Chris Knits in Niagara

Vacation Socks

2012-02-14T09:38:00.004-05:00

When I travel, I have to take knitting. There are so many times when you are sitting around waiting.... at the airport, now that we all have to be there hours before departure, and on the plane, waiting to GET there. Usually I take socks, because they take so little space in your carry-on, and you don't end up poking your neighbours in the oh so skinny seats on the plane. Full size needles are too long for today's planes (unless you indulge in first class seats!) I had the striped socks almost done (just the toe of the second left to do), so I finished those really quick, and started the second random died green socks on the way down. I finished the last of the greenies the afternoon after I arrived home, while I caught up on my DVR'd Coronation Street episodes!
Now I am back to the mohair lace top... also almost done, and I will be posting that new pattern before the weekend (good to be back!).

Antigua Get-away

2012-02-12T16:57:00.010-05:00

You may have figured out that I was away from my blog for a week. We took a break and flew off for Antigua. This was the first time in this small country and we chose an all inclusive resort... The Varandah. All the rooms are little cottages with cute front porch and large varandahs on the back, overlooking quiet Dian Bay, on the Atlantic Ocean. The whole resort is up and down the cliffs of the bay, and you cannot walk 50 yards without walking up or down! There are two sand beaches down on the bay, and the sand is soft, the waves tame (breakwater reef out at the mouth of the bay) and the water warm. Above is the view of the big pool from the buffet restaurant (really good food everyday!)
Above is a RARE photo of me in my bikini! Still got it, eh? Below is a brown pelican that was looking for breakfast while we were on the golf course. He kept diving into the pond and came up with a few fish.
Above is the view from our room, we were up on the hill and can see the bay below and the Atlantic ocean over the next ridge of cottages (not on our resort).
From a kayak, we see the beach and the stairs up to the beach bar, and some of the cottages winding up the cliff.
The cute paths that join all the cottages, all lined with rustling palm trees, providing lots of shade and a cool constant noise!
Above is the Devil's Bridge, a local attraction, where the ocean has pounded the shore relentlessly and carved a cave below and a hole behind the thin "bridge" to the right of the spray!
A natural bench, perfect for resting!
What a lovely trip, I would recommend the Verandah Resort. The staff are SO friendly and the quality of the resort, food and drink were all excellent.

Fish Hat and Skiing

2012-02-01T15:32:00.005-05:00

I have wanted to make this cutie for a while now, and finally squeezed it in between new patterns! My hooded cowl scarf has been such a big hit that most of my knitting group are knitting it and Ruth is making three! They are such a quick knit and they look great with the hood up or down. I have cast on the lace weight mohair in black and am well into the new design sweater (to be patterned right here later), but in between used some of my stashed worsted weight superwash merino to make the fish hat. I wanted it done before my ski trip to Horseshoe Resort north of Barrie. We got really lucky and hit a weekend that offered fresh snow and barely below freezing temperatures. Ideal for me, a beginner skier, who is a whimp in the cold and wind, and hates less than perfect snow on the slopes. (Ice, sticky snow, too thick snow, and too crowded slopes all freak me out!)
I even managed to ski for almost as long as hubby, quitting only an hour before he was done. I sat in the lodge with my knitting, and my fish hat covering my bad hair day for the last hour! Great day.

Valentine Sock Monkey

2012-01-20T08:13:00.004-05:00

I know, this is not knitting. I was in the local drugstore, and cut through the seasonal gift aisle on the way to the post office in the back. Suddenly I stopped. There on the shelves were several sizes of what I can only assume to be sock monkey toys. What really stopped me was how BAD they were, being sewn out of cheap stretch cotton (think tee shirt) fabric, and way too big to be even close to being made from a sock. This is what the mass production and commercialization of a traditional (and perfectly fine JUST the way it is) toy creates. Yuck. The only sweet part was they had a heart sewn to the chest (by factory workers in China).
So I was suddenly obsessed with making the world right again by sewing one of these!

So Please, make them this year for your Sweethearts! Or at least find an authentic sock monkey ARTIST, and get the real deal! They don't even cost very much and haven't changed in 100 years!

Infinity Hooded Cowl

2012-01-15T13:48:00.006-05:00

Infinity Hooded Cowl

This super bulky hood with twisted scarf attached, can be worn as a big drape cowl, or wrapped around the shoulders for a loose thick shoulder cowl. The hood can be up or down on the neck for more shoulder warmth. I used 10mm (US15) needles to make sure the stitches were a bit loose and to create more stretch and drape to the fabric. Gauge is less important than the soft drape.

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, 3 – 170 gms balls. (mine is cranberry)

Needles: 10mm

A couple of safety pins to mark spots.

One size, adult.

Scarf: Cast on 18 stitches. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) until 70 inches have been worked. Cast off all stitches. Laying the scarf flat, put one twist in the middle. Each end as it now lays is the right side up. (put a safety pin on the right side so you don’t twist it back).

Hood: pick up 18 stitches from the right side of one end of the scarf. Cast On 10 new stitches, then pick up 18 stitches from the right side of the other end of the scarf. **there are close up photos below to show these details, including the 2x2 ribbing at the neck created by the next four rows***

Next four rows: Rows 1& 3: Knit 4 stitches, [Purl 2, knit 2] 9 times, purl 2, knit 4.

Rows 2&4: knit 4,[knit 2, purl 2] 9 times, knit 2, knit 4

Rest of hood: Knit all stitches in every row (garter stitch)

Work until hood (from 10 cast on stitches) measures 12 inches. Mark center of row (23 stitches, marker, 23 stitches).

Decrease row: Knit to 2 stitches before marker, knit 2 together, move marker, knit 2 together, knit to end. Work next row all knits.

Repeat the 2 row decrease pattern until hood is 16 inches from cast on edge. Cast off all remaining stitches.

Sew the top of head seam (last cast off stitches folded in half to form a hood.) That’s it!

worn as an infinity scarf... look! We finally got some snow in Canada! Jan 13th. Latest snow day that I can ever remember.

see the single twist in the scarf....

detail of the back of neck cast on 10 stitches, and the ribbing to define the neck...

Little birds find the chunky stitches really easy to climb!

Monkey Slippers 2.0

2012-01-12T14:45:00.006-05:00

I have talked about this great pattern from Patons Yarn... Sock Monkey Slippers. The first ones I made, I hand sewed ultra suede to the bottom to stop slipping in the slippers and increase durability. This recent pair, I decided to knit an extra piece of garter stitch in the same wool, rectangular around the same width and length as the slipper. The intention was to cut a sole for the slipper that would be sewn on separately for extra thickness.
I felted it along with the slippers and ears, and after felting, cut it into left and right soles. Then I cut ultra suede soles to match ....
and with the sewing machine, attached the suede to the felted sole. Then I attached the whole piece by hand with thick thread, to the bottom of each slipper.
Softer under foot, and non-slip. Even better than the good thing they were!

My view... happy feet!

Socks and Debbie Bliss Vest

2012-01-08T13:20:00.005-05:00

On my sock needles.... these cute brown, mauve mix socks (my favourite, easy pattern).
Just finished, this vest. It is from Debbie Bliss knitting magazine, fall/winter 2011, pattern #4.
Her pattern is for a sweater, but I chose not to make the sleeves and edged the armholes like the neckline. I also made one of the white hearts up near the neck in red. A little unexpected detail that amuses me to no end. (yes, I am easily amused).
I just picked up the winter Vogue Knitting magazine, and football playoffs are on TV this afternoon, so I will be knitting, watching football and browsing the mag' during halftime.... seriously happy Chris!

Shrug with a Twist

2012-01-03T08:27:00.008-05:00

This is a quick knit pullover shrug. You can custom size this for almost everyone, and the garter stitch makes for a stretchy fit. The only tricky bit is the twist on the front piece, and I will try to walk you through that! The whole thing is knit in one piece, so you will only sew under the arm and short side seams!

take a moment and do some math (I know this is supposed to be easy, but trust me). Your chest measurement: divide by 2. This is the magic number.
Mine is 38, so 19 is the goal for the body width. Take off 7 for the neck opening, and the rest (12 divided by 2) is for the right and left sides. Write this down: 6 + 7 + 6 = 19 *** YOUR MATH NUMBERS!*** You will knit 6 straight, divide front and back and twist the front for 7, then rejoin and knit 6 straight before finishing the sleeve! Don't worry, I'll walk you through it!

Yarn: Artful yarns, Heavenly. 5 skeins (50 grams, 95 yards) You could substitute a worsted weight yarn that knits on 5mm (US8) and has the approximate gauge.
Gauge: 12 sts = 4 inches in garter stitch (knit every row) You want a loose, open knit, nothing too stiff for this project! Bigger needles may be best if too stiff.
Needles: 5mm (US8) I used long circulars worked without joining, as there were a lot of stitches on the needle, but straights could be used.
Stitch holders (or thread stitches on contrast yarn to work later)
Size of mine: 38 inch at chest (loose fitting ) but you can do your OWN size by working the numbers (see above) and plugging them in when I say below!
This shrug is worked from one sleeve to the other, sideways.
Right sleeve: cast on 40 stitches. Work, knitting every row for 1 inch.
*put a big safety pin or other marker on the right side of the sleeve, to establish right side from wrong side... it will be hard to tell with garter stitch*
Increase ONE stitch at the start of next FORTY rows (you will have 80 stitches on the needle now).
Cast on TEN stitches at the start of the next two rows. (100 stitches on needle).
BODY: Work straight, knitting every row for 6 inches *** or the first of the math numbers above*** end with right side facing you for the next row!
Knit 50 stitches. Place these on a big stitch holder. Continue on the back only 50 stitches, knit until that piece measure 7 inches from start of back only. Finish with right side facing for next row. Place these 50 sts on a holder.
Place the front 50 on needles, and beginning with wrong side (at neck edge) cast off 10 stitches. Work the 40 remaining knitting every row for 8 inches (I know this is longer than the back but when you twist it, the front will shorten a bit) STOP AT THE END OF A RIGHT SIDE ROW. (obviously important as I did that in capitals). Laying the whole project on a table, you will notice that the last stitch you just worked is at the neck side. Take the needle and flip it so that the last stitch is now at the bottom edge of your work. One big twist is in the middle of the front now! Consider this new position the right side of the front, and knit up the 40 stitches. DON"T TURN.... Cast ON 10 more stitches (for the left neck opening), and knit straight across the back stitches (take them off the holder and put back on a needles). (you have 100 sts again)
Continue to knit straight for 6 inches ** or your third math number from above**
Left sleeve: Cast off 10 stitches as start of next two rows.
Decrease one stitch at start of next 40 rows (back to 40 sts again)
Knit straight for one inch then cast off.

