White Horse Knitting

Blocking Swatches for the MHK Program

2011-10-18T12:28:00.010-04:00

A short how to on blocking swatches.

Those of you who attended the 2011 OYW to the Master's Day at either the Minnesota or North Carolina TKGA shows will recognize the swatches.

Acrylic swatches don't block well:

Problems with tops bottoms and selvedges:

Overblocking:

This doesn't work. It scallops the edges and leaves pin holes.

Correctly done:

Sometimes you attract helpers.

Spring Cleaning

2011-05-13T17:27:00.002-04:00

I've been reorganizing my knitting books.

Before:

After:

The Green Thing

2011-05-11T09:03:00.001-04:00

It seems our Grandmothers were actually ahead of their time.

The Green Thing

In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that she should
bring her own grocery bag because plastic bags weren't good for the
environment.
The woman apologized to him and explained,
"We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today.
The former generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right; that generation didn't have the "green thing" in its day.

Back then, they returned their milk bottles,
soda bottles and beer bottles to the store.
The store sent them back to the plant to be washed
and sterilized and refilled,
so it could use the same bottles over and over.
So they really were recycled.

But they didn't have the "green thing" back in that customer's day.

In her day, they walked up stairs,
because they didn't have an escalator in every store and office building.
They walked to the grocery store and
didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine
every time they had to go two blocks.

But she was right. They didn't have the "green thing" in her day.

Back then, they washed the baby's diapers
because they didn't have the throw-away kind.
They dried clothes on a line,
not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -
wind and solar power really did dry the clothes.
Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters,
not always brand-new clothing.

But that old lady is right, they didn't have the "green thing" back in her day.

Back then, they had one TV, or radio, in the house -
not a TV in every room.
And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief,
not a screen the size of the state of Montana .
In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because
they didn't have electric machines to do everything for you.
When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail,
they used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it,
not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, they didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline
just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power.
They exercised by working so they didn't need to go to a health club
to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she's right, they didn't have the "green thing" back then.

They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty
instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time
they had a drink of water.
They refilled their writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen,
and they replaced the razor blades in a razor
instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But they didn't have the "green thing" back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus
and kids rode their bikes to school or walked
instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.
They had one electrical outlet in a room,
not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances.
And they didn't need a computerized gadget
to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space
in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful the old folks
were just because they didn't have the "green thing" back then?

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-28T13:32:00.002-05:00

2-7-11

2011-02-09T21:43:00.001-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

sagittaria

2011-02-06T13:04:00.005-05:00

My latest pattern. A second triangle shawl but this one isn't quite triangular!
And it's free. Another free pattern!!

Download a pdf of sagittaria

2-2-4-11

2011-02-04T21:40:00.001-05:00

2-2,3,4-11

giardino--the pattern

2011-02-01T11:42:00.007-05:00

I've finally got the pattern written and ready for any one who wants to make the shawl.
It's FREE!! yea!! All you need to do is download the pdf.

download now

VEVO

2011-01-31T11:21:00.002-05:00

Done!

1-30-11

2011-01-31T11:06:00.003-05:00

These are from Sat. Guess where I was on this beautiful day....

If you guessed the greenway, you are correct.

2011-01-29T13:11:00.001-05:00

1-28-11

2011-01-28T12:47:00.001-05:00

Done, the first of probably many triangle shawls!

1-27-11

2011-01-27T19:05:00.001-05:00

Pictures of Rocchina for embedding at Ravelry.

2011-01-27T11:25:00.002-05:00

1-25-11

2011-01-25T17:01:00.001-05:00

Baby Bamboo--Hope.

1-24-11

2011-01-25T16:51:00.002-05:00

1-23-11

2011-01-23T17:32:00.003-05:00

I've got a whole row coming in of these little yellow guys! And a flock of robins was seen in the pasture.

1-22-11

2011-01-23T14:59:00.005-05:00

Hmmm looks like the black hole.

1-21-11

2011-01-23T14:52:00.004-05:00

1-20-11

2011-01-21T17:57:00.001-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:A room sans computer!

1-19-11

2011-01-20T07:13:00.002-05:00

Pinning a MHK swatch for blocking.
This is a level 2 blended twisted sts swatch.

1-17-11

2011-01-19T08:36:00.003-05:00

When it absolutely positively must be filled out in triplicate.....old technology to the rescue.

1-18-11

2011-01-19T08:32:00.003-05:00

GAAA

1-16-11

2011-01-16T18:30:00.001-05:00

Will spring ever get here?

1-15-11

2011-01-16T18:26:00.002-05:00

1-14-11

2011-01-14T17:59:00.001-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:A room in my house sans computer.

1-13-11

2011-01-13T18:16:00.002-05:00

1-12 11

2011-01-13T10:03:00.000-05:00

1-11-11

2011-01-11T10:42:00.003-05:00

Logan making a snow angel.

1-10-11

2011-01-10T15:45:00.004-05:00

Tierno on the Beka.

(Sounds like a romantic European destination.)

1-9-11

2011-01-09T13:30:00.003-05:00

28° at 11:04 AM. uggh.

1-8-11

2011-01-09T13:27:00.001-05:00

The helper.

1-7-11

2011-01-07T16:34:00.001-05:00

A picture of me and CJ a long long time ago....1996.

1-6-11

2011-01-06T16:38:00.004-05:00

Another lazy day, before we trash the tree.

1-5-11

2011-01-05T15:54:00.003-05:00

1-4-11

2011-01-04T14:15:00.003-05:00

Back to School = Back to Work

Project 365

1-3-11

2011-01-03T12:48:00.003-05:00

Time for a feed run.

Project 365

1-2-11

2011-01-02T12:35:00.004-05:00

Slanted Peerie Mittens

1-1-11

2011-01-01T08:59:00.003-05:00

Keeping my fingers crossed it works.

Part of Project 365.

Out of Control

2010-12-26T15:29:00.003-05:00

My newest design..... A yoke pullover. It's made with super soft Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande.

$5.00

14 sts and 18 rows/4" in st st. makes it super fast to work up.

Requires 880-1540 yards of yarn

Size US 9 (5.5mm) and US 10.5 (6.5mm) needles.

See the Out of Control project page on Ravelry.

You know your with your knitting friends when everyone gets silent when you start counting!

2010-11-18T06:29:00.013-05:00

So today I will actually write for you.

Recently I was lucky enough to receive a few pieces of my grandmother's needlework. What a delight. I have very vague memories of her actually working on anything, turns out she was quite prolific.

This is a pillow knit by her. It is a cable and seed st pattern, I think I've got the pattern written out. I'm going to try and recreate it. She even worked in a zipper.

I was able to see some of her other work, mostly crochet and needlepoint, and hear some really interesting stories about her creative mind. I have her copy of Mon Tricot. It's sort of like reconnecting in a strange sort of way. What a great book of stitch patterns.......You see where I'll be going with this........
Everything seemed to be fairly modern nothing truly old school. With ethnic knitting all the rage, I was really hoping to find something Old Country, Romanian. Then this came:

My guess is Romanian point lace! Romanian point lace is a European tape lace created by basting hand-crocheted cord to an intricate design and then filling in areas between the cord with needle lace and needle weaving. Now this is cool.

So what is fresh off and currently on my needles......
Right now....two hats, one sweater, the Kousa Shawl, & Raha Scarf

And these are some recently finished projects:

And yes it's still great to be king.

Ha ha:

Duh gee Tennessee.

It's great to be king.

2010-10-11T10:17:00.001-04:00

JUST THINK!

2010-09-20T13:11:00.004-04:00

I gave my father the book, The Best of Robert Service for Father's Day 1990.
Today I opened the book to the page that was marked:

JUST THINK!

Just think! some night the stars will gleam
Upon a cold, grey stone,
And trace a name with silver beam,
And lo! 'twill be your own.
That night is speeding on to greet
Your epitaphic rhyme.
Your life is but a little beat
Within the heart of Time.
A little gain, a little pain,
A laugh, lest you may moan;
A little blame, a little fame,
A star-gleam on a stone.

-Robert Service

High Flight

2010-09-18T09:15:00.000-04:00

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

— John Gillespie Magee, Jr

Blogging from IPad

2010-04-18T14:32:00.002-04:00

It can be done!

Now back to enjoying this beautiful weekend-- and knitting of course!

Seahorse

2010-02-28T09:53:00.006-05:00

It's been a fabulous winter for knitting, cold, windy and snowy.

I've finally bit the bullet and pulled the Seahorse out of hibernation. This beautiful Gansey is knit in Rowan Denim. Color: Nashville, a deep indigo. The gansey is made larger than desired. Then it's washed. It shrinks and fades like its namesake. The yarn is harsh to work with and the dye leaves residue on my hands as I work. The indigo color is almost imposible to see so I'm working during daylight hours.

The pattern book is full of wonderful old photos of Yorkshire fishermen sporting their ganseys. A gansey or guernsey is named for the Island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. It a classic shaped sweater designed with a straight neck so that the sweater could be worn reversed. The sweaters were practical, working garments. The original gansey began as a plain sweater. As the popularity of this sweater spread, intricate embossed patterns were added to the design. Knitters would memorize the patterns and pass them down through families. Most of the stitch motifs were inspired by the everyday objects in the lives of fishing families. Things like ropes, nets, anchors and herringbone are often found. The weather also influences design with shapes representing waves, hail or lightning.

Seahorse is a Filey pattern of zig-zags representing lightning, combined with moss stitch representing hailstones.

Here is some of the knitting I've done over the past two months:

Aspen Cable Shrug, a super fast and easy project:

Finished the Swallowtail Shawl:

Two Big Mexiko Hats:

Open Lace work Cardi done in Noro Silk Garden. This was a fast and fun project.

Winter Bordom Post

2010-01-31T13:38:00.002-05:00

It snowed, again, this weekend. Snow fell at our house for 24 hours straight. There is 9-10 inches around the farm with drifts of 2 feet. I've got three miserable horses to entertain. You'd think I'd be knitting and I was...while it was snowing. We've spent the better part of the morning digging out. Finally our driveway is clear but it leads to an ice infested street.

I really don't like winter weather. I'll take the heat any day.

Enough whining.

On to Knitting
Since my last post ( which was a very long time ago):
I've worked on several projects:
A Sleeveless Houndstooth Cardigan, the pattern and sample are scheduled for publication in the Spring issue of Cast On magazine. Also a set of mittens and hat, a copy of the set I made CAG for Christmas. These will be published in the Summer Issue of Cast On.
My Big Mexico Snowboarding Hat pattern of which I've made 2 has been a huge hit with the This & That knitting crowd. I owe the thanks though to Cindi and to the tassle that I came across through the MHK program.
I'm trudging away on the Swallowtail Shawl, about 10 more rows till completion.
I've got a ruffled scarf almost done as well.
And of course the Sundae Shrug which I love love love. I wouldn't have ever thought I'd like to wear a piece like this, but it is very comfortable.
I've got a couple of sweaters in progress as well. Both yoked sweaters. I've swatched out the first yoke, so anytime I could sit down and finish that one as well.
I'll try to get you some pictures up soon.
Keep Knitting......I'm told it's good for your health.

Summer Synopsis

2009-09-14T12:53:00.002-04:00

Summer is gone. Now into fall. Summer flew by. I am now officially "retired".

