Knitting in Beantown

Works in Progress Wednesday, a brief hiccup in my 4KCBW posting

2013-04-25T23:51:00.000-04:00

Drizzle, by MSkiKnits, Forest Greener- Worsted

Drizzle, pattern by Mel of SingleHandedKnits
Yarn: Forest Greener, worsted on size 5 needles
This is Mel's second hat pattern and it is fun to knit and more fun to wear. The brim is knit loosely, so as not to leave any marks on your forehead. There are three sizes, fitted, slouchy, and super slouchy. This hat is going to be slouchy.

I vowed not to cast on another thing until I finished something, but there is something soothing about knitting a hat, and after this week of sadness and tension, soothing was what the doctor ordered. Most of the week I found myself unable to focus or get anything done correctly. I finally decided to cast on when I found some leftovers of this hand-dyed yarn. I do love my first Drizzle, why not have two?

Zilver, by Lisa Mutch, Knitting Fever- Whispers

Zilver, by Lisa Mutch of Northbound Knitting
Yarn: Knitting Fever, Whispers in size 7 needles.
I picked this yarn up on the final day of Windsor Button's closing sale. I am not sure how this is going to look until I get it blocked; right now it is so scrunched on the circular needle that it is hard to tell if I will like it. The pastel colors are not my cuppa tea, but it can always go into the "Gift" box.

Mel of SinglehandedKnits tipped me off to this pattern almost a year ago and I have to say it is a fun and semi mindless knit. You don't have to focus too hard, but it isn't Stockinette Zombifying either. To do it justice, this shawl really deserves to made again, in Madelinetosh or a good sock yarn.

Guernsey, by Jared Flood in Cascade Eco+

Guernsey, by Jared Flood
Yarn: Cascade Eco+ on size 8 needles
I cast this on a while back, inspired late one Friday after hearing from Julie that it was a fun knit and AmyBeth of FatSquirrelSpeaks was making one, so I jumped on that bandwagon. It is charted and I need to either maximize it on the iPad or sit in good light with reading glasses. Up until this week I had only 12 inches done, but I did over twenty inches one afternoon while watching reruns of favorite movies Moonstruck, You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle. The movies are more like company, I find I put them on when no one is home and I need to have someone to talk to. (Ok that sounds truly weird, sorry).

Gratitude KAL, in Araucania Huasco and IndigoDragonfly Baldersquatch

Daybreak

Daybreak by Stephen West

Yarns: Aracaunia Huasco and Indigodragonfly Bleats Shoots and Leaves on size 4 needle

This is one of those more expensive yarns I mentioned earlier in the week. I think the Araucania cost 24.00 and initially, I hesitated. Now, it just might be elbowing Madelinetosh out of the way to be my go-to "nice" yarn. I love the twist and the colors are like knitting with Noro, it keeps you enthralled as you watch the shift of color through your fingers. It is an easy enough pattern, but with the distractions of the week, I made a few booboos and had to tink back to fix them.

This shawl is an entry in the Gratitude KAL that AmyBeth, of FatSquirrelSpeaks podcast, is sponsoring over on her Forum board. This is the second year for this knitting event, which involves choosing a wearable item to knit for yourself, and as you knit, you should knit reflectively and think of the many things you are grateful for. As AmyBeth says, you acknowledge the good things in your life as you make the item and it should bring you consolation in low times when you wear it in the future.

I have a few stories of Gratitude, yes with a capital G, but I am saving them for when I cast this off, stay tuned.

(The hiccup in my 4KCBW blog posting is that I can't figure out how to upload Day 3's info-graphic. I waited and waited for help from the site, but got too tired, and annoyed, so I had this in the can and am sharing some of the things currently keeping me busy. Hopefully, I will have 4KCBWDays 3 and 4 up tomorrow).

If you want to see other WIP Wednesday posts, go to Tami's Amis and have a look.

Knit and Crochet Blog Week, Day 2

2013-04-24T14:14:00.000-04:00

Imported from http://beneficialbugs.org/bugs/Bumblebee/bumble_bee.htm

Mascot Project: The House Of Bee
Bees are busy in their daily forays in and out of the flowers of the field and garden. They drink nectar, carry pollen, and pollinate the flowers. I am like the bee, in that I try my best to knit daily and when I miss a day, I feel out of synch. I do have at least 4 or 5 projects on the needles at one time, so I will flit back and forth, working on an easy knit when I am visiting with someone or doing the more complicated patterns when I am alone. As far as cross pollinating goes, I do my best to evangelize newbies into the craft. I try to spread my enthusiasm and interest to anyone who hovers near me.

As I reread that paragraph, I got stuck on what to tell you next and then it dawned on me.....

A tip of the nectar stored in my stash...

Like the bees in the field, I gather fiber instead of nectar, especially recently. I rarely shop with a pattern in mind. I usually step into a yarn shop and become attracted to colors like pumpkin and butternut, eggplant or crimson. I don't buy sweater quantity often so I have numerous skeins of delightful color and texture. My stash has grown so much in the past six weeks and I totally blame my LYS! Totally. My stash is over flowing because the shop has gone out of business. My stash is like the hive that needs to be harvested, the racks of honeycomb dripping with honey, that is what my storage looks like.

As for a Bee House project, I got a number of images but none that exemplify my as a Bee type knitter. Here is something that I feel sweet over, something I am anxious to cast on a begin knitting, even though the weather won't call for this type of accessory for some time. Stargazing Cowl in Highland Handmades Black Ash Worsted. Don't you love the tonal colors? (BTW, if you want to buy some of her gorgeous hand-dyed yarns or batts, it is important to note that she usually does shop updates on Saturday, the good stuff goes fast, so be there hovering over what you want to put in your shopping cart).

Highland Handmades, Black Ash Worsted

Reverse side of Stargazing Cowl

This cowl is pretty on both sides, but the reverse makes me think of the pattern seen inside the beehive wooden slats. The pattern and yarn are both created by Heather Kinne/Boutrosbabe of the podcast TheFiberistaFiles. I listen faithfully each week, and enjoy the slice of her life that she shares, from her knitting, spinning and dyeing, to her fitness regime and the 5K she is training for. It isn't just about yarn, I feel like it is a sit down and Skype with a friend.

Knit and Crochet Blog Week, Day 1

2013-04-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Eskimimi, of Eskimimi Makes, is a blogger, knitter, spinner, pattern designer and jack of all trades. She has been sponsoring this week-long blog event for the past four years. I participate for a number of reasons.

I love getting a writing/thinking challenge, it stretches me in ways I don't come up with by myself.
I enjoy seeing what all of the participants write about and have found a number of new blogs to follow each year.
The third reason is a bit self-serving.... I always hope to gain more followers, and the exposure of Eskimimi's Blog Week helps so much. If you like what you see here, click the button on the right to become a follower, by joining you get an email anytime I do a new post.

I hope you will indulge my KCBW posts for the next seven days. The challenges will push me to try new media and approaches of showing information, so there may be a learning curve, but I hope to improve the format and content of the blog through the research I will do. (I may add an additional bit of more typical blog info at the end of some of the daily challenges, so scroll down if the prompts aren't interesting to you. Hopefully I will do my normal WIP Wednesday and FO Friday).

If you are interested in following bloggers during this week, enter the following search term in your Google bar for quick navigation.

KCBW Day 1Topic: To Which House Do You Belong?

Today's assignment is to choose one of four houses that best match your knitting philosophy and practice.

The four houses include:

House of Bee- Bees are busy and industrious, but can flit from one interesting project to the next as bright shiny things that capture their interests.
House of Manatee- Manatees are gentle, calm and cuddly. Relaxed and unflashy, they represent the comfort and soft side of knitting and crochet.
House of Monkey- Intelligent and with a fun loving side, Monkeys like to be challenged with every project presenting them something new and interesting.
House of Peacocks- Peacocks take something good and make it brilliant. Buttons and embellishments and a bit of sparkle proves that perfection lies in the details- like a Peacock's tail.

My knitting and stash enhancement style falls into the House of Bee, if you have ever been with me while shopping for yarn, or at Knit Night, or even just in conversation... you'll note that I have more than a touch of Knitter's ADD. I do flit from one thing to another. I have the bad habit of hijacking the conversation topic back to yarn and knitting. I constantly check the Ravelry Top Twenty Patterns and consequently, my Ravelry Queue is over 100 items long, I have over 1450 patterns in my Ravelry Favorites. (Yes, that number is correct.... I need to get in there a neaten up and delete some of the old ones that are no longer qualifying as favorite). In defense of such prodigious collecting of patterns, I now have that mid-life memory loss issue. If it is in my Favorites or my Queue, at least I have narrowed down the places I have to look to find what I want.

I have been writing a lot about my stash lately. It is embarrassing, even to me standing alone in my room with no witnesses, to see how grand the pile has grown. What with Windsor Button closing and my visit to Saco River DyeHouse and Yarns, I have had a hard time saying no to a good deal. If you ever observe me in shopping mode, I tend to look first for the colors that make me happy, saturated jewel tones, slow transitional dyes and yarn that just feels good to hold and later, knit. I am a bumbling bee, flitting from here to there, but in my busy-ness... I do get a lot done. My stores of honey/completed projects is something I am proud of.