Sew under sleeve and small side seams. Sew in ends.

New Shrug and Monkey

2011-12-30T09:13:00.003-05:00

This one is for a baby girl. Pink and grey work socks, and embroidered eyes (buttons are not safe for kids under 3 years old). I also attached the hat, but it could be easily removed if later the child wants to play dress up. A pink embroidered heart makes it oh so cute.
Sneek peak. And I know, this shrug does not look right over that print tee, but I was Uber-Lazy and put it over the tee I had just made. Better photos and pattern to follow in a day or two when I get back to normal routine (blame it on the holidays and the visitors - who stayed longer than planned :0 , and the hours of holiday decor take-down I have planned for the weekend)
Happy New Year all!

Christmas at the Falls

2011-12-26T11:50:00.008-05:00

Lovely blurry photo of Niagara Falls. We parked at one end and walked the whole length looking at the cool lights. Really mild night, great to walk off some of the Christmas dinner!
My favourite light sculpture. See the ferris wheel up the hill on Clifton Hill Road.
Mounties.
Really big Disney display.
Then the lights changed on the falls. Cool...
Perfect ending to a great day. Hope everyone had fun!

Chris Felt like Felting

2011-12-23T09:02:00.007-05:00

In an effort to avoid Christmas baking and cooking and panic and stress.... I hauled out my collection of fleece, and tried to make my first pair of wet felted slippers! I sketched a boot shape and mirrored it on bubble wrap....
then layered merino fleece in several colours and different directions under the boot resist. I wet it down with hot soapy water, and laid down the boot. The I reversed the order of colours and laid the top side. After wetting everything and making sure the outside edges were evenly wrapped around the bubble wrap, I added the yarn heart detail (I took a picture, then changed it to a finer mohair yarn because I wanted it more subtle)
Cover with more bubble wrap and roll up . Now roll for 10 minutes, unroll and reverse angle of roll. Repeat until you are really tired of rolling, then roll some more... It's that easy! When it was really solid, I carefully cut it in half, then took both boots to the sink for the hot bath, cold bath routine (alternate with agitation about 6 to 8 times, until the boot is approx small enough to fit your feet). Then after a bit of hand pulling and pressing and using your foot to mold it into shape, you can set it to dry.
Ta da. Next pair I will try to make the instep a bit narrower and the toe a bit wider, but all in all they are really cute!
I would also like to mention that it is really advantageous to sew a sole of ultra suede to the bottom of any felted slippers. One to help them NOT slip on the hardwood floors, and two, so that they last 20 times longer (plain ones run through the soles very quickly!)

Now back to our regularly scheduled stress....

Upholstery 101

2011-12-18T18:24:00.002-05:00

My first attempt of re-upholstery. I have always wanted to try my hand at this, although there is actually very little sewing (and NO knitting required). I found the above chair on kijiji for $15. Since I also had a few meters of red upholstery fabric in my stash, it was a good time to give it a go. Off came the furry orange fabric and all the dusty guts. Then I painted the wood a mat black. I re-padded the seat and back and stapled the new cover over the fresh padding (foam, poly quilt batting, and cotton batting). I used grosgrain ribbon to cover the staples, and finish the edges. The arm pads are envelopes of fabric, filled with quilt batting and wrapped around the arms. Ribbons hold them in place, although I will likely throw a few heavy duty stitches underneath to secure a bit better.

Will I do it again? It was a LOT of work and I think I took more time than I could have, just because I did not know exactly what I was doing... but I do like the end result, and I will keep cruising kijiji for other shabby treasures.
Almost done my gift knitting, and have started to plan my next original knitting pattern! Yeah!

Find the Bird....

2011-12-14T17:51:00.005-05:00

Aspen likes the tree that has arrived in her living room. But after a while....

can you spot the bird.... hint, she's the only blue thing on the tree! I am on track with my projects for Christmas, even got the tree up on time (usually about 10 days before Christmas!). No huge family dinners this year, just several small events, so that makes me happy. I enjoy smaller groups, you can really talk to everyone there. Don't you hate big dinners, and the next morning you realize all you did was say hello and goodbye to a couple of relatives? (maybe that's the way you want it to go.... but still... )

oh, and, Happy Birthday Dad! love Chris

Knit an I-cord Necklace

2011-12-14T12:34:00.008-05:00

I wanted a thicker cord to mount some cool antique style rings into a necklace, and I could not find a thick one ready made... so... I did find some hemp style cording (soft leather cording would work too), and used a three stitch I-cord to knit the necklace.
Below are photos (sorry some a bit blurry) of three stitch I-cord. Cast on three stitched (I used 4mm -US6 double point needles - you only need two of them). Knit the first row. WITHOUT turning, slide the three stitches from the left tip of the right needle.....
to the right tip of the same needle. This needle now becomes the left needle ...
and you start knitting from that needle. The feed string will close the tube from the back (like magic)...
Continue repeating this one step over and over until full length required. Cast off three, and finish by sewing clasps to the ends (I did this in dark thread so you can see) You may want to do this after the beads are loaded if the beads will not slide over the clasp that you are using. My bar and ring work, because the bar side can slide through the rings.

Here is a close up of the cord, with some extra hemp in a contrast colour wrapped to stop all the rings from sliding down to the center.

Photo of the last few rings before loading them on the cord...

There, you have knit a necklace!

sack boy

2011-12-12T15:18:00.003-05:00

I just finished making this....I used Alan Dart's Sack Boy pattern, but made a short row knitted mouth from sock yarn and stitched it in place instead of a thin line of embroidery.
Aspen does not like him, but I do!

ballerina monkey

2011-12-11T16:13:00.003-05:00

As I am still knitting gifts, and cannot show you what is on the needles, I will show you a sock monkey ballerina. She is made the same way as the other monkeys, with girly knee highs and pink netting for the tutu. So cute.

New yarn and Jewelry design

2011-12-07T17:01:00.002-05:00

I received a box of yarn from Elann, the Cyber Monday special. There were lots of sock yarn balls, and black lace mohair, and a mixed fiber grey (with silver sparkles).
In the photo are also a couple of necklaces that I made today. The black one is large rings on black fabric, with a pendant that also has a large ring mount. The tan one is hemp string knit in a three stitch I-cord, strung with rings and a pendant that came with lots of charms attached.
Still knitting like a maniac to finish gifts, but one big hurdle is done and I have packaged the gifts for far away relatives and they are going in the post today!
Getting there...

Wooly Inukshuk

2011-11-29T17:26:00.007-05:00

OK. So sometimes I get weird ideas. I wondered if my gift knitting could be piled up to make an Inukshuk. I used finished AND as yet un-knit balls of yarn to make this.....

Next to the yarn pile is the old favourite knitted inukshuk that stands 11" tall. (You can find the pattern for him in the list on the right side of my blog!)

(clearly I am busy knitting things I cannot show you right now!)

Keep knitting, only 23 knitting days left....

Monkey Business

2011-11-29T16:08:00.005-05:00

Inspired by Susan, who wanted a sock monkey to give to a special little person... I suggested we all make them together! Thus we had a monkey making evening last night. We got together and produced several monkeys, and we had some wine and decaf and lots of laughs.

They are cute and goofy, and each one is a bit different. One has button eyes, the other embroidered eyes (safe for babies). We may use left over sock yarn to knit hats and there is at least one tutu request to dress up the girly monkeys!

Here is a link to my tutorial for making sock monkeys. Just omit the black sock lining for the golf club and stuff full and sew shut.

I always have so much fun with my crafty friends!

Christmas Photos

2011-11-28T22:13:00.004-05:00

Here are some photos that suggest Christmas is drawing near! The first is something NOT made by me. This little guy came from the Bay, and I love the home made look. It is not easy to find robins, but they hold a special place in my heart....
The second is my Christmas knitting, piled into a two foot high tower! Makes it look like I am making some headway on my gift knitting list!
In the last week, I have been to the golf club three times to work on the Christmas decorating. Today was the last installment, with the front entryway completed. We put up the last huge wreath over the big window, and plugged it in... no lights! We fussed with it, but no luck... So now we have booked another day, to remove the 500 lights, and re-string a new set. About two more hours of work! It made me wonder... how many other festive Christmas decorating moments are spiced with colourful words like the ones that raced through my mind today.
Fah la la la lah... la la la lahhhhh!

Busy, busy...

2011-11-20T13:36:00.007-05:00

Here are a few of the Gift Knitting items I have produced in the last week.... I can only show some of the gifts, as they are requested by the favourite friends or family, and since I am making so many socks and slippers, they still may not know WHICH ones will appear under the tree!

The monkey slippers are the Patons pattern (here). They are really quite quick to make and took two full cycles in the hot - heavy duty wash cycle. Buttons for eyes and ultra suede on the soles to prevent slipping finish them off.

The socks are my own favourite pattern (here). Using self striping sock yarns, I have around 8 - 10 pairs to make this season! My tiny bamboo needles are getting a workout (I have to watch they don't catch fire!)

I have also finished a larger garment, and will post the pattern and photos after Christmas.... I hope all your knitting gifts are underway. We need to pace ourselves, no need to add knitting stress! Knitting should be the relaxation after a long stressful day! Kick up your feet and grab a glass of wine (or cocoa) and your needles. Best times!

update...

2011-11-12T20:59:00.008-05:00

The next thing I want to make are these monkey slippers. They are from the Patons pattern site HERE. They look fast and fun, and may end up under someone's tree in December....
It is the time of year when my blog becomes more secretive. I apologize for this. I know you like to see all the knitting I am doing, but most of it is Christmas knitting now, and I cannot reveal the secrets! I will still talk knitting and to that end, I had to show you the fabulous pattern that I found from Knitterbees blog! Angry Birds is such a huge hit, and the simple little critters make for great knitting. It is on my list of "things to knit" in the near future.
She also has a golf club cover version AND other characters from the game.... check it out HERE.
I hope you are busy with your gift knitting and I will continue to show you what I can and talk about patterns I find out there in web-land.

Flat Stanley Comes to Visit

2011-11-04T22:07:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday Nov 2, 2011, Flat Stanley came to visit. He was sent to me by my young friend Emily from Picton, Ontario. Stanley has been having quite a trip, and let me tell you, he is the perfect house guest. He eats very little, he never complains, he can fit under the guest room door, and loves doing whatever I like to do!