I submitted and passed level three of the TKGA MHK program, I am now a Master Knitter.

We made a short trip to Baltimore to visit family before sending CAG off to the dorm.

The best part of the trip was reconnecting with two old friends. I'd lost touch with my closest friend from childhood. We walked to school together for close to 12 grades. It was overwhelming to see her again. We talked and caught up and then toured our old neighborhood, much to the horror of our parents. The place looked great. Our old schools on the other hand, didn't look so great but then they never did.
My grandmother's house looked terrible. It was sad to see.

Knitting:
I've added a 4 squares to the GAAA

Finished the Hemlock Ring Doily Blanket, Williamsro, and Clapotis.

I added 40 more rows to Primavera.
Now I'm working on Storm Rund Dug, another doily blanket.

Knitting Check Off List

2009-09-08T12:28:00.004-04:00

Bold for stuff you’ve done, italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with bananafiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffitti knitting: knitting items on, or to be left on the street
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Household items: dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…
knitting socks- or other small tubular items- on two circulars
Dying with plant colours
Knitting items for a wedding
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with selfpatterning/selfstriping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
JewelryKnitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair (my kitties hair slips in :-))
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

Majestic White Horses

2009-07-15T07:07:00.001-04:00

Updates Updates, and updates....

2009-06-22T14:12:00.004-04:00

Alot has happened since my last entry. Here are the highlights:

1. Graduation. It was a blast. I can hardly believe it came and went so fast. Wasn't it just yesterday we were driving the baby home from the hospital?

2. Registration and Orientation. Got CAG signed up and registered for the fall. Everything is ready to move into the dorms and start studying hard (or was that hardly studying?). Wasn't it just yesterday we were diriving the baby home from the hospital????

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?????

and finally.....

3. I am two swatches away from becoming the next Master Knitter in the TKGA. I've got to re knit swatches 10 and 11. Traveling Twisted stitchs and Entrelac. Thank goodness they accepted my charts and patterns. The paperwork was daunting.
Everything else was accepted.

See you all in a week......

I think I've lost my mind..

2009-06-09T13:41:00.002-04:00

I am now entering week 7 in my wait to receive my Level 3 from the committee. I pulled out levels 1 & 2, re-photographed some of them and pulled up some old photos and came up with this:

Lipizzan Movies to make you Smile

2009-06-08T12:41:00.000-04:00

De Rigueur

2009-06-04T09:54:00.006-04:00

I needed something to wear over my sleevless dress for graduation. Here it is and the pattern as well...

De Rigueur (Summer Shawl)

Download a PDF of De Rigueur.

Level of Experience: Beginner

Finished Measurements: 18” high x 5’ long

Materials:
Yarn:
Valley Yarns Goshen (92 yds/ 84 m; 50 grams/1.76 ounces; 48% Peruvian Cotton, 46% Modal (rayon), 6% Silk) 3 balls.

Suggested Needles:
One 40” circular needle size US15/ 10 mm or size needed to obtain correct gauge. To save time, take time to check gauge.
Note: While gauge is not critical to this pattern, it is necessary to get the correct fabric quality to ensure proper drape of the finished shawl.

Gauge: 10 sts and 16 rows = 4”/10 cm.

Special Abbreviations:
K2tog: Knit two stitches together
Yo: yarn over
Kbf: Knit through the back then front of the next st.
Kfb: Knit through the front then back of the next st.

Loosly cast on 50 sts.
Set up row (RS): K2tog, *yo, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row. (49 sts).
Row 1 and all WS rows: K1, purl to last st, k1.
Row 2 and all RS rows: K1, kbf, yo, knit to last two stitches, kfb, yo, k1.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until almost all yarn is used up or desired size is reached, ending with a WS row. Loosely cast of all sts.

**If a larger shawl is desired, use more yarn and continue in pattern to desired length.

Riding a Dead Horse

2009-05-29T08:19:00.004-04:00

A Dakota tribal wisdom says that when you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. In business, however, it seems that we often try other strategies with dead horses including the following:

Buying a stronger whip.

Changing riders.

Saying things like, "This is the way we have always ridden this horse."

Appointing a committee to study the horse.

Arranging to visit other sites to see how they ride dead horses.

Appointing a tiger team to revive the dead horse.

Creating a training session to increase our riding ability.

Comparing the state of dead horses in today's environment.

Change the requirements declaring that, "This horse is not dead."

Hire contractors to ride the dead horse.

Harnessing several dead horses together for increased speed.

Declaring that, "No horse is too dead to beat."

Providing additional funding to increase the horse's performance.

Do a CA Study to see if contractors can ride it cheaper.

Purchase a product to make dead horses run faster, like a new saddle.

Declare the is, "better, faster and cheaper" dead.

Find a quality circle to find users for dead horses.

Revisit the performance requirements for horses.

Say this horse was procured with cost as an independent variable.

Promote the dead horse to a management position.

Progression to White Redux and Meet the Leopard

2009-05-24T12:31:00.002-04:00

Still messing around with imovie:

Mr Zip's film:

Lipizzan Style

2009-05-23T06:50:00.002-04:00

We've had some fantastic weather lately. I've been outside alot. Sorry to all my Rav friends for not being on so often, but the tension is too much waiting to hear back from the committee, so I'm distracting my self with other things.

First a simple wrap. I needed a simple summer shawl to wear to graduation. I'll get the pattern up shortly. It came out great. I'm now finishing the Hemlock blanket and Anthropologie inspired cardi. Pics coming soon.

Since the Spring Piano Recital, I've been interested in imovie. I think I'm doing a fairly decent job. Here is the video I made to learn how to work the application:

Pretty neat.

Rabbits and Barn Swallows

2009-05-12T06:40:00.003-04:00

This is Belle. She lives behind my barn near a little shed under an overhang. She's very sweet. You can walk up and talk to her, probably even pet her.

The barn swallows are back to their regular nest. This is year 4 for that nest. They are such pests but I still love them. They make a giant mess and dive bomb any person or animal walking around, but at the same time they eat loads of flies and mosquitos. About 20 swallows will come to this one nest. They'll each eat 20x their weight in bugs each day and once the baby swallows are born they'll eat even more, so I guess they'll be staying.

I just wish I could get rid of those annoying crows and those stupid June bugs.

TKGA Master Hand Knitting Bibliography

2009-05-03T06:49:00.005-04:00

This is a combination of all of my sources for the MHK program levels 1-3. I tried to put the level I used the source for ahead of the entry. I removed email and personal correspondence. This has been copied and pasted several times, so no underlining or italics have come through, some of the links look funny and there are no hyperlinks, Blogger would not post some links as well so they are missing. Most have annotations.

3 "Alphabet." Little Cotton Rabbits. 10 Jan. 2009 .
Charted letters; duplicate stitch.

3 Anvin, Susan. "Knitting how-to guide - Instructions and electronic chart notation for every knit stitch." The Anvin clan home page. 2003. 22 Feb. 2009
Computer chart symbols.

3 Balvanz, Denise. Denise's Easy Graph Designer. Program documentation. Denise Needleworks. .
Colorwork charting software.

3 Barton, Ariel. "Charts are Your Friends." Knitty: Winter 2008. Winter 2008. 22 Feb. 2009 .
Article on charts.

2 Basic Sock Video. Dir. Wiseman M. Nancie. Videocassette. Wisewater Productions, 1996.
Sock construction.

2 Becker, Paula. "Knitting for Victory -- World War II." HistoryLink.Org. 19 Aug. 2004. History Ink. 9 Jan. 2007 "http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=5721" http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=5721
Website dedicated to Washington State History. This page addresses Victory Knitting during WWII.

1,2,3.The Best of Vogue Knitting Magazine: 25 Years of Articles, Techniques, and Expert Advice. New York: Sixth and Springs, 2007.
Knitting Articles.

2,3 Blanchard, Nanette. Stranded Color Knitting. 15 Dec. 2006 .
Self published work on stranded knitting. Used for Fair Isle mitten and questions.

2 Breiter, Barbara. "Glossary of Knitting Terms." Knitting on the Net. 16 Jan. 2007 "http://www.knittingonthenet.com/learn/glossary.htm" http://www.knittingonthenet.com/learn/glossary.htm
Website explains basic knitting and has some patterns.

2, 3 Budd, Ann. The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns : Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges. New York: Interweave P, LLC, 2002.
Pattern design--hat/ sweater patterns and book review.

3 Budd, Ann. The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges. New York: Interweave P, LLC, 2004.
Sweater design; sweater project.

3 Coniglio, Joni, ed. The Great American Aran Afghan. Danbury: XRX, Incorporated, 2003.
Chart symbols (XRX).

1, 2, 3 Buss, Katharina. Big Book of Knitting. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 2001
Knitting reference book.

3 Dale of Norway. Dalegarn Nr.138. Brochure. Waukesha: 2004.
Sweater project.

2, 3 Don, Sarah. Fair Isle Knitting. Minneapolis: Dover Publications, Incorporated, 2007.
Design and history; used for traditional knitting reports.

3 Eckman, Edie. The Crochet Answer Book. Grand Rapids: Storey, LLC, 2005.
Dye lot.

2 Ehrlinger, Lorraine. "On Your Way to the Masters: Great Beginnings." Cast On. Fall 2004: 76-78.
Cast ons.

2 Ehrlinger, Lorraine. "On Your Way to the Masters: Tame Cables Cable Flare &
Puckering." Cast On Winter 2004: 60-61.
Technical: information on cable flare.

3 Englund, Oma. "Entrelac Instructions." About. 9 June 2005 .
Entrelac instruction. No longer available.

3 Fee, Jacqueline. The Sweater Workshop: Knit Creative, Seam-Free Sweaters on Your Own with Any Yarn. New York: Down East Books, 2002.
Source for EPS sweater design, Traditional knititng report.

2, 3 Feitelson, Ann. The Art of Fair Isle Knitting: History, Technique, Color and Patterns. New York: Interweave P, LLC, 1996.
In depth Fair Isle design, history and patterns. Historical, Technical and Pattern Book: Used for the historical content and for the Fair Isle mitten project.

1, 2, 3 Finlay, Amy. "Basic Techniques—Decreases." Knitting Help.Com. 16 Jan. 2007 .
How to website; Used for decrease swatches

3 Fisher, Margaret. "Mosaics." Cast On Aug.-Sept. 2006: 50-52.
Mosaic knitting.

2 German Hosiery Museum. 09 July 2003. 19 Feb. 2007 .
History.

2, 3 Gibson-Roberts, Priscilla A., and Robson, Deborah. Knitting in the Old Way: Designs & Techniques from Ethnic Sweaters. Fort Collins: Nomad P, 2004.
In depth history and technique.

3 Gregory, Barbara. "Delft Tiles Tee." Interweave Knits Summer 2008: 58-60.
Adapted chart from pattern for Mosaic swatch #13.

3 Haggerty, Bridget. "Aran Isle Sweaters - how a dropped stitch gave rise to a popular myth." Irish Cultures and Customs. 18 Oct. 2006. 19 June 2008 .
Aran hat project.

3 "Handspinning Woollen and Worsted Yarn." The Joy of Handspinning. 2007. 29 July 2008 .
Fiber report.

