Stitch and Chat

Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 15:52:00 +0000

I've switched over to Wordpress for my blog, click here to view and subscribe!

See you there!

Moral of the story.

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 22:53:00 +0000

Jane made up for her lack of knitting last week and progressed to the gorgeous salmon contrast color of her 3 Color Cashmere Cowl in Lux Adorna (Sport: 100% Cashmere, 230 yards).

Allison modeled Jane's finished Lucy Cowl knit with Lux Adorna Fun Size Bundles DK (DK: 100% Cashmere, 200 yards). Jane's lucky that Allison relinquished the cowl! It was questionable for a minute there.

Cornelia is about halfway though her Super Bulky Afghan (Westport Yarns shop pattern) in Mirasol Ushya (Super Bulky: 98% Merino, 2% Nylon, 114 yards). The colors evoke a seaside Cape Cod feel.

Trammi came for a review of her projects. Her pink Sea of Dreams baby blanket in Nordica (DK: 100% Merino, 136 yards) is almost done. She's knitting this as a gift for her kids piano teacher! She stopped mid-row and the knitting was all stretched out. I had to take it back a few rows. Moral of the story: Don't stop mid-row.

The Zickzack scarf pattern is a good project to leave the in car for random acts of knitting while waiting. She's knitting it with Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM) (Fingering: 100% Merino, 175 yards).

Trammi brought out her Anemone Poncho knit with Artyarns Regal Silk and Artyarns Beaded Silk & Sequins Light.

She has three other projects that we didn't get to, her charity blanket for Alice's Embrace, a long sweater coat, and a cabled sweater shirt. I suggested that she pick 3 of these projects and dedicate herself to finishing them so as not to spread herself to thin. (I should take my own advice.😏)

Nan worked the kitchener bind off on the neck of her Weekender sweater. Then she was able to join the shoulders with 3-needle bind offs. The end result...a very happy Nan who was able to try on her sweater! Yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards).

In other Weekender Sweater news, Eleanor finished the short rows on her Weekender sweater and Allison was knitting on the upper back of hers.

Harry inspecting my Rhinebeck yarns. They must've smelled really good because he and Tucker tried to eat them! 😱

I'll have what she's having.

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 15:15:00 +0000

Cindy finished Simple and Easy Hat for the Whole Family for her grandson. She knit it with Anzula For Better or Worsted (Worsted: 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon, 200 yards) in the Tea Bag version. This is a great hat pattern for beginners-advanced beginners.

She finished her Super Bulky Winter Vest just in time to wear it!

Jane hasn't knit since last week's class when she began her 3 Color Cashmere Cowl in Lux Adorna (Sport: 100% Cashmere, 230 yards).

Eleanor returned from Egypt! She actually had a chance to knit on her Half and Half Cowl while cruising the Nile. Yarn: Trendsetter Icon (Aran: 36% Alpaca, 35% Nylon, 15% Silk, 14% Cotton, 165 yards).

She learned how to take out the waste yarn from her tubular cast on ~ carefully!😱

She finished her Tot Toppers Favorite Cap & Blanket Set knit with Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash (Worsted: 100% Merino, 218 yards.

Nan finished this adorable Candy Corn Hat in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash.

She's well into knitting Read Between the Lines in Yarn Catcher Sock (Light Fingering: 75% Merino, 25% Nylon, 463 yards).

She bought this particular colorway specifically to match this green top. The combination is gorgeous!

Cornelia was ready to start the next skein of her (Westport Yarns shop pattern) in Mirasol Ushya (Super Bulky: 98% Merino, 2% Nylon, 114 yards).

Calann wasn't sure her #01 Long Cardigan knit with Tahki Montana (Super Bulky: 100% Wool, 130 yards) was looking like the pattern photo. After doing a side by side comparison, I felt it did. I'm not sure if Calann is there yet.

She was swatching for Rock the Pompom hat with Azteca Milrayes (Aran: 53% Wool, 47% Acrylic, 197 yards). We all loved the orange pompom. A photo was sent to the recipient for approval. Fingers crossed! The orange really makes the other colors pop.

Harry couldn't decide what to have, there were too many choices on the menu.

To knit or not to knit, that was the question.

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 21:17:00 +0000

Well, it's never been my question! Read on for Linda's inner struggle ~ and the struggle is real!

Cindy was back after a summer hiatus. She's knitting The Simple and Easy Hat for the Whole Family, for her grandson. Yarn: Anzula For Better or Worsted (Worsted: 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon, 200 yards).

Nan knit up the most adorable Aran Cable Baby Bunting!

Cornelia brought her sweater in to the finisher and began her Super Bulky Afghan (Westport Yarns shop pattern) in Mirasol Ushya (Super Bulky: 98% Merino, 2% Nylon, 114 yards). She is bravely knitting on circular needles, they are not her favorite.

Jane is knitting a 3-color striped scarf.

She was ready to graft the ends of her Lucy Cowl knit with Lux Adorna Fun Size Bundles DK (DK: 100% Cashmere, 200 yards). By the end of class it was done!

Eileen began the All Points South Poncho in a combination of yarns. Stunning! Perfectly autumn.

And on Wednesday...

Linda took a 3.5 year hiatus from knitting. 😱 Now that her daughter is expecting her second child, Linda was faced with a moral dilemma. She had a deep internal philosophical discussion with herself. To knit or not to knit. It's not like the second baby would know didn't get a blanket. In the end grandparent guilt won out. AND SHE'S BACK!

Together we picked out the Easy Baby Car Seat Blanket in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky (Bulky: 100% Acrylic, 170 yards). Emphasis on the word EASY. The yarn is kind of cool, the way it's dyed, it creates little blossoms.

Thank goodness Linda's hands remembered how to cast on and knit.

Mary began a hat in Rasta (Super Bulky: 100% Merino, 90 yards). As you can imagine, it's coming along quickly. Mary knits in bed, and told us that she tried it on and promptly fell asleep. I guess she was warm and cozy in the hat. Her husband woke her up to point it out!😜😂

She's halfway through a baby blanket for a baby due in November. The pattern is a Westport Yarn Shop Pattern knit with KFI Luxury Collection Indulgence Hand Painted Worsted.

In addition to all that, she's finished the next part of her Crocheted Eshana Wrap. It's off to the finisher to be blocked before she starts the next section. This is quite an accomplishment! She used the exact yarns the pattern called for, this was a class this summer at Westport Yarns.

Lois was working on Washington Square, a gorgeous mosaic cowl knit with Malabrigo Worsted (Aran: 100% Merino, 210 yards).

Today's blog pet pictures are brought to you by Thing #2 who happened to be sending me pix of her cats while I was writing.

First we have Simba, not too happily modeling a sombrero. Oh, it cat's could talk...

And then there's the baby, Jasper. He is just too cute for words!

Knitting and Buying Yarn ~ Two Different Hobbies

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 10:41:00 +0000

Calann finished her Building Blocks Afghan! She did a fabulous job and we all gave it the serious appreciation it deserved! Yarn: Plymouth Select Worsted Merino (Worsted: 100% Merino, 218 yards).

She was off pattern on her Long Cardigan. I took it back to the set up row and we began again. Yarn: Tahki Montana (Super Bulky: 100% Wool, 130 yards).

Calann wanted to review the cabled cast on for her Tafsut poncho to work the second half of the poncho. Yarn: Valley Yarns Northampton (Worsted: 100% Wool, 247 yards).