Here he is visiting Niagara Falls (the Canadian side of course because he doesn't have a passport).

Here he is at my knitting group meeting, learning the basics. He is a natural and finished a new hat for himself in just one evening.

Here he is at the golf club. He played a round of golf with me and Rick, and posted a sweet 84 (ok, there were a few gimmees, but it WAS his first game)

Here he is playing with Aspen, our Parrotlet. She was a bit jeolous of the attention Stanley was getting and tried to bite him. She had to have a time out.

Stanley will be staying until monday, when I will package him up and Expresspost (first class travel for the flat folks) him back to Emily along with his souveniers and photos of his fun adventure in Niagara.

I will miss the little guy.

New Game...

2011-10-30T11:20:00.005-04:00

I have a link to a free trial game on iTunes.... Kumundrum is a puzzle game that is fun and addictive. I would ask that all of you that have iphone, ipad, and ipod touch, PLEASE download and try it. If you enjoy it, please rate it on iTunes. This game is the first (of many we hope) that my son's new venture, Hope This Works Games, has produced. I think it's great (what mom wouldn't) but the real test is if real folks try it and play it and love it. Leave a comment here too if you would like.
I know this is not about knitting, but we occasionally need a break from knitting (rarely) and I hope you will indulge me on this request. Please pass on this link to other friends and family who do the ipod/pad/phone thing, and lets make this game viral! Thank you from my heart!

Excellent Knee Highs

2011-10-20T10:42:00.005-04:00

Yarn: Sock yarn designed to knit on 2.75mm needles. (US 2) - 150grams

Needles: set of four 2.75 double point needles (I like bamboo)

More: four stitch markers

Cast on 76 stitches, and divide on three needles as such: 28 on first needle, 20 on second and 28 on third needle. Join to knit in the round (don’t twist it!) and work in [K2, P2] ribbing for 2 inches. Change to [k3, p1] ribbing and work for 6 inches.

Decrease row: k3, p1, place marker, knit 2 together, k1, p1, [k3, p1]repeat 3 times, place marker, knit 2 together, k1, p1 [k3, p1] repeat 7 times, place marker, knit 2 together, k1, p1, [k3, p1]repeat 3 times, place last marker, knit 2 together, k1, p1, [k3, p1] one time (end of 3^rd needle).

Work stitches exactly as established, slipping the markers for 5 rows.

*Decrease again: work to marker, after each marker knit 2 together, work like this to end of row.

Work 5 rows even.*

Repeat between * and *two more times!

You now have 60 stitches on the needles. Continue to work in the round until total length beyond last decrease is about 6 inches.

Heel: Put half the stitches (30 ) on one needle by knitting next 15 sts, and transfer previous 15 onto the front of this needle. Rearrange the other 30 sts onto two needles with 15 each. These 2 needles will be ignored for a while.

Working on the 30 st needles, Purl (wrong side) across. Right side: [Slip one, K 1] repeat across row. Work these two rows until repeated 15 times. (the heel should be almost square and be about 2.5 inches).

With right side facing you will now do the magic that is a heel turn! K17, K2tog, K1, turn to wrong side facing. Slip one, P5, P2tog, P1, turn. Slip one, Knit to the stitch before the gap (the space between the slipped stitch and the old heel stitches). Knit 2 tog (thus closing the gap and picking up the last slipped stitch and the next old heel stitch), K1, turn. Slip one, Purl to st before gap and P2tog over gap, P1, turn. Repeat these two rows, until all the old heel stitches are involved and worked.

Right side again: Knit across heel, pick up 15 sts up the side of the heel (put these on needle 1).

Work next 30 sts on needle 2, AND work them in the K3, P1 ribbing, as they are already still looking at you. Pick up 15 sts on the other side of the heel and knit half of the bottom of the heel sts. (needle 3). Check and make Needle 1 and Needle 3 have the same number of sts on each, adjust if needed.

Round ONE: Knit down Needle 1 to 3 sts before end, K2tog, K1, Needle 2: work in K3, P1 pattern as established, Needle 3: K1, K2tog, knit to end of needle. Round TWO: Knit needle 1, Pattern needle 2, Knit needle 3. Repeat these two rounds, until back to 60 sts (15, 30, 15). Then continue in stocking stitch for the under foot and ribbing stitch for the top of foot, until about 6 inches from the picked up stitches of the heel (or until sock is about 1.5 inches short of your foot length). Toe: round 1: Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. Needle 2 K1, K2tog, K across to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. Needle 3: K1, K2tog, K across to end. Round 2, Knit all sts without decrease. Continue to knit these 2 rounds until 16 sts are left. Graft two rows of eight sts.

Do it all again for sock two.

Cast on 60 stitches and join in the round. Knit for 1.5 inches in K2, P2 ribbing. Change to K3, P1 ribbing, and continue to work in the round until total length is about 7 inches.

Right side again: Knit across heel, pick up 15 sts up the side of the heel (put these on needle 1).

Do it all again for sock two.

These are ribbed throughout so that they stay up really well.

Beautiful Fall Photos....

2011-10-18T12:52:00.005-04:00

Check out my golf course!

The leaves are just starting to show the best colours. Reds and oranges and yellows. Right now there are only a few leaves on the ground, so the trees look their fall best.
Many are just like this photo with red tips on a green tree.
I am just finishing a pair of knee high socks. If you are interested in the pattern, I will be posting it tomorrow. It is a variation of the best sock pattern ever, but the numbers start a bit bigger to slide over the calf to the knee.

Mohair Multi-Coat

2011-10-05T17:02:00.008-04:00

This is a quick knit. You can use any bulky mohair that knits to gauge. This one is knit from four different colour-ways of Mode Mohair from Elann - mine was the self striping version now out of stock, but there are lots of the solid colours left at Elann! Just 8 skeins (50gms - 100 m).

Needles: 7mm (US 10.5)
Gauge: 11 sts = 4 inches.
Size: Large (chest = 48 inches, length = 30 inches)

Back: cast on 60 sts, and work in seed stitch for 2 inches. Change to stocking stitch and work for 21 inches. Cast off 5 sts at start of next two rows. Continue even until armhole measures 9 inches, cast off all stitches.
Left Front: cast on 35 stitches. work seed stitch for 2 inches. With right side facing, work first 30 stitches in stocking stitch, and the last 5 stitches in seed stitch(front band). Continue to work up front with 5 stitches in seed at the front band, and the rest in stocking. Work such until 21 inches, cast off 5 stitches from the armhole side only. Work even again (keeping the seed stitch band) until 5 inches above the armhole. Cast off 8 sts (including seed band) at the center front neckline side only. Cast off 3 more at next neckline row, and one stitch FIVE more times. Work even until 30 inches from start and cast off all stitches.
Right Front: Make same as back (reversed shaping) BUT add button holes: At 3" in the 5 seed stitch band: work 1 stitch, knit 2 together , yarn over, knit 2 together, continue along the row. On the wrong side in the seed stitch band: seed stitch for one stitch, knit in the front and back of the yarn over, seed stitch the last two stitches. Continue to seed stitch the band.... placing another button hole 5 inches above the last one, repeated until 5 holes are spaced along the band.

Sleeves: cast on 30, work seed stitch for 2 inches, then stocking stitch for the rest: Increase one stitch every 6 rows until 48 stitches , then work even until 20 inches from start. Cast off all stitches. Make another!

Sew shoulders, pick up 60 around neckline and work seed stitch for 1.5 inches. Cast off loosely.
Sew sleeves into armhole space, and sew side and arm seams.
Mix your colours anyway you want or stitch it in one colour!

Spot the little blue bird in the photos! She loves mohair!

Lots of Jackets!

2011-10-04T10:54:00.004-04:00

I have been sewing up a storm. For any of you who pop over to my sewing blog, you will already know that I have been making suits for my sister. I also made the fabulous CAPE for her (yes, she knows she is very special to me!). The deal is that I make the suits, and she will fly me in for fittings! (She lives in Winnipeg and I am in southern Ontario!) I will be travelling this weekend and we will do the fittings and shop for yarn and eat turkey (it is Thanksgiving in Canada). This is one of the suit jackets, but you can see them all HERE if you scroll down.

The other jacket I want to show you is a mohair multi-coloured one.... This yarn was purchased by my friend Jane to make shawls, but was TOO chunky and I quickly snapped them up with this coat in mind. Knit on 7mm needles it was a really quick knit and I will post the pattern soon.

It is knit of 4 different colours of self striping mohair from Elann, so it has almost every colour somewhere on the coat. I had some bright red buttons in my stash, and they finish it perfectly.

Merlot Hooded Cape

2011-09-22T12:26:00.010-04:00

A magnificent, full length hooded cape, light as air and warm and fuzzy! Mostly one size, but you must pay attention to the length required if you want it to be just above the floor like mine. I will insist you find out the X measurement, and that is the length from the bottom of your elbow (bent and hanging straight down from your shoulder) to the ankle. This is the only variable for my pattern. It is where the opening for your arms will be and where the top, fitted part of the pattern begins. This pattern is not for beginners. There is a lot of seams to sew and some skill with sewing flat seams is a benefit.

Yarn: 20 balls of Elann Mode Mohair (or equivalent bulky mohair the knits to gauge. ) 50 gms approx 100m. Colour Wine.
Needles: 7 mm (US 10)
Gauge: 12 sts = 4 inches on 7.0 mm needles over stocking stitch
X - measurement: 38 inches from elbow to ankle.
Stocking stitch: Knit right side row, purl wrong side row.
Seed Stitch: Row 1: Knit one, purl one, repeat. Row 2: Purl the knits and knit the purls. Repeat row two for seed stitch.

Back: Cast on 90 stitches. Work in seed stitch for 3 inches. Then change to stocking stitch and work the back, decreasing one stitch each side every 6 inches until 80 stitches. Work even until back measures X. (place contrast yarn to mark this row)
Continue in stocking stitch, decreasing one stitch each side every 6 rows, until 70 stitches.
Then decrease one stitch each side every 4 rows until 56 stitches remain. Work even until you are 16 inches above the X marker. Cast off for shoulder: cast off 3 stitches at start of next 4 rows, then 4 stitches at start of next 4 rows, then 5 at start of next 2 rows. Cast off remaining 18 stitches.