1, 2, 3 The Harmony Guide to Knitting Stitches. London: Lyric Books, 1983.
Book of pattern stitches.

3 Harris, Bronwyn. "What is novelty yarn." Wise Geek. 1 Aug. 2008
.
Fiber report.

1, 2, 3 Hiatt Hemmons, June. The Principles of Knitting. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1988.
Comprehensive knitting reference book.

2 HistoricKnit. .
Historical knitting discussion group; provided links to many interesting historical sites.
All information is opinion unless documented.

1, 2 Holladay, Arenda. "On Your Way to the Masters: Decreases, Part 1." Cast On Spring
2005: 22-24.
Technical article; used for decrease swatches.

1, 2 Holladay, Arenda. "On Your Way to the Masters: Decreases, Part 2." Cast On Summer 2005: 16-17.
Technical article; used for decrease swatches.

2 Holladay, Arenda. "On Your Way to the Masters: Seams, Part 1.” Cast On August- October 2007: 67-69.
Stockinette, reverse stockinette, garter and seed stitch seams.

2 Holladay, Arenda. "On Your Way to the Masters: Seams, Part 2.” Cast On November 2007- January 2008: 65-66.
2x2 and1x1 rib seams.

2 Holladay, Arenda. "On Your Way to the Masters: Seams, Part 3.” Cast On. February- April 2008: 64-66.
Horizontal/horizontal and vertical/horizontal seams.

2, 3 Holladay, Arenda. "On Your Way to the Masters: Pattern Writing, Part One." Cast On Spring 2004: 76-77.
Pattern writing--swatches

2, 3 Holladay, Arenda. "On Your Way to the Masters: Pattern Writing, Part Two." Cast On Spring 2004: 60-61.
Pattern writing--projects

1 2 Holladay, Arenda. "On Your Way to the Masters: Those Pesky Yarn Tails." Cast On Spring 2003: 13-15.
Technical: used for weaving tail end—new technique.

3 Holland, Micah. "Acrylic - It’s Old, It’s New, It’s Everywhere!" The Costumer's Manifesto. 2006. 30 July 2008 .
Fiber report--acrylic yarn history.

3 Interweave Knits Fall 2008.
Magazine review.

3 Interweave Knits Spring 2008.
Magazine review.

3 Interweave Knits Summer 2008.
Magazine review.

3 Interweave Knits Winter 2008
Magazine review.

3 Jang, Eunny. "Bayerische." See Eunnny Knit. 14 Sept. 2006. 15 July 2008 .
Traveling twisted Stitches.

3 Jang, Eunny. "Beyond the Basics: Steeks-- Cutting the Edge." Interweave Knits Winter 2006: 100-102.
Steeks

3 Jang, Eunny. "The Steeking Chronicles." See Eunny Knit. 11 Jan. 2006. 17 June 2008 .
Steeks

3 Jezek, Geno. "What is polyester/History of Polyester/Uses of Polyester/Manufacture of Polyester." What is Polyester. 2006. 1 Aug. 2008 .
Fiber report.

3 Kariniemi-Alve, Leena. "From the Arctic Circle: Knitted Rovaniemi Mittens." Piecework Jan. & Feb. 2008: 12-15.
Rovaniemi mittens; traditional knitting report.

2, 3 Kartus, Lisa. Knit Fix. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 2006.
Recognizing and fixing knitting problems.

2, 3 Keele, Wendy, . Poems of Color: Knitting in the Bohus Tradition. New York: Interweave P, LLC, 1995.
Bohus knitting; traditional knitting report.

3 Knight, Erika. Harmony Guide: Basic Crochet Stitches 250 Stitches to Crochet (The Harmony Guides). New York: Interweave P, 2008. (Trim)
Sweater project.

3 A Knitting Glossary. Dir. Chris Swansen. Perf. Elizabeth Zimmermann, Meg Swansen. DVD. Schoolhouse Press, 2005.
DVD demonstrating knitting techniques.

2, 3 Lambert, Gail Allen. The Taxonomy of Sweater Structures and Their Origins. Diss. North Carolina State University, 2002. NCSU Libraries. North Carolina State University. 4 Oct. 2008
183 p. Master’s dissertation of the history of sweater construction. Addresses historical and traditional sweaters worldwide. Traditional knitting report. Hat and sweater project.

2 Lind, Vibeke. Knitting in the Nordic Tradition. Asheville: Lark Books, 1997.
Translation of: Strik med nordisk tradition. History of Nordic patterns, garment styles, tools, traditions and techniques. Includes charts.

3 Lovick, Elizabeth. A Fair Isle Workbook. St Margaret's Hope, Orkney, 2008.
Fair Isle workshop. Sweater project.

3 Lovick, Elizabeth. "Orkney Pi Shawl." Ms. Northern Lace, 1 Sweyn Court, Church Road, St Margaret's Hope, Orkney KW17 2SR; / . 2008. http://www.northernlace.co.uk
Knit-along hosted by Liz Lovick involving Orkney/Shetland Lace pattern with the EZ as Pi Yahoo Group. Pattern now for sale.

3 Luutonen, Marketta. Handmade Memories. 2008. The Finnish Crafts Organization. 2 Mar. 2009 .Rustic product as a conveyor of meaning. [A study of Finnish pullovers]). Helsinki, Finland. Pp. 331-341
Doctoral thesis concerning memories and meanings associated with handmade items. traditional knitting report.

3 Marchant, Nancy. "Brioche Stitch." Interweave Knits Spring 2005: 80-85.
Brioche stitch --swatch 6.

3 Marchant, Nancy. "Honeycomb Brioche Stitch." The Brioche Stitch. 2007. 3 July 2008 .
Brioche stitch --swatch 6.

3 Mates, Kathyrn. "On Your Way to the Masters: Keys to Successful Duplicate Stitch." Cast On Feb-April, 2008: 58-59.
Duplicate stitch; Intarsia Swatch.

2, 3 McGregor, Sheila. Traditional Fair Isle Knitting. Minneapolis: Dover Publications, Incorporated, 2003.
Fair Isle discussion and design; good chart source. Traditional knitting report.

2, 3 McGregor, Sheila. Traditional Scandinavian Knitting. Minneapolis: Dover Publications, Incorporated, 2004.
Nordic knitting discussion and design; good chart source. Traditional knitting report and sweater project.

2 Melville, Sally. The Knitting Experience: Book 3: Color. Sioux Falls: Xrx Books, 2005.
Pattern book with technical information on various methods of color knitting.

2 Miller, Geoffrey. "The History of the Gansey." Flamborough Marine Limited. 3 Jan.
2007 << HYPERLINK "http://www.manorhouse.clara.net/knitwear/history.htm" http://www.manorhouse.clara.net/knitwear/history.htm>.
Historical: Website of a British sweater company selling historical ganseys. These pages discuss the history of the gansey.

2 Morris, Charlotte. "Beyond the Basics: Perfect Seams, Part 1." Interweave Knits Spring 2002: 68-70.
Seed stitch seaming.

3 Nolan, Katherine. "Aran Stitches and their Meanings." DoChara Your Irish Friend. 2004. InKK Designs. 26 Oct. 2008
Aran hat project.

3 Pagoldh, Susanne. Nordic Knitting New York: Interweave P, 1997.
Nordic knitting history, technique and patterns. Traditional knitting report.

3 Pentikainen, Juha. and Poom, Riva. Kalevala Mythology. Bloomington, Ind: Indiana UP, 1999.
Translation/ Finnish mythology, p 144 definition for traditional knitting report.

3 Piecework Jan. & Feb. 2008.
Magazine review.

3 Reckweg, Nurhanne. "Tips for Doily Knitting." Yarn Over. 2007. 6 July 2008 .
Doily information: materials, working the project, blocking, + more.

2 "Regional Knitting in the British Isles & Ireland." The Victoria and Albert Museum. 8 Jan. 2005 .
Website of the Victoria and Albert museum; these pages address historical items and provides links to other knitting sites.

1, 2, 3 Righetti, Maggie. Knitting in Plain English. New York: St Martin’s Press, 1986.
Comprehensive reference book on knitting.

1 Roberts, Marilyn A. “Blocking for Blockheads.” The Knitting Curmudgeon. 2002. [Cited 17 August 2006]. HYPERLINK "http://www.knittingcurmudgeon.com/" http:// www.knittingcurmudgeon.com/BlockingforBlockheads.pdf.
Blocking report.

2, 3 Roberts, Marilyn A. "Swatch Out!" Knitty.Com. 2003. 8 Feb. 2007 . .
Knitty website: Article on gauge.

2 3 Rutt, Richard. The History of Hand Knitting. Loveland, Colorado: Interweave Press, 1987.
Book on knitting history.

2 St. Claire, Celine. "The Cowichin Sweater." The Cowichin Webzine. 4 Jan. 2007 .
Website dedicated to the Cowichin Indians; this page addresses the Cowichin sweater.

2 Sowerby, Jane. Victorian Lace Today. Sioux Falls: Xrx Books, 2006.
Book addressing history, technique, design and patterns; XRX charts. Book addressing history, technique, design and patterns; used for book review and historical information.

3 Spence-Ash, Laura. "Knitting out of the Pantry." Interweave Knits Summer 2004: 34-36.
Fiber report--bamboo.

1, 2, 3 Stanley, Montise. Reader’s Digest Knitter’s Handbook. Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s
Digest Association, 2001.
Comprehensive reference book on knitting.

2 Stenersen, Theresa, Vinson. "Techniques with Theresa." Knitty. 2004. 24 Jan. 2007 .
Web magazine; this article address grafting of stitches.

2 Szabo, Janet. Aran Sweater Design. Kalispell, MT: Big Sky Knitting Designs, 2006.
Self published book about Aran sweater design and element; cable swatches.

2 "Textiles." Shetland Museum Service. 31 Mar. 2005. 8 Jan. 2007 .
Website of the Shetland Museum (historical) Pages address knitting in the Shetland Isles.

1 Thomas, Jessica Fenlon. “To Block or Not to Block...” 2002. Knitty. [Cited 28 January 2006]. http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/FEATdiyknitter.html.
Blocking report.

3 "Tikkuripaita." Silmukka silmkalta, kerros derrokselta perinteen maailmaan. Mar. 2003. 2 Mar. 2009
Tikkuri paita sweater; traditional knitting report. Page translation.

3 Tran, Khanh T. "Designers Go Green With Sustainable Fabrics." Bamboo Clothes: bamboo textiles. 2006. 31 July 2008 .

1, 2, 3Vogue Knitting: the Ultimate Knitting Book. New York: Sixth and Springs Books, 2002.
Comprehensive knitting reference book.

2 Walker, Barbara G. Charted Knitting Designs. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1972.
Book on knitting designs; used for explanation of mosaic knitting.

3 White, Sarah E. "Knitting with Bamboo Yarn." About.com. 2008. 31 July 2008 .
fiber report--bamboo.

1 Wilson, Jenna. “…a field guide to yarn substitutions.” 2003. Knitty. [Cited 5 February 2006] Yarn substitution.

1, 2, 3 Wiseman, Nancie M. The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques. Woodinville: Martingale and Company, 2002.
Book addressing techniques to finish knitted pieces.

3Working Travelling Twisted Stitches." Crossed in Translation. 4 Jan. 2006. 14 July 2008 .
Austrian Twisted Stitches swatch.

