewing clothes with and without patterns,
of channeling creativity from wardrobe management in movie production to starting a yarn and sewing shop,
of becoming a tailor of custom clothing ... starting small and then evolving into something much larger in scope, at an enviable age of what? maybe 23????
of bees and genetics... brings back the memory of glazed eye response to science class lectures in high school, but funny,
of obtaining grant funding to replace basketball nets, crochet/making them, sponsoring community events to celebrate and drawing in other volunteers, playing b-ball
of becoming the purveyor of studio space for creative types, replete with machinery shared by all, growth in exponential "Baby" steps!!! push yourself to the limits and be afraid..... key motivators for such lofty success
intermission at Ignite, amazing food, large crowd, attempts at mingling, finding a familiar face, convo

Cold cold cold, windy windy windy, shiver shiver shiver, layer layer layer

Frequent prayers to the furnace gods to continue to provide heat from the aging dragon in the cellar

News of extended family member leaving home by ambulance, dx.... small (?really?) heart attack. prayers for recovery, for family, for my girls

On the stove... a massive pot of homemade tomato sauce, ravioli/spinach/sauce and mozzarella dish for supper... house smells of garlic and onions and tomatoes. why don't they bottle that for sale at the perfumery?

Knitting goals of completing a few projects... finished Gap-Tastic Cowl in short order, cast on a scarf for college girl to take back to school Wednesday, Bramble Cowl.... had 20" done, noticed two serious mistakes, tinked back, re-knit, still not right.... frogged and began again.... 30" done and nearly ready to bind off
Badgering requests for fingerless mitts from my kittens, chilly house, sleeping with hats on...

Nineteenth birthday preparations, festivities, drama, shopping, gift buying, gift returning, gift wrapping

Dinner out for five, low key, ice cream cake at home, gift opening, some success

Got my Blog Hub Yarn Swap partner info, lurking and taking notes for the packages I must prep. Seven packages to opened over a week, must find things that spur worthy blog posts....

End the weekend with Moonstruck in the DVD, nestled under stacks of down comfort, drop into the pool of sleep, awaken to slushy mess at 5:30, getting up to make porridge and a lunch, pulling on Bean Boots and hat, coat, muffler, and gloves, soon to leave for a day's work

Sitting in the Strata Arts Center. Ignite Craft Boston about to start.

2012-01-13T18:53:00.000-05:00

WIP Wednesday #75 and Recent eBay finds

2012-01-11T18:22:00.002-05:00

Visit Tami's Amis to see other WIPs!

If you recall in past posts, I like to troll eBay for vintage knitting needles, good deals on yarn and books.

This past week I was looking to replace my cross body Coach bag. Not because it is worn or damaged, but because I love the size of it, the styling, and the brand. Here is a picture of my black one. It was given to me by my sister Jacqueline who knew my love of small bags. Her husband had given them to her probably 15-20 years ago.

My current Coach bag, I love the size, and the length of the strap.

Another view of my black Coach cross body.

This Coach bag is a dark green color and is larger than my bag. I found it on eBay for $26.00.

This Coach cross body is actually saddle color. It is petite in scale, but the strap is about 18" long. This one was $19.99.

This little wristlet was a Christmas gift. Thanks, Cath!

So I have increased my collection of bags, and now eBay is off limits for awhile. I do confess that I love looking at some of the other more expensive vintage bags, but I will refrain from making any bids..... I promise...

As for works in progress....

Fall Leaves Scarf

I also have the Cream Bramble Cowl going, a cream Brattleboro hat, and a Darkside Cowl. I have a number of other things that I am anxious to cast on, but will hold off. I am hoping to get at least two of these done by Friday. My work in progress list is now ten items long. Must cut that in half!

Make it Monday

2012-01-09T10:18:00.002-05:00

I have to share two finished objects with you! I am excited to finally have my Nigh Duck bag properly attired with handles, a magnetic closure and feet. The bag has been sitting next to my crafting area looking forlorn because I never ordered the leather straps pictured in the pattern. I had been hunting my LYS (when I remembered) but nothing ever looked like a good match. Then, I found all of this hardware at Stitch House on Saturday. For $12.00 I now have a bag that looks pretty darn good. Tell me if you agree!

Nigh Duck Bag

These little feet will protect the bag and are easy to install.

Nigh Duck is made of Debbie Stoller's Full of Sheep Wool.

My other finished object is the Welted Cowl by John Brinegar. Let me say one thing that I learned while making this cowl. Because I have been a seamstress in the past, I appreciate the various weights and densities of fabric when choosing material for a pattern. In knitting, I have discovered that some stitches also create a distinct "fabric". Welting is just bands of garter and stockinette stitch, but what happens is this luxurious collapsing and draping. The yarn also contributed to the drape of this cowl, but now I really want to go back to the Vogue Knitting Holiday 2010 article that John wrote about welting and see where I might be able to apply it to a favorite pattern.