Side Topic. also known as me, rambling....
Are you still there? Do you have a minute for a story? It is a good one... I'll try to be quick.
I have been trying hard to list my stash on Ravelry, so at least I know what I have and how much. I also thought I should de-stash some of the skeins that have been malingering. I listed four or five types and waited. Actually, I forgot I had them listed for sale.... memory loss again. I got a note from a fellow Raveler, Marli. I had some yarn in stash and she wanted it. So I messaged back and we did an exchange, here is what I sent....

Crystal Palace Squiggle

And here is what I got in return....

Kerry Woolen Mills Aran, 350 yards. From Ireland!!!!!

I was so very excited to pass along the novelty yarn that was a fail in my project attempts, and in turn I got Wool from Ireland! My father's family is still living in County Claire and County Kerry, so I was touched to add that fiber to stash.

Are you curious what Marli needed the Squiggle for? I was, I messaged and asked, and she sent me a photo of the market bags that she makes. She plans an Esty shop, I will give a heads up when she opens it. I now realize I have tempted you with seeing a photo and it won't appear. Here is the description, put your imagination cap on.... ready? It is a sturdy basket with handle, about 12 inches tall, knit in a black yarn that has been felted, and the Squiggle is knit into a band at the top edge of the bag. So very pretty. I thought it would make a cute Easter Basket too.

I got some more Squiggle and will trade for more of the Kerry Woolen Mills Aran....this is what I am sending...

Four skeins of Squiggle for more basket enhancement.

So, in closing, why do I bother to share this with you? Maybe it will encourage you to put some of your yarn up for sale or swap on Ravelry. It is easy, go to your yarn stash page, select edit, then go to the Stash Tab, click the drop down menu, select Will Trade or Sell. Maybe this little story will be an example of the friendships made on Ravelry when you open yourself up to the possibilities.

Will Work for Yarn

2013-04-21T10:51:00.003-04:00

Yarn Porn

I have been in an altered state of mind this week, shock, sadness, wonderment at humans who could so viciously attack innocent bystanders.... for what purpose? And then, the middle of the week, I had temporary agoraphobia, I was reluctant to venture intown for fear of being involved in some upcoming episode of more mayhem.

But venture I did. Earlier in the week I had offered my help to Susan, owner of the shop, in doing inventory and bagging the yarns at Windsor Button. Such gargantuan piles of work to do and she had limited staffing, so I showed up Thursday and worked from 9:30 to 5:30. Counting, tagging and logging inventory. Earlier on in the sale, I volunteered to help customers and replenish stock, out of respect and admiration to someone whose business was terminating unexpectedly. Susan offered yarn as pay at that time and I added quite a number of Madelinetosh skeins to my stash, who could say no to that? Obviously not me. Working during the start of the sale allowed me to meet and hear from the many crafters who have been shopping at Windsor for many, many years. I felt lucky to hear their stories and to help them add a skein or two to their stashes. Working at the end, well to tell the truth, I was hoping for closure of the attachment I have to this place.

Here is a view of what fiber-y goodness I earned on Thursday.

Sheepfeet, Sheep Shop Yarn Company

Sheepfeet in the Lilac colorway. This is 100% Merino wool with 218 yards to a 100 gram ball, I got two, so that means I have 436 yards to play with. I love the combination of shades which make me think more of pansies than lilacs. I plan to find a shawl pattern and will look for a complimentary shade of yarn in either the dark reddish brown or purple tones.

Mountain Colors, Bearfoot

Bearfoot from Mountain Colors, 60% Superwash, 25% mohair, 15% nylon, in the colorway Rich Red. This 100 gram skein has 350 yards of fingering weight yarn. (I know my friend Julie is probably yelling "Now you have to take up knitting socks!" because she doesn't understand how I haven't fallen into that rabbit hole yet). It is so soft and squishy that I really would rather wrap it around my neck. Wish there had been more skeins left, it would have made a nice sweater.

Cascade 220 Heathers

I wish Cascade gave their yarns names instead of numbers. I might call this Hershey, chocolate, you know? This hue is a blending of chocolate brown and a reddish brown. I got two skeins and have no ideas yet for what this will become.

Mountain Colors, Merino Ribbon

Mountain Colors, Merino Ribbon, Alpine colorway. The 100 gram skein has 245 yards of 80% Super Fine Merino wool and 20% nylon, I got two skeins. I am thinking of making a scarf or cowl knit in a welted style, the stitches will show of the beauty of the yarn in this way.

These two skeins are real prizes and need to become something I will remember the Windsor Button Shop whenever I wear it. Susan and her store brought me up from a knitter who was making fun fur scarves back in the 1999/2000 years, then I graduated to whatever I could score with my half-off coupon at A. C. Moore. Then, I happened into the shop and was slowly transformed. Now, I look first at the higher end yarns. I know, I know, crazy right? I have learned so much about matching yarn to pattern, about making a leap of faith with inspirations and attempts at ideas. Susan was a ready advisor and I always felt so encouraged by her attentions. I do believe that is the thing I will be missing the most.

Noro, Silver Thaw

Silver Thaw, is an aran weight yarn comprised of 50% wool, 25% angora, 25% nylon. It is very soft for Noro and have two skeins totaling 440 yards. As for what it will become....well, research is needed. Not sure if it will be one or two projects....

So, I could go on and on about how the reality of life here in Boston shifted last week. I could tell you, implore you, to pray for the victims and the sad souls who played a role in this savagery, but that stuff may already be a part of your daily practice. I know it is for me.

I have so many things I want to share with you and promise to get back to posting regularly in the upcoming week. For now, peace, love and hope, I send those graces out to each of you. And go out and soak up some sun, I think Spring is finally here to stay.

Pray for the victims and the many who were affected today in Boston.

2013-04-15T20:30:00.000-04:00

Beautiful sunset in a shocked city, imported from twitter https://twitter.com/BostonTweet/status/323936736260530177/photo/1

I want to thank so many of you who have reached out to me over Ravelry, Twitter and Facebook. My girls and I are fine, though we are thoroughly horrified and incredibly sad. The location of the finish line is not near where we live and none of us went to watch the race. My heart breaks for those who were directly or indirectly affected. God bless all of the first responders. Please say a prayer or a chain of them for the city and the visitors of Boston. Please pray that the people responsible will be found and prosecuted.

Saco River Dyehouse

2013-04-14T19:49:00.001-04:00

When you are browsing at your LYS or at a wool and sheep event, do you think about how the yarn was processed? Do you think about where the processing happened? I never really gave it that much consideration until I heard Clara Parkes speak to the Common Cod Guild members. Clara urged us to become informed about yarn bases and the varieties of sheep and wool. She pleaded with us to seek out and support small, independent businesses of shepherds, spinners, and dyers. That is the tip of the message conveyed that night, here is a link to more of the threads of information she shared with us that evening. (Common Cod, Clara Parkes event blogpost).

Sarah and I brought our books for Clara to autograph.

What Clara said to us that evening transformed my thinking about shopping local, supporting family owned businesses, and telling others of my discoveries. We vote with our dollars, we can effect change at a grass roots level. Imagine my joy while touring the grand opening of an independent dye business, and hearing how the new owners are employing and resurrecting skills from centuries past. Running a dyehouse requires a knowledge base and understanding of skills that has nearly evaporated. To purchase such a business and create employment in your own backyard is something to be lauded. Kudos to the owners of Saco River Dyehouse!

Claudia Raessler was an informative tour guide on our visit to the Dyehouse.

Saco River Dyehouse
100 Main Street, Building 13W Biddeford, Maine 04004
207-603-6327

The JCA Dyehouse of Pepperell, MA, went into foreclosure when the owner of that business passed away. With the closure of the JCA business, Quince had to contract with a dyer in Philadelphia and the additional expenses were considerable. Claudia and Ken Raessler, Nick Burnett and Pam Allen joined their resources and became Maine Textiles International and assumed ownership of the JCA business last summer. They bought the contents of the business, with machines that had been made in the 1930s, loaded it all into 18 tractor trailer trucks, and shipped them to Biddeford.

The dyehouse is located in an 18,000 square foot mill space that had been the location of a textile business for the past 150 years, before shutting down in 2009. The mill location was a good fit for the needs of a dyehouse as it had been used for that purpose in the past. The company currently employs 7 full-time workers and plans to expand that to 15 in the next year. Claudia also shared with us that the company has been talking to York Community College in the hopes that they will create a certificate program that trains textile machinery operators.

The timing of this new partnership was providential as the JCA Dyehouse had provided dyeing services for the Quince and Co. Yarn brand. When the business closed, Quince yarn had to find a new dyehouse, the closest was in Philadelphia. This option was costly and not the optimal solution for the new company.

Imagine you are Pam Allen, losing sleep over success of your two year old yarn company. The Quince vision statement is to provide knitters with high quality, natural fiber yarn which is primarily sourced within the US, and processed by American based companies during the steps of scouring, spinning and dyeing. She sells directly to the consumer, skipping the costs of the wholesale end. In steps Claudia with a solution. She describes Claudia as her guardian angel in resolving the dyeing dilemma.

