Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Do Over Yarn Over
I've had a sneaky suspicion for some time that the patterns I worked
on were flawed. I'm not getting the same results, but it looked cute
so there. But as I knit the lace edging on my Ishbel, I know something
is wrong. I'm advancing in my knit-turity and can spot a pattern. My
lace has no identifiable pattern and doesn't look like Ysolda's or
Tama Lama's. Something is wrong with yet another pattern! On the way
home, I had to take a detour which gave me an opportunity to stop and
see Tricia, the best knitter and teacher ever (Nana's Knitting Shop!)
What ever could be the problem? My convoluted YO technique. I can't
even explain the uniqueness of my approach to YO. Rip YO RIP. On the
upside my Ishbel will rise like the Phoenix. Thanks Tricia!
on were flawed. I'm not getting the same results, but it looked cute
so there. But as I knit the lace edging on my Ishbel, I know something
is wrong. I'm advancing in my knit-turity and can spot a pattern. My
lace has no identifiable pattern and doesn't look like Ysolda's or
Tama Lama's. Something is wrong with yet another pattern! On the way
home, I had to take a detour which gave me an opportunity to stop and
see Tricia, the best knitter and teacher ever (Nana's Knitting Shop!)
What ever could be the problem? My convoluted YO technique. I can't
even explain the uniqueness of my approach to YO. Rip YO RIP. On the
upside my Ishbel will rise like the Phoenix. Thanks Tricia!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Ishbel on the Hana Coast
Ah Maui. My favorite hobby with beautiful yarn at my favorite place in
the world enjoying a beautiful view.
the world enjoying a beautiful view.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Koolhaas
I finished the koolhaas but I think I need to redo it. It fits too
snug. On the picture it doesn't look as harsh but my husband looks
like he's wearing our son's winter hat. I used CEY Venezia at 6
stitches per inch on a size 6 needle. I increased the cast on by an
inch because my Uncle's head measured 22 inches. I did the 4 repeat
because my hat measured in height the 5 repeat with my substitution
yarn. I think I should have completed the fifth repeat and perhaps a
sixth. I think it is okay snug but needs about an inch in length to
look good on an adult head particularly with this weight of yarn and
for my purpose. My elderly uncle stays cold and I need something to
cover his ears.
On the upside, I did learn how to cable without a needle! And I pretty
much memorized the pattern, so if I do it again it will be faster.
snug. On the picture it doesn't look as harsh but my husband looks
like he's wearing our son's winter hat. I used CEY Venezia at 6
stitches per inch on a size 6 needle. I increased the cast on by an
inch because my Uncle's head measured 22 inches. I did the 4 repeat
because my hat measured in height the 5 repeat with my substitution
yarn. I think I should have completed the fifth repeat and perhaps a
sixth. I think it is okay snug but needs about an inch in length to
look good on an adult head particularly with this weight of yarn and
for my purpose. My elderly uncle stays cold and I need something to
cover his ears.
On the upside, I did learn how to cable without a needle! And I pretty
much memorized the pattern, so if I do it again it will be faster.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Starting Ysolda's Ishbel
My Koolhaas hat is done, pictures to come. My next commuter / vacation
project is Ishbel. I'm using Malabrigo lace. The color is beautiful
but man is this yarn delicate! I'm feeling habu flashbacks, but they
are tempered by my memory of Tammy aka Tamalamadingdongs lovely Ishbel
knit with Malabrigo sock, ah it was so springy. I was sprung, had to
knit it. Tammy was so posh at Nana's Knitting Shop's Twist Collective
Trunk Show showing off hers. So far this is a great commuter project,
the center of the scarf is stockinette with steady increases which
don't require a book on the lap. Should be an enjoyable flight. Wonder
how far I will get.
project is Ishbel. I'm using Malabrigo lace. The color is beautiful
but man is this yarn delicate! I'm feeling habu flashbacks, but they
are tempered by my memory of Tammy aka Tamalamadingdongs lovely Ishbel
knit with Malabrigo sock, ah it was so springy. I was sprung, had to
knit it. Tammy was so posh at Nana's Knitting Shop's Twist Collective
Trunk Show showing off hers. So far this is a great commuter project,
the center of the scarf is stockinette with steady increases which
don't require a book on the lap. Should be an enjoyable flight. Wonder
how far I will get.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
It's All Kool
Still working on the Koolhaas, decided to use CEY Venezia, it knits up
beautifully. Last chance to sit out in plaza, rainy rest of week.
Hopefully I will finish this hat by Friday.
beautifully. Last chance to sit out in plaza, rainy rest of week.