Because Jane added a longer red section, she found her Lucy Cowl to be to an awkward length. Too short to wear doubled and too long to sit properly. She's going to add more length. We played around with different colors. Danni found a skein of Stargazer in a light grey to complement the cowl. Yarn: Lux Adorna Fun Size Bundles DK (DK: 100% Cashmere, 200 yards).

Jane swatched for the Dianne Luxurious Cable Poncho in cashmere (of course).

Allison and Nan split for the front and back on their Weekender Pullovers. Yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards).

Nan finished her Intarsia baby blanket with Minnie's face! Her daughter is going to love this!! Yarn: Plymouth Select Worsted Merino (Worsted: 100% Merino, 218 yards).

Jeannine hadn't been working the faux slipped stitch seams on her Weekender Pullover. I was able to remedy them by dropping it back and laddering it up alternating with a knit stitch and a slip stitch.

Eileen is nearly done with Mixology. She is still not happy with her colors; it came as a kit from Kitterly and the colors looked more blue (less turquoise) on the monitor. Either way, it's a gorgeous wrap and it wear beautifully. Yarn: Baah! La Jolla (Fingering: 100% Wool, 400 yards).

Patti joined us today. She brought her current projects and swatches. We reviewed gauge and how to substitute yarns appropriately. When you want to substitute a yarn in a pattern, you need to look at the weight of the yarn the pattern calls for - not the gauge of the pattern. For Example, this ADORABLE Little Peach (baby) Poncho called for Super Bulky yarn on a #11 needle. Patty used bulky yarn on a #11 and the poncho came out considerably smaller.

As we all admired and coveted the new yarns at Westport Yarns, we came to the conclusion that knitting and buying yarn are two different hobbies and it's one size fits all.😀 I've got a foot planted firmly in each hobby!

Tucker cruisin' on a pretty fall day.

Harry enjoys the ride in a more subdued manner.

Tuesday Stitch and Chat

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 21:51:00 +0000

Allison is making progress with Agnes knit with Brooklyn Tweed Loft (Fingering: 100% Targhee-Columbia, 275 yards).

She is up to where she needs to be for the Weekender Pullover Class. Yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards).

Only now she's bored with her two sweaters, and is casting on for the Elizabeth Caplet in Cascade Luminosa (Aran: 52% Rayon, 44% Alpaca, 4% Wool, 240 yards).

Eleanor was looking for a project to take on an upcoming trip. She discovered Trendsetter Icon (Aran: 36% Alpaca, 35% Nylon, 15% Silk, 14% Cotton, 165 yards) and is going to knit the Half and Half Cowl. It will be a gift for her sister.

Allison and Calann "ooohd" and "ahhhed" over her yarn choice and how it took the light.

Calann worked another swatch in preparation for knitting the Vogue Long Cardigan . Even though she likes the look of the larger swatch, she has gauge with the smaller one.

Jane cast on for 3 color Cashmere cowl in Lux Adorna (Sport: 100% Cashmere, 230 yards).

Cornelia is finishing the second sleeve on her Customfit sweater knit with Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards). She's going to take a break from sweaters for her next project and knit a super bulky afghan for her daughter.

While Thing #2 and I were working at the kitchen table, the dogs had other ideas.

Harry wanted to be picked up.

And Tucker... we're not too sure. He was feeling anti-social.

Here it is, thank you, I love you.

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 21:56:00 +0000

Eileen brought in an afghan she finished. She pulled the wrong thread and got into trouble when she tried to fix it. She handed it to me and said, "Here it is, thank you, I love you." 😊💜 It's nice to be appreciated.

She's been knitting away on her Mixology Scarf in Baah! La Jolla (Fingering: 100% Wool, 400 yards).

There are Weekender sweaters everywhere. Yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards). Nan and Eleanor are knitting theirs in the team color, purple.

Allison is knitting hers in green, this is not a good representation of the color.

Elisa in a cream color. Everyone is knitting up to the armholes before our next class.

Eleanor has put a lot of time into Bibbe knit with The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light (DK: 80% Merino, 10% Silk, 10% Cashmere).

Jane has been working on her Double Basketweave Infinity Scarf in Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk (Sport: 50% Silk, 50% Alpaca, 146 years). The recipient is petite so we discussed how much wider she should knit it. Historically she has knit it approximately 1/3 bigger than it is. Calann and I felt she should call it quits now.

Mallory's Snowflake stocking is progressing. She also has a new grandchild! Congratulations! Will she be able to knit another stocking by this Christmas??? Place your bet.

Calann as been working on her Building Blocks Afghan in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash.

She is swatching for the #01 Long Cardigan with stash yarn.

Elisa's been working on the Vacanza Scarf in Berroco Medina (DK: 37% Cotton, 36% Acrylic, 27% Rayon, 295 yards). She's almost at the halfway point where she can begin decreasing. Her plan is to wear this scarf with her Weekender sweater.

Cornelia has finished the fronts, back, and one sleeve of her "Cairo Sunset" customfit sweater. Yarn: Yarn: Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Harry (and Joe) visited me at work. It's nice when your dog matches the carpet!

Fall must be coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 19:25:00 +0000

Calann is knitting the Building Blocks Afghan in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino (Worsted: 100% Merino, 218 yards). She dropped a stitch and Block #6.

In the meantime, she started Block #7. She commented that this has been a great knitting summer because it's been so hot, she hasn't gone to the beach as much.

Calann swatched with Valley Yarns Northampton from her stash (Worsted: 100% Wool, 247 yards) for the Tafsut Poncho. Her gauge was too tight and she had to go up a needle size.

She finished the Stocking Cap F797 knit with Knitcol (DK: 100% Washable Wool, 137 yards). Eleanor brought in the communal tassel maker.

Eleanor blocked Bibbe and joined the shoulders with a 3-needle bind off. The sweater fits nicely. We measured how long to knit the sleeves. She'll try it on again to confirm the sleeve length. Yarn: The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light (DK: 80% Merino, 10% Silk, 10% Cashmere).

Here is the latest picture of her Tot Toppers Favorite Blanket in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino. We all LOVE this blanket.

Jane finished one Double Basketweave Infinity Scarf in Sincere Sheep Terroir Fiber Series (Sport: 100% Cormo, 400 yards).

Now she's casting on for another with Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk (Sport: 50% Silk, 50% Alpaca, 146 years) from her stash.

Her Lucy Cowl knit with Lux Adorna Knits Fun Bundle Kit (DK: 100% Cashmere, 200 yards) is coming along beautifully. We all love the red pop of color she put in with a mini skein of 7th Floor Yarns.

Cornelia is well into the second front of her Customfit sweater in Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Allison blocked out her Fairisle Pillow knit with Northlight Fibers Atlantic (Worsted: 100% Falkland Islands Merino Wool, 170 yards). She's debating whether to knit the back or have a fabric back. For fabric we discussed linen or canvas. Thoughts?

To combat the air conditioning, she put on her newly blocked and finished Sparkle Ridges Wrap knit with Artyarns Beaded Silk & Sequins Light and Artyarns Merino Cloud in The Wildflower colorway.

Allison and Nan were joining The Weekender in the round. Their tubular cast ons look fantastic! Yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards).