Dyehouse Tour
It is important for you to know that I had only my camera while on the tour and my recall of the many details is a little shaky. I did research to affirm my recall. Check the links below for more of the story; it truly is fascinating and encouraging to see people so very dedicated to providing an American Made product. Navigate to Saco River Yarns' Facebook page. Hit "Like" and follow their updates.

These racks hold dyed skeins for drying.

I resisted the urge to stick my little mitts into these huge bags of fiber, AKA The Great White Bale.

Another huge bag of GWB fiber.

Rows upon rows of boxes holding skeined yarn.

Skeins, on old wooden dowels, hung in carts to be sent to drying racks.

This machine turns spool of yarn into skeins.

Another angle of the machine that winds yarn on cones into skeins.

Undyed hanks awaiting color.

Cones of yarn.

The dyeing room.

Containers of dye.

Dye bath, water is heated to a certain temperature during the process.

Rack of skeins ready to be dyed.

Large dye vat.

This machine extracts dye water, much like a washing machine.

Racks of red.

Quince Osprey in Snap Pea, how many sweaters worth?

Skeining machines, they look like something out of a Stephen King novel.

Close up.

Machine which wraps skeins with labels.

Sacks of wool


This equipment winds yarn into balls.

Old school scale, avocado green, circa 1970s?

Sarah found this cart of orange wool, a tad too bright for knitting but cool.

Perhaps the chairs provided the dyeist with inspiration?

I so enjoyed touring this facility and encourage you to pay a visit. You should probably call to ask about availability of tours, but go and shop and support these local entrepreneurs!

If you want to read further..... here are additional resources:
Maine Sunday Telegram 12/17/12 article, Biddeford Business Revives a Traditional Industry, by Gillian Graham.

Video of Claudia explaining the next steps for Saco River Dyehouse.

Quince blogpost, Another Door, Pm Allen writes about the possibility of Biddeford location for Quince dyeing and distribution.

SuriPaco blogpost about the closing of the JCA business and plans for the future Dyehouse in Biddeford.

Journal Tribune article, 9/20/12, Textiles return to Biddeford Mills, by Dina Medros.

SuriPaco Farm 6/25/12 blogpost, Saco River Dyehouse Saga Continues

MaineBiz, Current Editions, 8/6/12 article Profitable Patterns, Pam Allen, Quince and Co. by Rebecca Goldstein. Click on the Women to Watch 2012 video for an interview with Pam Allen.

Saco River Dyehouse and Yarns, Biddeford, Maine

2013-04-12T17:59:00.000-04:00

I took a road trip last Saturday with Sarah, a member of the Charlestown knitters, a group of us that meets each Monday at our library. We had both seen Clara Parkes' Upcoming Events in Knitter's Review but neither of us wanted to go solo. I wavered between doing something new and staying home. It was with reluctance that I agreed to go; I so enjoy my solitary weekend routine of knitting away on projects and enjoying the quiet of my house while my girls are off doing their own thing. But I knew I needed to get out and socialize, so I packed my knitting and we headed North.

The Saco River, image from http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc15243.php

We arrived in Biddeford in a little over an hour and thirty minutes (from Boston). It is an easy drive and one I expect we will be making again very soon. North on Route 1 to 95 and then take exit 32, the mill is within three miles of the exit. The building is posted with a sign for Saco River Yarn.

Saco River Yarns is easy to find and there's plenty of parking.

Saco River Yarn
100 Main Street Building 13-W, Biddeford, Maine 04005 207-602-6327
Enter the large front room filled with natural light and marvel at the floor to ceiling shelves stuffed with the various lines of Quince and Company Yarn and Swan's Island Yarns. I also spotted a display of wool wash, rosewood needles, alpaca sox and roving. The shop is so inviting with open space and sink-into-comfort sofas and easy chairs. Like their Facebook page here. Follow the Rolling on the River blog here.

Hannah Fettig and Clara Parkes were there for the grand opening event. There were a number of knitted samples on display from Hannah's Knitbot line and a display of her books, Coastal Knits, Knitbot Essentials and Mabel's Closet. Hannah had been in the shop earlier, meeting with shoppers and signing books, but we just missed her. Maybe next time? Clara was also there signing books, but I'll save for a bit later...

Knitwear samples from Hannah Fettig, Autumn Frock, Wispy Cardi and Simplest Baby Blanket

Effortless cardigan

Lightweight Pullover

Cradle Cardigan

Clara Parkes, of The Knitter's Review, was there, greeting us and signing her books and later, packing up orders from the Great White Bale. I want to save that for another post. Check back here for more if you don't know of the story behind this huge pile of fiber that has been traveling the country as it is made ready for skeining and knitting.

Touching one sack of the scoured fiber from the Great White Bale.

We found ourselves in a group of about twenty or so visitors to the Saco River Yarn shop. Imagine my surprise and delight to recognize a friend from my old neighborhood, Debbie and her mum, Mary.... we hadn't seen each other in about twenty years! How serendipitous! We visited for a bit and caught up on the growth and success of our kids and then we wandered the shop and browsed as we waited for the next tour of the dye house to begin. I wished I had grabbed a photo of us all together before we parted when the tour ended.

Quince yarns, if they don't have what you need, the warehouse is just down the hall and around the corner....

Quince and Co Yarns
I have this thing for Quince and Co Yarn. I won't brag and say it fills the majority of my stash, but I wish that were true. I am a firm believer in their ethic of using yarns sourced here in the States as much as is possible. I love that they are based in Portland, and have started small and give great customer service. Please go to their site and just look through their patterns, their yarns and the colors, oh the colors.

Knitting with this yarn is dreamy; no other words will state it as succinctly. When Claudia, one of the Dyehouse owners asked why did Sarah and I drive so far and what would make us come back, the answers were.... We came for the new yarn shop opening, for a chance to meet Clara and Hannah, and most of all, to see and feel and shop for the Quince Yarns in person. I know many of my Ravelry friends are just getting bitten by the Quince and Co. bug.

Amy Beth, of the Fat Squirrel Speaks podcast, has been gushing lately over the projects she is working on with this fiber. Another person who I feel is introducing Quince to many knitters is Paula Emons-Fuessle, of the Knitting Pipeline podcast. Paula is the designer of a number of popular patterns knit up in Quince Yarns. Piper's Journey and Ellison Bay are just two shawl patterns that I have knit, I loved making them.

I am lucky to live near Knit Wit, a yarn shop in Portland, and not so very far from Purl Diva in Brunswick. Both of these shops carry Quince, you can choose the yarn and color without using the internet and a colorcard... so much more fun, right? But now the Saco River Yarn is open, it is closer and tiptoes away from the warehouse. If you need more skeins for your project, you are next door to the "vault" of more Quince yarn.

I had been quietly chanting the mantra "Do not buy anymore yarn today" on the ride up, but I knew I would need to get at least one skein as a memento.... Quince, of course, maybe some more Puffin? To make another Norby Hat? I could be in control, I could do just one, maybe two skeins, right? Ummmm, no....

Osprey, so luscious in shades of green.

As the closing day of Windsor Button (our local yarn) nears, the prices have been plummeting and Sarah and I have been hoarding yarn. Neither of us has any more space in the stash to add another skein, but being at Saco River Yarns, add we did.

The wall of seconds, perhaps off in color or not evenly dyed... for a mere $3.00 a pound! Wow!

There was a multitude of shopping bags lining the floor of the seconds room, we peeked in, curious as to what they held. The bags were filled with leftover fibers from the previous dye business, and could be had for a mere $3.00 a pound... wh-what? Wait... how much yarn would that be? Hmmmm, as I turned and looked at the wall of floor to ceiling shelves I saw more yarn, unlabeled and seconds, but these too were only $3.00 a pound. There was yarn from Quince and Swan's Island! Wh-what! I became a bit rabid with my greedy hands, grabbing for the skeins that looked like similar dye lots. OOOOOOH! Rapture....

My pile of seconds weighed in at 5.8 pounds, $18.00.

I got this lovely pile of seconds yarn and plan to use the skeins for gifts, hats, scarves, cowls, mitts. I headed back to the Quince wall thinking.... sweater quantity..... Face palm... when will I ever knit down all that I have bought in the past few months.... the image of the miller's daughter from the Rumplestiltskin tale hovered in front of me.... back away slowly now girl, think about getting the pattern picked out first..... So I will need to go back another time to Saco River Yarns and get more Quince yarn, but I did get a new circular set of Rosewood needles!

Sarah stacked hers, 8 pounds worth of seconds.

Here is the pile of yarn that Sarah got, stacked like Jenga blocks for the weigh-in. But I am getting too personal... you want to know about the Saco River Yarn shop and Dyehouse, correct? Forgive me, the effect of the yarn fumes continue to linger....even days later.

Saco River Dyehouse
Saco River Dyehouse is a business that was recently relocated from Pepperell, MA. I want to give you a chance to catch your breath... this was a long post (too long??) and so I ask you to come back tomorrow for the story and tons of pictures of the dyehouse and the amazing story of rescuing machinery and skills from the past century and bringing them to Maine to create jobs and continue the tradition of fiber processing next to the Saco River.

Leave me a comment if you have questions or, more importantly... if I went on and on and on, far too long.

