The gorgeous yarn that Christi gave me is now a lace scarf. I love the energized singles that I used. They haven’t caused the scarf to bias, but the surface of the lace is busy! The green and red in the yarn dominate at different places. I will really love wearing this. I can’t believe I hadn’t spun in so long. Thanks again, Christ, for pushing me back towards something I love.
Size 6 needles; Snowdrop Lace pattern from Charlotte Yarn.
June 18th DH and I have been married 41 years. He gave me a new digital camera; mine is the first Canon PowerShot and it does not take a great picture. At least that is my story and I’m sticking to it. The new one is the PowerShot A640. Hopefully I can take sharper images. If not, be discreet and don’t mention it to me.
I don’t get involved in Knit-a-longs. More words to eat.
HERE is the site to join this global whirlwind. Melissa from Leesburg, Va. is hosting her third Mystery Stole Knit-a-Long and over 2,000 knitters from around the world have signed up. The email traffic is major—do select the digest to begin with to keep from swamping your mailbox.
It is a bit of a chore to go through or delete the email, but I have already learned some neat things and discovered some good sites who will take my money and send me yarn. Lots of help for adding beads (optional), reading charts, knitting lace, and who makes the best lace needles. (I’m still an Inox fan and just found some Inox express for socks.) Everyone says the email traffic will subside once the first clue is posted on June 29th. You can always just check to read it online.
I’ve knit my gauge swatch for the project. I used a Cormo yarn that I bought in Colorado last year at camp. It’s from a small rancher and was just a fluke that it was available. It’s the bounciest yarn I have ever knit and I love the feel in my hands. ( Elsa Sheep and Wool Company) Mine is worsted spun and 2,000 yards per pound.
I was shocked that it took a size 7 needle for me to get the look and drape I wanted, but this will give me a 24” width with the 99 st cast on.
This is going to be so interesting. I can’t change the pattern because I won’t know what is coming next.
Please check out the website and join in. Several folks from the Charlotte Knitting Guild are signed up, so we might can meet early for our special show and tell.
I’m always stunned when someone gives me a gift out of nowhere. Of course, those are the very best gifts. Turtlegirl76(see Favorite Links) attended the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival where she single-handedly cured every yarn vendor's economic woes. Better yet, she bought me a present.
At Guild last Tuesday, she gave me a four ounce braid of a mixed wool blending which was a green/red/brown colorway. Needless to say, I want to spin it well and make something outstandingly beautiful from it. I’ve spun ¾ of it in a fingering weight single—my default size—and it looks like I will have about 500 yards. 
What to make? I think something lacy. I’ve been looking through my gallery of ideas and through Barbara Walker’s books. I have found some patterns I like. I don’t normally ever wear brown (a color I love but looks awful on me) but this is quite nice. I think it is the red—a color I wear often. I held it up to my face while wearing a red sweater and it looked nice. Very rich. Just goes to show that you don’t know til you try. Also goes to show that Turtlegirl76 is great with color.
I carefully saved the band with the info on the group who produced this roving and when I find it again, I will post that data. The stuff literally spins itself.
I’m so excited about Opal Yarn's new Hundertwasser sock yarn. (Opal's site) I’ve finished one pair and they are just beautiful. Here’s why this yarn is so cool.
Friedensreich Regentag Dunkelbunt Hundertwasser (born Friedrich Stowasser December 15, 1928 – February 19, 2000) was an Austrian painter and sculptor. He was very controversial as were most of my favorite artists. He was influenced by Klimt, Schiele, and Anton Gaudi who designed those bizarre buildings in Spain. Hope to see them some day. His work has been used for posters, stamps, even flags. Now it is socks. (Scroll down for some pics.)
The Opal folks have taken a work, analyzed the colors and then reproduced them into a self patterning sock yarn, being careful to keep the same proportion of color as the original work. Thanks to Burgl Pruitt for bringing this yarn to my attention at a Charlotte Knitting Guild meeting.
The yarn is 75% superwash wool and 25% polymid—machine washable and dryable (but I always air dry). It doesn’t feel soft in the ball, but softens considerably in the wash. There are free patterns, one of which knits the sock lengthwise. I just used a K3, P1 cuff and a Pat Moore’s favorite Dutch heel. I was even able to knit them on a size 1 instead of a 0; 64 sts. Steve loves them., especially the heel. 
Charlotte Yarn is carrying this yarn, but you had better hurry—I want more!!!