Eileen was casting on for Mixology in blues. When she received the kit from Kitterly, the colors were more turquoise than blue. She will knit on. Yarn: Baah! La Jolla (Fingering: 100% Wool, 400 yards).

She put on her newly blocked and finished Churchmouse Twice Reversible Ribbed Poncho knit with North Light Fibers Atlantic.

Nan finished her Streetscape Scarf. There was one small blip she wasn't happy with. We all agreed that when she's all wrapped up in it, it will not be noticeable.

Thing #2 got a new kitten, and I had to share. This is the video when Simba met the kitten, Jasper. Simba was not amused.

The next day, having made it clear who was in charge, Simba settled in to forcefully bathe Jasper.

This post brought to you by Monkfish

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 21:31:00 +0000

Today I learned that Monkfish is the "poor man's lobster". Who knew? Apparently everyone at the table except me. I looked them up online, the first comment is that it is one of the ugliest fish in the deep. They are, spare yourself and don't look. Further down, it was confirmed, Monkfish has a mild taste and texture similar to lobster. I help my group with their knitting, they educate me on the finer things in life.😜

Eleanor reached the next color section on her Tot Toppers Favorite Blanket knit with six colors of Plymouth Select Merino Worsted (Worsted: 100% Merino, 218 yards). I love watching her progress, such a cheerful blanket.

Jane cast on for a car project, the Double Basketweave Infinity Scarf that she will knit with Sincere Sheep Terroir Fiber Series (Sport: 100% Cormo, 400 yards). She had to cast on 192 stitches and began to unspool yards of yarn for the long-tail cast on.

I saved her from herself and showed her how to cast on using two balls of yarn. Of course she had to make it trickier ~ her pattern calls for the yarn to be held double. After she was cast on, I showed her how to join in the round without twisting.

Eileen finished the Easy Folded Poncho with stash yarn, Tahki Souffle (Aran: 42% Angora, 38% Viscose, 20% Merino, 108 yards). She had put in the provisional cast on and wanted to learn how to take it out.

While traveling, she stopped in a yarn store and bought Cascade Luminosa (Worsted: 52% Viscose, 44% Baby Alpaca, 4% Merino, 240 yards). They had a sample of the Elizabeth Capelet. Little did she know that we carry it too. Needless to say there was a run on the yarn by some of the other ladies!

Calann was working on her Building Blocks Afghan in Plymouth Select Merino Worsted (Worsted: 100% Merino, 218 yards).

Nan and Elisa were working on the tubular cast on for the Weekender Sweater Class. This is a fiddly technique that makes the ribbing look like it sprang up out of nowhere. It makes for a beautiful ribbing with no visible cast on edge. Definitely worth the trouble (at least in my opinion, they may not be ready to agree). They are both knitting their sweaters in Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards).

Cornelia finished the right front of her Customfit sweater in Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Allison worked on her Matchmaker Scarf knit with Anzula Dreamy (Fingering: 75% Merino, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk, 385 yards) and Anzula Lunaris (Fingering: 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Stellina, 425 yards). She is intent of finishing some projects to clear the queue for the fall.

Togetherness? Nah, Harry wanted to get closer to me than Tucker. More like sibling rivalry - brothers from other mothers.

Deadlines and Commitments

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 12:32:00 +0000

What to leave in and what to leave out. Since April, my knitting has been a mixture of deadlines and commitments with a few fun quick knits interspersed. That's not to say I didn't enjoy knitting the commitments, just that they had deadlines. Since I rarely knit in a monogamous fashion, there was overlap.

It started out with the Easy Folded Poncho shop sample in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey (DK: 60% Cotton, 40% Linen / Flax, 284 yards). A lovely mindless knit, it doesn't get much easier than this poncho. And as often happens, I liked the sample so much, I bought the yarn to make one for myself. Stockinette fabric (to me) can be very elegant in its simplicity and I love ponchos.

Next there were two accessories for Tahki Stacy Charles for the fall. They are cabled beauties and I look forward to knitting my self a set.

I knit the Weekender in Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards) for the first Weekender Class at Westport Yarns.

I have an internal rule, if I wear a sample from the shop more than three times, I knit one for myself. That happened with Alfama knit with Berroco Regatta (Bulky: 100% Cotton, 164 yards). This knit up in no time. This was a fun (very quick knit). The yarn is a tape and has very interesting colorways.

With two weddings this summer, I was under the gun to knit garters. I knit up the first one and brought it to the bride's shower to test the size. Since then I finished it and mailed it off. Now I'm furiously knitting my daughter's garter. Think teeny tiny needles and laceweight yarn 😒.

For the shop's trunk show with Yarn Catcher, I designed a one skein wonder, Read Between the Lines. An asymmetrical scarf in Yarn Catcher Sock (Fingering: 75% 4 ply Meirno, 25% Nylon, 463 yards). It's a suitable for adventurous advanced beginners and above. I love Yarn Catchers dyeing, really fun combinations of color.

While feeling a break in the commitment tide, I cast on for my Banana Leaf Duster Vest in Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards) in an uncharacteristic olive green. I designed the Vest to be knit in one piece ~ I love the cable details (if I do say so myself).

The break was fleeting as I cast on for another Weekender Sweater for a shop sample in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (Worsted: 100% Wool - Targhee-Columbia, 140 yards). I've taught this sweater as a class three times at Westport Yarns with a fourth starting soon! It's a great mix of sophisticated knitting techniques and simplicity.

I squeezed in another east, fun, and quick knit with Vacanza a summer scarf knit with Berroco Medina (DK: 37% Cotton, 36% Acrylic, 27% Rayon, 295 yards). Mine was knit with a more characteristic color-way (for me) blues and purples.

As I reflect on this post, I look back and think, that's a lot of knitting. Seriously, a lot. No rest for the weary~ there are two more baby gifts to knit for fall babies and fall samples on the horizon. Good thing I like what I do!

Do you have needle size "boundaries"?

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 11:09:00 +0000

Eileen is knitting the Cotton Super Cropped Cardigan pattern by Loopy Mango in Loopy Mango Big Cotton (Bulky: 100% Cotton, 48 yards). It is knit in one piece and she wanted to confirm where to join yarn for left front.

She finished a blanket for the Alice's Embrace Charity knitting project at Westport Yarns.

Eileen finished her Twice Reversible Ribbed Poncho in North Light Fibers Atlantic (Worsted: 100% Falkland Islands Merino Wool, 170 yards).

She was enjoying knitting Goldfish Memory until she got to her variegated color choice. I think she's going to consider other options and set it aside. Trammi was concerned for her knitting well being - "did she have other things to knit?." Yarns: Once Upon a Corgi Oliver (Fingering: 100% Merino, 400 Yards) and 2 skeins of Anzula Dreamy (Fingering: 75% Merino, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk, 385 yards).

We all agreed, if you don't love it, don't knit it. That applies to a pattern as well as yarn color.

Jane swatched for her upcoming Weekender Class with me. Yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards).

She started her Lucy Cowl using a Lux Adorna Knits Fun Bundle Kit (DK: 100% Cashmere, 200 yards).

Eleanor modified the Tot Toppers Favorite Blanket to 14 ridges per section. Yarn: Plymouth Select Worsted Merino (Worsted: 100% Merino Superwash, 218 yards). She is alternating between Bibbe and the afghan. Kind of like eating your vegetables, knit the black sweater first, then fun time begins with blanket.