Hopefully I will finish this hat by Friday.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Commuter Knitting
Out and about on Saturday, knitting on my commuter project,
Sockpixie's Groovy Socks. I'm making a lot of progress and the pattern
is perfect for knitting on the go because the repeat is an eight
stitch repeat. I think my pattern is supposed to be a chevron but I
can't see it well, it may be hidden in the colorway. It is pretty so
I'm happy. The yarn is Lornas Laces sock. One skein of green and one
green aqua and yellow mix. I think it's called daffodil, can't remember.
My koolhaas is not so cool. I made a mistake and need to do some
ripping. Can't commute with it because it requires attention and my
pattern. I'll work on it tonight.
I'm about to go the Chicago All Star Basketball charity event at the
United Center. Tee hee, I'm going to KiP! Happy Saturday.
Sockpixie's Groovy Socks. I'm making a lot of progress and the pattern
is perfect for knitting on the go because the repeat is an eight
stitch repeat. I think my pattern is supposed to be a chevron but I
can't see it well, it may be hidden in the colorway. It is pretty so
I'm happy. The yarn is Lornas Laces sock. One skein of green and one
green aqua and yellow mix. I think it's called daffodil, can't remember.
My koolhaas is not so cool. I made a mistake and need to do some
ripping. Can't commute with it because it requires attention and my
pattern. I'll work on it tonight.
I'm about to go the Chicago All Star Basketball charity event at the
United Center. Tee hee, I'm going to KiP! Happy Saturday.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Trying to Keep My Kool
I'm sitting in Daley Plaza by the fountain trying to do a gauge swatch
of Jared Flood's Koolhaas Hat. My great uncle, Willie is very ill and
stays cold, I thought I'd knit him a hat to wear indoors and I didn't
want something that fit or looked like a bulky winter hat. I've knit
this hat before and I do vaguely remember the challenges, but like
childbirth, I try hard to put such memories deep in the recesses of my
mind in case I decide to try it again.
I want to knit this by Friday and luckily for me, the Fall 2009
Interweave has an article on knitting cables without a cable needle.
So, here I am, attempting to learn, frogging incessantly. The other
issue is fiber. I'm trying to be a good yarn and money steward and use
what I have. I'm using my koigu sock yarn doubled.You guessed it, the
double yarn is giving me a headache. I'm about to try it single and
see what I get.
As far as the pattern goes, I'm not sure, can't remember if on the
first row the purl stitch is supposed to sit out the way it does, but
as I type this I kind of remember the centers combs being diamond
shaped.
Hopefully I have better luck working on this on the way home from work.
of Jared Flood's Koolhaas Hat. My great uncle, Willie is very ill and
stays cold, I thought I'd knit him a hat to wear indoors and I didn't
want something that fit or looked like a bulky winter hat. I've knit
this hat before and I do vaguely remember the challenges, but like
childbirth, I try hard to put such memories deep in the recesses of my
mind in case I decide to try it again.
I want to knit this by Friday and luckily for me, the Fall 2009
Interweave has an article on knitting cables without a cable needle.
So, here I am, attempting to learn, frogging incessantly. The other
issue is fiber. I'm trying to be a good yarn and money steward and use
what I have. I'm using my koigu sock yarn doubled.You guessed it, the
double yarn is giving me a headache. I'm about to try it single and
see what I get.
As far as the pattern goes, I'm not sure, can't remember if on the
first row the purl stitch is supposed to sit out the way it does, but
as I type this I kind of remember the centers combs being diamond
shaped.
Hopefully I have better luck working on this on the way home from work.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A Visit to Stitches DC
Right off the Metro's Blue Line at the Eastern Market stop is Stitches
DC. It's not far from the Capitol area and I believe the area is
called Capitol Hill. The block that the shop is on reminds me of
Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Lots of ecletic shops and eateries line
the street.
Stitches is a pretty shop, beautiful natural light and airy. I think
there was an outdoor courtyard. The front window reminded me of a
cupcake / candy "shoppe." Stitches has a front area and then a hall
leading to the back where there is more yarn and classroom space. I
give it an A for physical arrangement.
I finally got a chance to see and touch Spud and Chloe and some
interesting organic wool. I'm not sure what that means though. I
enjoyed the many samples on display including a beautiful beret knit
out of Blue Sky's Organic Cotton. The pattern is Springtime Beret on
Ravelry. There were also several lovely baby knits on display.
Stitches DC stocks a lot of higher end fibers, a great place to
splurge for the perfect hat, scarf or shawl or baby gift. I scored a
skein of Karabella's Supercashmere in a plush pink. It was on sale 50
percent off and still a splurge at $21.