Front right: Cast on 45 stitches, work seed stitch for 3 inches. Change to stocking stitch and work decreasing at the start of row only every 6 inches until 40 stitches. Work even until you reach the X measurement. (place marker) Work 28 stitches, attach a new ball of yarn and cast off 2 stitches, work last 10 stitches. Continue in stocking stitch working both sides of the armhole with different yarn balls*** at the same time*** start decreasing one stitch at start of every fourth row. Work opening for 8 inches, then cast on two stitches over the opening and use one ball again to close the hole. When 28 stitches are reached, work even until you are 16 inches above the X marker. On shoulder side: cast off 3, 3, 4, 4, 5 ... AND on the neck side cast off 6, then 3, then work even until all stitches are cast off.

Left Front: Work the same as right, reversing the directions.

Band: Cast on 30 stitches, work seed stitch for X measurement. (place marker) Decrease one stitch at the start of the row, every 6 rows, until 22 sts remain. Work even until 15 inches above the X marker (slightly less than the front edge, so that the band can be sewn with a slight stretch to support the long yardage). Cast off all stitches. Make another band the same (right and wrong sides look the same)

Hood: Cast on 50 stitches. Work 8 stitches in seed stitch, 34 in stocking stitch, and 8 in seed stitch. Next row, increase 20 stitches across the stocking stitch section only. continue in 8 seed, 54 stocking, 8 seed for 15 inches. Cast off all stitches. Sew top of hood seam.

Sew side seams up to top of shoulder on both sides. Sew bands to front edge stretching slightly to fit evenly and placing the decreased edges against the front edge.
Attach hood to neck opening, leaving about 4 inches of seed band open to overlap with pin or button.

Armholes: use single crochet to stabalize the edge closest to the center front. On the outside edge of armhole, pick up 24 stitches and work 2 inches of seed stitch then cast off. Sew the short edges down. (see photos of armhole)

Finish with a cute pin overlapping the upper bands near the neck, OR sew three buttons, and add matching crochet loops on other side to fasten. I will be finishing this one when I bring it to my sister in two weeks. Her choice!

Last Stretch...

2011-09-17T07:32:00.002-04:00

I am on the final approach to completion of the CAPE! Photos now would be a big mound of mohair, so I won't spoil the reveal at this point. I decided that more seams (I know - you hate to sew seams) would be the best to support the five feet of length and keep it from stretching. So to that end, I have made the hood and the front bands separate to allow seams that stabilise the whole piece. The feel and the look of it are perfect! Can't wait to finish and show you (specially you, sis')
Stay tuned... eta next Wednesday!

Spider Legs Scarf

2011-09-11T17:47:00.007-04:00

Yarn: Noro Aya (or any self striping worsted weight -knit on 4.5 mm or US 8 needles) less than three balls.
Needles 4.5mm or US 8(I like using 7 inch double points, but regular straight needles are fine)

Cast on 5 stitches.
Next row: Knit across the five stitches. ** Turn as to work the next row....
Before starting next row: Cast on 15 [using the two needle method]. Without turning... knit-wise cast OFF 15 stitches, then knit remaining 5 stitches.**
Repeat between the ** and **, until the scarf is as long as you like...mine is 5 feet.
When you reach the length, cast off last 5 stitches.

Progress Report

2011-09-09T20:12:00.004-04:00

I finished the back of the cape and have reached one quarter up the right front. No photos yet, but I will show you a teaser...

This is a quick and quirky scarf... an original and easyknitting pattern that will be posted on the weekend for you to use up leftover (or newly purchase) Noro (or other self striping yarns). Less than three balls are used to make this!

Labour Day - productive day!

2011-09-05T17:03:00.002-04:00

What a busy and great day it has been. I began with an early tee time with my family. We all played fairly well in the cool, breezy morning. After a lunch at the club, I strapped myself into the sewing machine and plowed my way through alterations... three golf shirts taken in, black pants hemmed, elastic added to jeans that were then shortened, a white capris made a size slimmer, a top and a dress shortened, and one of my new pants hemmed and finished!

Then I took a break and started watching the last day of the golf tournament while knitting more of the cape back. A perfect day so far, and now I am putting a lasagne in the oven, and considering opening a bottle of wine... mmmm.

Hope your long weekend was a good one too :)

Lower Back

2011-09-04T14:36:00.007-04:00

I have made my way 20 inches up the back of the cape! I started with a seed stitch band, then launched into straight stocking stitch knit. Full steam ahead, as I work to the full 55 inch length. I love how lightweight this fabric feels.
Meanwhile, I had some fun with Aspen. We played with bubbles (left over from the surprise anniversary party our kids had for us). When I say we played, I meant that I blew bubbles and Aspen nervously ran away from them! She will attack fingers, anything plastic or shiny, or even larger birds, but she is afraid of bubbles.

"help me please!"

The Math

2011-09-01T12:35:00.003-04:00

Here is the cleaned up sketch. The first had so much numbers and equations and cross outs and illegible writing, that I did a second one for the blog. This is how the pattern begins. I start with the basic measurements, and using the gauge from the swatch, I plugged the sts per inch into the pattern measurements to find the number of stitches needed to create the dimensions I want.
Thus the back has been cast on at 90 stitches, and I am starting with seed stitch for the bottom band.

The yarn is here!

2011-08-31T15:08:00.006-04:00

The box arrived, with 24 balls of yarn and a long new Addi cable in 7 mm. I could not wait and cast on my swatch stitches... here it is almost done and ready for wetting and blocking and measuring!!

The lightning shawl is done! It was really quick in Noro Aya. I think five bands is enough for a good shoulder wrap. Great pattern, thanks Frankie Brown!

Merino Mohair V-Neck

2011-08-26T11:03:00.009-04:00

If you have ever purchased hand dyed yarns, you will notice that they usually suggest using two skeins at a time and alternate skeins every two rows to create an even colour fabric. I picked up four skeins of Merino Angel when I was in Nova Scotia in June. The colours of the skeins were similar, but definitely different. This sweater uses two skeins at a time and decided to “colour block” them… Half of the front is one skein and the other half another, then when the blocks were approximately square, I switched the sides, and used the same skeins on the other half. I repeated once more before the piece was full length. The close up photo at the bottom shows the place where the colours change. It is subtle, but I like the effect and it is a much more even way of mixing odd colours.

Yarn: Fleece Artist Merino Angel

Needles: 4mm (US 6)

Gauge: 4.25 sts and 6 rows = 4 inches

Finished size: 40 inches (designed to be a bit loose and oversized for me)

Pattern (optional) if you have hand dyed yarns, place a marker at the center of row, and use one ball of yarn on one side, then another for the other side, twisting the yarns around each other as you cross from one side to the other (intarsia). When each block is approx. square, change the side that each ball is used. Repeat when square again. If your yarn is one colour don’t do this, it won’t show anyway. You could also use solid and completely different colours for more dramatic effect!

Back: Cast on 81 sts, work in knit one, purl one ribbing for 5 rows, then increase 11 sts across the next row in ribbing.

Change to stocking stitch (knit right side, purl wrong side) and work even until 19 inches from the start.

Armhole: Cast off 4 sts at the start of next two rows. Continue even from there until piece measures 29 inches from the start. Cast off all stitches.

Front: Work same as back until armhole.

Armhole: Cast off 4 stitches at start of next two rows. Next row (divide for Vneck): Work 39 sts, join second ball of yarn, cast off 6 sts, work remaining 39 sts with second ball of yarn.

Continue to work upper fronts, decreasing one stitch at each neck edge every 4^th row 15 times (working both sides at the same time with separate yarn balls.) Finish to 29 inches with no further decreases, then cast off both shoulders.

Sleeves: Cast on 45 sts, work ribbing for 6 rows, then in stocking stitch, increase one st at each side, very 4^th row until 86 sts are on the needles. Continue even until 19 inches long, then cast off all stitches.

Sew shoulder seams.

Neck finish: with small circular needles, pick up approx.. 100 stitches around the neck edge starting at the bottom of the v **** leave the 6 cast off stitches at the bottom of the V untouched... Work up the left side of the V, across the back of the neck and down the right side. Turn and work back up the right side in K1,P1 ribbing (do not join and work around the circle!) Work total of 6 rows of ribbing, then cast off loosely in ribbing. Sew the ends of the ribbing down to the 6 cst off sts.

Sew the sleeves into the armhole opening. Then sew the sleeve and side seams.

enjoy

The Cape - Inspiration

2011-08-24T15:52:00.004-04:00

The inspiration for the newest knitting project... Red Riding Hood. Capes are big this year and I want to make a BIG dramatic cape with a generous hood to wear over business suits OR funky casual clothes. This will be for my sister, who wears dramatic clothing SO well.

The yarn is on the way. A perfect chunky (but lightweight) mohair from Elann in the WINE colour (order 24 balls if you want to knit this with me!). The idea is that it has substance but not weight, important because the length of this cape in a chunky merino, would tend to stretch under the weight and drag on the ground. I believe the mohair will float around the body without stretching out of shape!

Finished the First Shawlette

2011-08-22T20:34:00.003-04:00

I found this pattern a couple of weeks ago... The Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilkes. I had a beautiful alpaca-cashmere lace weight from a couple of months ago, and thought it may be perfect.....

Well here it is. A perfect little shoulder wrap or just a nice neck wrap. Really light and pretty. I skipped the last repeat of the lace pattern, due to running out of yarn, but I think it still works because I got the picot edge in.

Tomorrow I order the huge lot of yarn for the huge new project !!! Can't wait!!!

New Noro Yarn

2011-08-20T21:33:00.004-04:00

I found a new Noro yarn, King, that is a fingering weight silk, mohair, wool and acrylic. It has a sturdy hand, and will likely block really well as a lacey mini-shawl (kerchief). I have cast it on from the center neck with three stitches and I am knitting it with four increases every right side row. I have just started a simple fan lace pattern mixed with stocking stitch. With only one ball, it will be a quick, small project. I have been working on the lightning shawl too, so you will see both done shortly.
The next big project is a mohair cape ( think Red Riding Hood, only in a wine colour!)... Yarn should be here in a week or so. Can't wait!

New Shawl and Finished Sweater

2011-08-11T15:55:00.006-04:00

I found this amazing pattern on Ravelry... It is a shawl that is knit in garter stitch in 15 stitch bands, and looks so cool knit in a self striping yarn. I thought it would be perfect for the Noro Aya yarn that arrived last week, so here is the start of the first band. Looks like lightning.