Saturday... To Market, to market, then to Maine, and home again to Cambridge... a busy day.

2013-04-07T17:30:00.002-04:00

A Haymarket vendor stand filled with brightly colored fruits and veggies.

I dangled a tidbit of my agenda here in yesterday's post before leaving to drive to Maine with my local knit group friend, Sarah, little did I know how chock-a-block full of excitement was in store.
The day started early with a trip to Haymarket to buy veggies and fruit for the week. The colors of the vendor stands were so brilliant, so I share them here. The prices and the freshness of the produce inspires me to cook! I have plans to make a vegetable soup, a red sauce, and balsamic glazed strawberry dessert.

I hustled home with my bags, emptied them, and then packed a project bag with a scarf I am knitting for the road trip North. Sarah and I had both read Clara Parkes' recent Knitter's Review post of upcoming events that invited us to attend a new yarn shop opening in Biddeford, Maine. I had been a bit reluctant to drive North for the day (it tends to cut into my knitting time) but with Sarah as driver, I could indulge.

Biddeford is an old mill town about 1 1/4 hour drive from Boston. Historically, it was the home of a number of textile businesses. Now, many of the buildings stand quietly awaiting rejuvenation. Saco River Yarns is situated in a warehouse space that is also home to Saco River Dyehouse. I have so much to share with you, so I will again tease you with some snapshots, and promise to tell you more tomorrow. Hey, did I forget to mention.... we saw the Great White Bale!!!!!!!!!!

Brightly hued yarn, reminiscent of Easy Mac?

We so enjoyed ourselves, but when the tour and open house ended and we had purchased our Jenga stacks of yarn, we headed out to have a sandwich before returning to Boston. And later, we stopped in for Amy Herzog's event, sponsored by Porter Square Books, in Cambridge. Uh, yeah.... we did both in one day. I was on sensory overload, smiling blissfully most of the day., as you might have noted in the photo above!!

Sarah, with her stack of "seconds" skeins, 8 pounds worth. At $3.00 a pound.... yep!

So, check here tomorrow for photos and some of the tales told by the dyehouse owner/manager Claudia Raessler. We met Clara Parkes and just missed Hannah Fettig, and I even met up with a friend from long ago and her mom. So check back tomorrow to hear more of The Dyehouse and Yarn shoo and then on Tuesday, I will have the details on Amy Herzog's event and her new book Knit to Flatter.

To Market, to market

2013-04-06T10:48:00.001-04:00

25.00 worth of fresh produce from Haymarket

I am dashing out the door again.... more veggie photos and some recipes later, but I am roadtripping to Maine to see a new yarn shop and rub elbows with the knitters of Maine. Byeeee!

Drizzle, a hat to wear in any weather

2013-04-05T16:02:00.002-04:00

A photo of the hat nearly finished, in the decrease section... this was a quick knit!

Drizzle, pattern by Mel of SingleHandedKnits
Yarn: Mad Tosh Dk, Ink color on size 6 needles. I made the medium size hat.
This hat is an easy to knit accessory that will come in handy during the spring months here in Boston. When my hair goes to frizz in the humidity, I can pop Drizzle on and keep the bad hair day at bay. Mel has written the pattern with three variations of slouch and I chose the mid range of extra fabric. It is an easy pattern to follow and it has clear and detailed photos with charted directions for the easy two row lace design. Mel even gives a photo tutorial on how to block the hat to get the maximum effect of slouch.

I do fall hard when challenged to join a knit along. I recently gave the Drizzle hat pattern to a Ravelry acquaintance and in doing so, I won a free copy for myself. I have so many projects going that I assumed that it would have to wait its turn before getting cast on. Well, that was my thinking until I noticed post #85 on the SingleHandedKnits Drizzle Knit Together forum.... and I was hooked. It would appear that Amy Beth of the Fat Squirrel Speaks wanted our help in selecting the color for her Drizzle project. She has a voting post here.

A finished photo, it was hard to capture the depth of color, more snapshots on project page.

If the Fat Squirrel is casting on, well.... I am too! I gathered needles, stitch markers, pattern and headed up to see what I had in stash that would work. I recently got a skein of mad Tosk Dk at Windsor Button in the Ink colorway.... a match. I cast on and enjoyed the rhythm of knitting stockinette stitch on the brim, and when I started the lace section.... well, it is like potato chip knitting, I couldn't seem to find a good place to stop. So I am making the medium size and I hope with blocking I get some good slouch out of the fabric. I need to do some button searching to find just the right touch to add to the brim.

Daughter number two was a willing model....

Why is it that I am so easily influenced....? Well, check out my latest project bag below and you'll understand. Amy Beth made this gorgeous bag and I bought it last week as a birthday gift to myself. It is such nice fabric, flawless sewing and a handy little strap that has a clip on it if I want to use it for keys or something like that. Amy Beth has started Fat Squirrel Fibers, a shop of project bags and fiber, you'll need to watch her show or Ravelry forum group for updates, but stalk this shop if you want to get a sweet bag for your favorite knitting. BTW, she is doing a shop update at 9PM Friday of this week, there will be hand dyed yarn to match project bag fabrics....!

Fat Squirrel Fibers project bag.

Interior fabric is as pretty as the exterior.

So, lastly, I wanted to share this, Sam's Button Hat, a cute little kid's hat, maybe you spied it in the Ravelry Top Twenty? It is a free pattern until April 7 and looks like it would be a good pattern to use up scrap leftovers and it creates a beautiful canvas to showcase cool buttons. I don't have the ok to use the image yet, so go and take a gander. It is really sweet.

Making Monday, Mamma4earth

2013-04-01T15:24:00.000-04:00

Seaglass Cowl, Linda Dawkins/mamma4earth

I want to share some interesting info and patterns with you. I happened upon a designer I think you might want to know about. Her name is Linda Dawkins and her Ravelry name is mamma4earth. She has many patterns that I want to share with you but first, let me show you the item that got me to sleuthing around to learn more.

Above is Linda's Seaglass Cowl. You know me and cowls, right? I am always looking for the next best pattern. (I should do a post that collects all the ones I have tried in one place to make it easier to tempt you to join me in my obsession).

So I was on Ravelry, of course, and looking for something new to make. I went to the advanced search and typed in cowls and choose the "sort" method. (The default is "best match"). I fell head over heels with the color and halo of the yarn in the photo. Don't you just love the look of it? And then as I looked closer, the stitch pattern drew me in, it looked corrugated and like a nice, soft stack of smooshy color to tuck into the neck of a coat. I added it to my Ravelry shopping basket, and then continued on, looking through her library of patterns in the Ravelry store.

But, let me first talk about the cowl I made..... I get so excited I get ahead of myself, sorry.... Here is my FO from last week.

Seaglass Cowl in Beerbottle Browns

Seaglass Cowl, mamma4earth/Linda Dawkins
Yarn: Forest Greener worsted weight on size 8 needles.
I enjoyed this knit, the pattern is beautifully illustrated, and Linda has created hyper-links to take you to tutorials for the various stitches you'll need to do. As a knitter with experience, it wasn't that challenging to know what to do, but it will be so valuable to a newer knitter to use the links to acquire additional skills. The photographs give you a close up on details and styling suggestions. All in all, the pattern was worth the price of admission. Though, if I was asked my advice... I would suggest soething with alpaca so you get the cozy slouchy look. The Forest Greener is a bit on the scratchy side even after sitting in Eucalan wash for a long time. I will make this again, with a fiber that has more drape....

And.... I have more to say about patterns that are not free..... look for that post later this week...... Suffice it to say, we knitters need to support the talents of the indie designers by considering spending a few dollars to help them to continue to add to the multitude of "patterns that must be knit"!!!!

Mamma4earth
Now, here is a little bit of what I discovered about Linda. She is the designer of toys, as well as accessories, and if you are a fan of projects like those of Susan B. Anderson, you NEED to take a look at some of the adorable toys you can knit.

Linda is a mom to four children and lives in Gauteng, South Africa. She homeschools her kids and looks for ways to live a creative and self-sufficient life. She sells patterns, along with pure wool, hand painted yarn, and hand spun yarn made with luxury fibers. Linda writes a blog, Natural Suburbia and it is filled with photos, stories and links to her etsy shop and patterns on Ravelry. She also hosts a meme called Creative Friday where you are invited to share what you are working on. There is so much to take in, I suggest you bookmark the site and follow her for update notifications. She also has Mamma4earth Animal Knitting Patterns From South Africa Ravelry group that you can join to have others to chat with and lurk on their project photos.

Go check out Linda's etsy shop named Mamma4earth. The shop carries patterns and toys. If you aren't inclined to knit something like a Rainbow Horse, you can just buy one. (Linda knits to order, so leave some time for her to knit it up. She can also do custom colors if you wish).

Vibrant Rainbow Horse, stuffed with merino wool. $42.00 plus shipping.

Knitted Lion Toy, 40.00

Linda explains her design process in an interview on the website Rhythm of the Home. She studies photos as she looks for ways to "capture the true character of the animal". As she does her research of the animal and it's movement, she sketches her ideas, and then casts on and begins to knit. She writes the pattern line by line as she knits each row. She says her inspirations often occur at night and she sets out in the morning hours to bring the idea to fruition. She is adept at capturing an attitude in the posture of the animal and she imbues each with lively details. (The article lists her free patterns and they are filled with photo tutorials and tips). Here are images of just a few of her patterns. Check out this free tutorial that helps you with sewing up and stuffing her toys.