John Brinegar's Welted Cowl in Lion Brand Homespun.

The dimensions are approximately 36' long and 12" wide.

The other "Making" that I have happening is that tonight, I will be convening a group of knitters from my neighborhood at our branch library. I am hoping to increase the circle of fanatic knitters in my zip code!

Saturday Shopping

2012-01-07T20:42:00.002-05:00

I have not been posting my usual WIP Wednesday and FO Friday blog entries. I'm not sure why, maybe I am just out of sync after the holidays. Here is a snapshot of my day.

The weather today was unseasonably warm, in the high 50's. The sun was shining and everyone seemed to be out jogging. Sporting a light jacket and no hat!, I set out on an adventure and traveled by T to Dorchester to Stitch House, one of my favorite LYS.

Stitch House, Dorchester, MA Image imported from http://shop.stitchhousedorchester.com/

Back before Christmas my name was pulled for a prize, but I never made it over to pick up my swag before today. Annissa is a smart shop owner, because you know I shopped and got more than just my prize, right?

I love visiting this store because it is always abuzz with creative folks doing their thing. Today, in the back portion of the shop, about 10 women were working on cutting out pattern pieces for a sewing class. In the front of the shop a woman had dropped in for a bit of help learning how to work with four DPNs while making a sock. The women that work here are so patient, encouraging, and confidence inspiring. Plus, I must mention that they order in the more scrumptious pizza for lunch.... yum!

There were a few of us browsing, selecting, and buying goodies for projects. I had come over seeking additional skeins of Online 231 Linie Filz Wool. (I have been diligent about stash bustin, but I might need to redefine what stash busting means because I have been using stash for patterns that require me to buy more for the projects I've chosen.) Unfortunately, they don't carry this line anymore, so I might end up using my two skeins (only 55 yards each) to make fingerless mitts or a headband.

Ongoing Markdowns
Annissa always has goodies in the markdown baskets, but I was thrilled to find di Ve' Fiamma on sale. I have a very long garter stitch scarf that is coveted by a few colleagues at work, one of whom commissioned a scarf if I could get more of the yarn. I was able to get 6 balls at $3.50 apiece. Yeah! Mission Accomplished!!

di Ve' Fiamma, super bulky wool

I also scored on some Nashua Handknits Geologie. This yarn is a variegated fall colorway, burnt orange, brown and green. I got six balls of this yarn for $5.00 each. I want to make a cowl or jumbo sized scarf to go with my new wool coat. I wonder about whether this yarn would work up in the Liesl cowl? Any advice from those of you who are good at subbing yarns?

Nashua Handknits Geologie

She also had Noro Iro on sale and there was plenty of this in many different colors. I wish I had a sweater in mind, but I did not buy any of this yarn. I think it was only $8.00 a skein, which normally retails for $18.00. They had a number of sweater quantity bags of ten skeins, unopened.

The swag I picked up is two Debbie Bliss magazines and a Creative Knitting, November 2009. I have the two Debbie Bliss magazines in my library... so I will share with whomever contacts me first.....if you would like me to mail you one or both, private message me your mailing address at my Ravelry account, (19vesperstreet).

Debbie Bliss, Fall/Winter 2009


Debbie Bliss Spring 2011

I also finally found handles to put on my Nigh Duck Bag, made last spring during a Blog Hub Swap Challenge. I will post photos as soon as I sew them on!

After leaving Stitch House, I made my way to the train back into the city. I headed to Windsor Button to get more Homespun yarn for my Welted Cowl. This stash buster is nearly done, and now that I will have extra yarn, I will make either a hat or mitts to use it up. Another stash busting attempt thwarted.

Snappy Hat by Corrina Ferguson

I also picked up some natural Lamb's Pride worsted wool for a hat I am making for one of my daughter's friends. I know many of you live to knit with Berroco Alpaca or Quince, but this yarn is my favorite staple fiber. It is a pleasure to knit with, it holds up well to wear and washings, and it isn't that expensive.... well, $9.00 is a lot, but it is good wool. My whole sense of sticker shock for yarn expenditures continues to evolve.

So, since I can't reach my knit friends to share my day's adventure, I wrote it up here for you to read. Share your thoughts on what would be a good pattern for the Geologie yarn if you are so inclined. And message me if you would like one of the Debbie Bliss magazines.