Elisa working on Vacanza in Berroco Medina (DK: 37% Cotton, 36% Acrylic, 27% Rayon, 295 yards). I modified the pattern to include a slip stitch on one side (I don't like how garter looks as an edge). She forgot the slip stitch and had to rip back.

Trammi was knitting on her Sea of Dreams Baby blanket in Nordica (DK: 100% Merino, 136 yards). We are all enchanted by how lovely this pattern is.

Nan finished the intarsia part of her baby blanket in Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash. She will use duplicate stitch to add the finer details of the face.

Cornelia's Customfit sweater is progressing nicely. Yarn: Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

There was a discussion of needle size preferences because Jane was getting gauge on a #9 and didn't like how it felt. And I quote, "#8 is friendly, #9 not so much".

When I met Eileen, she wouldn't knit below an #8. Now her knitting as evolved to the point where she won't knit on a needle smaller than a #3.

For Eleanor it was needles smaller than #7's.

Do you have needle size "boundaries"?

Harry was bored waiting for he dinner so he decided to sit on Tucker's head. He has done this since he was a puppy!

Survivor: The Knitters Version

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 10:50:00 +0000

Jane had a "begeezer" (newly coined knitting term for mistake) in her Easy Folded Poncho. It looks like she dropped an edge stitch. Luckily it can be mended and put into the seam. Jane's stripes worked out perfectly, they line up at the neckline seam. Yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Zooey (DK: 60% Cotton, 40% Linen / Flax, 284 yards).

Nan started the intarsia section of her blanket in Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash (Worsted: 100% Superwash Merino, 218 yards). She had a question about duplicate stitch on the smaller bits versus another small bit of intarsia. She's not loving the intarsia so far.

Eleanor wore her Nurmilintu scarf in Anzula Dreamy (Fingering: 75% Merino, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk, 385 yards).

She started her Tot Toppers Favorite Cap and Blanket Set in Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash and is loving it. She's going to make the stripes deeper than the pattern calls for.

Eleanor finished her blanket for the Alice's Embrace Charity knitting project Westport Yarns has organized.

Cornelia wore her Customfit sweater, it looks fabulous!

She finished the back of her current Customfit sweater, this sweater is named Forest Fire. The one she is wearing is called Lemon and Lime sorbet. The next one will be called Blueberry Soufflé. Yarn: Yarn: Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Elisa is working on her Building in Color strips. Her color combination is beautiful. The Building in Color afghan is an ongoing class at Westport Yarns.

Allison came with a "to do list" for me. First on the list, she wanted to discuss how best to handle the back of her retreat pillow. She doesn't want to knit the back of pillow. We discussed velvet or canvas. Canvas seemed the better choice as it would evoke the feeling of the retreat/Block Island.

She picked up the edging for her Sparkle Ridges wrap by picking up one strand instead of two so that there was a smaller ridge. Yarn: Artyarns Beaded Silk and Sequins Light and Artyarns Merino Cloud in The Wildflower colorway.

Allison was concerned she wouldn't have enough yarn for the garter edge. I showed her how to estimate enough yarn for the bind off using the following steps.

Working from the end of the ball, we wound off 5 times the length of the side to be bound off.
Then we made a big slip knot so she would know when she reached the yarn for the bind off.
We re-wound the ball.
She can work as many rows of the border as her yardage allows until the giant slip knot.
Bind off.

Lastly, we measured the long edge of her Matchmaker Scarf to determine whether she had reached the next section. Yarn: Anzula Dreamy (Fingering: 75% Merino, 15% Cashmere goat, 10% Silk, 385 yards) and Anzula Lunaris (Fingering: 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere goat, 10% Stellina, 425 yards).

Next on her list is finishing her Agnes Sweater and casting on for her Colette Cowl in Lux Adorna Knits Fun + 2 (DK: 100% Cashmere, 488 yards).

Allison was musing on the idea of a reality show where you escape to isolated area with all your knitting projects (in-progess and stash projects). The premise being, could you knit through all the projects if you lived in an isolated cabin in the woods or on an island of the coast of Maine.

We agreed there could be no yarn stores or knitting events to distract or tempt you.
We could use our yarn as insulation.
There would be an abundance of clam chowder and lobster.

We haven't worked out the other details yet and are open to suggestions. If it becomes a thing, we'll be looking for applicants for the second season.

Book Recommendation: A distant land of my father

We all need to take a page from Harry's book on how to relax!

Is it OCD to Rip Out Mistakes?

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 19:23:00 +0000

Mary is taking the Eshana Crocheted Wrap Class at Westport Yarns. She was losing stitches progressively as she crocheted. I had her start the wrap over and during class we would rip out the first effort. Then, to remedy the situation, I taught her to put a locking stitch marker in the turning chain of each row. That way she is always sure she has found the correct end stitch. She's also going to count to make sure she has the right number of filet boxes.

Eileen is finding that she's ripping out mistakes rather than leaving them in. She doesn't know what's come over her; she used to be such a carefree knitter!

She finished a Simple & Easy Hat (drawstring version) in Baby Blossom Chunky (Bulky: 70% Acrylic, 30% Nylon, 170 yards). Together we made a pompom with a Clover Pompom Maker.

by robinathomas

Eileen finally found a pattern for Torino yarn in her stash, the Deux Verres poncho. I name of this pattern literally translates to "2 glasses of wine". Reminds me of a book called Pints and Purls where projects were rated by the type of alcohol you could consume while knitting it. (Torino is a long ago discontinued yarn.)

She's working on the short row strip in the Building in Color Afghan. When she realized she didn't carry the yarns (as directed), she decided to leave it. Thank goodness there is a little of the old Eileen left. Yarn: Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash (Worsted: 100% Merino Superwash, 218 yards).

Michelle found the pattern, Cobblestone, to use for some fingering weight yarn in her stash; Cephalopod Skinny Bugga (also a discontinued yarn).

Rose was ready to finish her Ponchini. She was a little concerned about whether it would fit since she ran short of yarn. We pinned it together and were relieved to see that it fit perfectly. We traded tasks, I did the mattress stitch for her, she ripped out Mary's wrap.

Nan is making a Minnie Mouse Intarsia blanket for her grandchild in Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash (Worsted: 100% Merino Superwash, 218 yards). I taught her how to make yarn butterflies to use versus bobbins (for the different colors).

Tucker does this every.single.time he eats. I think his muzzle gets itchy. Harry is over it.

If Calann isn't happy, no one is happy

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 01:37:00 +0000

Jane has about 8" left to knit on her Easy Folded Poncho in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey (DK: 60% Cotton, 40% Linen / Flax, 284 yards).

She's swatching for Weekender Class in Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards.

Eleanor finished another F797 Baby & Kids Stocking Cap and was making a new tassel. Yarn: Adriafil Knitcol (DK: 100% Washable Wool, 137 yards).

We picked out colors for Tot Toppers Favorite Cap & Blanket Set in Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash (Worsted: 100% Merino, 218 yards).

Calann started the same hat and thought it looked too big (for the same size) based on Eleanor's hat. She decided to rip it out and begin again. Bummer.

Her Elephants on Parade blanket was back from the finisher. Someone in the class wondered if over time, the embossed elephants would flatten. Calann doesn't care, just as long as it looks good on presentation. Yarn: Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash (Worsted: 100% Merino Superwash, 218 yards).