When my first grandson was born, we only had 24 hours notice of his existence until my daughter picked him up at the local hospital. Yes, he is adopted. She had called me the day before he was born to tell me a doctor had called and offered them the opportunity to bring him into our family. As I left town the day after his birth, I realized I had no baby yarn. There is a Michaels between my house and I-85. Quick stop, several balls of acrylic, no patterns, head to meet the son and heir.
The Newborn Sweater Vest was one of the sweaters I created for him out of my head during the few days I was with them. Erica took him to a shower the next week and he wore it with the Z, his first initial, embroidered large and proud. The other mothers had a fit over it, especially how easy it was to get on and off. I've knit a few of these over the years, and I decided it was time to share the pattern. It takes very little yarn--about 50 grams, I think. I used ribbons on some and just chained some ties for others.
Check out the link in the free patterns section of the sidebar. Let me know if you have any questions.
The porch is finished and so far there is always a breeze across it. We’ve abandoned all the other rooms in the house for this one. I’ve moved the old leather couch out there with some other random chairs. I want to spend a season with it before I decide exactly how to furnish it. The new gutters are also up and I want to see what happens when we get a big rain.
The SSKs (Serious Secret Knitters) came over Sunday and we sat out there and knitted and talked—lots of talk. It was lovely. Both dogs really like it. Henry still cannot hear, so the smell factor has really become important. He may injure his sniffer at the rate he is going.
My hands are better but I cannot knit anywhere near the amount I’d like. It’s very frustrating. So many new yarns and so many new ideas. Yarns Forever in Greer, SC is closing and are offering 50% off this week. (Email me for the code.) I bought some sock yarn and a cotton silk blend to do either a throw for the new living room or a sweater for Steve. Depends on the exact shade of blue. Monitors lie!
I finished the first pair of socks on two circs in many years. Getting ready to teach it. They will go to a friendly male of my acquaintance. The yarn is Tiny Toes by Interlacements and I knit them on Size 1s. The pattern is mine—such as it is. I used a tubular cast on for the cuff, a 4X1 rib, and double moss st for the heel flap. 
My next design is on the needles and has turned into a complex nightmare. It may have something to do with fitting very short legs with large calves. It has a braid cast on and the entrelac is decreased all the way down. The cuff started at 80sts and at the ankle is only 40. But it fits. Pattern up when I get it worked out reasonably.
The entrelac socks are using Ms. Babs sock yarn, size 0 and 1 needles. The foot will be simple as will the heel and toe. At least I think so. Only done the cuff so far.
I’ve purchased lots of sock yarn lately. Shelley went to Seattle and visited Tricoter. A mind-blowing experience. They designed a sweater for her to her measurements and gauge on the spot!! Another shop served tea and scones. She’s still reeling. Anyway she brought me back my first Socks that Rock and my first Fleece Artist. 
At the beach I bought the Ms. Babs for the entrelac and another skein below. I would have had some Colinette Jitterbug, but I hesitated and Beth Sicilia jumped on it.
Found a deal on Euroflax Opal on ebay and bought some colors to take with me to Colorado Knitting Camp in July. We’re doing fair isle there. Have lots of other colors to mix with them.
My latest takealong project is a hand towel. I’m using this gorgeous chocolate Hempathy from Elsebeth Lavold. Just did a few inches of Feather and Fan and then it’s all seed stitch with a chain selvedge. My linen one is at Charlotte Yarn on display. I’ve really loved it and it holds up well in the wash. These would make a great gift with some bubble bath or hand made soap.
All classes are taught at Charlotte Yarn
Call the shop to sign up.
Beginners, Part 2
June 12, 19, 26 (T)
6:00 – 7:30 pm
$45
For those who knit comfortably, but are ready for more interesting projects. In this class we will learn to purl, to increase and decrease so you can shape your knitting, a new cast on, how to seam pieces together, some pattern reading techniques, how to measure gauge accurately, and how to knit a chain selvedge.
Materials needed: Worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn in a solid, light color; size 6, 7, or 8 needles, pictures or patterns that interest you, scissors, stitch markers, tapestry needle, tape measure and pencil.
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Socks on 2 Circs
June 16 (Sat) OR Aug. 11 (Sat)
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
$65
Join the sock knitting revolution. Many people find using two circular needles to knit socks is easier and faster than other methods. You will knit a small sock to learn the techniques and then start a pair of adult socks for yourself.
Materials needed: Bring ALL of your circular needles size 6 or smaller for the sample sock and some plain worsted weight yarn in a solid, light color. You will probably want to purchase sock weight yarn and two size 0 – 2 needles to start your project during the class.