Thinking Thursday

2012-01-05T21:22:00.002-05:00

I had been happily knitting away over the Christmas school vacation and got a lot done. Now that I have returned to school, the demands of the day have preempted the projects I had going. In my frustration at not having the energy and time to work on things on the needles. I got to lurking around on Ravelry's Top Patterns list. Here is what got added to my favorites. Also Jared Flood released Wool People II and the patterns are stupendous. Check it out here.

I like these patterns for a variety of reasons, but my goal today is to share images and not so much text. Easier on the eyes. Leave me a note as to which ones you might queue.

Array by Shibui Knits

Clemence by Carrie Bostick Hoge

Fuse by Veronik Avery

Winnowing by Bristol Ivy

Beanpole Beanie by Rachel Weaver

Cabled Pullover by John Brinegar

Helmet Hat by Deborah Newton

Happy New Year's

2012-01-03T11:28:00.003-05:00

I have been away from my blog for such a long time. I have been thinking about what I should post and I can't seem to come up with anything coherent. Would you want to read about what I've been knitting since the pressure of Christmas has passed? (If you know me at all, you might have experienced my grumpy rumblings when access to my needles was pushed aside for Christmas shopping, cooking and decorating. Now that I am able to work on my projects again, I feel much more calm and in tune with happy thoughts.

I have a number of items that I will put here ahead of FO Friday (finished objects). I might try and link to last week's post, if the linky still lets me do that.

Gap-Tastic Cowl in Lion Brand Wool_Ease Chunky on size 13 needles

Gap-Tastic Cowl
This was a mindless knit and though I do love seed stitch, it got to be a bit much towards the end. I have two more to make for my girls.

Big Button Hat, Lion Brand Hometown on size 13 needles

Big Button Hats
I finished these last but will be sending them off to the recipients today. I hope they are loved! This is such a great pattern, quick, cute and a great canvas for a cool big button.
(Gotta love that I have Windsor Button to go to for inspiration and supplies! If you are in need of buttons and can't get into Boston, call or shop online. They are great at customer service and their selection is amazing!).

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick on size 19 needles

Herringbone Neckwarmer
Another gift that was not given on time, I wanted to wait until everyone's gifts were finished before mailing them. This is cute and I will include a note recommending that it be pulled over the head; the pattern doesn't have you make buttonholes and I wonder if the wearer will be able to line it up to look as the pattern intended.

Sinful Ribbed Scarf, Lamb's Pride Bulky on size 15 needles

Sinful Ribbed Scarf
I made this for a teacher at work. It took me a few attempts to get the right needle/fabric but I like how it turned out. I used two skeins of Lamb's Pride Bulky and size 15 needles.

WIPs or works in progress
Now that I have shared my FOs, here is what I have been focusing my time on. I gave each of my girls new coats for Christmas and I have been working on cowls or scarves this past week of school vacation.

Lion Brand Homespun on size 10 needles

Welted Cowl
I have wanted to make this ever since I got the Vogue Knitting (Holiday 2010) magazine that includes it. It is another of John Brinegar's designs. I intended to use stash yarn, but ended up needing a second skein ..... will it still qualify as stash bustin?

Cream Bramble Cowl in Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick, size 17 needles

Reverse side of Bramble

Cream Brambles
I found this cowl and hope the scale of it will be good for one of the girls. It is bulky but not so voluminous as the Gap-Tastic. The stitch pattern is easy to memorize and because it is a bulky yarn knit on big needles, it is going very quickly.

Solitaire Beret in Lion Brand Alpine Wool on size 10 1/2 needles

Solitaire Beret, from Weekend Hats (This is such a great book and so worth your perusal! Trust me, buy it!)
I need to make another gift hat and had Lion Brand Alpine Wool in stash. I started making this last night but realized I was going to need another skein, (plus I messed up reading the cable pattern directions), so I will be frogging to make this instead.

I have more things brewing and waiting for some of these items to be finished. I will share my upcoming projects with you soon.

Happy Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T06:56:00.000-05:00

I really should be up and out the door to finish up the last few purchases, but I want to wish all of you a Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year. You are in my thoughts and I hope you will enjoy this holiday in the warm comfort of good friends, good food, and good cheer.

Image imported from What's for Dinner Solutions.

WIP Wednesday #71

2011-12-21T21:08:00.006-05:00

It is Wednesday. I have had a hellish week. Stress at work due to a shortage of staff and an incident that will not be further described, but was extremely upsetting. Regret at missing a family Christmas dinner in Maine due to two of my college gurls having finals that took precedence. Delayed Christmas shopping in order to bake and create the stock sold at our Christmas Fair. Doldrums at the thought of power shopping.... I DO. NOT. ENJOY. SHOPPING.