Spirit, the White Wolf

Jack Russell

My favorite, Alpaca Toy

There are more cowl patterns too, but I was smitten by these animal toys. I wish I had them to give my girls to play with when they were small. There is nothing like the creativity these bring out in young children and the fact that they are handmade of natural fibers just adds to their allure.

Emerald Isle, a free pattern on Ravelry

Forest Glade, free pattern on Ravelry

So have I lured you in? Are you curious to read more? Maybe I have inspired you to select an animal or cowl and cast on? Let me know which is your favorite, and please pass this info onto your other fiber friends.

(All images were used with the permission of Linda Dawkins).

Work in Progress Wednesday

2013-03-27T15:04:00.002-04:00

Gratitude KAL

I have a number of things on the needles but I want to depart from my typical Wednesday post to share something with you.

Gratitude KAL
1. Chose something to knit for yourself.
2. Join the Fat Squirrel forum group.
3. Enter a post on the Fat Squirrel forum stating what you are working on and list some of the things you are grateful for.
4. Check out the projects of others and their gratitude lists.
5. Wait to see if you are chosen by the random number generator and win a prize.

Daybreak, Stephen West, imported from Ravelry project page

I have chosen to do the Daybreak Shawl by Stephen West as my Gratitude KAL. Amy Beth has asked us to choose to make a wearable item for ourselves.... not for anyone else.... and as when thoughtfully knit on it, we will reflect on the things we have in our lives that we feel grateful for. As we knit and meditate, the immediate response might be felt, but then later, when the project is complete and we wear it, it is hoped that the thoughts and feelings of gratitude will return.

Araucania Huasco

I am enjoying this project because I selected Araucania Huasco, a decadent skein of yarn from my stash. I love watching the colors as I go and the stitch definition is amazing and really makes the colors pop. the pattern is easy enough and I have been working on it for at least 30 minutes each day. This is a large shawl though, so I don't know if I will cast off before the KAL wraps up.

I need to have my head examined... I always pick this palette of hues.

On another note.... Summer Scarf
I spied this yesterday morning while reading Soulemama's blog. I adore the color, I enjoy the texture of stitches, and guess what? It is a free Ravelry download....

Not Quite Summer Scarf, knit by Soulemama

Summer Scarf by Leslie Weber
If you are thinking of joining in on the Gratitude KAL and want to see a delectable scarf pattern that I wish I could cast on.... check this out. I saw this yesterday and now the pattern is riding the crest of the top twenty Ravelry patterns. I got a PM from the designer. She thanked me for my comment (I had left a comment on her pattern page explaining how I had found it) and for solving the mystery of 800 downloads in the past 24 hours!!! The power of a mention on a blog, and a great design.

Please leave a comment if you have any pattern suggestions that others might like to use for their Gratitude KAL project.

Alert! Further reductions in Windsor Button Sale!!!!!

2013-03-25T12:12:00.000-04:00

I just opened an email from Windsor Button and want to alert you to further discounts. Here is what the email included.

Windsor Button
Going Out of Business Sale!!!!!!!!!

Model Garment and Fixture Sale
Now in progress!
Everything in the store is 40-60% OFF
(5 yard minimum cut, $20 minimum bulk button purchase for discount to apply)

60% off Sale Rack Items!

50% off All cut ribbons and trims, all individual knitting/crochet patterns or 5 for $10.00

50% off Full bags of selected yarns
Tahki Cotton Classic
Kathmandu Aran Tweed
Berroco Pure Pima
Subline Extra Fine Merino DK
Ella Rae Classic Wool
and many more!!!!

Inspiration/Shopping Saturday

2013-03-24T10:23:00.002-04:00

Rainbow hearts on the bushes outside Tunbleweed Quilts

I am combining two memes this week. Alicia of the blog, Woolen Diversions, hosts a topical meme called Inspiration Saturday. If you'd like to read back over the posts people have done, visit her blog. I have, off and on, written about what I see in the marketplace on Saturdays, so that explains the combo topics.

A colorful corner of the book room.

Inspiration Saturday, shopping at a quilt shop on the Cape.
Maybe you read my post about my Cape Escape Knitting Retreat back in February. One of the locations that Julie and I visited was Tumbleweed Quilts in West Barnstable. If you sew or quilt, you will want to check this out. The shop has room after room of fabric, supplies, books and notions for the sewer. The bolts of fabric are arranged in a rainbow scheme so you find all of the yellows grouped in close proximity. The effect of colors is uplifting, especially in the grey cold days of winter. They offer classes and the display of finished quilts made me think wistfully of the quilts I made, in a rustic fashion, so many years ago.

Sunshine yellows, Tumbleweed Quilts

Shades of sky blue, Tumbleweed Quilts

Springy greens, Tumbleweed Quilts

This makes me think of the endpapers of old tomes.

The display of quilts will inspire you, consider taking a class...

Julie and I ventured into this shop in search of fabrics for some project bags. I have not seen such an extensive array of fabrics in years. Many years ago, there were so many options when shopping for patterns, fabrics and notions. I urge you to support this shop. I hope the lure of creating, sewing and gifting home made items will entice you.

FO Friday

2013-03-23T08:34:00.001-04:00

Antler Hat

I am plugging away on my bigger projects but I do have one item that is off the needles.

Antler Hat

Antler Hat, tincanknits
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Galway Worsted on size 6 and 8 needles.
This yarn was one of the items in my swag bag from Linda of Northampton Knits during my Cape Escape Getaway Weekend. I have never worked with this yarn before, but I really like it. The color is rich, the fiber has a squishy, soft quality and the 10 ply yarn knits up nicely. I cast on the pattern just before leaving the Cape so I would have something to work on while traveling back to Boston on the bus. I got the ribbed border done and continued on to the cables, but failed to switch to the larger needles. I frogged back, (have you noticed I do that a lot?) and started anew. The pattern is easy enough to memorize and I believe a new knitter might love this as a first attempt at cables.

I also added to the stash with another (yeah, I KNOW!!!) visit to Windsor Button's sale. Here is what I got at the Going Out of Business Sale, 30-50% off.

Dream in Color Smooshy

Three balls of Cascade Superwash in a blue/purple

Classic Elite Yarns Woodland

Everyone raves about this yarn, it is my first skein added to stash.

This colorway has navy blended in and I will be pairing it with the skeins below.

Teal/burgundy tones.

I love having this yarn in stash to pair with a multi sock yarn for a shawl.

I apologize for the excessive display of stash enhancement, I am a more than a little chagrined at my gluttonous shopping. My only defense is this, where else could you find such great deals? In so many colors? And how better to support a favorite LYS as they wind down. Get your knitting self over to Windsor Button quickly! They just added the shop samples to the sale and things are marked 30-50% off.

Watch here for future projects using all of the above yarns. I feel more and more like the Rumpelstiltskin character who was locked in a room with the task of spinning straw into gold.

Red Line Yarn Crawl March 23, 2013

2013-03-22T14:43:00.002-04:00

Ok, for those of you who don't live in the Boston area, let me explain. The Red Line is one line of our subway system; the Red Line runs from Cambridge, through Downtown and then onwards to Dorchester, and beyond to Ashmont or Braintree. There are three yarn shops along this route and we knitters have been traipsing this path for our Red Line Yarn Crawl for the past three years.

Porter Square, Cambridge

From the Porter Square stop, jump off and make the short walk to Lucy's Mind's Eye Yarn (and spinning) shop. This quaint shop is situated in a homey first floor spot where the spinning wheels and staff will do their best to lure you into their craft. There is lots of yarn, many classes, and a warm, knowledgeable and friendly staff to help you as you shop for your next project or just stash enhancement. Check the website for the schedule and events for the Crawl.

Head back to the Red Line and catch an inbound train to Downtown Crossing. It is a short walk to Windsor Button on Temple Place.

Image imported from www.bizjournals.com

DISCLAIMER!!!!!
I need you to know that Windsor is not officially participating in this year's Crawl...

Maybe you haven't heard, but after 75 years in the business, they are nigh on two weeks from closing their doors permanently. So, please consider stopping in and taking a look at what is marked down, from 30-50%. Shop samples are now available for purchase. I assure you you will not walk out empty handed; there is still lots of beautiful yarns, notions, buttons, ribbons, books, and patterns for you to take back to a good home. Also, if you feel inclined, there is a memory book on the back counter, write a note about what the shop has meant to you.Be sure to say hello to Susan and Stan and their staff and let them know they will be missed.

Image imported fromleafstitchword.wordpress.com

Now, head back to the Red Line station and get on the outbound train to either Braintree or Ashmont, you'll get off at the JFK stop, turn left when you exit the station and walk up to Dorchester Ave, take a right and look down one block on your right. There you'll find the Stitch House, a wonderful, homey and inviting shop for knitters and sewers alike. Annissa, the owner, has wisely hired many helpful and knowledgeable staffers to help you with your purchases or lessons. Also important to note, there is always yummy food to be had at Stitch House, and there are plenty of chairs if your feet are complaining, or if you need to calculate how much yarn to get for that sweater in your queue. Annissa announced in an email that they have a multitude of drawings and prizes they plan to award to Red Line Yarn Crawl shoppers.