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Beginning Knitting
July 17, 24, 31 (T)
6:00 – 7:30 pm
$45
For those who have NEVER knitted before.
Materials needed: 10” straight needles in a size 6 or 7. Worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn in a solid, light color, scissors, and a pencil.
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Caberet Bag
August 14, 21
6:00 – 7:30 pm
$35
Use this simple drawstring bag (a Merely a Suggestion pattern is included in the fee) to learn about mixing yarns and using double –pointed needles. Most of the bag can be knit on a 16” circular if you wish. See samples in the shop.
This is a great project for new knitters.
Materials needed: Selection of yarns including 50 g of a smooth base yarn, worsted or DK weight. Bits and scraps of contrasting yarns—at least 2. Don’t forget to look in the sale bins for yarns to include. Some of the sample bags may include everything you need. The instructor will also have some yarns you may add to your bag. Needles—one 16” circular needle (or 2 if you don’t wish to use double pointed needles) and one set of double pointed needles for the second class. Scissors, stitch markers, pencil.
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Couture Cast Ons
August 18 (Sat)
10 am – 1 pm
$35
For intermediate and advanced knitters. Jazz up your knitting with some fancy cast ons. These will work with sweaters, socks, mittens and shawls. We’ll look at braids, I-cord, Twisted German and more.
Materials needed: Scraps of worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn in a solid, light color; size 6, 7, or 8 needles , scissors, stitch markers, tapestry needle, tape measure and pencil.
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Sock Options
August 25
10 am –2:30 pm
$45
For the experienced sock knitter. Learn Lucy Neatby’s garter stitch heel and Nancy Bush’s version of the Balbriggan heel. Also learn the garter stitch toe and the star toe. If there is time, we will learn some interesting cast ons.
Materials needed: Worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn in a solid, light color; size 6, 7, or 8 needles, scissors, stitch markers, tapestry needle, tape measure and pencil. Please bring one or more pairs of socks you have knitted just to show and tell.
I haven’t blogged in so long. I always feel I must have a knitting picture for the blog and I don’t at the moment. The above will have to do.
I have finished my Stitch Diva sweater and some socks; I have another sweater to finish and, of course, more socks. I also hope to have two more sock patterns up on the blog very soon. Waiting for the pictures.
The Sewing Bird Staff went to the beach again and had a blast. We actually knitted a bit. Mostly ate and drank beverages. The weather was too cool for swimming, but we didn’t care. The porch was lovely and the laughter was riotous.
I’ve bought some new furniture for the living room and that has been exciting. The new color scheme is blue and white; never done blue before, so new afghans and pillows must be knit.
The new screened porch is being painted as I type. I look forward to knitting and spinning out there soon.
One more class in the Spring series---Entrelac---next Saturday at Charlotte Yarn. Summer schedule is coming soon. It will be a huge shock, especially for Pat Moore and Harriet Overcash. Some “word eating” in my future.
Thanks to everyone who bought books from me. There are still some more on the list. I really hate passing along knitting stuff to non-knitters. My stash is in my will.
I do have a What Were They Thinking? picture for you. All of my students have heard me talk about the odds of an error, new yarn join, or bobble ending up in an embarrassing place. These folks didn’t hear.
Precious Pal for the Guild Service Project involved a fair isle vest complete with steeks. The pattern is heavily based on Onslow's Vest
by Katherine Misegades. This is a good resource for anyone wanting to try some fair isle and cut some steeks.
Katherine shares the A Time to Knit site with fellow designer Jolene Treace who has some fantastic cabled sweater patterns. Jolene is a chat group friend and really does fine work. Check out the entire site.
From Victorian Lace . . .
I used a yarn from KnitPicks--Shimmer--70% Baby Alpaca, 30% Silk --$5.49 /50 gm hank and a size 6 needle. The color is Stained Glass. I truly loved working with the yarn. I like the twist and the feel of the yarn. Like other lace patterns, handpaint makes it harder to see therefore a bit slower to knit. Worth it though. See the detail below. I'm in love with this lace. More lace yarns in stash so more lace projects to come.
I didn't notice the small pooling of the turquoise until I had knitted way past it, so it just is. Life's too short to go back.
Below is the newest free sock pattern on the site--see side column. this one used SWTC Tofuties yarn. I have several others to post once I get them written. I've decided I don't like submitting patterns to magazines, etc., because you can't talk about them or share them with friends. I won't get rich selling patterns, so it is more fun to just give them away. Watch for more patterns and email me if you have problems.