3Wyche, Carol. "Entrelac Handout." PrismNet : Austin TX VOIP, Broadband Colocation, Web Hosting. 13 Aug. 2008 .
Entrelac

3Zimmermann, Elizabeth. The Opinionated Knitter. New York: Schoolhouse P, 2005.
Collection of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Newsletters; Traditional knitting report.

Taos Woven Jacket

2009-04-29T07:29:00.007-04:00

Check your new issue of Cast On for the Taos Woven Jacket:

I'm so excited to see this in print.

And the original:

Still working on the stash reduction blanket. One problem with the stash reduction blanket: Mr. Zip and company keep taking the stash

Yeah they look innocent but they aren't.

Job done:

With some divine intervention.

Hemlock Ring Blanket

2009-04-24T09:12:00.005-04:00

Work is continuing on the Hemlock Ring (Doily) Blanket. This is such a fun project. I wondering if I've got enough yarn. I may need to get more. It's really a clever idea making a doily large enough to be a lap blanket.

Hemlock always remind me of Socrates. So if you've never heard the world's shortest biography:

Socrates was a man. Socrates was a Greek. He went around telling everyone what to do. They poisoned him.

Hmmm.....

My Level three made it to the TKGA office. I think it will take close to 3 months to review, especially since the convention is this May, and they will all be busy with that.

I am also working on a "stash reduction" Blanket. I saw something like it on the Yarn Harlot's

Ravelry page. So I can't take credit for this one. It's great if you've got alot of yarn snippets and part used up balls of yarn. Some of you saw it last week.

This is a project my student's will love. No gauge swatch! No (real) counting! (if you can count to 3 you're set and even then if you don't feel like counting---don't).

Basically what I did was:

Size #9 (32") circular needles

Using a worsted weight yarn make a tail that is several yards long (don't measure--Esimate!!!) Start casting on (lontail) while your waiting for pages to load on the computer or reading emails or what ever. Cast on for about 1/2 hour with distractions. You should have 200 +/-

stitches. Don't count!! Should fill up your needles.

Choose a pattern stitch. I'm doing garter st. Then work one row with your cast on yarn. Cut yarn , leaving a tail. Pick another yarn from your stash and begin knitting with that. Tie the tail of this yarn together with the first yarn (fringe). Knit an odd # of rows (I've been doing 3 so far), cut yarn leaving a tail. Keep doing this until you feel like stopping. Or just keep going.

I am now on Twitter as lipizzanknitter (what else!!)

Bread and circuses

2009-04-15T17:06:00.013-04:00

News:

I sent my level III off this morning. Hoping it gets to

Zanesville safely.

Master Knitter Level III Update

2009-03-24T10:18:00.015-04:00

Here is the knitting I will be submitting for the TKGA MK Level III:

Tubular Cast On/Bind Off

Double Decreases:

SSP:

P2tog tbl:

Yarn Overs:

Brioche Stitch:

Herringbone Stitch:

Smocking Stitch:

Elongated Stitches:

Traveling Twisted Stitches:

Entrelac:

Slipped Stitches:

Mosaic:

Charted Symbols (Lace and cable):

Intarsia:

Duplicate Stitch:

Short Rows:

Doily:

And the
Aran Hat:

Nordic Style Stranded Sweater(blocking):

I reviewd 2 magazines:
Piecework
Interweave Knits
2 design books:
The Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd
Colorful Knitwear Design by Threads

I wrote 2 reports:
1. Description of 6 fibers covering the 3 main fiber types.
and
2.Traditional Knitting Report
a. Traditional Technique: Yoke Sweaters. Here I included 3 swatches of tradtional yokes:

b. Tradtional Regional Knitting: Traditonal and Ethnic Knitting in Finland.

Cherry Tree Hill Socks...The Men's Version

2009-03-14T08:08:00.002-04:00

I've gotten a few requests for an update and resizing so here it is:

Cherry Tree Hill Socks...The Men's Version

Download a PDF of Cherry Tree Hill Socks...The Men's Version

Size: men’s med(9.5” circumference)/large(10” circumference)

Materials:
450 yds of Fingering weight sock yarn
One set Size US2 DPNs or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 28 sts and 38 rows = 4” or 10 cm in st st. To save time, take time to check gauge.

Abbreviations:
DPN: double point needles
St(s): stitch(es)
Rnd: round
St st: stockinette stitch
K: knit
P: purl
Sl: slip
k2tog: knit 2 sts together
p2tog: purl 2 sts together
Ssk: slip slip knit.
st st: stockinette stitch

Cuff and Leg:
Cast on 68/72 sts. Arrange sts evenly on 3 dpns. Join in the round, being careful not to twist sts.
Cuff—Broken Rib stitch as follows:
Rnd 1: K1 P1
Rnd 2: K
Repeat rnds 1 & 2 until piece measures 2”. Continue Leg in st st (knit every rnd) until leg is desired length.

Heel:
Knit across 17/18 sts, turn work and purl across 34/36 sts. These are the heel sts. The other sts will be the instep stitches and will not be knit until later.
Work back and forth on heel sts as follows:
Row 1 (RS): *Sl 1 k1* repeat across row
Row 2 (WS): Sl, purl to end of row
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 34/36 rows have been worked (end on a WS row)

Turn Heel:
Row 1: Knit across 19/20 sts, ssk, k1, turn
Row 2: Sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1 turn
Row 3: Sl 1, k 6, ssk, k1, turn
Row 4: Sl 1, p 7, p2tog, p1, turn
Row 5: Sl 1, k 8, ssk, k1, turn
Row 6: Sl 1, p 9, p2tog, p1, turn
Row 7: Sl 1, k 10, ssk, k1, turn
Row 8: Sl 1, p11, p2 tog, p1 turn
Row 9: Sl 1, k12, ssk, k1, turn
Row 10:Sl 1, p13, p2tog, p1 turn.
Row 11: Sl 1, k14, ssk,k1 turn
Row 12: Sl 1, P14, p2tog, p1, turn
Row 13: Sl 1, k15, ssk,k1 turn

Row 14: Med Sl1, p16, p2 tog p1, end (20 sts)
Large: Sl 1 p16, p2tog p1, turn
Row 15: Large: sl 1, k17, ssk, turn
Row 16 Large: sl1, p18, p2tog end (20 sts)

Gusset:
Knit across all heel sts and with the same dpn pick up and knit 17/18 sts along selvedge edge of heel flap (This is needle #1)
With another dpn knit across all instep sts (This is needle #2)
With another dpn pick up and knit 17/18 sts along the other selvedge of the heel and then knit 10/10 stitches from needle #1 (This is needle #3)
The rnd now begins at the center of the heel.
Rnd 1: Needle 1: k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
Needle 2: k
Needle 3: k1, ssk, k to end
Rnd 2: knit (no decreases)
Repeat rnds 1 & 2 until 68/72 sts remain

Foot:
Work even in st st until foot measures 2 1/2” less than desired length.

Toe:
Rnd 1: Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts,k2 tog, k1
Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end.
Rnd 2: knit (no decreases)
Repeat rnds 1 & 2 until 24/28 sts remain, then repeat only rnd 1 until 12/12 sts remain.
Knit sts from needle1 onto needle 3. Cut yarn leaving an 18” tail. Using Kitchener st, graft remaining sts together.

Finishing:
Weave in loose ends. Block if desired.

Garbage can liner:

2009-03-11T16:38:00.000-04:00

For the Wednesday afternoon girls:

Garter stitch garbage can liner.
A boring and worthless project.
Remember 5 year olds can make this in their sleep.

Finished measurment: each one is an individual
Materials: yarn you you hate.
Needles needed to get gauge.
Gauge 16 sts = 4”/10cm To save time, take time to check gauge.

Cast on 160 sts.
Knit every row until the piece fits your garbage can. Seam side and bottom .Weave in ends. Put in the garbage.

He's not making a garbage can liner:

Writing a book review TKGA style

2009-03-10T13:40:00.000-04:00

From my moment of wisdom:

This is from the post so many people have pm'd me about on Ravelry. I added a few notes to it. Hope it helps you out. Writing a book review isn't that hard especially with an organized format to follow:

Here’s a list of items I put together (from searching the internet) before I wrote the book reports:

1.Write a statement giving essential information about the book: title, author, first copyright date, price and ISBN number of pages.

(I put this information at the left top of the page)

Then began the prose with:

2.State the author’s purpose in writing the book. Sometimes authors state their purpose in the preface or the first chapter.

3.Talk about the contents. What topics the book covers. Describe any thesis or themes at this point.

4.Explain the layout/organization of the book. How the chapters are arranged, etc.

5.Evaluate the book for interest, accuracy, objectivity, importance, thoroughness, and usefulness. What did you agree/disagree/like/dislike. Is the book relevant. Is there anything new or special to this book or does it retell (better or worse) information.
Include the Front matter which would include table of contents, preface, introduction by someone else etc.

6.Discuss the book’s format. layout, binding typography, quality of pictures and diagrams.

7.Check the back matter: Is the index accurate. Does the book provide a good bibliography. What sources did the author use.
Backmatter would include appendices, index,glossary,sources, bibliography.

8.Summerize/Analyze the contents. Do you recomend the book and to who. State any other opinions you have about the book. Do not introduce new material at this point

9.Provide information on the author.

Good luck to you all!!

Noro Entrelac Scarf

2009-03-05T08:02:00.000-05:00

I know, this is a This & That oldie, but always popular. A great project for learning entrelac.

Download a PDF of Noro Entrelac Scarf.

NORO ENTRELAC SCARF

Finished measurement: 6 ½ inches x 46 inches without fringe.

Materials: 3 skeins Noro Kureyon or Silk Garden yarn (more if longer scarf desired----each skein will knit about 17 inches of entrelac)
Size 10.5 needles

Gauge: 16 stitches = 4”/10cm in stockinette (gauge is not critical to this piece)

Abbreviations:
K: knit
P: purl
K2tog: knit two stitches together
P2tog: purl 2 stitches together
Ssk: slip one stitch as if to knit, slip another stitch as if to knit, knit these 2 stitches together through the back loop
Sl: slip stitch, slip all stitches purlwise unless otherwise directed
M1:make one stitch

Make 3 base triangles:
Cast on 15 stitches
Begin first triangle:
Row 1 (WS): P2 turn work
Row 2: Slip the first st, k1
Row 3: Sl1, p2, turn
Row 4: Sl1, k2
Row 5: Sl1, p3, turn
Row 6: Sl1, k3
Row 7: Sl1 p4, turn

Repeat above steps for second triangle on the next 5 stitches, then repeat again on the final 5 stitches for third triangle. Turn work.

Make body of scarf:

Make a right side triangle:
Row 1(RS): K2, turn
Row 2: Sl1, p1
Row 3: Sl1, m1, ssk, turn
Row 4: Sl1, p2,
Row 5: Sl1, m1, k1, ssk, turn
Row 6: Sl1, p3
Row 7: Sl1, m1, k2, ssk, do not turn.

Make a left leaning rectangle:
Row 1 (RS): Pick up and knit 5 stitches along the edge of the base triangle (or rectangle), turn
Row 2,4,6,8,10,: Sl1, p5
Row 3,5,7,9,: Sl1, k4, ssk, turn
Row 11: Sl1, k4, ssk, do not turn

Make 1 more left leaning rectangle along the next base triangle (or rectangle) edge.