I had two days of our Multi-Handicap Program's Christmas Craft fair participation. It went well. I made over $200.00 at our table and sold off a lot of the knitting projects I have been amassing of late. I had planned to give some as Christmas gifts, but the market bore the prices I set and off they went. I sold a half dozen scarves, a half dozen hats, and have commission orders for more to deliver after the Christmas school vacation.

I have been urged to put up an esty shop but I am reluctant because I don't relish the thought of demand knitting. I may try it and stock only what I want to work on as available for sale.

I wish I had had the time to snap photos of the things I sold but it was so hectic and so grey that I passed.

Here is what I've got on the needles.

Wintermellow Headband, Gaptastic Cowl

Wintermellow Headband. It was admired by a friend who asked if one could be whipped up to be given as a gift. Almost done.

Sinful Ribbed Scarf

Sinful Rib Scarf

Sinful Ribbed Scarf. This is a commission for a teacher at work who saw my Fall Leaves scarf and pleaded with me to make one for her. I am using Lamb's Pride Bulky- one of my staple yarns, bought at Windsor Button. It is an interesting and easy pattern, knit on size 15 needles, it goes quickly and the pattern is very easy to memorize. It is a cool construction in that the fabric is almost corrugated as you knit. I tried to capture the architecture of the ribs in the photo.

Image imported from project page-Herringbone Neckwarmer by Breean Elyse Miller

I fell in love with this peacock neckwarmer. Mine is actually being worked up in a wine color and I plan to use some wooden buttons for the closure ,but don't you just covet the flash of this FO? It is a very quick knit using Lion Brand Thick and Quick bulky yarn and size 19 needles. It may end up ensconced in gift wrap if I can finish it.

Herringbone Neckwarmer in Lion Brand Thick and Quick

Turquoise neckwarmer

Turquoise Neckwarmer
The yarn is Lion Brand Homespun and the color is a soft turquoise with gradations of sky blue and white. I cast on and am knitting garter stitch in hopes of having a mindless knit to squash some stress I have been dealing with over the past week. It will be a simple design, but similar to the Gap-tastic Cowl in length.

Butter Chinook

Butter Chinook This scarf has been lingering on the back burner; it was meant to be a gift for Christmas but it may not be finished. Using Cascade Ultra Pima.

Berrocco Lustra, swatching for a hat.

I bought this hank on the advice of a friend, Julie, because I have had so much stress in the past few weeks. I have had my eye on this yarn at Windsor Button for a long time. I splurged and got this gorgeous color for a hat pattern. Swatching to see if my gauge will match a new hat pattern.

Thistle, by Liz Abinante.

Liz Abinante, of Traveling Woman shawl design, has a new hat pattern available for free until December 27. It is called Thistle and looks so delicious.

10 Things You Have to Do Before Christmas

2011-12-20T19:55:00.000-05:00

Thank you Peppermint Mocha Mama for giving me a topic to blog about today. I read through her ten and wish I could say we have more traditions that we do. But anyhow, here's my list of ten:

Get through two more days of school. Tomorrow will be our last day as a team until the new year so I plan to give my staff the small gifts I got them. For the kids, a small Santa hat with candy. Kinda Grinchy....? Sorry. We will be watching the Polar Express in the auditorium and then some light festivities. Thursday there are plans for one colleague to bring in her Wii to see how the kids interact with it.
Mail. The. Cards. I haven't done cards (that got mailed anyway) in years, maybe 7 years (oh the shame). I wrote up all of them on Sunday, but forgot today and yesterday to mail them. Manana!
Get gifts for my mom and dad.... I never know what to get them and because they love to eat out.... I may end up getting a gift card for dining. Not sure what other little trinkets I can find that won't be too pedestrian. What do you give people who really don't need things? I wish I could just devote more time to visiting them, but doing coupons for my time just seems so adolescent.
Gifts for the siblings. We usually give each other something, not too big but a little sumtin sumtin.
Bake some cookies and chex mix.
Plan what we will eat for Christmas breakfast, shop and bake accordingly.
Have a plan for Christmas Eve. I will be alone, the girls go to their dad's. Need a plan beyond drinking Bailey's and watching It's a Wonderful Life.
Replace all of our gift wrap! The gift wrap container must have gotten moisture in it because the bottom six inches of all of the paper is damp and smells moldy. OMG! Yuck!
Attend Christmas Eve Mass at 4 PM. One of the best liturgies of the year, the choir, the french horns, plus I do love seeing our church full!
Rent a car for the weekend. Will need a car for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We will be spending our first Christmas NOT in Maine and it will be different but I think we will all enjoy being together at my sister's house where we will all be gushing over the new addition and kitchen they have put in. My parents will be there, and all but one sibling.

You know there are more than these ten things, but I think these are at the top of my list. Wishing everyone a Peaceful and Merry Christmas.