Get your carry bag, a knitting friend and venture out on the Red Line Yarn Crawl. Saturday will find many of us at Stitch House, Mind's Eye, and even at Windsor. While it is important to note that Windsor isn't participating, I hope those of you that do the crawl will stop in and say thank you to Susan and Stan as their going out of business sale winds down. I expect that shop will close its doors a final time in the next two to three weeks if not sooner.

Stitch House 846 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester. Yarn Crawl hours: 10AM-8pm
Mind's Eye Yarn 22 White Street, Porter Square, Cambridge. Yarn Crawl hours: 10AM-5PM
Windsor Button 35 Temple Place, Boston. Shop hours: 10AM- 5:30PM
(I am including the info on Windsor Button too, just be aware that they are not participating in this year's Crawl).

Finished Object Friday, only one...

2013-03-16T11:58:00.002-04:00

Norby

Twisted strand and tassels

View of top

Norby Pattern by Gudrun Johnston
Yarn: Quince and Co., Finch yarn in Nasturtium colorway
So this pattern was kicking my butt. When I began, I was using a different yarn and I wasn't getting gauge. I was near the point of doing the decreases when I gave the hat a good look over and decided it just looked tired. I didn't frog the yarn, but instead went into stash and found something that would give me gauge.
Are you one of those people who think gauge is for sissies? Well, this sissy is tired of finding out, hours into the process, that the pattern and what I have on my needles bears no resemblance to each other. So I swatch, and now, I try really hard to get the same type of yarn as suggested in the pattern. Tedious, a little, but success in the end is so worth it.

Gauge swatch using Shibui yarns

Thank goodness for buying yarn with no project in mind, I got the Quince Finch yarn at Knit Wit over a year ago. (If ever you are in the vicinity of Portland, Maine, stop in and you can see, touch and collect the Quince yarns in person, instead of over the phone or internet. There is also Purl Diva in Brunswick, she carries the line in her beautiful shop. Another great road trip destination).

Tassels and cords were fun and easy to make.

I adore how this hat turned out. It is so sculptural, and the stitch definition is amazing. And... I learned how to make a twisted cord tassel. Check it out.

I have benefited from focusing on one of three projects, it led to the Norby getting finished. (I still want to cast on all the things). My other two projects are moving along too. Hoaloha sweater is nearing the point of bind off and then I can start the sleeves. I am also giving the Guernsey some short bits of attention.

Fiber Arts Friday

Stash enhancement from Windsor Button sale

The Friday thing to share with you is some stash enhancement. I visited Windsor Button, where the Going Out Of Business Sale continues, now things are reduced by 30%. That includes all the stock, yarns, needles, notions and books. And, if you are interested in buying an unopened bag of ten skeins, it is 40% off.

Swans Island, Sea Smoke

Adding some natural and neutral colors to my stash.

I got some Swans Island worsted in the Sea Smoke color, this is such soft and smooshy yarn and I love that it is made in Maine. (Like the Quince Yarns, which are also made in Maine). I may use it to make another Guernsey Wrap, not sure just yet.

Kiwi and Mango colorway

Straw into Gold

I got some Crystal Palace Yarns Kid Mohair; I can hear a few of you saying something derogatory about mohair, yes I can. Guess what? I'll bet paired with lace weight, it will be a fun fiber to work with. Watch upcoming posts for the details.

I also got some Classic Elite Yarn Silky Alpaca. These will be paired up with the mohair as I apply the Shibui Mix concept. Maybe a Piega cowl.

I can't wait to swatch with these held together.

This is so neutral for me, but I think it looks rich.

Piega Cowl, Ravelry

I am off to continue on my Hoaloha sweater, I am nearly ready to cast of at the hem edge of the body and begin sleeves.

If you like seeing the other blogs with FO Friday photos, go here to Tami's Amis. If you enjoy fiber, spining and FOs, go to WonderWhyGal's list.

Work in Progress Wednesday

2013-03-13T17:32:00.000-04:00

WIPs this week
I have been focusing on three projects, almost a whiplash reaction to wanting to knit all the things from a few weeks ago.

Norby

Norby, pattern by Gudrun Johnston
Yarn: Quince and Co., Finch on size 4 needles
First off.... can I say it again without annoying people....? Quince yarns are just so perfect. Finch is a 4 ply fingering weight woolen yarn made in the US. It gives such body to the stitches in this hat pattern. I had first made the Norby using some Lion Brand Sock-Ease yarn which should have been adequate, but the fabric was floppy and the stitch definition was fuzzy. I ripped out and started over with a skein I had in stash. WHAT. A. DIFFERENCE!!!

Sock-Ease on the left, Finch on the right.

I am not sure if you can see the difference in the yarns in the comparison shots, but I do love Quince Yarns!

As for the hat pattern. I love Wool People patterns, you get multiple pages, great detailed photos, charted and written directions and, in this case, a great tutorial on making the perfect tassel. As far as this project, the design is clearly written and easy enough to memorize. The shift between wavy rows and the knitted rows was just enough to stave off boredom. I will definitely make this again... in Finch!

March Guernsey

March Guernsey, pattern by Jared Flood
Yarn: Cascade Eco + on size 8 needles
I started this project and am jealous that I was not able to cast off as fast as the inspiring Amy Beth of the Fat Squirrel Speaks podcast. In this week's episode, she models it and talks of how it was her happy knitting.

I am loving the repeated rows of stitch patterns and I am over the fear of charts. Thank you Jared Flood! (I always imagine the TADA of trumpets sounding when I say or type his name, do you?) This pattern is from the Brooklyn Tweed line of patterns, and like the Norby pattern, it is well written and the photos give you a close up of the details. The charts are long but I used my ipad to enlarge and keep track of where I was and so far, knock on wood, there have been no mistakes! I wonder if this is the only project worked on over the weekend if I can get to cast off by next week.

The yarn has been in stash for some time and was originally destined to be a sweater, but in my haste to knit along with Julie, I swatched and fell in love with ECO+. I need to get me more of this stuff! And the color... it is a twist of navy and green, but the photos don't do it justice. I intend to severely block this and so I used 8s to get a dense fabric. I think it will drape well once blocked.

Hoaloha

Hoaloha, Mystery Sweater KAL, pattern my Mel of Single Handed Knits
Yarn: Berroco Vintage, using needles 7 and 8
The mystery sweater is much different looking, I have made modifications to allow for a more flattering silhouette. I am now longer the svelte and sylph like shape. The ribbing that is placed from the bust line down would not flatter my shape. I also intend to make longer sleeves with a tapered shape. I am not making progress to keep pace with the group, stockinette zombifies me. But I will persist.

Mix #4

Mix #4 geologie, pattern by Kristin Spurkland
Yarn: Nashua Handknits Geologie in citrine colorway on size 7 needles
Despite having a shortfall in the yardage, I have cast on and am enjoying this knit. The yarn has been discontinued and even searching on eBay and on Ravelry, I have not been successful in finding an extra three or four balls. But I knit on. I saw this scarf/shawl at the Shibui yarn tasting and really want it as an accessory. If I get to the end of the yardage and it is not long enough, I will have to frog and select some other yarn. But I will knit on and see how far I get. The pattern staggers the ribbing and creates a sculptural effect.

So, that is what I have been up to.... what is on your needles and in your project bags?

Go to Tami's Amis to see other WIPs.

Finished Object Friday

2013-03-08T14:27:00.002-05:00

Picot edge, Bristol's Cowl

Bristol's Cowl, pattern by Bristol Ivy
Yarn: Lion Brand Alpine Wool on size 11 needles
I found this to be a great learning project. I know how to do provisional cast on and don't avoid patterns that require it, but I still need to check on how to do it. You start this cowl with a provisional edge, knit the picot edge and then the two circulars of live stitches are knit together. It was fun, truly! It was also cool to see how easy it was to create such a unique finished edge. The other feature is the column of dropped stitches that create the open lacy look. Tricky for me, I needed to be sure I always had the correct number of stitches in each repeat, but when all was aligned, I enjoyed watching this design feature emerge. The yarn was Lion Brand Alpine, a single ply and so lofty. I wish my photos didn't have such a yellowy tone, you know how challenging winter lighting can be.
I will definitely make this again, big needles and bulky yarn make for quick work.

Open lace work is created by the dropped stitches.

Dimensions are 10"x12".

That's all I have for FOs today. Venture over to Tami's Amis and see what other projects are posted.

Work in Progress Wednesday

2013-03-06T17:20:00.002-05:00

It's Wednesday. I am trying to focus. focus. focus. Here is where I am at as far as narrowing done the multitude of ambitions/WIPs.

Currently on the needles.

Hoaloha sweater, stitch marker shows underbust mark.

The neckline has a few rows of garter and stockinette, forming a welted edge.