While googling the shop, I ran across a blog entry from the White
House's Director of Public Engagement discussing a roundtable recently
held at Stitches regarding Healthcare Reform. Politics and yarn, I
like it!
Although I was nervous about my travel companions, the boys were well
behaved. I think the airy shop and serenity lulled them, or the
gynormous pizza slice I stuffed them with one block earlier bought me
20 minutes of blissful yarn shopping.
DC. It's not far from the Capitol area and I believe the area is
called Capitol Hill. The block that the shop is on reminds me of
Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Lots of ecletic shops and eateries line
the street.
Stitches is a pretty shop, beautiful natural light and airy. I think
there was an outdoor courtyard. The front window reminded me of a
cupcake / candy "shoppe." Stitches has a front area and then a hall
leading to the back where there is more yarn and classroom space. I
give it an A for physical arrangement.
I finally got a chance to see and touch Spud and Chloe and some
interesting organic wool. I'm not sure what that means though. I
enjoyed the many samples on display including a beautiful beret knit
out of Blue Sky's Organic Cotton. The pattern is Springtime Beret on
Ravelry. There were also several lovely baby knits on display.
Stitches DC stocks a lot of higher end fibers, a great place to
splurge for the perfect hat, scarf or shawl or baby gift. I scored a
skein of Karabella's Supercashmere in a plush pink. It was on sale 50
percent off and still a splurge at $21.
While googling the shop, I ran across a blog entry from the White
House's Director of Public Engagement discussing a roundtable recently
held at Stitches regarding Healthcare Reform. Politics and yarn, I
like it!
Although I was nervous about my travel companions, the boys were well
behaved. I think the airy shop and serenity lulled them, or the
gynormous pizza slice I stuffed them with one block earlier bought me
20 minutes of blissful yarn shopping.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Visit to A Tangled Skein in Hyattsville MD
Thank goodness I am big city gal, born and raised on public transportation. In every city I visit, the trip isn't complete without
a bus or train ride. Today I got out the map, ventured from DC to Hyattsville, Maryland to visit A Tangled Skein, Stacey www.crimsonpurls.blogspot.com
linked me to CiCi who gave a list of shops in the DC area.
We took the Greenline there and it was fun! The Metro is nicer than
the EL. The seats are comfy and I'm digging how the have an automated
sign telling you wait times. I'm not digging the idea of having to pay
to get out the station. Is that to keep out the homeless? I don't know
how I feel about that. Come to think of it, didn't see any homeless in
the subway.
The buses run by the hour in the afternoon, but the trip was short. A
Tangled Skein was on the corner in what looks to be a former bank
building or maybe insurance office? Nice columns out front!
The shop was full of yarn and I must say it rivaled home. Generally
when I travel shop I try to buy something I can't get at home from my LYS. Often this whittles the selections. Of my standouts, the shop had llama silk, merriboo (merino
and bamboo), several bamboo blend options and two beautiful malabrigo silk colorways vienna OMG! And this regal purple turquoise and
pinkish. I decided upon the meriboo by Frog Tree. I bought four skeins
in colors inspired by the ceiling tile at the Capitol tour and a
tapestry at the Smithsonian American Indian museum. Turquoise, cream,
brown and red.
Tangled Skein also had a nice selection of tools, alot of crochet
options, left with a gift for mom.
Lastly the owner, I believe her name was Sheryl, she was warm, patient
and knowledgeable about the tools and the fiber. I had both boys with
me and Aaron was on prenap 10. I've seen the nervous gritted smile of
shop owners with a toddler running around, but she never made me hurry
or even peeped around the aisle at my "Aaron no!" declarations.
I enjoyed it and the trip was well worth it. I'm excited about
embarking on a project with my find. Sheryl also shared with me the
Frog Tree uses it's sales to benefit the work community. I'll have to
look that up when I return home. Thanks CiCi and Stacey! And Lansing
my co-navigator for taking a nice picture of mom.
a bus or train ride. Today I got out the map, ventured from DC to Hyattsville, Maryland to visit A Tangled Skein, Stacey www.crimsonpurls.blogspot.com
linked me to CiCi who gave a list of shops in the DC area.
We took the Greenline there and it was fun! The Metro is nicer than
the EL. The seats are comfy and I'm digging how the have an automated
sign telling you wait times. I'm not digging the idea of having to pay
to get out the station. Is that to keep out the homeless? I don't know
how I feel about that. Come to think of it, didn't see any homeless in
the subway.
The buses run by the hour in the afternoon, but the trip was short. A
Tangled Skein was on the corner in what looks to be a former bank
building or maybe insurance office? Nice columns out front!