Make a left side triangle:
Row 1 (RS): Pick up and knit 5 stitches along base triangle (or rectangle) edge.
Row 2: Sl1, p4, turn
Row 3: Sl1, k2, k2tog
Row 4: Sl1, p3, turn
Row 5: Sl1, k1, k2tog
Row 6: Sl1, p2, turn
Row 7: Sl1, k2tog
Row 8: Sl1, p1, turn
Row 9: K2tog

Make a right leaning rectangle:
Row 1 (WS): Slip remaining stitch to RH needle, pick up and purl 5 stitches along edge of last triangle (or rectangle), turn
Row 2,4,6,8,10,12: Sl1, k5
Row 3,5,7,9,11: Sl1 p4, p2tog, turn
Row 13: Sl1, p4, p2tog, do not turn

Make 2 more right leaning rectangles along the next left leaning rectangles.

Repeat the above directions until scarf measures 46” or desired length. End on the WS.

3. Make 3 Finishing Triangles:
With CC,
Row 1: Slip remaining stitch to the RH needle, pick up and purl 6 stitches along the edge of the last triangle, turn
Row 2: Sl1, k4, k2tog
Row 3: Sl1, p4, p2tog, turn
Row 4, Sl1, k3, k2tog
Row 5: Sl1, p3, p2tog, turn
Row 6: Sl1, k2, k2tog
Row 7: Sl1, p2, p2tog, turn
Row 8: Sl1, k1, k2tog
Row 9: Sl1, p1, p2tog, turn
Row 10: Sl1, k2tog
Row 11: Sl1, p2tog
Row 12: Ssk
Row 13; P2tog

Work 2 more finishing triangles along the edges of the next 2 rectangles.

Weave in ends and block to measurement.

Escape

2009-02-23T20:50:00.000-05:00

Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Do you want to get away from it all? We offer you Escape!!

Escape transcribed to free you from the four walls of today with a project of high adventure.....

Down load a PDF of Escape.

Instructions for Gay’s Netted Shawl:

Materials:
350 yds worsted weight (#5) yarn
Size 13 needles

Gauge is not critical to this project.

Abbreviations:
kfb: knit into the front and back of the stitch
k2tog: knit two stitches together

Loosely cast on 34 sts.

Set up:
row 1: Kfb, k to last st, kfb
row 2: K

Begin pattern:
Row 1: Kfb, k1, *y, k2tog* rep from *to* to last st, kfb.
Row 2: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 3: Kfb, *k2tog, yo* rep from *to* to last 2 sts, k1, kfb.
Row 4: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2

Repeat rows 1-4 to desired length. Knit 2 rows, Bind of all sts.
Weave in ends, block if needed.

Swatch 5

2009-02-18T07:05:00.000-05:00

Swatch 5

Cotton DK

Wool

Something to disturb you.

Project Spice

2009-02-16T14:52:00.001-05:00

Project Spice is underway.

It all began innocently. I went to buy a manure spreader from a friend, a spinning friend. I got the spreader and came home with this (to play with):

On Feb 14 we went to Shearing Day at Rising Meadows Farm:

The perfect constituents waiting to be fleeced.

There were even babies:

I came home with this:

and this:

Spice a 3.4lb Corriedale Lamb fleece:
Freshly skirted(cleaned)

After a quick lesson and some reading, I decided to go ahead and wash the fleece.

It wasn’t hard at all, and it hardly took any time. I did it all in the barn, where I’ve got access to super hot water.

This project is shovel ready....

2009-02-13T18:01:00.000-05:00

Cherry Tree Hill Socks

2009-02-12T11:36:00.000-05:00

This is one of my most popular patterns. The sample was knit using Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino but you can substitue any sock yarn that knits well at this gauge.

Download a PDF of Cherry Tree Hill Socks.

Download a PDF for a plus size version of this pattern.... "Socks for Winnie"

Cherry Tree Hill Socks
Leslie Gonzalez

Size: Women’s small (6 ½“ foot circumference)/ and med (7 ½” foot circumference)

Materials:
1 skein Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino(100% superwash merino; 4 oz / 420 yards).
Needles size US2 (2.75 mm) dpn
Darning needle

Gauge: 28 sts and 38 rows = 4” or 10 cm in st st. To save time, take time to check gauge.

Abbreviations:
DPN: double point needles
St(s): stitch(es)
Rnd: round
St st: stockinette stitch
K: knit
P: purl
Sl: slip
k2tog: knit 2 sts together
p2tog: purl 2 sts together
Ssk: slip slip knit.
st st: stockinette stitch

Cuff and Leg:
Cast on 48/56 sts. Arrange sts evenly on 3 dpns. Join in the round, being careful not to twist sts.
Cuff—Broken Rib stitch as follows:
Rnd 1: K1 P1
Rnd 2: K
Repeat rnds 1 & 2 until piece measures 2”. Continue Leg in st st (knit every rnd) until leg is desired length.

Heel:
Knit across 12/14 sts, turn work and purl across 24/28 sts. These are the heel sts. The other sts will be the instep stitches and will not be knit until later.
Work back and forth on heel sts as follows:
Row 1 (RS): *Sl 1 k1* repeat across row
Row 2 (WS): Sl, purl to end of row
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 24 row have been worked (end on a WS row)

Turn Heel:
Row 1: Knit across 14/16 sts, ssk, k1, turn
Row 2: Sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1 turn
Row 3: Sl 1, k 6, ssk, k1, turn
Row 4: Sl 1, p 7, p2tog, p1, turn
Row 5: Sl 1, k 8, ssk, k1, turn
Row 6: Sl 1, p 9, p2tog, p1, turn
Row 7: Sl 1, k 10, ssk, k1, turn
Row 8: Sl 1, p11, p2 tog, p1 turn
Row 9: Small: Sl 1, k 12, ssk, turn
Med: Sl 1, k12, ssk, k1, turn
Row 10: Small: Sl 1, p12, p2tog. (14 sts)
Med: Sl 1, p13, p2tog, p1 turn.
Row 11: Med: Sl 1, k14, ssk, turn
Row 12: Med: Sl 1, P14, p2tog (16sts)

Gusset:
Knit across all heel sts and with the same dpn pick up and knit 12/14 sts along selvedge edge of heel flap (This is needle #1)
With another dpn knit across all (24/26) instep sts (This is needle #2)
With another dpn pick up and knit 12/14 sts along the other selvedge of the heel and then knit 7/8 stitches from needle #1 (This is needle #3)
The rnd now begins at the center of the heel.
Rnd 1: Needle 1: k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
Needle 2: k
Needle 3: k1, ssk, k to end
Rnd 2: knit (no decreases)
Repeat rnds 1 & 2 until 48/56 sts remain

Foot:
Work even in st st until foot measures 1¾” less than desired length.

Toe:
Rnd 1: Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
Needle 2: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2 tog, k1
Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end.
Rnd 2: knit (no decreases)
Repeat rnds 1 & 2 until 24/28 sts remain, then repeat only rnd 1 until 12/12 sts remain.
Knit sts from needle1 onto needle 3. Cut yarn leaving an 18” tail. Using Kitchener st, graft remaining sts together.

Finishing:
Weave in loose ends. Block if desired.

My Sweet Rosita

2009-02-11T06:45:00.000-05:00

My Sweet Rosita

Named for my favorite Brown Eyed Girl.....Rosie.

This sweet purse is big enough for a cell phone, lipstick, and the few other items you’ll need for a night on the town. It conveniently hangs off your wrist like a bracelet.

This pattern is available at This & That

3712-B Lawndale Drive at Crosspointe Shopping Center in Greensboro, NC.

(336)288-0034

or buy it here:

$3.50

Finished Size: 5” x 4 1/2 “

Materials: Knit One Crochet Too Tartelette #222 carnation (50g; 75 yds; 50% cotton/50% nylon) 1 skein*
Needles size US 11/ 8mm DPNs or 42 “ circular OR size needed to obtain correct gauge
Tapestry needle
Two 2 1/2” clasp bangles or bracelets

Gauge: 14 sts and 16 rows = 4’/10cm in st st.To save time, take time to check gauge.

*1 skein should make 2 purses.

Nightfall.....

2008-12-27T09:12:00.000-05:00

Nightfall.....

Download a PDF of Nightfall.

In the dream you are falling…..
An easy to knit Feather and Fan Lap Blanket to keep you warm as darkness locks in.

Finished Size 48” x 5”
Materials:
Tahki Taos (1.75 oz /50 g; 60 yds/55 m; 95%; Wool/ 5% Nylon) 10 balls
One pair size US 13 needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 8 sts = 4”/10cm ( Gauge is not critical to this piece)

Pattaern Stitches
Feather and Fan with garter stitch border
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit 5, p to last 5 sts, k5
Row 3 Knit5, [(k2tog) 3 times, (yo, k1) 5 times, yo,(k2tog)3 times] repeat to last 5 sts, k5
Row 4: Repeat row 2
Repeat these four rows for feather and fan stitch

Cast on 95 sts. Knit 5 rows. Begin Feather and Fan with garter stitch border pattern. Continue in pattern until enough yarn is left to work 6 rows. Knit 5 rows. Bind off all stitches in pattern. Weave in ends and block.

Lux

2008-12-23T16:12:00.000-05:00

This is the second bag I designed after beginning at This & That. The bag was eventually felted by Kim and now belongs to Deborah. You can use it as knitted or felted, either way! It felts out nicely with a really great texture.

Download a PDF of Lux.

What is lux?
Lux = The SI unit of illumination.

Lux

Materials:
MC: Tahki Baby (60 yds/ m; ozs/ g; 100% merino wool) dark blue 3 balls.
CC: Tahki Baby (60 yds/ m; ozs/ g; 100% merino wool) light blue 2 balls.
One pair Size 15, 24 inch, circular needles or size needed to obtain correct gauge.
Gauge: 8.5 stitches = 4 inches in garter stitch (gauge is not critical to this piece)
Finished size: 14 x 16 inches
With MC cast on 60 stitches. Join in the round being careful not to twist work. Work in garter
stitch as follows:
Round 1—knit
Round 2—purl
Round 3—knit
Round 4—purl
Join CC and repeat rounds 1-4.
Continue working rounds 1-4 alternating MC and CC to create stripes, carrying the unused yarn
along the inside of the bag. Work until piece measures 14 inches, ending with MC. Break CC.
Make handles as follows:
With MC knit 1 round.
Next round: purl 10 stitches, bind off 10 stitches, purl 20 stitches, bind of 10 stitches, purl 10
stitches.
Next round: knit 10 stitches, cast on 10 stitches, knit 20 stitches, cast on 10 stitches, knit 10
stitches.
Purl 1 round
Knit 1 round
Bind off all stitches.
Finishing:
Sew together bottom.
Weave in all loose ends.
Block if necessary. May also be felted.

Bourse de Selle

2008-12-20T13:47:00.000-05:00

This is an old pattern I wrote for This & That when I began working there, years ago. The sample above has long since been sold but the pattern is still available.

Download a PDF of Bourse de Selle.