Hoaloha, Mystery Sweater KAL, Mel of SingleHandedKnits
Yarn: Berroco Vintage on size 8 needles
I love the stitch definition I am getting with this yarn. And the color, well, I am drawn to shades of olive to lime green and pumpkin to carrot orange tones, what can I say? I am lagging behind the KAL pack, I am still on Clue #2. I don't plan to do the twisted rib until I get closer to the hem area and I am not sure if I will do the button placket or not. I plan to make full length sleeves, not the 3/4 bell shaped ones.

March Guernsey

March Guernsey, pattern by Jared Flood
Yarn: Cascade Eco+ on size 8 needles.
I started this pattern at the urging of my friend Julie (I should start calling her "The Enabler of the Nth degree). I kind of missed Amy Beth's mention of it on her podcast last week, but it sounds like she labels it as happy knitting too.

The second attempt at Norby, garter stitch edge.

Norby, pattern by Gudrun Johnston
Yarn: Quince and Co Finch in the Nasturtium colorway on size 4 needles.
I ripped out my first attempt with the Lion Brand Sock-Ease, it was just too limp. This one seems better, the strand of yarn is much more round than the Sock-Ease. Enabler of the Nth Degree gifted me this pattern. Thanks Julie!

Swatching for Shibui Mix No. 3

Swatch for Shibui No.3, pattern by Kristen Ford
Yarn: Shibui Staccato and Silk Cloud on size 8
My yarn is on order and I figured I should put my mini skeins (from the Cape Escape yarn tasting) to good use. The mini skein color is orange, my shawl will be knit in UV, a bright purple.

As always, if you want to see what other knitters have on theri needles, check out Tami's Amis.

Making Monday: Shibui Mix

2013-03-04T06:48:00.001-05:00

Rings of mini skeins display the array of colors available.

Shibui Mix
Have you heard of Shibui? It is a line of yarns that come in a variety of luxurious blends and weights. The color ways coordinate well, allowing the knitter to hold multiple strands of yarn to create unique effects. The yarns include Baby Alpaca DK, Cima, Heichi, Linen, Merino Alpaca, Silk Cloud, Sock, Staccato. The thing you need to understand is that you can have the halo of Silk Cloud, the softness of Baby Alpaca and the strength of Staccato and when combined, the yarn equals a worsted weight. It is up to the design features of your pattern, whether you need yarn that has a nice drape, or the sheen of silk, I urge you to explore the potentials of this line of fibers.

I first heard of Shibui Mix while at Northampton Wool's Cape Escape knitting retreat. We were given an array of mini skeins in one color and a "cheat sheet".

Our first task was to match a snippet of yarn to the correct weight description. As we moved through this process, I marveled at the color and softness of the yarns, baby alpaca was never so enticing. Once we had correctly identified the yarn, we taped a bit next to the ball band description on the cheat sheet.

Next, we took cards from the center of the table; they reminded me of chemistry flash cards. SC= SilkCloud, BA= Baby Alpaca, etc. These cards were our guide to matching yarns to a pattern. If a pattern called for worsted weight we could pair yarns like Silk Cloud and Baby Alpaca with to get proper gauge for the pattern.

Silk Cloud + Staccato

Oh the color options! I revel in deeply saturated jewel tones, my stash and project pages are proof. This line of yarn has gorgeous tones of blue, red, and purple as well as the muted natural tones. Check out the array of hues on the mini skein sample rings. And you need to know that the depth of color pops when you hold two or three yarns together.

The Shibui patterns are a bit edgy, fashion forward, and to some, boxy and shapeless. To me, they are perfect venues to highlight the qualities of the yarn. Here are my top five favorite patterns. No. 4 is my favorite and the one I really wanted to order yarn for, it is a decadent wrap or throw for the back of your favorite chair. The yarn is eventually going to be ordered, as soon as I have a good reason to reward myself at that level. The pattern might look simplistic, but if you look closely, the ribs vary in width and create a sculptural effect.

Trapezoid

No. 5, so simple, so elegant.

No. 4, the decadent throw/wrap that I really want to make. Note spacing of ribbing.

SC. 1, this dress was AMAZING!

Gradient, a free pattern that uses four skeins of Silk Cloud

Mix No. 3

Here is a look at the pattern I did order yarn for. It is a simple triangular shawl, but it is nearly weightless and so soft, like a butterfly kiss. I ordered yarn in the UV color way, a deeply saturated purple hue that will be a nice punch of color as an accesssory.

Shibui Silk Cloud in UV colorway

Shibui also offers free patterns on their web page. I have two in my Ravelry queue and I now realize that I should really consider using Shibui yarns to create the ultimate FO. Ok, Shibui does cause some to gasp at the price when calculating for a larger project. I will admit, I did the math for a wrap and initially, crossed it off my list. But I have to urge you to visit an LYS that does a Shibui Mix trunk show. When you see, feel, and try on the samples, I believe you will be converted. Why knit endless piles of stuff using less expensive workhorse yarns when you can revel in the luxury of this yarn as you knit, and later, wear the garment?

As a note, if you are in the vicinity of Northampton Wools, drop in and see this yarn in person. Linda has the kit which will help you pair fiber to pattern for a beautiful garment you will treasure for years to come.

Coming clean..... in the knitting/project department aka Wanting to Knit All the Things

2013-03-03T20:55:00.003-05:00

Image imported from www.thereasonforhope.com

I have a confession to make, well, a chain of them.

I am out of control with wanting to make all the things.
I have difficulty listening to your conversation as I dream of the things I am making.
I want to order two new ebooks but must resist. (What? Which ones? Oh, Alana Dakos' Botanical Knits and Strata and Line, Bristol Ivy's collaboration with friend Leah B. Thibault).
I am too optimistic about how much I can knit in a day, or a weekend.
Each day I see at least one or two more KALs that I want to join in on. (KAL= knit along, with a group).

Daily, I check the Ravelry Top Twenty Patterns. (Did you see there's a Game of Thrones KAL on the horizon)? Mentions of free pattern offers doesn't help either.

I am loving the latest Ravelry home page feature that daily, sends me newly released patterns based on the designers I like and projects I have made. (Look on the home page and click on the link patterns highlights page. Then, start adding designer's pages as a favorite to build diversity in the offerings that are sent to you).

As I check in on my favorite podcasts, I drool over some of the projects I see. I "favorite" or "queue" things; I add the really good patterns to my Ravelry cart hoping I might be the recipient of RAP (Random Act of Pattern, when you gift a pattern to a friend or stranger). And please don't feel inclined to go look and click a pattern to me, I am asking for help here, not more enabling!

I can't help but cast on.

I wake up in the middle of the night; whispers of inspiration emanate from the basket of newly purchased yarn. Stash that spills out of the bins in the closet wink at me and say "Pick me pick me!"

And no, I have not been swatching.......so..... there have been a number of fails. My enthusiasm has pushed me beyond polygamy..... I am dangling from that scrawny branch of the spindly tree on the entrance to the abyss.

I am now rethinking the whole hyper excitement over needing to try all the things, immediately. Today, the many fails in my basket have me thinking I should focus on just two projects, just two actives. The others need to patiently await my undivided attention.

Why is this uber distracted, greedy project lust commandeering my normal frame of mind? I am guilty of over saturation of anything knitting related. It doesn't help that I went to the Cape Escape knitting retreat. (Yes, I need to write a post for you to better describe what I learned about the whole Shibui Mix concept, and show you my top three, or maybe my top five favorite projects). I saw shawls and yarns and projects that I want to try. (What's the acronym that describes having a stash of yarn beyond life expectancy? I that way with wanting to knit all the things).

So, you see, it is really an illness. I stay up late to knit "just one more row". When leaving the house, I hesitate over the projects bags as I select one and think, "Will this project be doable in the place I am taking it"?

I find I don't want to get up and go into work because it is an 8 hour delay in getting down to business with what is in my project baskets. But to work I must go, one needs lighting and food to knit at this pace, correct? Damn that I'm too young to retire. Damn!

Image imported from erinbrownart.blogspot.com

I will show you some of the crazypants energy that is swirling around me, I will share with you some of the things that I am so excited about. I am hoping some one of you has advice for me, beyond upping the number of Powerball tickets purchased weekly. (Currently, that number is zero, the quote "You can't win if you don't play" comes to mind).

Here's the list of what's in the work basket at my feet:
Hoaloha Mystery Sweater KAL, though I am 2/3 of the ay down the body section, I am still trailing behind the pack. The third clue has been released, but I haven't looked at it yet, my head is still down and I am ticking away at the body of stockinette stitch.

For Good Hat My niece sent me the most gorgeous skeins of phlox colored Cascade 220. For a hat. I caked it right away, cast on as the pattern dictated, knit, knit, knit until the ribbed band was finished. Too small.... I need to begin again. Sorry Katie. I will get it done.

Antler Hat I got this pattern free back when Tincan Knits patterns filled the Ravelry Top Twenty list. I got the yarn in my Cape Escape goody bag. I cast on and knit while on the bus ride back to Boston. Now I realize, in my enthusiasm and overheated bus zombie mindset, I failed to change needles after knitting the ribbed band. Now I need to rip back 12 rows and start anew.

Norby I have this hat nearly finished in the Lion Brand Sock Ease, but it is just too floppy. I have some Quince and Co. Finch yarn in the same color, so I will begin again. I haven't frogged what I have knit so far, but I probably will use the yarn for somehing else.