The shop was full of yarn and I must say it rivaled home. Generally
when I travel shop I try to buy something I can't get at home from my LYS. Often this whittles the selections. Of my standouts, the shop had llama silk, merriboo (merino
and bamboo), several bamboo blend options and two beautiful malabrigo silk colorways vienna OMG! And this regal purple turquoise and
pinkish. I decided upon the meriboo by Frog Tree. I bought four skeins
in colors inspired by the ceiling tile at the Capitol tour and a
tapestry at the Smithsonian American Indian museum. Turquoise, cream,
brown and red.
Tangled Skein also had a nice selection of tools, alot of crochet
options, left with a gift for mom.
Lastly the owner, I believe her name was Sheryl, she was warm, patient
and knowledgeable about the tools and the fiber. I had both boys with
me and Aaron was on prenap 10. I've seen the nervous gritted smile of
shop owners with a toddler running around, but she never made me hurry
or even peeped around the aisle at my "Aaron no!" declarations.
I enjoyed it and the trip was well worth it. I'm excited about
embarking on a project with my find. Sheryl also shared with me the
Frog Tree uses it's sales to benefit the work community. I'll have to
look that up when I return home. Thanks CiCi and Stacey! And Lansing
my co-navigator for taking a nice picture of mom.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Oh What a Tangled Two Circs
I prefer knitting my socks two at time on circular needles. The hiccup
is the yarn constantly tangles. I have to stop at the end of every
round to detangle no matter how hard I try to avoid it. Now, I'm about
to add two more skeins as I attempt to knit Sock Pixie's gorgeous
cornicopia socks. Arrgh! And this is supposed to be my compact travel
project. I need help.
is the yarn constantly tangles. I have to stop at the end of every
round to detangle no matter how hard I try to avoid it. Now, I'm about
to add two more skeins as I attempt to knit Sock Pixie's gorgeous
cornicopia socks. Arrgh! And this is supposed to be my compact travel
project. I need help.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Anne Lindbergh felted boots
In addition to the mittens I mention below these felted boots with
embroidered trim were also on display. Cool!
embroidered trim were also on display. Cool!
Aviator mittens
I'm at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Imagine my
knitterly delight to see these knitted mittens belonging to Mrs.
Charles Lindbergh who flew with her famous aviator husband. How about
that! Fascinating! I love the patterned wings on the cuffs.
Take that Capitol building where knitting needles are not welcome.
knitterly delight to see these knitted mittens belonging to Mrs.
Charles Lindbergh who flew with her famous aviator husband. How about
that! Fascinating! I love the patterned wings on the cuffs.
Take that Capitol building where knitting needles are not welcome.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Pack light!
The bridge of Erika Badhu's Bag Lady..... " So- pack light yea yea yea
yea!" I should have been focused on clothes for conditions, extra
pants for Aaron and making sure I had my the spray top to my leave in
conditioner and my toothbrush (dang!) but instead I was in the middle
of the floor sweating about what project I could travel with. I'm in
the finishing stage of my summertime tunic and I don't have anything
portable on the needles. So there I was this morning trying to stuff
all the fiber I needed to start my Bettye Wrap. I discovered I am
short 2 balls of Louisa Harding's Grace and I'm no longer feeling the
color palette. Now I'm in a panic...what do I want to knit? What is
reasonable to pack? What will I realistically work on? I can't believe
I didn't have some ideas ready to go. I need to refresh my knit queue.
I settled on knitting socks and had to quickly wind the yarn. I'm
excited about the project, I'm knitting Sock Pixie's Cornicopia socks
in a limited edition Lorna Laces colorway I bought last summer from
Jimmy Beans. Wish me safe travels and happy knitting well productive
knitting! I don't want to bring these skeins back unworked.
yea!" I should have been focused on clothes for conditions, extra
pants for Aaron and making sure I had my the spray top to my leave in
conditioner and my toothbrush (dang!) but instead I was in the middle
of the floor sweating about what project I could travel with. I'm in
the finishing stage of my summertime tunic and I don't have anything
portable on the needles. So there I was this morning trying to stuff
all the fiber I needed to start my Bettye Wrap. I discovered I am
short 2 balls of Louisa Harding's Grace and I'm no longer feeling the
color palette. Now I'm in a panic...what do I want to knit? What is
reasonable to pack? What will I realistically work on? I can't believe
I didn't have some ideas ready to go. I need to refresh my knit queue.
I settled on knitting socks and had to quickly wind the yarn. I'm
excited about the project, I'm knitting Sock Pixie's Cornicopia socks
in a limited edition Lorna Laces colorway I bought last summer from
Jimmy Beans. Wish me safe travels and happy knitting well productive
knitting! I don't want to bring these skeins back unworked.
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