Bourse de Selle
(Saddle Bag)

Materials: Tahki Baby yarn (60 yds/ m; ozs/ g; 100% merino wool)
One pair size US 15 needles or size needed to obtain gauge
Pin or button (optional)

Finished Size: 8”x5”x2”

Gauge: 10 sts= 4”/10 cm (gauge is not critical to this piece)

Cast on 20 stitches.

Make purse flap:

Row 1: knit (RS)
Row 2: knit
Row 3: knit
Row 4: knit first 3 stitches, purl 14, knit last 3 stitches (WS)

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until piece measures 5 inches ending with a wrong side row.

Knit purse body:

Next row: knit
Next row: purl

Continue in stockinette stitch until entire piece measures 16 inches, ending with a WS row. Knit 4 more rows (garter stitch).

Knit gussets and strap:

Cast on 6 stitches.

Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS/purl on WS) for 5 inches, ending on a WS row—1 gusset made.
Next row begin strap in garter stitch (knit every row) Continue until entire piece measures 33 inches (or length desired for strap ). End on a WS row.
Next row (RS) begin second gusset in stockinette stitch (knit on RS/purl on WS) until entire piece measures 38 inches. Bind off.

Assemble Purse:

Fold bottom of body to beginning of flap with RS facing out. Sew gussets to sides of purse being careful not to twist strap. Fold flap over purse opening. Embellish with pin or button. Weave in loose ends and block.

Avoiding Frustration

2008-12-18T07:37:00.000-05:00

The past few weeks have proved challenging for many of you. Several of you are working on some pretty demanding projects.
Most of you saw "Izzy's big save" which could have been disaster. All of you have made big strides in your knitting from neatness to difficulty of projects. You are learning to "diagnose" and fix mistakes, steps towards technical knitting independence. Take a moment to look back over time, say one year ago, and look at the projects you've tackled, your successes, and the techniques you've mastered. I decided to post this "excerpt" I have saved from some old word documents to help you through some of the more frustrating issues in reference to knitting as you advance into uncharted waters :

Knitting can be frustrating at times. It helps to always keep in mind that this is a hobby, time spent on yourself. I consider my time to be extremely valuable and therefore I prefer to avoid frustration. There are several things that can lead to knitting frustration.

Choosing the wrong pattern will make knitting unenjoyable. Knitting a pattern above your skill level or getting mired down in a monotonous project is no fun. My philosophy is if you’re not having fun, put it down and do something else. You may find yourself able to work on that difficult project down the road and you can chip away at the monotonous project in between more engaging works. The key is to like what you are doing.

Unrealistic expectations are also a cause for frustration. I have never seen something hand knit that looks like a machine made it. I have seen knitting that was done poorly and looked sloppy. The realistic goal is to have something that looks handmade and polished. It is a goal and requires time and practice. Each piece you complete should look better than its predecessor.

Another unrealistic expectation is that other people will value your efforts in the same way as we (meaning we knitters) do. While there are many people who will appreciate your effort there are some who just won’t. Most people who don’t knit, don’t understand the time and effort (physical, mental and emotional) it takes to make a piece. Pick your recipients carefully and don’t take it personally if you don’t get the response you’d expected.

Also, do not expect to save money by knitting your own items. Yarn is not cheap and neither is your time. If you see something you like, buy it, chances are it will be cheaper bought than made by hand. Spend your time making something where you will enjoy the process as well as the product.

Finding a mistake in the piece and having to rip out is frustrating. Mistakes are inevitable. I try to encourage students to fix obvious mistakes. Even if no one else ever notices the mistake, it will be the first thing you see when you look at the piece. Remember, you will learn from your mistakes; everyone will have to rip out at some point.

Lack of standardization is also frustrating to knitters. Everything from yarn specifications, equipment specifications to written directions use different standards. While the craft has been in existence since early AD, patterns have only been in existence since the late nineteenth century. Patterns and their abbreviations for the most part are similar but there is no one standard way to write instructions and this can be very frustrating. Even needles are sized using at least 3 different standards!!!

No post is complete without a contribution from Mr Zip:

Beginner's Socks

2008-12-05T06:43:00.001-05:00

Hand knit socks have rapidly become a popular knitting project for many of my students. Trying to teach socks over a three week period was a challenge for me. I have found that there are several obstacles that students face when attempting that first pair.

-Working on double pointed needles (DPNs)
-Working on very small needles (sizes 3 and below)
-Working with fine (thin) yarn in multicolors which often obscure dropped or incorrectly knit stitches.
-Working new techniques.

To help students get a “grasp” on the learning process I wrote the following pattern. I’ve eliminated the smaller needles and difficult yarn. The pattern makes a thicker sock made of worsted weight yarn. If worked two at a time, they can easily be made in the three week time slot. Using the worsted weight wool, it is possible to complete the heel, heel turn, and gusset pickup of stitches in a 2 hour class on one sock.

Download a PDF of Beginner's Socks and Notes on Socks.

Beginner’s Socks

Sizes: Child’s, Women’s, Men’s

Finished foot circumference: 6 ½”, 8”, 9”

Abbreviations:
Dpn: double point needle
St: stitch
Sl: slip stitch. Slip all stitches purlwise unless noted.
Ssk: slip1(knitwise), slip1(knitwise), knit the slipped stitches together through the back loop
P2 tog: purl 2 sts together
K2tog: knit 2 sts together
Rnd: round

Stitch Patterns used:
1x1 ribbing—alternate k and p stitches-- knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts.
Stockinette st—knit every round (round knitting) or knit the right side row and purl the wrong side row(flat knitting)

Materials:
Worsted Weight yarn (preferably merino wool) about 350 yds for a 6" sock more or less depending on sock lenght desired. I like Mission Falls 1824 wool which is a superwash, non itching merino wool, perfect for socks.
Set of DPNs (4) sized to knit your yarn at 5 sts per inch.
Darning needle

Gauge: 10 sts= 2" or 5cm. Take time to make a gauge swatch. *see note at end

Cuff and Leg:
Cast onto 1 dpn 32(40:48) stitches. Arrange stitches evenly on 3 dpns. Being careful not to twist stitches, join in the round and work in 1x1 (k1, p1) ribbing for 2 ¾ inches (your tail will mark the beginning and end of each round or you can place a locking marker in the knitting itself). Continue to knit in stockinette st (knit every round) until total length is 5 ½ (7:8) inches or leg length desired.

Heel:
Knit across 8(10:12) sts. Turn work and purl across 16(20:24) sts. These are your heel sts. The other sts will be your instep stitches and will not be knit until later.
Work back and forth (in rows) across the heel sts as follows:
Row 1: Sl 1 (purlwise with yarn in back of work), knit across row
Row 2: Sl 1 (purlwise with yarn in front of work) purl across row
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until 16(20:24) rows have been worked(last row worked should be a purl row)

Turning the heel:
Row 1: Knit across 10(12:14) stitches, ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 2: Sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 3: Sl 1, k 6, ssk, k1, turn.
Row 4: Sl1, p 7, p2tog, p1, turn
Row 5: For child’s size: Sl 1, k 8, ssk, turn
For women’s and men’s: Sl 1, k 8, ssk, k1, turn.
Row 6: For child’s size: Sl 1, p8 p2tog. 10 stitches remain. Continue to Gusset instructions.
For women’s and men’s: Sl1, p 9, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 7: Sl 1, k 10, ssk, (men’s size only k1), turn
Row 8: Women’s size: Sl1, p 10, p2tog. 12 stitches remain. Continue to Gusset instructions
Men’s size: Sl 1, p11, p2 tog, p1 turn
Row 9: Sl 1, k 12, ssk, turn.
Row10: Sl 1, p13, p2tog. 14 stitches remain. Continue to Gusset instructions.

Gusset:
You will now begin knitting in the round again as follows:
Knit across all heel sts and with the same dpn pick up and knit 8(10:12) sts along the selvedge edge of the heel flap. This is needle # 1
With another dpn, work across the 16 (20:24) instep stitches. This is needle #2.
With another dpn, pick up and knit 8(10:12) stitches along the other selvedge of the heel flap the knit across 4(5:6) sts on needle #1(half of the heel stitches). This is needle #3.
The round now begins between needle# 3 and needle # 1—the middle of the heel.

Rnd 1: Needle #1-- Knit to last three stitches, k2 tog, k1. Needle #2: Knit across all stitches. Needle #3: K1, ssk, knit to end.
Rnd 2: Knit without any decreases.
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 32(40:48) stitches remain.

Foot:
Work even in stockinette stitch until measure 5 ½(7:8 ½) inches from back of
heel or about 1 ¾ (2 ¼:2 ½) inches less than desired foot length.

Toe:
Rnd 1: Needle #1: Knit to last three sts, k2tog,k1. Needle #2: K1,ssk, knit to
last three sts, k2tog, k1. Needle #3: K1, ssk, knit to end.
Rnd 2: Knit without any decreases.
Repeat rnds 1 and 2 until 16 (20:24) sts remain.
Then repeat only rnd 1 until 12 (16:16) sts remain.

Knit stitches from needle #1 onto needle #3.
Cut yarn leaving an 18 inch tail. Graft together the stitches from needles 2 and 3
using the Kitchenerʼs stitch.
Weave in all ends and block if desired.

Notes about Knitting Socks

Materials:
Yarn: Wool or wool blends are recommended simply because wool breathes and wicks moisture. It is also naturally elastic. Many sock wools are made to be “non-itchy” and are machine washable , check the yarn label for washing instructions. Cotton also breathes and wicks moisture but it lacks elasticity. Cotton does better when knit along side a small piece of elastic. Acrylic is not recommended as it does not breathe or wick moisture.
Elastic: Some knitters use elastic throughout the sock for extra elasticity others use elastic in the cuff, heel and toe as reinforcement. When knitting with wool, elastic is usually not necessary. This is the knitter’s choice.

Socks are knit in steps:
Cuff and leg
Heel
Turn of heel
Gusset
Foot
Toe
Grafting of toe

Kitchner’s Grafting Stitch:
This stitch joins two “live” edges together without creating a bulky seam—ideal for toes!
Thread tail through darning needle.

Caveats:
--All stitches must be worked 2 times before removing them from the needle.
--Except for preliminary stitches and final stitches, work the first 2 stitches on the front needle then the first two stitches on the back needle.

Preliminary stitches: Holding the two knitting needles parallel with the yarn attached to the back needle, thread the yarn purlwise through the first stitch on the first needle then thread the yarn knitwise through the first stitch on the back needle.

On the front needle thread the darning needle through the first stitch knitwise, then the second stitch purlwise. Remove the first stitch.
Now on the back needle thread the darning needle purlwise through the first stitch and knitwise through the second stitch. Remove the first stitch. Tighten.
Remember: Knit/ purl (front needle)
Purl /knit (back needle)
Repeat until only 1 stitch remains on each needle and finish final stitches:
Thread darning needle knitwise on front needle and purlwise on back needle. Remove both stitches, tighten and pull tail through to wrong side.

Ideal class schedule:
Class 1: cast on join in round.. At home: knit cuff and leg
Class 2: heel, heel turn, set up gusset. At home: knit gusset and foot
Class 3: toe and grafting.

A note on gauge swatches. This is how I have first timers make a sock gauge swatch:

Cast on enough stitchs for 2 inches according to the gauge in the pattern.
Knitting in rows work several inches and measure. Adjust needle sizes until swatch measures 2" across.