Calann finished the first two squares of her Building Blocks Afghan. She started the bobble square. Initially she liked bobbles. However, after the first set of bobbles, she was missing a stitch. I taught her how to take out a bobble row by inserting the needle into the stitch it stemmed from (protecting it) and then pull out the bobble.

Personally, I don't like bobbles. Jane kind of jinxed Calann because she doesn't like bobbles either. Calann had some serious struggles with this square. She kept going into an extra stitch by accident which threw off her stitch count.

In the end, I put markers around the intended bobble stitch to stop her from going into a second stitch. It worked and Calann announced, "I just might make it through this. I'm much happier than I was." If Calann isn't happy, no one is happy.

Cornelia is enjoying the colors of her current Customfit Sweater in Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Allison observed that the people who knit garter projects never have a problem, and are pleasant to be with. In her enthusiasm to finish a project, she bound off on Matchmaker too soon. She thought it looked smaller than the (ravelry) pictures. She had to take it out the bind off and continue knitting! Yarn: Anzula Dreamy (Fingering: 75% Merino, 15% Cashmere goat, 10% Silk, 385 yards) and Anzula Lunaris (Fingering: 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere goat, 10% Stellina, 425 yards).

Last week Elisa took my Intro to Brioche Class. She was cruising along and then made a mistake in her Brioche Infinity Scarf just for me. She's thoughtful like that.😜 There was a dropped yarnover and she inadvertently worked two stitches together. Yarn: Anzula For Better or Worsted (Worsted: 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere goat, 10% Nylon, 200 yards).

Trammi was working on the Sea of Dreams baby blanket in Nordica (DK: 100% Merino, 136 yards) for a gift.

She cast on for my Read Between the Lines Scarf in Yarn Catcher 463 Sock (Fingering: 75% Merino, 25% Nylon, 463 yards).

Books
Pachinko

The Which Way Tree

While I was away for the weekend, Thing #2 looked after the beasty boys. She took Harry for a bath. That face!

Tuesday Stitch and Chat

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 19:47:00 +0000

Allison was inspired by my forensic knitting methods. She pulled Agnes Pullover out of hibernation and took a stab at Forensic Knitting (poor play on words and I'm leaving it).

Her observations:

1. She left the row counter in the bag which was helpful.

2. She found that she circled her size number.

3. She could tell which version she was knitting by looking at the pattern pictures.

4. Next she read the pattern. Allison was (almost) ready to give up when she had to figure out if she started decreasing. I showed her how to identify a decrease and count the rows above.

We determined that she had stopped ready to work a decrease. Almost like she did that deliberately. Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Loft (Fingering: 100% Targhee-Columbia, 275 yards).

She took out her Sparkle Ridges Wrap in Wildflower colorway. Just looking at this scarf makes me happy. So pretty. Yarn: Artyarns Beaded Silk & Sequins Light and Artyarns Merino Cloud.

Cornelia is making progress on her Customfit sweater in Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Eleanor is one inch from the dolman sleeve increases on Bibbe in The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light (DK: 80% Merino, 10% Silk, 10% Cashmere). This has become the sweater that goes on and on again.

There is only so long you can work on black, she switched to her F797 Baby & Kids Stocking Cap.

Nan revisited the project from the Westport Yarns Block Island Retreat in anticipation of beginning a blanket with Intarsia. She was working on it before coming to class today. Her husband asked if that was the knitting equivalent of hitting a few balls on the driving range before playing golf. 😁

After a time she switched gears to Streetscape.

I don't know how we got on the topic of parental discipline, however, Cornelia, Eleanor and I shared our experiences.

Cornelia's dad was all business. He would have legal paper with talking points of what she did wrong and she would sit in a chair across from him.

My dad would have us write (and sign) notes describing our transgression and absolving him of responsibility since we didn't listen to him. It was effective, believe me!

Eleanor's father was a southern gentleman and somehow conveyed his message in a genteel fashion.

We got to talking about great TV shows of our youth. Here is one I love from Carol Burnett Show outtakes - Tim Conway's Elephant Story.

Harry's favorite sleeping pose.

Among Other Things, Stuck in an Elevator

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 20:56:00 +0000

Eileen got stuck in an elevator. I think that's a fear many of us share. She took stock of her situation; since she had her groceries, knitting, and IPad she knew she'd survive. In the end she was stuck for about 30 minutes and was rescued by a handsome fireman. All in all, not too bad an experience.

She's casting on for Goldfish Memory. Yarn: 1 skein of Once Upon a Corgi Oliver (Fingering: 100% Merino, 400 Yards) and 2 skeins of Anzula Dreamy (Fingering: 75% Merino, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk, 385 yards).

Jane found a random stitch in her Easy Folded Poncho, that looked crossed. Upon closer inspection, the yarn split and there was an unknit stitch. We were able to ladder it down and fix it.

She changed up her striping, since she got bored with the tan color and is playing with the grey. Yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Zooey (DK: 60% Cotton, 40% Linen / Flax, 284 yards).

Calann visited Saratoga, NY and and met her grandchildren there. They discovered a yarn store for her (how cute is that?). Everyone's families should be trained to look for yarn stores.

She found a pattern from a local designer - Faroese Shawl by Carolknits design.

Calann's niece is expecting and she swatched during class for the Building Blocks Afghan in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash (Worsted: 100% Merino, 218 yards).

She finished her Elephants on Parade Blanket in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash. It's going off tho the finisher.

Two items came back (from the finisher) for Calann. Her Emilia Poncho and Sparkle Ridges Wrap.

Cornelia started her orange customfit sweater in Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards). Her green customfit sweater is with the finisher.

Interestingly, the green sweater knit up with a different striping sequence (she's knitting the same sweater so it's a good comparison).

Eleanor forgot her yarn for her baby hats. 😱 Luckily she travels with more than one project. She's knitting a prayer shawl for Alice's Embrace in a charity knit-along from Westport Yarns. Yarn: Berroco Comfort (Worsted: 50% Nylon, 50% Acrylic, 210 yards).

She picked up more Adriafil Knitcol (DK: 100% Washable Wool, 137 yards) to knit 3 more hats.

Nan wants to knit a baby blanket with Minnie Mouse on it. We are designing a pattern around a chart of Minnie Mouse she found. She swatched with Worsted Merino Superwash on metal needles and her gauge was 21sts/4" (we were looking for 20 sts/4"). Since she's going to switch to bamboo needles, I'm having her go up to a #8. You want the blanket to feel smooshy.

Trammi is knitting a baby blanket, Sea of Dreams, using Nordica (DK: 100% Merino, 137 yards). This was her first picot edge effort and it came out beautifully.

Her sons are knitting afghans for Alice's Embrace as well. One of her kids is a quiet knitter, while the other one was freaking out over dropped stitches. She's enjoying watching them knit.

Trammi picked up Yarncatcher yarn (Fingering: 75% Merino, 25% Nylon, 463 yards) to knit my (soon to be released) scarf pattern.

Michelle stopped by with her new dog, Chops. She did not know what to make of us.

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 12:22:00 +0000

On Tuesday..

Jane added more random stripes in her Easy Folded Poncho, knit with Juniper Moon Farm Zooey (DK: 60% Cotton, 40% Linen / Flax, 284 yards).

She finished her Lux Adorna Knits scarf (DK: 100% Cashmere, 140 yards). The final, blocked measurement was 110" long!