The Book List
Buyer pays all shipping costs. Email me if you have questions. Lots of magazines for sale at $2.00 each or 6 for $10. Vogue, Family Circle Easy Knitting,Threads, Knit 'n Style, a few IK and Knitter's, Handwoven, Weaver's. I will eventually get to the yarn and set up a real sale, but until then, feel free to set a time to come look at what is ready.
-- Knitting Journal $5.00Bliss, Debbie Kids' Country Knits newborn-5 yrs) $7.00
Bliss, Debbie - Nautical Knits for Kids $8.00Bradley, Sue - Stitches in Time (historically inspired knits) $4.00
Burnett, Sarah - A Passion for Color (sweaters) $5.00Bush, Nancy - Knitting on the Road (socks) $8.00Buss, Katharina - Big Book of Knitting $5.00Cartwright-Jones, Catherine- The Tap-Dancing Lizard (fanciful charts) $8.00
Cornell, Kari, ed- Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales $4.00
Cristoffersson, Britt-Marie- Swedish Sweaters $7.00Crolius, Kendall- Knitting with Dog Hair $3.00Dalegarn- Baby patterns Bk. 142 $5.00Dowd, Jenny- Freeform Knitting and Crochet $8.00DuBoff, Leonard- The Law (in plain English) for Crafts People $3.00
Epstein, Nicky- The Knit Hat Book $5.00
Falick, Melanie -Knitting in America $8.00Falick, Melanie Weekend Knitting $10.00
Fassett, Kaffe -Glorious Knits $10.00
Fassett, Kaffe -Glorious Interiors $14.00
Frost, Jean -Jackets $8.00Galeskas, Beverly -The Magic Loop (sock technique) $4.00Galeskas, Beverly Felted Knits $8.00
Garland, Claire- Knitted Babes (dolls and wardrobes to knit) $8.00
Garnstudio- Drops Strikkedesign No. 81 $5.00
Gemmell, Liz- Aussie Fair (fair isle patterns) $3.00
Harding, Sally -Cotton Knits (sweaters) $5.00
Herring, Ruth -Knitting Masterpieces (paintings in knit) $5.00
Hiatt/Phelps -Simply Beautiful sweaters for men $12.00
Hiatt/Phelps -Simply Beautiful Sweaters that Fit (Tricoter) $14.00
Hoxbro, Vivian -Domino Knitting $7.00Interweave Christmas Stockings $6.00
Jackson, Maggie- Home Interiors $5.00Johnson, Wendy Wendy Knits $5.00
Kagan, Sasha- Big & Little Sweaters $4.00Kartus, Lisa Knit Fix Problem Solving for Knitters $12.00
Landman, Sylvia- Crafting for Dollars $4.00
Lavold, Elsebeth- Bk 6: The Take Five collection $6.00
Luters, Ginger- Module Magic $10.00
Lydon, Susan Gordon -The Knitting Sutra $5.00
Mably, Brandon -Brilliant Knits (Kaffe Fassett Studio) $3.50
Manning, Tara Jon- Mindful Knitting $4.00
Manning, Tara Jon- The gift knitter (babies and dogs) $7.00
Meadors, Kay- Bootie Collection $1.00
Mellor, Zoe -Double Knits (baby/toddler) $7.00Mellor, Zoe 50 Baby Bootees to Knit $10.00
Melville, Sally-- Book 2: Purl Stitch $8.00Melville, Sally -Book 3: Color $12.00
Messent, Jan -Knit the Christmas story (Manger scene) $4.00Mon Tricot 1500 Patterns $3.00
Moss, Jean -World Knits $10.00
Myers, Lisa -The Joy of Knitting $4.00
Nicholas, Weiss, others -The Pattern Companion: Knitting $5.00
Paton's Giggle Knits (3 mons-2 yrs) $2.00
Paton's Look at Me! 6 mons-4 yrs $2.00Paton's A Dog's Life $2.00
Pearl-MacPhee, Stephanie -Yarn Harlot-the secret life of a knitter $4.00Pearl-MacPhee, Stephanie Knitting Rules! $5.00
Rankin, chris- Gift Knits (70 wearable projects) $5.00
Sharp, Jo --Knitting Bazaar (sweaters) $6.00
Sharp, Jo Knitted Sweater Style $8.00
Sheard, Stephen -Rowan's Summer & Winter Knitting $5.00
Square, Vicki-Folk Bags $10.00Starmore, Alice Fishermen's Sweaters $9.00Starmore, Alice & Jade The Children's Collection (fair Isle) $8.00
Steege, Gwen -knit hats! $5.00
Swepson, Ruth -Designer Knits $6.00
Thomas, Mary -Book of Knitting Patterns $3.00Turner, Sharon Monkeysuits $7.00Wiseman, Nancie -Knitting with Wire $7.00XRX Socks, Socks, Socks $7.00365 Knitting Stitches a Year (perpetual calendar $8.00
Melissa Mathay did the Little Box of Sweaters which was all very classic designs. She has a new book coming out and What Was She Thinking?