This method while technically incorrect is less intimidating to students and has proved to be accurate enough to knit a pair of socks that fit the recipient. After they've mastered the sock process I will then introduce them to swatching in the round.

In other news:

2008-12-04T07:02:00.001-05:00

First, a huge thank you to everyone at Ravelry who checked out Katy’s sweater, we got several very good patterns from which we can replicate the sweater from. I just love Ravelry.

Next, We had a good Thanksgiving.

Mexican Beef Dip

1 pound hamburger, browned and crumbled
1 small block velveeta cheese
1 15 oz jar salsa
1 can cheddar cheese soup

Pulace all ingredients in a crock pot several hous before serving. Stir occasionally. Serve with tortilla chips.
(how easy is this?)

and an old "easy" favorite from a friend:

Black Russian Cake

1 yellow cake mix
1 small instant choclate pudding mix
1 cup oil
4 eggs
1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup Kahula
3/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Grease and flour a bundt pan. Combine ingredients. Beat 4 minutes. Pour in pan. Bake 50 min.
Remove from oven when done. Cool 5 min. Remove from pan. Cool completely. Glaze.
Glaze:
Alternately add 1 tsp of Kahula and 1 tsp milk to 2 cups confectioner sugar.

*The vodka is not optional!

Next, Look what I found at Starbucks:

An Aran Sweater Mug!

And finally, Mr Zip shares this dog picture of Bambi the shaved Pomeranian:

Does anyone recognize this pattern:

2008-12-02T19:49:00.001-05:00

This post is for Katy:

This is an "Icelandic" sweater made from "Icelandic" wool. Hand knit. It looks like it begins at one cuff then moves to the body then the other arm to cuff. The ribbed edging in picked up after the main section is finished. Do you recognize this pattern or know of a similar pattern?
Thanks for looking.

Rocchina's (Alpaca Lace) Wrap

2008-11-25T07:50:00.003-05:00

Rochina's (Alpaca Lace) Wrap

This pattern is available at This & That

3712-B Lawndale Drive at Crosspointe Shopping Center in Greensboro, NC.

(336)288-0034

or buy it here

$3.00

Finished Size: 20 inches x 6 feet (blocked)

Materials:
Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky #557 (100 % baby alpaca; 108 yds/99 m; 3.53 oz/100 gms) 4 skeins.
Needles size US 13 /9 mm or size needed to obtain correct gauge.
Darning needle

Gauge:
9.5 sts/ 12 rows = 4”/10 cm over lace pattern stitch (2.5 sts and 3 rows per inch)

In other news:

My "Bohus" style sweater:

The Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran is very soft and nice to wear.

I've completed 2 more Level 3 swatches! here is swatch 15 "charted intarsia. I found this swatch to be particularly difficult. First, choosing a design. There are many to pick from, but after choosing an planning, I realized that most images couldn't be used. While stitch patterns can be printed in compendiums and reused in one's orignal patterns, most images are copywrited and thus cannot be reproduced without consent. I had to draw my own image, and I am not a drawing artist. So here is my "original" picture "Balloons":

The intarsia itself wasn't too bad, but the strings on the balloons proved to be a particular challenge. And colors....too much yarn to think about!

I have also completed the charted symbols swatch which is blocking. It is looking pretty nice. This is probably where I shine the most as far as design goes. I love to find and intermingle stitch patterns to highlight a particular yarn. Although the yarn for the Master's must be ordinary, it was a fun swatch.. I will share this with you in a future post

I "stole" this from the SW Lipizzan Site
(You might enjoy a virtual visit)

Concerning Lipizzaners:

" -They're smart. I believe that in general they're about as bright as a three-year-old human child. They're not so good on abstracts, but concrete
concepts get through just fine.
-They're sensitive. You can't bully a Lipizzan. Either he shuts down and turns to stone, or you discover that he really is genetically predisposed
toward the Airs Above the Ground. He is also a warhorse, which means that where another horse might run, he may stand and fight. This can
backfire severely with trainers who view horses as purely flight animals, and don't allow for a horse who fights back.
-They understand English (or French or German or Spanish or whatever language you like to speak to your horse). You can talk to them,
and in fact explaining a new exercise before you execute it can be very helpful. If you treat your Lipizzan like a fellow sentient being, he'll respond
in kind.
-They are powerful one-man horses, sometimes to the point of trouble. They do not generalize from the Chosen Human to anyone else, and have
to be taught to acknowledge any other human's right to tell them what to do. This is a great deal of fun in a boarding situation, as too many of us
know.
-They have really low idiot tolerance. Inept handling on the ground and poor or imprecise riding will result in a horse who is difficult or
impossible to handle. This is particularly evident in connection with vets and farriers. "

And finally, Mr Zip shares this picture of his sister by the fire:

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

First Snow

2008-11-21T10:38:00.000-05:00

Here is what we woke up to this morning:

A far cry from 3 weeks ago! Plus it's freezing....I'm getting to wear my sweaters at last.

Horses listen to the sound of huntsman in the woods(last Sat):

White Horse (Cashmere) Scarf

2008-11-16T11:14:00.001-05:00

This pattern is available at This & That

3712-B Lawndale Drive at Crosspointe Shopping Center in Greensboro, NC.

(336)288-0034

or buy it here:

$3.00

White Horse Scarf

This is a wonderfully soft short scarf, perfect for wearing under a jacket or coat next to the skin on your neck to keep out the cold or as a rich accent piece.

Finished measurements: 4” x 42” after blocking (can be made longer by increasing yarn amount.)

Materials:
Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere 6-ply (100% Cashmere; 150 yds/137m; 1.94 oz/55gm) 1 skein
Needles size US 7 /4.5mm or size needed to obtain correct gauge.
Darning needle

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows = 4”/10 cm over blocked lace pattern

I've finished the Bohus Style Pullover. It came out great and fits perfectly.

I found this toy at WalMart. He looks strikingly familiar. Helicopter Ben is really Santa.

IN MEMORIAM....

2008-11-11T07:22:00.001-05:00

Friday, a good friend lost his battle with lung cancer. He was a wonderful man who helped me set up and get my small farm underway. He taught me how to respect and nurture the land. It was always reassuring to know he was only a phone call away. He leaves behind a great void for many of us.

I have been working on the Lopi Lite Pullover. It is almost done. No masters this week.

I recieved this book, which I have enjoyed reading.

I also got these as well:

2008-11-06T06:31:00.000-05:00

Fall has finally arrived at our home:

breathtaking....

and our woods and trails:

(maybe not this)

Our friends:

Owl's Roost

2008-11-03T06:39:00.000-05:00

I just want to report that I rode Owl's Roost (finally),

Yes, I did have to walk in a few places and I did ride around the obstacles, but I held my own and didn't embarrass my self.

I walked this.

As to knitting: I'm working on some of the paperwork to my swatches. Creating charts and patterns. I've also started looking at information for the Traditional Knitting Report.

I'm working on the Bohus style pullover. I've made the main body 1 sleeve and started the second sleeve....

Mr Zip:

Pictures of Sisters

2008-10-30T07:34:00.000-04:00

Sharing some pictures of some of Rocchina's sisters:

And other non sisters:

What Next?

2008-10-26T20:08:00.001-04:00

Well, what an exciting two weeks I've had! Knitting has been my true anchor tempering my mood as of late.

My Williamsro is almost done. One sleeve is left to make and the bottom addition of Noro Blossom.

I finished the Dagmara Berztiss square of the GAAA. I really like this design. I thought it was the easiest so far...... we’ll see what the square girls think. They started last Wed.

I’ve decided to give the TKGA MK lev 3 hat another try. I scraped my original idea and designed a completely new hat. I’m becoming an expert on designing Aran hats (if only I could knit one neatly!!). This time I simplified the cables and tested some new knitting methods. I'm kind if liking it.

After the hat and Williamsro, it’s back to the TKGA MK lev3 swatches and sweater. Then the second Endpaper Mitt (a Christmas present).

I’ve got enough UFO’s to see me through this financial crisis, although with taxes certain to go up, I’ll just have to hope and pray the dreaded Red Heart is not in my future stash. I’m thinking of making this:

How is Mr. Zip?

He’s doing great. He was not so foolish as to try and save.

Can you believe September is over?

2008-09-30T07:40:00.000-04:00

Despite some of the fantastic weather we’ve been having, my Fall knitting is underway.

I’m finally making the Williamsro Sweater. Let’s see,...... I bought the yarn when I first started at This & That....4 years ago. In fact the pattern is no longer in print, and the Noro Blossom has been discontinued, I hope I have enough.

I’ve also made Lester. Isn’t he cute? Bonnie and I did a sort of Knit Along. He was soooo much fun. Thanks Bonnie for such a great project!

As far as the Master’s go....

Most of the swatches are....done!

The fiber report is..done. What a fascinating subject. I wasn’t really looking forward to this report but, I really learned a tremendous amount about the stuff yarn is made of. I know it will help me in choosing fibers and yarn for my own and your projects.

The hat...I made a major revelation while working this exercise: I can’t cable in the round!! The problem is the purl stitches immediately to left of the cables are distorted. Normally I work the purl stitch following the cable by wrapping the yarn clockwise or in reverse, on the following row I untwist the purl (which is now a knit) and work the first stitch of the cable (which is now a purl) in the same way. But in the round the two stitches are always worked in the same order, so for me this solution doesn’t work.

The first hat was the worst. This is an old picture. The hat is actually done but has mysteriously disappeared. I suspect Mr Zip stole it for his submission.

My first attempt to solve the problem was to change yarns and switch the direction of the cables where possible. It helped some.

KnittingSuzanne from Ravelry posted this video and suggested trying to use the technique to cure my hungry stitches at the cables. Hopefully this is my solution.
So now on to hat #3.

My stranded sweater: I’ve split for the armholes and put the sweater on hold for awhile.
I’ll pick it up after the Williamsro is done.

Mr Zip has completed his sweater and one for his sister.

How did a cat get ahead of me?

Some questions from classes that I’d like to share:

There were some questions about using the decreases SSK (or SKP) and Ktog:
Decrease stitches slant either left or right. Knitting the decrease to slant in the direction of the fabric slant blends the decrease; while knitting the decrease to slant in the opposite direction of the fabric slant will cause it to be seen. Try not to decrease in the first or last stitch on a row. Generally it works this way:

Blended: Make a left slanting decrease on the right side of the fabric and a right slanting decrease on the left side of the fabric.
Full fashioned: Make a right slanting decrease on the right side of the fabric and a left slanting decrease on the left side of the fabric.

As with increases it is assumed you will know how to execute common decreases and for the more unusual decreases the pattern will state how to make the decrease. Here are 3 common decreases:

Knit 2 together: K2tog— right slanting—knit 2 stitches together.
Slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch over: SKP/SKPSSO—left slanting—slip the next stitch knitwise, knit the second stitch, pass the first (slipped) stitch over the knitted stitch.
Slip, slip, knit: SSK—left slanting—slip 1 stitch knitwise, slip the next stitch knitwise, place the left needle through the fronts of the two slipped stitches and knit through the back loop.

And also a questions about slipping stitches:

How do you know whether to slip a stitch knitwise or purlwise?