Eileen wanted to review the pattern for the Lang #36 Coat, knit with a loopy yarn.

She's cruising along on her Dentado Scarf in Artyarns Merino Cloud.

Nan finished one of the Encore 8 hour blanket, unfortunately she didn't time it.

She's making great progess on her Streetscape Wrap.

Allison began her Sparkling Ridges Wrap in Artyarns Beaded Silk & Sequins Light and Artyarns Merino Cloud in The Wildflower colorway.

Eleanor finished her first F797 Baby & Kids Stocking Cap knit with Adriafil Knitcol (DK: 100% Washable Wool, 137 yards). She invested in a tassel maker which fast became a communal tassel maker as so many of the group are making these caps.

To make sure the tassel was fastened securely to the inside of the hat, we used a flat button. We threaded the tail of the tassel to the inside of the hat and through the holes in the button, then tied a tight bow.

Voila!

Eleanor started her next cap.

Calann is copying Eleanor and did a mock circular swatch for same hat.

And on Wednesday...

Mary finished the first of three baby blankets she's knitting for fall babies. The pattern is free with purchase of Luxury Collection Indulgence Hand Painted Worsted (100% Washable Wool). She has been (historically) a very loose knitter and needs to swatch on needle sizes 2-3 smaller than a pattern called for.

We came to the conclusion that she is not as loose as she used to be. This comment of course led us down the garden path, it doesn't take much. "She's not as loose as used to be, no longer slutty." and "Slutty or not, really nice stitches." There should be a knitting meme for this, don't you think?

She's cast on for the second and discovered a random stretch of stockinette in the garter section. We ripped down just those stitches and corrected them without taking out all the rows. Click here to see a video tutorial.

Lois took a class with me on Mosaic Knitting last year and loved it! She learned how to decipher a pattern and chart it easier to follow. Mindless knitting bores her to tears. She finds Mosaic knitting to be the perfect combinations of concentration and ease. While she likes her colors of Malabrigo Worsted (Aran: 100% Merino, 210 yards), she wishes she had swapped her main color for the contrast color. Pattern: Washington Square.

Tucker found the tiniest twig he could to nibble on. Harry has set his sights on it and is standing over Tucker waiting for an opportunity to nab it.

Patience paid off.

Tying up some loose ends

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 15:04:00 +0000

Literally. Weaving in the ends on four projects, and it feels so good.

Weekender sweater knit with Juniper Moon Farm Neve (Worsted: 100% Cotton, 222 yards). I thoroughly enjoyed knitting this. The designer, Andrea Mowry, used several techniques to add a level of sophistication to this otherwise simple (and elegant), oversized sweater. This is a class at Westport Yarns that I will be offering again in August. Click here for details.

Neve is unlike any cotton yarn I've ever used. This is the second sweater I've knit with it. The first was a cardigan for my mother.

The Churchmouse Mohair Bias Loop was a purse project, something always with me. Yarn: Alchemy Haiku (Lace: 60% Mohair, 40% Silk, 325 yards). This was a one skein project.

Vary the Gate by Casapinka was knit with Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles (Fingering: 100% Merino, 400 yards). Another one skein wonder. As an aside Casapinka will be teaching two classes at Westport Yarns on Saturday, July 14. If you're in the area (or even if you're not), I highly recommend taking a class with her.

Then there were two Secret Squirrelly Design Projects that have been shipped off for photography, due to be published this fall by Tahki Stacy Charles.

Since I finished four projects, does that mean I can cast on for four new projects? Maybe not the best approach.

I'm working on a collaboration with the Yarn Catcher for her upcoming trunk show at Westport Yarns, Saturday, July 7. I absolutely love her colorways, one is better than the next. Good thing I spent all that time cleaning out my yarns ~ makes room for more!

I'm casting on for my Banana Leaf Duster in Juniper Moon Farm Neve. (Yes, I'm knitting with this yarn again - I like it THAT much.) Believe it or not, I'm knitting it in a colorway called Olive Twist (no that isn't a trick name for purple)!!! For those green fans who do not know me very well, I am a purple girl through and though. It's just as strange for me as it is to those who know me.

Harry was not pleased to be used as a model for the picture. Maybe it clashes with his spots.

Can I grope your yarn?

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 19:52:00 +0000

Jane put in her contrast color in her Easy Folded Poncho knit with Juniper Moon Farm Zooey (DK: 60% Cotton, 40% Linen / Flax, 284 yards).

Calann finished her Sparkling Ridges Wrap, knit with Artyarns Beaded Silk & Sequins Light and Artyarns Merino Cloud.

She finished her Emilia Poncho in Nordica (DK: 100% Merino, 136 yards). It's going off to the finisher.

She brought her granddaughter, Olivia's, knitting. She's 6 years old and had a mistake in her knitting. Calann told her she'd bring it to her teacher. Olivia asked, "is your teacher a really-really good knitter?". 😉 I hope I measure up to her expectations. She made an illegal u-turn (turning her knitting mid-row). I ripped it back and then knit up to where she was so she wouldn't be disappointed at how far back her mistake was.

Cornelia has nick-named her Customfit sweater, the Forest Gump sweater. You never know what's going to come next. That being said, it is ready to go off to the finisher. Yarn: Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Her buttons are perfect.

She's starting the same sweater again, in a different colorway.

Mallory finished her wreath stocking, complete with bells.

She is starting her fifteenth Christmas Stocking for one of her daughters! She's making different colored snow flakes.

One of her stitches at the end of a snowflake point was missing. I used the yarn to work a duplicate stitch.

Mary Ellen joined us for the first time today. She brought several projects. The first one is her finished Building Blocks afghan! It looks great! Yarn: (Worsted: 100% Plymouth Superwash Merino, 218 yards).

There was a bit of messy business on one of the ends. I was able to weave it in neatly.

She had a couple of issues with the baby blanket she's knitting with KFI Indulgence Hand Painted Yarn (Worsted: 100% Wool, 240 yards). She made an illegal u-turn too.

And an unknit stitch. Two rows had to rip out. She asked if she could "grope" her neighbor's yarn. Everyone replied, yes, of course, we are gropers. 😊

She was off pattern in her Sequence Knitting Scarf, luckily she had put in lifelines and could rip back to one of them. Yarn: (Worsted: 100% Plymouth Superwash Merino, 218 yards).

She thought she was off pattern in her Mosaic strip of her Building in Color afghan, but it was fine. Yarn: (Worsted: 100% Plymouth Superwash Merino, 218 yards).

Mallory shared her book groups list with us (thanks!). It's a bit long and worth it.

Varina by Charles Frazier

Warlight by Michael Ondaatje

Educated by Tara Westover

Asymmetry by Lisa Halliday

Sing Unburied Sing by Jesmyn Ward

Killer of the Flower Moon by David Greene

Into the Beautiful North by Luis Urrea

Paris in the Present Tense by Mark Helprin

We were the Lucky ones by Georgia Hunter

EXTRA BOOKS

The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce

Behind the Scenes of the Museum by Kate Atkinson

Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Draznik

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamole

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Brothers from other mothers.

You bet your Bibbe

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 20:52:00 +0000

Jane finished weaving in the ends on her Lux Adorna Knits Scarf (DK: 100% Cashmere, 140 yards). It's going off to the finisher. It measures 110" long!!!!