The pattern can be found here.... and shows the shawl in a really bright yarn. I can't wait to see the bands coming together and all the colours of this yarn... I will post more photos as I go along.

I have finished the Fleece Artist Mohair pullover and will try to post the easy pattern in a day or two. The summer is definately running away with my knitting and posting time. Lots of golf and visiting and extra working (covering vacation days for the office staff). I have been knitting, but small spurts and no time to write my posts. (sorry). Things should settle down in a couple of weeks, and I have a really interesting knitting project planned for September with a big, creative and unusual design commissioned by my favourite sister! Stay tuned.

Yarn in the Mail..

2011-08-03T16:02:00.002-04:00

The first package is Noro Aya. 10 Balls of black, green, cream, and 5 ball of purple, red and green. This came from Elann in a great deal a week ago (quickly sold out!)

The second is 10 balls of chunky mohair in long stripes. There are 5 different colours, but they look great together! Also from Elann, these are limited edition Mode Mohair.

I have almost finished a lightweight v-neck pullover from the Fleece Artist yarn I found in Nova Scotia. I have about 6 more rows of the second sleeve, and I then have to decide how to finish the neckline.

Pattern and photos to follow shortly!

Numbers for the Wood Hoods

2011-07-17T08:55:00.013-04:00

I receive most of my emails and comments about my Wood Hood pattern. (Interesting that it was my FIRST published pattern and the reason that I started posting patterns in the first place... I KNEW it was a good pattern!) The most common question has to do with the numbers sewn to the top of the fuzzy hood. I usually answer that I found them at Michaels (embroydered patch section). I now find they do not carry them anymore. Since I also suggested making them from felt yourself, I have decided to do a photo tutorial of how to make them!

First photo is a close up of the top of the golf club cover (the hood) before it is hot washed twice to felt it smaller and thicker.... what you notice is that the wool stitches are really obvious and the fuzz seams thin and sparse compared to the after felting shot of the covers... the wool WILL shrink and matt and push all the fuzz outside during the wash. Trust it and shrink it!

I also made these new head covers with stripes in the sock part, to match the numbers on top. Some of my email writers have said that works well too, if you choose not to use numbers! (photos further down show the stripes.) I use a driver and 4, 7, and 9 woods... so here is the set up.... I used regular felt in gold and STIFF felt in white. You can find these at any craft store. Layer soft over stiff (choose colours that contrast your fun fur and match your bag!) Draw in pencil first then fine marker, numbers that are about 1.25 inches tall.

On a sewing machine, trace the lines with small stitches and matching thread. (you could also cut them and glue them onto the stiff white background, but I think the stitches make it look better.

Cut between each number and with fine scissors, trim about .25 inches from the stitching through the TOP LAYER ONLY.

Now trim about .25 inches away from the gold number through the white felt....

There are your numbers! I have laid them on the covers that match. I have a very old and loved Eeyore head cover that I use for my 4 wood, so he will get a patch sewn to his ear! Notice the stripes on the other covers.

Sew the numbers through the white stiff felt only.

Here they are on my clubs....

Perfect!

Two for One Felting!

2011-07-11T15:44:00.016-04:00

So I was on the golf course, the place where many great ideas start and grow while I walk the 8K through the beautiful parkland whacking away at the little white ball. I was thinking about a couple of felting projects and trying to get psyched up for the hour and a half of rolling each would take. It is the only part of the felting process I find tedious, and the only thing that keeps me from felting everyday! Then, in a eureka moment, the thought came to me! Two for one! What if I laid out the first scarf on bubble wrap, sprayed it with hot soapy water, covered it with more bubble wrap, laid out a SECOND scarf, then wrapped it all in plastic. Rolling all up in a jelly roll style, I could roll two scarves at once, and skip half the rolling!

I could not wait to try this, and here are the photos of the first layer, a scarf made from Colinette Roving in Bright Charcoal to match my Colinette Art Cardigan. This one is made from two layers of roving, with no gaps. It will be a warm woolly scarf with Swiss cheese holes cut into it after the first two rollings (15 minutes for each rolling).

The second scarf is made with silk chiffon in black, layered with wispy thin merino roving (same as above) leaving plenty of silk showing between the merino lines. This will make a sheer, light scarf for more moderate temperatures, still matching my Art Cardigan!

The pair were rolled together for 5 - 15 minute sessions, unrolling and rolling up over a pool noodle from the opposite side after each session.
The scarves were finished with the same process, tossing in the sink several times, then hot and cold baths repeated until firmly felted. Rinse in cold, wrap in towels, and hang to dry... both look great with the sweater, and if it weren't over 30C ( 86F) I would model them!! :)

Scarf One.

Scarf Two.

Colinette Art Cardigan

2011-07-04T18:31:00.009-04:00

Yarn: Colinette Art, 5 skeins (100 grams - 173 meters)

Gauge: 17 sts and 26 rows = 4 inches in stocking stitch

Size: Roomy 44 inch chest.

Needles: 4.0mm (US 6) circular needles required for front bands so I use them for every piece.

Stocking stitch : right side Knit. Wrong side Purl.

Seed stitch: row 1: k1, p1 repeat across row. row2: knit the purls, purl the knits.

Back: Cast on 85 sts. Work in seed stitch for 2 inches. On last row increase 9 stitches evenly across the row. Change to stocking stitch, and work until 16 " from start.

Raglan shaping: Cast off 8 sts at the start of next two rows.

** decrease row**Knit 2, knit 2 together, knit to last 4 sts, knit 2 together, knit 2**

use decrease row every 2nd row 22 times. Then every 4th row 5 times.

Cast off remaining 24 sts.

Left Front: cast on 43 sts. Work in seed stitch for 2 inches, increasing 4 sts across the last row. Change to stocking stitch, and work even until 16 inches from start. Cast off 8 at the start of next right side row. (underarm side). Start decreases on that side only by the knit 2, knit2 together method every 2nd row for 22 repeats, then every 4th row, 5 times. ***ALSO at the same time decrease one stitch at the neck edge, every 6th row 11 times. (the neck edge decrease should be done by knit 2 together at the edge.) Continue both decrease edges, until 10 sts are left, and the piece should be about one inch shorter than the back. Cast off 10 sts.

Right side: same as left, but reverse the decrease shaping to mirror the left side.

Sleeves: Cast on 33 sts. Work in seed stitch for 3 inches. Increase 5 sts across the last row. Change to stocking stitch and shape the sleeve by increasing one stitch each end every 6th row 13 times (64 sts on needle). Work even until sleeve is 18 inches long (or chosen length to underarm).

Cap shaping: Cast off 8 sts each side. Then using the Decrease Row method, decrease one each side every 2nd row 10 times, then every 4th row 9 times. Right sleeve (right side facing) cast off 4 sts, knit to end. Purl next row. Cast off 4 sts. [left sleeve, (wrong side facing) cast off 4 sts, purl to end. knit next row, cast off 4 sts.]

Sew raglan seams. Bands: Pick up 120 sts on right side front (up to neck edge only) Work in seed stitch for front band, about 1.5 inches. Place button holes evenly spaced along the lower part of band only [I put three]. Cast off loosely. Do the same for the left side band, without buttonholes.

Collar. pick up 70 sts from the neck edge including the top of the front bands. Work in seed stitch for 4 inches, then do 5 rows of stocking stitch before casting off loosely. This last bit will roll into a nice edge for the collar.

Really soon now...

2011-07-04T08:51:00.003-04:00

I finally got the cardigan finished, and put the buttons on and went outside to take the photos... I am just about ready to post the pattern now. I need to spend an hour or so typing and editing my chicken scratch notes into a comprehensible pattern! Maybe this evening...stay tuned! By the way, I am looking towards the morning sun and it is already over 23C / 74F on the way to 29/83. Really too warm for such a wooly thick sweater! But I DO love summer makeup, sunglasses and lip gloss! I am standing in front of our tomato and snow pea patio garden. We have already had lots of peas and a few cherry tomatoes! I love summer!

The second photo is some knitted earrings. They are knit with HABU stainless steel in shiny black. I will also post this easy pattern, which is knit in a rectangle, then squished through some beads, before stretching out into interesting shapes (these shapes hold because of the steel)

Now I am off to the sewing room for a bit of sewing... check the other side (upper right square link) to see what I have been sewing.

Almost Completed...

2011-06-30T08:49:00.006-04:00

Here's a great peak at the almost finished Colinette Art Sweater! I am making a large collar to frame the neckline. I really recommend this yarn. It is SO soft by hand, yet really sturdy (it's hard to break the yarn end by just pulling it!) So I think it will wash and wear really well for a long, long time. It also has a soft drape (not stiff like many worsted weight wools.)

You can find it at your local yarn shop OR order directly from the wool mill in Wales HERE.

While completing this, I am planning my next knitted garment. It will be from that lovely merino-mohair Fleece Artist "Merino Angel". The swatch is open and airy and light as a feather. I am thinking of a whisper light tunic... hmmm.

My knitting hours have been reduced so far this summer, lots of golf and sewing. I am sure most of you agree, it is a little more difficult to embrace knitting, especially with the merinos and silks and other warm woolies, when it is hot and humid outside. The hidden gem of summer knitting, is the surprise of finding on those first cold fall days, the summer-time merino knit that you tucked away in the cold section of your closet in anticipation of the inevitable cold spell that WILL return to our fabulous country! So keep tucking them away!

Aspen and Art

2011-06-24T21:22:00.004-04:00

I just wound another skein of Colinette Art. I have finished the first sleeve, and started the second sleeve. So we are nearing completion of the Art Raglan Cardigan. Here is a photo of young Aspen perched on the ball of yarn. The first few times she tried this she wobbled and fell off, but now she knows to hold still!

Plugging away...

2011-06-18T17:50:00.002-04:00

Before I can get to my new Nova Scotia yarn yummies, I have to finish my Colinette cardigan. I have been feverishly at it for days, and I have finished the back, both fronts and am on the first sleeve. I like the feel of this yarn. It is really soft, and very sturdy, so makes a fairly dense fabric. I think it will be best for outdoors or really chilly Canadian winter days indoors.
Meanwhile, I am also sewing up a storm and have made a bustier for a friend, and a casual sundress for me this week. I have 3 tops and 3 shorts in the queue, along with the last 2 bridesmaid alterations, all to be done next week.
I will save the photos of the knitting for the finished product. Stay tuned and keep knitting!