Ellison Bay The impetus to cast this project on was Paula's KAL. The date to submit my FO pictures has passed; the shawl languishes, and today, I as I sorted through all of the things, I believe I heard the yarn whining it wanted to be something else. Hmmmmm, fail? Frog? Not yet, but possibly....

Levenwick This sweater is so close to being done. One sleeve and the button band to do. Why did I ever put it down? Back in August? Where did I write my notes as to how many stitches I had at the head of the sleeve. Oooooh, my head hurts thinking about this dilemma, but the color is so enticing and spring is coming. I want to wear it before the warmer days descend. I'll bet if I could just focus and count some stitches, I could get underway with sleeve number two.

Guernsey Wrap This project is a perfect example of how easily I'll bite the bait dangled. My friend Julie, the one who also attended the Cape Escape, mentioned she had cast on this shawl/huge scarf/rectangular homage to Jared Flood. The envy I experienced was too hard to ignore. I cast on Friday night and I am in love with this pattern.

The basket of newly purchased yarn is topped with skeins for two Gap-tastic Cowls for my sister and niece, plus a hat that I promised to redo because it was too big.

What's a girl to do? What would the Yarn Harlot do?

(BTW, were you lucky enough to have seen her Friday night?)

And tomorrow Norah Gaughan is speaking at the Iron Horse, a yarn shop in Natick. Too many events and projects, not enough time.

I need to make the leap from my current job to professional blogger. How does one earn a living doing just that? Again, we should query YarnHarlot/Stephanie Pearl McPhee. Write a book, develop a following, set up speaking engagements, write patterns, spin fleece into gold, nah, I'd rather just sit and knit. I'll keep the day job.

Super tired Sunday....

2013-03-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

Hampton Inn, West Yarmouth, MA

This week has been jammed with work and family demands, appointments and daily drudgery. I had expected to get it posted by Sunday night, but a week has passed since this experience. I hope the delayed descriptions will still entice you to consider doing a knit retreat when you see one near you.
I am still recuperating from an overload of fiber, new friends, and hanging out in person with my knitting buddy Julie. We "met" over two years ago, (the parentheses are to denote that it was a virtual meeting). We got to know each other through blogging, knitting and Ravelry. She and I are fiber aficionados, we email at least twice daily; we have Skyped, and had many phone and text conversations, but this was our first time to hang out in person.

About a month ago, we made reservations and transportation arrangements. When the weekend finally arrived, I headed south to the Cape, wondering what was in store. Julie met me at the bus depot and we headed off to lunch and the "getting to know you" portion of the day. Our conversation flowed easily, and because we are both moms, teachers and creatively driven, there were no awkward moments. It is such a pleasure to be in the company of someone compatible, it was as if we had always hung out together, perhaps we are long lost sisters?

29 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA, 413-586-4331

The impetus to finally meet and spend time together came in an email from Northampton Wools, a wonderful yarn shop in that town. (Can I urge you to seek it out when you happen to stop by on your pilgrimage to WEBS? Please do!)

Linda Daniels, the owner of the shop, plans a yearly Knitting Escape trip; this was her sixth. When I got the email, I floated the possibility to Julie and she agreed, we needed to go. The weekend promised classes, yarn tasting, meeting other knitters, martinis, facial treatments and yoga.

The Cape Escape retreat was such fun. We stayed at Hampton Inn in West Yarmouth and shared the enthusiastic company of about 25 other knitters. From Friday through Sunday, Linda engaged us in events, activities and fun. Yarn tasting and martini sipping, snacks and stories, such great way to spend a weekend.

Some of the samples of Shibui yarn

Friday: Shibui Yarn tasting and getting into the "Mix"
Shibui, which means elegant with a touch of bitterness, is a line of yarn based in Portland Oregon. The company began business with Knit Purl, a yarn shop, and then branched into the production of yarns and patterns. Friday evening's event focused on learning about the "Shibui Mix".

Mix #5, by Kristin Ford

Mix #4, by Kristin Spurkland

S.C. #1, by Allison Brookbanks

M.A.1, by Antonia Shankland

The Shibui line is made up of eight yarns, each available in the same colorway, allowing you to combine yarn weights in one color to create exciting results. The concept of "mix" is this, using the guide we received during the yarn tasting, I learned that a variety of yarns can be held together to create the weight needed for patterns. Do you fall in love with lace or fingering weight, but have difficulty knitting at the thinner gauge? Then consider looking at the Shibui line, you can hold a number of yarns together to knit a garment that looks new and innovative.

We were given a "cheat sheet", a martini glass full of mini samples, and then we matched the yarn to its properties on the cheat sheet. This may be hard to understand but the thing that excites me so over this concept is that you can combine a laceweight with a fingering weight, and then knit a project that has bloom, depth of color, is knit on size 7-9 needles and a unique look.

Saturday consisted of breakfast in the hotel, and then a moebius basket lesson with Linda. She taught us how to cast on in a new way to create a moebius or twisted loop. The twisted loop becomes the handle for the basket. We were all using size 11 needles and a worsted weight yarn that would lend it self to felting. Felting is when you knit an item, larger than you need it to be and then through the magic of hot water and agitation, your knitted item shrinks and tightens up.


These are the baskets Linda brought to inspire the class.

Baskets before felting, mine is the off white one.

Class projects after felting

Saturday continued, lunch at Panera and a visit to Tumbleweed Quilts in West Barnstable. I plan to write a brief description of our visit but here is one photo of the shop.

Tumbleweed Quilts, West Barnstable, MA

Saturday afternoon, more knitting on the baskets and then yoga and a skin care class. I am sorry to say I missed these, I was feeling under the weather and retreated to my room to recharge. Julie and I ordered dinner in and continued to work on our baskets and conversations. We rejoined the knit group later in the evening, for knitting, drinks and felting of baskets. I narrowed down my many swoons over the Shibui Mix patterns and ordered supplies to make this in the colorway UV.

Mix No 3, in Stacatto and Silk Cloud

Sunday, we woke up and had breakfast in the hotel. The weekend seemed to just fly and the hours wound down to a close. I know that this evening, one week later, I am dreaming of the fun and freedom to knit, nap and converse with friends wistfully. I am planning to go again next year. Will you join me? I promise to give you enough advance notice to make plans, better yet, sign up for the Northampton Wools email list or join the Northampton Wools Ravelry forum page and stay in the know that way.

Goin' on a Knit Retreat

2013-02-22T07:56:00.001-05:00

Sponsor of Escape to the Cape

I am very excited to be venturing off on my FIRST knitter's retreat. Northampton Wools is sponsoring a weekend getaway with a class on making felted wool bags, yoga, skin care and martini knitting. Besides the anticipation of knitting fun, I am eager to finally meet a virtual friend in person. Inky077 of City Mouse to Country House will be in attendance! We finally get to hang out in person and knit, commiserate and share plans for our blogs to possibly merge periodically.

Check here for updates on the events and shenanigans. Depending on the network service, I may not get photos posted until Sunday. Check my Twitter feed if you follow me @ 19vesperstreet!

Works in Progress, Wednesday

2013-02-20T19:13:00.000-05:00

Bristol's Cowl

Bristol's Cowl, pattern by Bristol Ivy
Yarn: 2 skeins Lion Brand Alpine Wool, natural colorway on size 11 needles
I am nearly finished with this cowl and everyone who has seen it, seems to like it. A fun knit with a new technique to learn, picot edging.

I little less than midway through clue number one.

Hoaloha Mystery Sweater KAL, pattern by Melissa, of SingleHandedKnits
Yarn: Berroco Vintage on size 8 needles
I have had this yarn for more than 2 years and have been waiting for the perfect project to use it on. I am enjoying this KAL and I love how Mel has personalized her support to the members of the group with video and blog posts specific to the techniques used in this top down raglan sleeve sweater.

Norby

Norby, pattern by Gudrun Johnston
Yarn: Lion BrandSock-Ease on size 4 needles
I got gauge but as I get further along I am wondering if I should start over in size 3 needles. It feels a bit droopy. I plan to do the crown decreases and see how it looks. I have enough yarn, I may start a second more fitted one once this is done.

Project Stash Yarn Swap Project

Project Stash Yarn Swap, what will it become?
Yarn: unknown, on size 13 needles
This yarn was gifted to me by FlyingJen, a member of Evelyn's Project Stash group, along with a second ball. As a part of the swap Jen wound the colorful grey and bright multi mohair blend around a small gift. I knit until I got to the center of the ball and discovered a small pot of rich hand lotion, perfect for this time of year.
The challenge in using this yarn is the limited yardage. So far my two attempts have not been large enough for an adult sized scarf, I need to find some complimentary yarn to stretch it longer into a full sized scarf or cowl. The second ball I plan to make into a simple beanie, I may add a contrast yarn if I need more yardage. Thanks Jen!!

Second ball from Project Stash Yarn Swap.

Ellison Bay

Ellison Bay, pattern by Paula Emons-Fuessle
Yarn: Cascade 220 on size 8 needle
I do like this project, but it hasn't been getting much of my attention. I am hoping to have it done before we return to school next week.

If you want to see other WIPs, go to Tami's Amis and see what other knitters have posted.