She started working on the Easy Folded Poncho in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey (DK: 60% Cotton, 40% Linen / Flax, 284 yards). She is concerned she will run out of yarn because she is modifying the size. She picked up a contrasting color, just in case.

Allison is changing up the stripes on her Matchmaker scarf. Yarn: Anzula Lunaris (Fingering: 80% Merino, 10% Stellina, 10% Cashmere, 425 yards.

She's getting a little anxious that she only has two projects on the needles. To calm her anxiety, she is going to cast on for the Sparkle Ridges Wrap in Artyarns Beaded Silk & Sequins Light and Artyarns Merino Cloud in The Wildflower colorway. Wow!

Nan was knitting her Streetscape shawl/scarf.

Mallory picked colors for the next stocking for one of her daughters, this will have different colors of angora snowflakes.

Cornelia had the pieces of her customfit sweater well organized.

While checking the measurements to the pattern, I noticed she was off by one inch on the front necklines of her cardigan. She had to rip back and knit 4 more rows more, then finish the neck shaping. In her customary style, she was a good sport about the whole thing. Yarn: Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Eleanor worked the German short row pick-ups on Bibbe in The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light (DK: 80% Merino, 10% Silk, 10% Cashmere).

Eileen's Dentado scarf looks fabulous! She is using two different colorways of Artyarns Merino Cloud (Sport: 80% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 436 yards). I am definitely adding this to my queue and will use two (different) colors of Artyarns Ensemble Light that were intended for the Taj Wrap. I think I will enjoy this more.

Eleanor and Eileen stocked up on Knitcol (DK: 100% Washable Wool, 137 yards) to make the Stocking Cap F797. Knitcol is a self-striping yarn it looks like faux-fair isle.

Book Recommendations:

The spirit catches you and you fall down.

Harry hopes you all enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend as much as he did.

Do you know your stuff?

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 01:35:00 +0000

Molly's sweater looks amazing, we all ooohd and ahhhed over it. The pattern calls for decreasing the neck significantly. The village agreed that she should not decrease, babies and kids prefer bigger necklines. To make sure, she put a lifeline in it so we could evaluate if the neck was the right width.

She also revisited the Kitchener stitch to graft the underarms.

It came out perfectly seamless. Yarn: Acadia (DK: 60% Merino, 20% Silk, 20% Alpaca, 145 yards).

Eileen wasn't getting too far on her Dentado Scarf. She was off pattern on the first row, she missed decrease and had to take it out. When I pointed out she was doing her Make One increases wrong she told me, "you know your stuff," That came as a relief, it's always good to be validated 😜. Yarn: Artyarns Merino Cloud (Sport: 80% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 436 yards).

Cornelia revisited Make One increases, right and left, both on a knit row and purl row her customfit sweater. Yarn: Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Jane was stoically persevering to weave in the ends on her striped scarf. Lux Adorna Knits (DK: 100% Cashmere, 140 yards).

Eleanor went back to Bibbe in The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light (DK: 80% Merino, 10% Silk, 10% Cashmere).

Allison stitch count was spot on for Matchmaker in Anzula Yarns.

She's made great progress on her Fair Isle Pillow from the Westport Yarns Block Island Retreat.

Nan has got the pattern down now, the 101st try was the charm. She also learned how to carry colors.

Mallory turned the heel on her own for her current stocking for her granddaughter. AND, she sewed the seam on her last stocking on her own. Her confidence in her skills is taking root!

We talked about how we tend to each of the projects we are working on when there are many.

Some like to keep a project in each room, wherever you are, you knit the project in the room.
I treat it like a round robin and rotate through giving each project the same amount of time.

What do you do when you have a lot of works in progress (wips)?

We outfitted Tucker with my socks to protect the hardwood floors. The string you see coming from the sock was Joe's attempt to make the puppy-sock equivalent of a string connecting mittens.

Tucker was a bit long-suffering while we fitted him with socks. Harry was embarrassed for him.

Running on Yarn Fumes

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 01:26:00 +0000

Eileen's Sari not Sari is finished, she just has to weave in the ends. We talked about different ways you can weave in your ends. One way is to duplicate the stitches another was is to weave in and out of the purl bumps. Yarn: Hedgehog Fibres Cashmere/Merino top (Lace: 50% Merino, 50% Cashmere, 328 yards).

She had me check the gauge of the Artyarns Merino Cloud (Sport: 80% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 436 yards) for her Dentado Scarf. Eileen doesn't want to think about changing colors randomly, she would rather the pattern was written out. We checked the 'helpful projects' and found someone had written it out!

Jane spent the class weaving in the ends on her Lux Adorna Knits Striped Scarf (DK: 100% Cashmere, 140 yards). It's less annoying to weave in ends when you are in the company of friends. I did not mean to make a rhyme. 😜

Calann had me check the length of the Emilia (Baby) Poncho, she's concerned she might run out of yarn. The first section uses more yarn because of the cables and bobbles ~ notorious yarn users. The lace section won't use as much. Yarn: Nordica (DK: 100% Merino, 136 yards).

She was considering knitting the Unice Unicorn Hood again as a gift. We reminded her of the cursing and swearing that went on the last time she knit it. She doesn't remember any swearing. Just like how women (sometimes) forget the pain of childbirth.

Calann had a mis-stitch on her Sparkling Ridges Wrap knit with Artyarns Beaded Silk & Sequins Light and Artyarns Merino Cloud. She picked up an extra stitch off the leg of an existing stitch. I ripped it back and set it right.

Otherwise it's coming along beautifully!

Cornelia was ready to bind off for the armhole and begin the armhole shaping on her customfit sweater. Yarn: Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

Nan knit up the Mini Madness Shawl to donate for an auction. She knit it in North Light Fibers Spring Street (Fingering: 100% Falkland Wool, 310 yards).

Today she wanted to start her Streetscape project with supervision as she has "literally started this 100 times". I can't argue with that. Of course with supervision she did fine. I suggested she put in a life-line so if anything "happens" when she knits at home, she won't have to start the 101st time over.

Allison was working on Matchmaker in one of the Anzula Yarns with sparkle, I forget which. She was working on the pure version and now she has gone rogue. I love that in a knitter.

Mallory is knitting the Westport Yarns Basketweave Blanket in Cascade 128 (Bulky: 100% Superwash Wool, 128 yards).

Molly joined us for the first time today. She wanted to review converting the short rows on the Isadora sweater from wrap & turn short rows to the German short rows she learned while taking my Magic Loop, 2 @ a time toe-up socks class at Westport Yarns. Yarn: Acadia (DK: 60% Merino, 20% Silk, 20% Alpaca, 145 yards).

Does your stash of yarn/projects make you anxious? We had a conversation about that. Some of us panic and have to breathe into a paper bag. Others proclaim they can't buy one more thing because their projects lining up like flights on a runway. Then they go into a yarn store and those panicky thoughts drift off on yarn fumes and fade away ~ and the circle of yarn continues.

Joe brought Harry by to visit me at work. 😊💜

What's in your house?

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 11:58:00 +0000

What and interesting word, downsizing. Originally it was more commonly used to describe a business reducing it's size. Now it's usage includes referring to reducing the size of our homes/belongings. I learned that our main source of decor is framed family photos and kids ceramics.