Nova Scotia Weekend

2011-06-14T15:58:00.005-04:00

I spent last weekend in Nova Scotia, visiting Dad along with my sister (from Winnipeg). We flew in Friday and out again Monday. While there, we stopped at Gaspereau Valley Fibres, a lovely wool shop in Wolfville. I found some great yarns, some Fleece Artist, and Habu and lace weight...

During the trip, I got a lot of knitting done, and finished these striped socks.
Also during the trip we ate some of this....

My favourite!

Colinette ART

2011-06-03T08:47:00.006-04:00

I have started the Colinette Art Sweater. I find the yarn wooly but soft and strong (can't break it by pulling on it - that's the bamboo). The yarn is a grey and black and off white, with bits of rose and other small infusions of colours. As always with Colinette, the colours are so pleasing to the eye and the yarn is so pleasing to the hands, it is a joy to knit.

The photo above shows the back so far.

I have to write about a truly extraordinary event. A couple of months ago I met a lovely lady at a local shop. We engaged in crafty talk, after she spotted me in my Nuno-felt coat. She asked me how she should unload a large collection of fine fabrics, collected over many years by her talented seamstress mother, who unfortunately had passed away and left them with her. I suggested eBay or kijiji, one piece at a time, but she felt that was too time consuming and wanted them out by the time she sold her house and moved (imminent). She asked if I could take them off her hands, and make sure they had a purposeful new home.

I was honoured to help, and when she sold her house, she called me to pick up 8 large (and heavy) boxes full of fabrics. Upon sorting them, I find MANY suit weights, including silks, wools and linens. There are lovely cottons and some knits, and a box full of silky lining fabrics. Her mother had amazing taste in colour and fibre content! There were also many upholstery and drapery fabrics.

I thank my new friend for allowing me this treasure. And know that these fabrics will be loved and thoughtfully made into beautiful garments for me, and my friends and family.

Colinette in the Mail!

2011-05-27T20:17:00.005-04:00

I decided it has been way too long since I have Colinette yarn in my hands. Every once in a while you want to revisit the essential luxury of the original hand painted yarn. It has a style and colour and unique look like no other yarn. It has been very hard to find this yarn from Wales in the local yarn shops in Canada. And when I did, it was TOO expensive to indulge.

Last weekend, between golf games and sewing projects, I wandered over to the Colinette website, the mill in Wales. How surprised I was to discover they now sell merino top roving dyed to their wonderful colours! An impulse e-shop later and I had 6 -100 grams of ART (wool and bamboo) on the way, along with 150 grams of roving, both in the same colourway (bright charcoal) a lovely mix of grey, black, pink and mauve.

The thought was that I could knit a sweater with the yarn, and make a felted bag, or beret, or nunofelt wrap to match.... The planning is as much fun as the wearing! For those Canadians who have trouble finding Colinette, (or find it too expensive)... you can order directly! It arrived in less than a week! AND it was about $10 for 100 grams! Quite the steal!

Yarn Bombing.... get ready....

2011-05-20T21:15:00.006-04:00

Just checking the net for information about yarn bombing... You HAVE to learn about it HERE.

I blogged on the other side HERE, about the concept and I put up some photos. I find it intriguing and love the photos and the silliness and the cheery spirit. I will find more photos to post and hopefully will have some new ones from June 11.... Lets see some photos from you!

Rainy, knitty, Sunday

2011-05-15T20:17:00.003-04:00

Instead of golfing today, I chose to stay in and sew and knit. It was windy and cold and steady rain all day. Not the best outdoor day.

I started with some bridesmaid dress alterations... shortened the hemline by 5 inches, all three layers, then took the bodice in one size. One down, four more to go.

Then I took a break and met up with my daughter for some rainy day shopping! Fun.

I also did a wedding dress fitting, and worked on several inches of my knitted lace top.

Luckily there was a great golf tournament on TV, and I was entertained for a few hours with the shifting leader board.

Not a very exciting blog page, but I got a lot done, and hopefully will have more interesting stuff to show you soon!

I will leave the blog with this knitting pattern I just found (I can't believe I missed it up until now!) No one needs eyeballs in their homes more than we do! I think I should teach the Docs how to juggle them... we could have great family dinners entertained by the Juggling Docs. :)

2011-05-10T08:51:00.006-04:00

Thought you may like to see what's on my needles now. I have a lovely linen blend in chocolate brown, that I thought may be nice in a lacy summer top. I chose the parachute top (image 26) from Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2010. I am captivated by the over sized sheer tops worn over slim tanks. It reminds me a bit of my youthful days in the eighties... just don't bring back the permed big hair, ok?

The linen is a bit crispy, and the swatch I made (photographed on the cover) set really well into the lace and does not collapse on the holes, so I think it will hold the pattern well. My gauge was bang on the pattern gauge, and although it doesn't matter to be exact on this oversize shape, it is still good to know that your yarn is close to target.

Here is the first piece so far....

And I also have had fun capturing photos of the new baby bird. She likes to sit on the beak of my wood and metal heron....

And she likes to nap on hubby's woolly socks (while he is napping too).

so sweet!

Floppy Cropped Summer Top

2011-05-06T10:14:00.007-04:00

I wanted to design a simple to knit cotton top, to wear over tank tops in the summer (I hate over-air-conditioned stores!)

This one is knit in one piece starting at the lower back, and split at the neck, then knitted down the front to the lower hemline. Just the sideseams are sewn, and a bit of pick up knitting for the back of neckline to finish. The front pieces are mostly rectangle and it is the oversized square front that falls into a nice draped collar.

*** the key to success with the drape is knitting your yarn on one size bigger needles to allow a somewhat loose knit stitch, which will allow for a soft drape to the fabric**** Check gauge AND loose stitch feel!!

Yarn: Elann Sonata, 100% cotton, 50gm balls, 115 yards, 5 balls. (anyDK weight cotton designed to knit on 4mm needles should work!)

Needles: 5.0mm

Gauge: 16 sts , 24 rows = 4 inches

Size of mine: 19 inches across lower (cropped) back. The front is overlapped and loose fitting, should fit sizes 8 through 14! Length from shoulder to bottom edge: 16 inches.

Pattern: Bottom back edge... cast on 70 stitches. Work in seed stitch for 2 inches. Change to stocking stitch, and increase one stitch each end every 6 rows until 104 stitches are on the needle. (you are now done the side shaping) Establish sleeve edging: next right side row: work seed stitch for 6 stitches, place marker, knit across to last 6 stitches, place marker, seed stitch last 6 stitches. Work without increasing, keeping outer 6 stitches in seed stitch and remaining stitches in stocking stitch. Do this until 7.5 inches of sleeve have been worked.

Shoulder (right side facing): seed stitch 6, knit 34, cast off 24, place last 40 on a stitch holder.

You now have 40 shoulder stitches on your needles, and will knit down the front right side of the garment.

Work 1 inch in established pattern (keep the 6 seed stitches at the sleeve side).

Next row, work across the seed then stocking stitches THEN cast on 35 stitches on the center of garment edge.

Work these 35 stitches in seed stitch , keep the 34 shoulder stitches in stocking stitch and the sleeve edge (6 sts) in seed stitch. Keep this pattern for 6 rows. (this makes a nice edge for the front drape). SEE PHOTO BELOW TO GET THE IDEA OF WHERE YOU ARE GOING.

Now, change to 6 seed stitches ONLY at the front center edge AND the sleeve edge, with all the rest of the stitches in stocking stitch. **** as you continue with this pattern, measure the sleeve edge ... when you get 15 inches from the start of the back sleeve seed stitch edge, you need to stop the sleeve edge seed stitch and start decreasing for the front side seam:

Decrease one stitch at side seam every 6 rows until 17 decreases have been made. (keep working the center front seed stitch edging (6 sts) without increasing or decreasing)

Work even until the folded garment matches the length of the back stocking stitch, and finish with 2 inchesof seed stitch border. Cast off all.

Left front, pick up 40 stitches from holder.

Work one inch in stocking stitch and 6 seed stitch sleeve edge.

Right side facing: cast on 35 stitches at the start of the row (on the center garment edge), and work these in seed stitch for 6 rows, while the rest remains stocking stitch and seed stitch (6) edge. After the 6 rows, change to 6 edge seed stitches at the center front, and keep the sleeve edge until 15 inches of sleeve (back AND front) are done. Stop seed stitch at outside edge.

Decrease outside edge one stitch every 6 rows for 17 decreases.

Match up the length again and finish with 2 inches of border.

Sew up the side seams.

Pick up 24 stitches across the back of the neck, and work 3 rows of seed stitch, and cast off all stitches, sew the ends to the side of neck to tidy up.

Photos show the fronts as overlapping rectangles, above and loosely draped below.

I think this one will get lots of wear!

2011-05-04T16:02:00.002-04:00

I have finished the cotton shrug, and it is very cute! The pattern is simple and will be posted here shortly.

The delay is mostly due to this little guy... our house guest for a week. So little and so cute and friendly, but he demands so much attention, I can't get much done!

I also am knitting a new cotton sweater that I can't show here, because it is a birthday gift and my friend is no doubt checking the blog for a sneak peek! (you know you are Jenn!). A photo will follow after the special day...
I have a stash of linen/cotton in a lovely chocolate colour, that will be on the needles shortly. Last night I decided what to make with it, and it will be a nice lacey summer top.
Sorry its so short... off to work!

keys and doral

2011-04-30T13:50:00.013-04:00

I just got back from a week away, we did Key West and Doral (Miami).

What a lovely break from the cold wet wind up here, and we enjoyed the hot, humid sunshine for 6 days.

I had never been to Key West before and did all the classic tourist things...

Watched the sunset over the Gulf...
Twice.....
and had a photo with the southernmost point marker....

We ate great food and wandered downtown....

and we played golf at the (only) golf course!....

All fun and laid back and a bit of cool, trendy, hippy casual lifestyle.
Then we tekked up to Miami and checked into the Doral Resort. Well this place was lush....

and prestigeous...

and BIG! Five golf courses, a huge spa, several pools with waterfalls and boardwalks and a waterslide, lots of restaurants and shops, all in an oasis in the middle of Miami, right by the airport.

I read my book by the pool while Rick watched the planes fly by (really low) every minute and a half!

While I was leaving the driving range one day, I saw a lady with clubs that seemed to have Wood Hoods on them... they were royal blue with black socks. If you were golfing April 27, 2011 at Doral and have those wood hoods I would love to hear from you! I wished I stopped then, but we were running to our tee time and I just spotted them as we were driving off! I never expected to see one of my patterns out in the real world in their natural habitat! What fun!