The general answer is always slip your stitch purlwise unless the pattern tells you to slip knitwise. The exception to this is when you’re making a left leaning decrease. (slip, slip, knit—ssk, or slip knit pass slip stitch over—skp). For these decreases, slip your stitch knitwise. Slipping your stitch knitwise will twist the stitch which you don’t want when moving stitches and do want when leaning a decrease.

Here are some examples of zig zaggy ribbing. This is a very tricky and advanced technique:

In answer to the insinuation that I lack a life my answer is this:

Stay tuned we'll see who has and doesn't have a life.

And to conclude today's post as per request............Rocchina smiling:

Upcoming classes

2008-09-11T14:48:00.000-04:00

I've had some requests from students to learn a couple of new techniques.
Next Wed. in both the am and pm classes, we'll learn the tubular cast on.

If you want to try it out, bring in some old worsted weight yarn in two colors, Size 6,7,8 or 9 needles (7 or 8 is best), and a crochet hook.
There are several ways to work this cast on and we can explore a couple of them.

GAAA squarers: Keep up the good work on your Ann Strong square.
Remember:
Seed stitch: knit your purls and purl your knits
Reverse stockinette: purl the RS knit the WS
Twisted stitch: Knit through the back loop on the RS and Purl through the back loop on the WS( video here scroll down to k tbl or p tbl)

See you all next week!

Staycation is in its final days

2008-09-01T19:44:00.001-04:00

July found me at this famous local landmark:

I managed to get a lot of level 3 done sitting on the back porch. Level 3 counts as a vacation?

I did get in a visit to my parents.
Got in some shopping and visited some Yarn stores...what a surprise. I met a wonderful knitter at Woolworks who showed me a sneak preview of an up and coming pattern to be in the Vogue Holiday issue. It was a gorgeous beaded lace shawl. She has a pattern being published in the issue.... So I guess you can say I met a knitting celebrity. What a nice person and knowledgeable knitter. I always make Woolworks a stop when I’m visiting Baltimore. (unfortunately no Haussner’s anymore.)

On the knitting front:
A few of us managed the Cropped Lacy Cardi

The GAAA group worked on the Belenger Square.

I’ve gotten 6 squares done for the GAAA.
I’ve finished 15 of the 18 swatches for level 3, although I may redo a couple.
I made the proto type for my Level 3 aran hat. And started the actual hat. I’m going with Adrienne Vittadini Lisa, color 1678: 50% wool, 18% Mohair, 18% Alpaca, 14% Polyamide
And I’ve got about 10” on my Level 3 Scandanavian style sweater.
The fiber report is written. Report on 6 knitting fibers.
9 of the 12 questions are answered.
I’ve bought some interesting yarns to stash:
2 skeins of Navajo Churro handspun and dyed
2 skeins of handspun Shetland and Mohair from Feederbrook Farm
1 skein Rio de la Plata multicolored fingering yarn
2 skeins hand spun llama
2 skeins hand dyed wool/angora

Student Update--Fall Classes

2008-08-03T15:49:00.000-04:00

Beginning Sept 8 my classes will be scheduled:
Mon 10-12
Mon 1-3
Wed 10-12
Wed 1-3, Advanced Knitter's Group
Second Wed of the month (except Sept) Afghan Square group 1-3 pm.

Response to the new store has been tremendous. We have many new students to add to the classes, therefore we are going to have to assign a class for each student. My present students will get first pick at their day and time. If you haven't already secured a spot, you will need to pick a day and time that you want to attend and let me or Cindi know as soon as possible.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone after the summer break and working on some new and exciting projects.

We'll be at the New Store

2008-06-29T18:09:00.000-04:00

I’m mainly posting so that everyone remembers to come tomorrow to the new store on Lawndale Dr., next to the new Fresh Market. I’ll be there at 10, can’t wait to see the place.
Now on to other things.
I’ve been spotted hiking at Hanging Rock Park on a couple of weekends.

I’m diving into level 3 with no abandon:

And I’m loving my new iMac, This is my first post since getting the thing.
See you tomorrow!!!

Progression to Hay

2008-06-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

The day has finally come to “make” the hay. Actually it takes 3 days to cut and bale horse hay. No rain allowed or all your efforts are in vain.

Here is the Progression to Hay:

March 4, 2008

Baby Orchard Grass

April 10

May 17

Notice how the fence rails are no longer visable.

June 10

In addition to cutting hay, other exciting things are happening….

2008-06-14T06:30:00.000-04:00

I passed level 2 of the TKGA Master Hand Knitting Program. I've worked on this level for 1 ½ years! I did take time off when life took over. This is not something to work on when under stress.

I did not have to re knit anything!!!! Which I’ve come to learn is pretty rare. By the time I got the thing back, I had convinced myself I’d be reknitting everything. I had one resubmission which was a pattern for one of the lace swatches. I will have to be very careful when writing up my patterns in level 3.

My level 3 packet arrived yesterday. It’s thin, but holy cow… Unlike levels 1 and 2 where I knew most of the techniques and answers and just had to confirm them via sources, here I’m not sure of most of the things, I’ll be looking up everything and doing a lot of experimentation, I’m looking forward to this.

We have babies in our barn.

The store is scheduled to move on June 30, of course this is tentative. I got to see the new store the other day. It’s really looking good; much more space and a much better setup. I’m looking forward to our roomier and updated classroom.

Remember, I won't be in on Wed afternoons, until the fall. (Except for our Afghan square Weds.) My other class times will remain the same. Enjoy your summer and hope to see everyone at some point when your schedule's allow. Keep knitting and remember you can always get me be email.

Addendum…not so status quo….

2008-06-01T08:40:00.000-04:00

After posting yesterday, a package was received at my house. It was my level 2 submision return. Here are the results:

The remarks were extremly kind and complimentary. There is nothing to reknit. One lace pattern needs to be resubmitted. It seems that while my method for figuring gauge was correct my expression of sts per inch should have been sts per four inches. Also, some technical jargon was missing. Also, in one of the lace patterns I used yf in place of yo.

The few problems pointed out through the project were listed as minor and comments were made to assist me in bettering my techniqes as I move on the Lev 3.

What a relief and a confidence booster this was.

My pattern is ready and will be mailed off in the am.

Mr Zip also passed his review...a given since his sister was the reviewer.

Status Quo

2008-05-31T10:18:00.001-04:00

We have been having some fantastic spring weather and I have found myself outdoors most of the time, ignoring my blog and the rest of the internet. My newest hobby has been knitting on the porch.

Recently I was spotted knitting in the Bicentennial Park. It was a really nice Saturday and we had a great time taking pictures as well.

We also took a day trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We took a lot of good pictures at Mabry Mill and had a wonderful lunch at Chateau Morrisette.

I stopped in Meadows of Dan at Greenberry House, a small Yarn/Fiber store. It is right off the Parkway on Hwy 58. Leslie, the owner, dyes and spins some of the yarns. She also carries other local yarns, wool, and fleeces in the store. Dr. G was kind enough to let me shop, while he waited in the car. I could have stayed all day. I bought a merino/angora blend and an skein of llama.

Progress report:
I decided to finish my Jo Sharp Rebecca. I’ve only been working on and off it for 2 years. The Aran Silk Tweed is such a wonderful yarn. The sweater is a perfect fit and I love the finished product.

Still waiting (week 5) to hear from the TKGA on level 2.

I started the Great American Aran Afghan. This afghan is knit in squares then pieced together. The squares are a lot of fun to knit. But I’ve found the pattern to be inconsistent. For instance, the whole pattern has a gauge of 19sts/4” yet each square calls for a specific needle…huh? Either your getting gauge or your not? Maybe that particular designer needed that needle to get gauge. Or is the gauge different for that square….The TKGA would have a field day with this one. I’m improvising as I go. I’ve finished square 1 (Judy Sumner) and square 2 (Julie Levy). I’m half way through square 7 (Ginnette Bellenger).

Orkney Pi is on hold until I feel up to finishing it. I think I’ll finish the lattice and then add an edging

Eggs but no babies yet:

My garden is taking over:

Back to Pi

2008-05-04T10:12:00.000-04:00

I’m thrilled to say that Level 2 was sent off and received last week by the TKGA. With this temporarily out of my hair. I was able to complete 1 of the endpaper mitts.

My dilbert cubicle.

I had left the mitt sitting for so long I couldn’t remember which color was carried over and which carried under. I guessed wrong. I noticed about 5 rows into the project and decided to leave it since no one believes me when I tell you that it does make a difference. I’ll do the second one later this summer.

I also finished the Juliet. I love it.

So now it’s back to Pi, Orkney Pi that is. Several others in the KAL have completed their Pi’s. After seeing the finished ones I’m rethinking how I will end mine. Seeing Liz Lovick’s as a bedspread(!!!) made me realize knitting the entire 4th section would not be practical or realistic for me. I’ve got one more repeat of the lattice left, then I’ll make a decision. I’m thinking it would be nice to have some more cat’s paw; then the horseshoe pattern to finish to the length I want + a simple edging. Yarn might be an issue as well.
(I’ll have to get Snippy off the Pi first.)

Mr. Zip boxed up his submission as well, I guess he didn’t get the memo about the binder. Good luck Mr. Zip.

With this out of your fur for awhile you can get in some sunbathing and lizard hunting.

Spring is here

2008-04-19T10:43:00.000-04:00

With spring in full swing, I haven’t been knitting quite as much. Yard work and gardening are now in my picture. I’ve gotten my herb garden going again.

I’m waiting until May to plant the basil though…it’s very sensitve to cold.
I'm planting heirloom tomatoes this year as well. And of course flowers.

All of the knitting is complete for my TKGA MK level 2 submission. I’m finishing up the details. A fellow candidate is proofreading my writing. Hopefully the project will mail out by the end of the week!!!

Mr. Zip is getting his submission ready too!

(stolen reject swatches)

I’ve started a Juliet cardi. Once it’s done, I’ll be back to the Orkney pi.

For those of you knitting the Juliet, there has been some concern about where and how to use stitch markers. While the lace knits out correctly, it actually isn’t written in a traditional form, that is according to pattern repeats. I have rewritten and charted it, so that using stitch markers will work easily. See me for the additional paper, if you’re not able to figure out how to set up the repeats.

Barn swallows are back and...

These guys are back too!!!!!!!!!!!Babies coming soon.

2008-04-04T21:54:00.000-04:00

I’m happy to report that life here is moving steadily forward without incident.
We’ve fertilized and limed the hay. We’ve had several decent rains and the hay is coming up nicely. Keep your fingers crossed. Last year our crop was meager due to the lack of rain. I was forced to implement my Hay Conservation Program. I’ve got a lot left over from 2007!

Our classes are going well and everyone is progressing along. I’m particularly liking the Juliet project that several of you are working on.
There were some issues concerning:
Slip, slip, knit: SSK—left slanting—slip 1 stitch knitwise, slip the next stitch knitwise, place the left needle through the fronts of the two slipped stitches and knit through the back loop.

I’ve had several requests for knit alongs: 1) Endpaper Mitts, 2) Baby Surprise Jacket, and 3) Toe up socks. If any of you are interested in one of these, let me know and I’ll organize it.

Section 3 of the Orkney Pi is almost complete leaving the shawl at about 35% done. I’ve set it down to finish my TKGA lev 2 vest which will hopefully be done by next week. That will leave 1 swatch left. The all will be complete!

This is how I wake up each day