We are in the midst of downsizing and cleaning out our home: 20+ years of collected stuff. You learn alot about what you value (hoard) by what you find. It has been exhausting, overwhelming and illuminating.

Thankfully I had a trial run for cleaning out my house. Over the past year, my family cleaned out our childhood home. That was 50 years of "stuff". I think it primed me for doing my house. I also learned that some of the things I seem to collect (a gentler word than hoard) are hereditary.

Paper:

My (original) family feels the need to save absolutely every piece of paper that has any writing space on it. This was not news to me, I grew up this way. What was news to me was the sheer volume. It is astounding and I still can't part with it. This genetic tendency has not trickled down to my kids.

A piece of paper that has writing at one end will be cut down to size to save the blank portion.

Old notebooks that my kids used in school ~ if there are blank pages ~ it's a keeper.
Leftover envelopes from mailings.
Pre-pinterest folders of things I intend to read.

I have scraps of papers with things my kids said growing up. I even dated this one, making the kids 13.5, 11, and 7 years old.

Then there are notebooks and post-its in every shape and size. My penchant for paper seems to be well known as friends and family gift me notebooks/post-its that are either cute or beautiful. Each notebook/post-it pad tells it's own story.

Ziplock Bags:

I have Ziplock bags in every shape and size. From 1" in size to jumbo, if you need a Ziplock bag, I probably have it. I thought I was unique in this until we cleaned out my parent's house. Seems this is another genetic tendency ~ Mom has Ziplock bags dating way back. And, yes, we kept them.

Pens:

While I never have a sharpie or highlighter, when I need one, I discovered an extensive collection of highlighters, pens, pencils, and sharpies. Who knew? All these years I have been in search of sharpies and they were scattered all over the house.

Bags:
Suffice to say, my bags have bags.

Tote bags
Reusable shopping bags
Knitting bags
Project bags

One thing I did not inherit was my mother's desire to collect any container that could serve a future purpose.

I did find treasures along the way, like my first interchangeable needle kit. I think the missing needles are probably in some unfinished project languishing somewhere.

My special Yarnia room is no more. The room has to look like an actual usable bedroom for showing. These people just don't understand the magic of Yarnia. That was one of the saddest clean-outs for me. Now my knit-life is in boxes that will need a further sort. There is a dedicated craft sale in my future with books, yarn, bags, etc.

Apart from the paper, pens, and ziplock bags, everything has a story. I can remember who gave me each notebook. Each knitting bag has it's own story of where I got it and why.

What would a psychologist have to say about these collections? That I have a deep-seated need to not waste paper ~ maybe it's the potential of stories and notes to be made. And clearly I am concerned that I will either not have the right bag when I need it (which, we all share). She certainly wouldn't need a notebook and pen, I could provide her with both.

What do you think you'd find in your house?

Harry and Tucker took it in stride. Or should I say, they slept through it?

This is the Song that Never Ends...

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 21 May 2018 22:32:00 +0000

and it goes on and on, like Jane's Lux Adorna Knits Striped Scarf. Yarn: (DK: 100% Cashmere, 140 yards). She feels like this is the scarf that never ends. The saving grace is that is is Cashmere!

Eileen must have picked up a stitch in the ladder between stitches of her Sari, not Sari. Unfortunately, there is no way to fudge/fix this; she had to rip it back. Or rather, I ripped it back. 😜 Yarn: Hedgehog Fibres Cashmere/Merino (Lace: 50% Merino, 50% Cashmere, 328 yards).

She's enjoying her easy project: Churchmouse Twice Reversible Ribbed Poncho in Northlight Fibers Atlantic (Worsted: 100% Falkland Islands Merino Wool, 170 yards).

Cornelia was zipping along on her customfit cardigan until she came to a tiny knot in the ball. She had to unknit the row, cut the knot out, and then add the yarn back like starting a new ball. Unfortunately it is an accepted industry standard to have up to 3 knots in a ball/skein. This was a momentary delay, and she is loving the way the yarn is knitting up. Yarn: Knitting Fever Painted Cotton (DK: 100% Cotton, 357 yards).

We were all happy to catch up with Trammi, who returned after a hiatus. She had to revisit her projects to figure out where she was.

Humphrey Bear knit with Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (Worsted: 100% Wool - Targhee-Columbia, 140 yards).

She questioned whether she should reknit the Viola Pom-Pom Ear Flap Hat. She changed the yarn (weight) that the pattern called for and the hat feels a little too mushy. After doing some research, she's going to reknit it holding the yarn double.

Trammi is working on the Urban Ranch Shawl in Berroco Suede (Worsted: 100% Nylon, 120 yards). It will likely be a teacher gift.

She picked up the Anemone Poncho she started last year and reacquainted herself with the pattern. Yarns: Artyarns Regal Silk and Artyarns Beaded Silk & Sequins Light. She has been knitting this in the Portuguese Knitting method and was happy the technique came back to her.

Jane remarked that it's "like typing and sex" you don't forget. The rest of us were more accustomed to the phrase "it's like riding a bike" Although we got a good chuckle from her analogy.

Lastly, she has the Zickzack Scarf on the needles. I absolutely love how it is coming out using two different colorways of Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM) (Fingering: 100% Merino, 175 yards).

It's a good thing she's picking up her knitting again! She has a full complement of projects to knit.

Classic Harry/Tucker pose.

Second Sock Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 16 May 2018 14:21:00 +0000

There is a solution! Knit them 2 @ time, toe up on Magic Loop. I never understood knitting socks until I knit my first sock. They fit like a glove (actually they fit like a sock). Hand knit socks feel great. They hug your foot in a way commercial socks don't. I could be projecting, let's go with it.

My sock journey began with knitting socks the traditional way, on double pointed needles. At the time, there weren't other options (ok, so I'm dating myself). Like many people, I found double pointed needles fiddly, though it got easier as the sock knit up.

That was all well and good until I developed second sock syndrome. It's a very real thing. You finish one sock, only to realize you have to cast on and do it all over again. UGH! That single sock can languish in your UFO's (unfinished objects) for a long time. Like this sock I discovered while sorting through Yarnia. It's been in there a very long time. I think there was ivy growing on the Ziploc I kept it in.

After knitting socks that way for a while, I discovered knitting socks on two circular needles, first one at a time, then two at time. Knitting both socks at the same time was wonderful because I didn't develop second sock syndrome. You can knit them from the cuff down or toe up. I preferred toe up because I could maximize my yarn yardage.

THAT was all well and good, except that if you put your socks down mid-sock, you could get very turned around on which way to go. The 2 circulars created a very pretty circle that left you wondering which way to knit. That can be mitigated by using different length circulars, however, it wasn't magical.

THEN I discovered knitting socks 2 @ time, toe-up magic loop. That was magical. I haven't looked back.

You may be asking why it is magical, I'll tell you:

First and foremost, when you're done, you.are.done.
No fiddly double point needles or 2 circulars.
Although the picture above doesn't show it, you can manipulate the yarn to make them match.
There is no Kitchener Stitch because they are toe-up.
No picking up stitches for the gusset.
You can knit the leg as long as your yarn yardage allows, less guesswork and less leftover yarn.

Are you intrigued? How can you not be, there is magic involved. Well, you have two options.

If you are local to Fairfield County, I will be teaching a 2 @ time, toe-up magic loop class at Westport Yarn, click here for more details.

If not, you can find my comprehensive pattern on Ravelry by clicking this link.