When we returned I had the pleasure of attending a wedding, the son of one of my knitting posse! It was on April 29, and was the "other" royal wedding held that day (my friend's son booked his FIRST!).

Here is a photo of most of the posse (a few absent that night), in our finest! We do clean up good.... :)

for any of you that follow my sewing blog, the royal blue dress and magenta (center) dress and mine (the tall gal), and the fushia jacket, were all sewn by me, and there are a couple of felted shawls.

Snow, Tiles and Photos

2011-04-18T14:37:00.011-04:00

Our office has been under construction for the past few weeks. My Hubby (the Doc) has been installing the ceramic tile that replaces very old carpet. I have not been much help to him, except to move out furniture and stuff, and come back a day later and move it back and help him clean up. Since we are not closing the office, this has taken place over the weekend, and as far as he gets, that's it until the next weekend.

This weekend he finished the tiling and most of the grouting, but had to allow dry time overnight. We got up early and were at the office around 7am, to take this....

and this......

to this.....

and this....

So nice and fresh looking now, easy to clean, and modern. There is a bit more grouting left to do, but the brunt of the work is done... Way to go Doctor/Handyman!

And here is a photo of the shocking weather... snow in Niagara on April 18! We should be on the golf course, not watching this tired old white stuff again! Where do I send my letter of protest?

Here are the final photos of the latest nuno-felt jacket. It has small knitted squares and bits of handspun merino, on merino batting and adhered to silk gauze in a green print.

and the back....

there are also strips of silk gauze on the surface of the felt.

Knitting of the shrug continues at a fair clip, and should be ready to show soon.... :)

Odds and Ends

2011-04-16T13:36:00.004-04:00

I have been knitting boring stuff... socks and those squares for the coat. And I felt a bit lost again with the direction of my knitting. I usually have three or more projects in the queue, and can't wait to jump in (after meticulously finishing each and every project on the go currently?? -ha). This time nothing. I am tired of cold and rain and also tired of merino and other wools. I mostly don't like summer knits, they are too bulky even in a short sleeve, and I have endless shawls. So what to do?

I saw a cute shrug (not knitted) on TV, and thought it may be the answer to summer knitting, not too long on the back, open in the front, slight hint at sleeves, and can be worn over cute tank tops. So I sketched, and I swatched, and I cast on yesterday. Stay tuned, this could be nice.

Meanwhile I found this photo of an art exhibit by Ben Cuevas

I stared in amazement. A knitted skeleton. Nice job.

Check out how he used finer yarn and smaller needles for the small details like the teeth! Awesome!

Hand spun, hand knit, hand felt

2011-04-10T11:31:00.006-04:00

I have been spinning with the drop spindle, and have some loose yarn, and some small squares of stocking stitch that will be felted into the newest fabric for a new jacket.

Here are some of the small square pieces (10 stitches by 12 rows, with the ends left on - not sewn in)...

Here is the dry layout for the nuno felt fabric. Silk gauze weight in a tiny flower print is used for the backing, and layered on top is green batting, and indigo merino, and strips of silk gauze fabric, and the knitted squares and strands of hand spun yarn (in periwinkle). Seems very thick but once it is wet and rolled it will be a thin wool layer meshed into the silk. (I hope).

Here is the wet fabric after about 1.5 hour of rolling, then 20 minutes of hot - cold wash to shrink and wrinkle. Some of the knitted squares have lifted a bit at the edges, and I hope I will be able to needle felt them back in after it's dry. If not, I will sew them in place.

Here is a close up of a couple of squares that adhered really well.

This 2 yard piece will be enough to cut the back and one front. I need to do one more 2 yard piece to cut the second front and 2 sleeves.

Knitted Royals

2011-04-08T21:37:00.002-04:00

Not too much knitting photos to show you today, I am finishing a pair of socks, and I have been doing some hand spinning on a drop spindle. The hand spun is a lovely periwinkle blue merino and will end up on my next nuno-felting jacket. I have this idea that if I knit small squares from the hand spun then felt it into the surface of the jacket, I may just love the effect. This remains to be seen in a few more days! In the meantime, you all may get as much of a chuckle as I did, when I found this.... It is a new knitting book, just in time for the Royal Wedding! Love the Queen in the background and the little Corgies. Too funny!

Birds and Fish

2011-04-05T19:02:00.012-04:00

I have finished the green sweater and will post the pattern shortly, but for now you can have a sneak peak at the first photo.... I have been busy with sewing, but took a couple of hours to wet felt a novelty purse. It started with a drawing of a fish shape, then I laid bubble wrap over the drawing. I could see the outline through the wrap, and first laid down the contrast design for the outside of the fish, then laid three layers of pink merino fiber. I then sprayed it with soapy water.

After placing a fish shaped resist of bubble wrap over the wet fiber, I laid three more layers for the other side of the purse, wrapping the back side overhang onto the front side.

I finished with the same contrast details on this side of the fish, then more soapy water.

I covered the whole thing in bubble wrap and plastic, and rolled it with a pool noodle for about one hour (changing directions after each 15 minute session).

After the body was well felted (solid), I cut an opening from the back of the head to the start of the tail. I then could remove the bubble wrap resist. Before shrinking in hot water, I placed some pebbles under the body (three near the tail and one under each eye) and tied string around to hold in place. This makes a cool bubble bulge in the finished fabric that is permanent. The eye ones will make the eyes bulge (just like a lot of fish).

Hot water and cold water baths alternated about 6 times, shrink the fishy down to a thick solid felt. While this dried, I made a handle out of pink and blue roving, hot soapy water and rolling until firm. I also made blue fins with hand rubbing wet felting.

When all was dry, the handles were sewn on, and the fins placed and sewn. A pink zipper was sewn in the opening. I put eye buttons on the bobble eye spots. Cute.

And speaking of cute, meet the newest resident of our house. This is a Parrotlet. She is three months old, and loves to sit on fingers and shoulders and run up arms. She is almost as small as a finch, but behaves like a bigger parrot. Such fun...

Photo

2011-04-01T07:50:00.003-04:00

The New Cardigan is almost done... looks great so far, right? It's an artsy photo of the pieces piled up carefully and placed on the floor in front of the window, the weak 7:30am daylight streaming through. The most observant of you will also notice the small birdseeds in the background, tossed there by my busy little finch who watches and tweets nearby. Yes, I need to vacuum.

Cotton Cardigan nearly done

2011-03-28T12:18:00.005-04:00

What a busy crafty weekend! I made the fine-tuned fitting changes for the mom-of-groom dress, and made the lining, attaching it to the dress. It is now ready for final fitting and hemline adjustment. I also made a new dress for another friend. A lovely royal blue stretch knit, made with a cleverly designed pattern that includes asymetric shaping, and lining. This one is now ready for first fittings tomorrow. I also made a stunning jacket for myself. The pattern is a Marcy Tilton Vogue pattern and features custom embellishments that make it one of a kind! You can check out more about the sewing on my other blog.

The cotton cardigan has been on the backburner, and I have ended the days with a few hours of relaxing knitting. I have now the back, two fronts and half of the first sleeve done. I really love this cotton yarn. It is one of the few I have found that does not split. Hopefully it does not sag too much as well. The swatch blocked nicely, but of course it is not big enough to get a real feel for the sag-potential. I will report again after finished and blocked and worn for a bit!

Felting Party (workshop)

2011-03-23T14:48:00.003-04:00

Last night we had the first (of many I hope) felting workshops. A gang met with me and we made felted balls, and beads, and bangles, and bags and flowers, and a shawl. Lots of fun and a bit of wine, and lots of hot soapy water....

Check out more at my sewing blog HERE.

Green Sweater and Green Bird

2011-03-20T16:20:00.005-04:00

Last weekend we bird-sat for our daughter and her husband. Cosmo was so much fun, alternating between yelling at us for leaving him alone, and running up our arms to play on our shoulders. He like my husband best, because he is the tallest tree in the house, and eagerly hopped from my shoulder to his as he walked by. I had some fun playing soccer with him, as he likes to push a small ball around with his beak and feet, and watch as I picked it up from the floor after he knocked it over the edge....

The newest project is a cotton cardigan, hip long and a bit loose, in an eyelet stripe pattern that is very easy. The yarn is Elann's Sonata in tarragon.

I also have a new felted item to show..

a little felted bag, done in one piece with a resist in the center. After felting, but before fulling (shrinking) the handles were cut and the upper flaps were created. One flap was turned inside the bag and needle felted to make a pocket inside, the other flap closes the bag. A snap and pin were sewn on and the handles were stitched into a tube shape.

I think I will be making more of these. It is so cute and fun to make.

Nuno Felt Coat

2011-03-15T19:41:00.002-04:00

Take some of this........

Then layer the silk with the batting and the roving, then embellish with yarns and other rovings, then rub and roll for hours and hours, then let dry and make another table full of this fabric, then roll for hours, then let it dry, then make one more full piece and roll for hours, then let IT dry, then cut the pattern pieces, and sew together, and needle felt the last details...

and you will end up with this....
totally worth the week of work!

Green Market Bag

2011-03-13T16:36:00.007-04:00

OK, so it's not actually green. Kind of yellow and blue with orange... but it is green in spirit, as you can stuff it into your purse and tell the checkout gal that you DO NOT need a bag! This one is made using leftover ribbon yarn, but any sturdy cotton or blend that knits up as worsted weight or chunky weight should work just fine.

Needles, 6mm (US 8), straights to start, then double points, then short circulars when large enough to use them!

Bottom of bag: on straight needles cast on 25 stitches. Knit every row (garter stitch) for 24 rows. Change to double points, knit across the row, then pick up 15 stitches down the left side of the bottom rectangle, pick up 25 stitches across the other long side of the bottom, and finish with pick up 15 across the final side of the rectangle (you have completed a circle around the four edges of the garter stitch bottom of the bag. Place a marker to show start of the row. Working around and around, begin the open lace pattern like this.... Row one: knit every stitch. Row two: [yarn over, knit 2 together] repeat until end of the row. Repeat these two rows, knitting the yarn over like a stitch on the row one round.

Continue to do this pattern until the bag is as big as you want... mine is 12 inches from the start of the lace pattern (gently stretched).

Finish: Garter stitch for 8 rows: (row 1: knit around, row 2: purl around)..

Cast off all stitches.

Handles, cast on 6 stitches, work in garter stitch for 14 inches, cast off. Make two handles and sew in place evenly spaced around the market bag.