I saw a program selection in TKGA's Cast Off mag that was built on a similar question and that is our program for Tuesday night. I have boxes of knitting that I did over the years. Some of it isn't the best quality because I was learning, but some is just plain ugly. I have lived through decades of fashion--go-go boots, paper dresses, every style of blue jean imaginable--but that's no excuse for some of the things I tried.
Well, I always say I learn more from failure than from success. I must be really smart.
I finished teaching my first beginner class in years last night. Six wonderful women who have started this journey and will continue it I believe. They seemed to have fun and be eager. Most bought some yarns to make some scarves or towels to practice their new skills. I love to see new knitters when they begin to believe they will really be able to do this. Invited them all to guild and hope they will come.
My April beginners class is half full, so maybe there are still some folks out there who want to learn. Maybe we can start another knitting boom.
OTN, the Stitch Diva sweater which needs sleeves, a lace shawlette which has a knitted on lace border (I much prefer to knit that border as I go; something I discovered with this pattern.) and yet another new sock design. This one uses an Estonia button stitch. I'm getting more interested in Estonian knitting. I've taken classes from both Merike Saarnit and Nancy Bush, so this is a belated effect of that.
Still some good books for sale and gobs of good magazines.
Beginning Knitting Tues. April 10 – 24; 6-7:30 pm $45
Instructor: Jane Prater
For the brand new knitter. Contact Jane if you are left handed.
Beyond Beginners Tues. May 8, 15, and 22; 6 -7:30 pm $45
Instructor: Jane Prater
If you have been knitting a year of more and want to increase your skills, then this is the class for you. By now you have questions and are ready for more interesting patterns. Those questions form the basis of this class.
Saturday classes:
Fair Isle Workshop April 14; 10:30am – 3:30 pm $65
Instructor: Jane Prater
For intermediate knitters. We will learn to strand, knit backwards, plan colors and start a sampler of patterns—bag or pillow—your choice.
Cables Workshop May 5: 10am – 12pm $25
Instructor: Jane Prater
Learn to knit some basic cabels and to read those funny looking charts.
Continental Knitting May 5: 1-3pm $25
Instructor: Jane Prater
Throw the yarn with your left hand and a new world of knitting will open. Faster and easier patterned stitches. Two handed color knitting will be easy.
Entrelac Workshop May 19; 10:30am – 3:30 pm $65
Instructor: Jane Prater
Learn the basics of entrelac; learn to knit backwards to make it easier; plan and begin your first project.
Email me (jprater@carolina.rr.com) if you have questions.
It's not Friday, but that is Turtlegirl76's yarn pr0n day. This yarn is sort of her yarn since she made us all aware of it and negotiated a discount for her blog readers. Anyway this is Printed Circuit Board from Yarn Nerd. The yarn is named 900MHz; 100% superwash merino; 420 yards. The best thing about this yarn is the spin. His base yarn is crisp and yet still soft. It's a pleasure to knit.
I am using this yarn for yet another original sock design. I like this one very much. It uses an Estonian stitch that I discovered in an old afghan pattern by Nancy Bush. More later.
Underneath that yarn is my beautiful new floor. The owner who built this floor used yellow pine and then stained it dark, almost walnut. I had selected a slightly lighter stain. When we saw this sanded result, we quickly put a pale golden oak on it. It is rustic but beautiful. Almost beach-like. What a nice surprise.
Bye, bye Basement!!!
My new laundry closet is finished and the appliances are here. So far, I love them. I've washed everything I own. I am now going door to door in the neighborhood asking for extra laundry to do. The washer's handwash setting is perfect for all my handknit sweaters--even wool. Piper washed her cashmere sweater in her washer which is the big brother of mine and it worked beautifully.
My red cotton version of this Stitch Diva pattern is underway. I can't knit it as fast as I would like because my hands are aching a bit and cotton is hard on that. I do like the way they have written the pattern. It is clear and has little helps as you go. I also appreciate that the pattern is in a wide range of sizes. I'm using DK weight instead of worsted and so am knitting a larger size. That is always tricky, but because it is top down, I can try it on a bunch and make corrections as needed. My version won't be quite as young and hip as the picture, but I am looking forward to wearing it.
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