Go shopping... you have earned it!

Happy Mardi Gras

2011-03-08T14:14:00.005-05:00

happy mardi gras!

I have lots of this stuff.....

And I will turn it into an amazing one-of-a-kind COAT! Just wait and see!

Meanwhile here I am with my Mardi Gras beads rock'n'rolling my nuno-felt.....

eat lots of pancakes and through a few beads today!

Cashmere Hoody

2011-03-06T08:09:00.007-05:00

Cashmere Hoody

I made this pullover with 100% cashmere that I found on eBay. I do not know the manufacturer, it was on industrial cones, so you won’t be able to duplicate the sweater, but working to gauge you can use your own DK yarn for this loose, casual sweater. I won’t tease you by saying that it feels incredible (oh, I guess I just did) but at least you can see that it looks pretty cool.... Yarn: DK weight that knits to gauge **** Check!
Needles, 3.5 mm (US 5), 4.0 mm (US 6) & Circular 4.0mm for finishing the hood
Gauge 17 sts and 26 rows = 4 inches in stocking stitch. *** you could knit the whole thing in stocking stitch if you are not comfortable in the eyelet stripe pattern*** gauge is the same either way!***
Finished measurements: chest 42 inches, length 29 inches, sleeves ¾ length.

Seed Stitch Pattern: Row 1: [knit one, purl one] repeat across all stitches. Row 2: purl the knits and knit the purls for the whole row.

Eyelet Stripe Pattern: Rows 1 – 11 : stocking stitch (knit the right side and purl the wrong side)
Row 12: ****Knit all stitches
Row 13: k3, [k1, yarn over, knit 2 together, k3] repeat until less than 3 remain... work any leftover stitches in knit (not every row will work out as an even amount of stitches! No worries!)
Row 14: purl all
Row 15: [ knit 2 together, yarn over, k4] repeat until a few remain, knit the rest.
Row 16: purl
Row 17: repeat row 13
Row 18:**** knit all stitches
Repeat rows 1 – 18 for the whole eyelet stripe pattern, paying attention to the *** rows, these are reversed to make a purl ridge to outline the eyelet section.

Back: With smaller needles, cast on 98 sts. Work in seed stitch pattern for 2 inches.
Change to larger needles, and begin the eyelet stripe pattern. Work this pattern over the 98 stitches until 19 inches has been done from the cast on edge.
Cast off 4 stitches at the beginning of next 2 rows. Continue in pattern until whole piece measures 29 inches, cast off all stitches.

Front: Work the same as the back until 23 inches have been done.
Begin placket neck: Right side facing, work 41 stitches, attach another ball of yarn, cast off center 8 stitches, and work the rest of the row. Working both sides at once, continue in pattern until piece measures 28 inches. For neck shaping: cast off 7 stitches at the neck edge of each half, then decrease one stitch at each neck edge 4 times. Work even until piece measures 29 inches, and cast off the shoulders.

Sleeves: With smaller needles, cast on 40 stitches and work 2 inches of seed stitch. Change to larger needles and work in the eyelet stripe pattern. Increase one stitch each side every fourth row until a maximum of 80 stitches. Work even until desired length of sleeve (mine is ¾) – about 13 inches. Cast off all stitches.

Sew shoulder seams. With circular needles, pick up 56 stitches evenly spaced around the neckline (leaving the placket opening for later). Place a marker at the center of these stitches. Work in plain old stocking stitch back and forth for 1.5 inches. Increase one stitch on each side of the marker every 6 rows, 9 times. Work even until hood measures 12 inches. Bind off all stitches and seam the top of hood.

Hood finish: Using circular needle, pick up 18 stitches along right side placket, 50 along right edge of hood opening (to the top of hood), 50 down the other side, and 18 to the bottom of the left placket opening. Work these stitches in seed stitch pattern, for 10 rows, then bind off all stitches. Overlap the seed stitch band in the placket opening (at the bottom edge) and stitch into place to finish.

Sew the sleeves into the armhole, and sew the side and under-sleeve seams.

Quick Projects

2011-03-05T17:38:00.003-05:00

I have been working on a couple of quick knits, while waiting for some new cotton yarn to come from Elann. This one is a fast knit market bag.... all the rage with the shops no longer supplying plastic. I wanted one that takes up little space in my purse, but will hold lots of groceries (or yarn, fabric and roving!)

I also made a thin wool cap from sock yarn that will fit under a ski helmet. I have decided you are NOT too old to learn to ski, and have been out three times this winter with my patient husband, but after the last outing, he bought me a helmet. You see, I spend a lot of time falling down the slopes instead of swishing down the slopes!

So now I owe this blog three patterns! I am knitting too fast to keep up with the posts! I promise to get to them tomorrow and early next week!

Niagara Felters

2011-02-28T13:55:00.005-05:00

For those local readers, we are having a workshop with the new Niagara Felters Group (find us on Ravelry or through the Fibre Garden in Jordan, ON). The information and registration is through either site. I will be showing those attending how to make balls and ropes with merino roving, and finish into bracelets and bangles. It is a good method to get a feel of what wet wool can do when soap and heat and agitation occur! Remember: when wool behaves like this on purpose - it is called felting, by accident: shrinking!

Cashmere progress

2011-02-28T08:31:00.004-05:00

I know that I have been posting a lot of felting here, and it is easy to make a felt piece, photo and share as they are quick, on to two day, projects. Rest assured I am still knitting (can't take that away from me!) and I wanted to show the progress of my pink cashmere hoody pullover! I am on the last sleeve, and like many of my own designs, I sewed the shoulder and added the hoody, before starting the sleeves. I do this because a hood takes so much yarn and I can always rip it back or make shorter sleeves if the amount of yarn seems to be dwindling. This particular yarn is a batch from an ebay seller, and there is lots, but there is no more if I run low!

Here is the full shot, with flash that shows the accurate colour, a pink, fuchsia blend with white flecks.

The second shot without the flash better shows the striped eyelet pattern I am using.

I expect to be done, washed, blocked and posted here by the end of the week. Now is the time I start planning my next knitting project, hmmmmmm.

Felted Shawl

2011-02-25T11:25:00.010-05:00

I have a series of photos that can take you through the stages of making a nuno-felt shawl. First lay the underlying silk on a large surface (over bubble layer - a pool cover cut to size in this case). The silk is hand dyed by me, and the rectangle is trimmed to curve 2 of the edges a bit so that the ends are tapered.

The next step is to lay out the merino roving into a balanced design... I used pink, purple and blue and accented with black dots. there are lots of areas of plain uncovered silk to keep it light and silky.

close up of the silk pieces and yarn embelishments.

This is how it looks after a thorough spraying of the water and soap mixture.

The wet wool is then covered in plastic and rolled tightly over a pool noodle (see the yellow peaking out). Tied with polar fleece bands, the fun begins. I rolled this tube by hand for about 3 hours... lots of breaks and lots of unrolling to check and roll in the other direction. It took me almost 2 days because it is tedious and hard on the arms and back.

Close up shot of the fibres after felting... but before the fulling (shrinking)

After hot washes alternated with cold, several times to shrink the whole thing, you get a slightly wrinkled silk/ wool shawl. Light and textured and kind of cool!

The photo of the finished shawl in front of the pool table I used for a nuno-table! You can see the sheer silk areas surrounded by the wool areas. It is very light and drapes well. This is my first BIG fabric piece and it was a LOT of work!

Catch Up

2011-02-21T10:04:00.011-05:00

Very impressive big guy, but you should step away from the trash can!

Wow, busy couple of weeks, first I was in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for a week of sun, golf (and rum!). We stayed at the Melia Caribe Tropicale... I highly recommend this all inclusive resort. It is HUGE and great for folks who like to walk through wonderfully landscaped gardens and ponds, with water birds and peacocks roaming freely. The pools are massive (2 large ones) and the beach white and soft and huge. We walked for 45 minutes away (90 minute round trip) from the resort in each direction and did not run out of beach!

Huge palm trees constantly and swaying in the breeze.

You would think they would fall over standing on only one leg....

The food was varied (9 restaurants) and easy to book reservations, and the golf was included (very rare) and we just paid $37 each for cart (I know that's high for cart but no caddy or tip was required, so $37 was IT). We played every morning around 7:30 and had no trouble getting that time. They have 27 holes, so there was a bit of variety.
Shot of the pond behind the 8th green on the Bougainvillea 9. This bird was there everyday!

Since I have been back, I posted the Kimmee sweater, and caught up with work and with sewing projects. I did a couple of alterations for a friend and started a large felting project (photos will follow in a day or two). I have also joined a new Ravelry group for felters in the Niagara Region. We met at the Fibre Garden before my trip and discussed ways to develop a felting group, with the goal of teaching and sharing ideas and techniques. The first step is the Rav Group, and if you are a Raveler I would love to see you join the group.... If you live in the Niagara Penninsula area of Ontario, even more so, as we will likely have opportunities to meet up in person and try to felt together... SO much fun! See you there! (I am Chrissielou on Ravelry)

Susan showing her Nuno-felted vest (on black silk gauze) at the first meeting of the Niagara Felters.

Shop owner, John, modelling my tea pot cozy at the Fibre Garden.

I am also more than halfway done on my cashmere pullover... so soft on my hands while I am knitting! I only took socks with me to knit on my trip, and mostly only knit at the airports and on the plane, so finished 1.5 socks in one week... too much golf and sun and rum to knit there!

Kimmee's Sweater

2011-02-17T06:50:00.007-05:00

Kimmee's Sweater!

This is the pattern for the sweater I made for my sister's birthday. Made with my favourite self striping yarn, in a loose, comfy, cowl neck design.

Size: 40 inch chest, 27 inch length from shoulder.

Yarn: Noro Furin (Cotton, silk, wool, rayon) 10 balls (50 grams, 110 m) (Noro Silk Garden would work to this gauge too)

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches

Needles: 4.5mm for the main part, several circulars or double points for the cowl neck (see cowl below).

Back: Cast on 79 stitches, and work in knit one, purl one ribbing for 2 inches. On last wrong side row, increase 6 evenly across.

Change to stocking stitch (knit right side and purl wrong side), and work even until piece measures 17 inches from the start.

Cast off 5 stitches at the start of next 2 rows, then 1 more at the start of next 4 rows. (armhole shaping). Continue straight until total length is 27 inches. Cast off all stitches.

Front: Work the same as the back until front measures 23 inches. Shape neck: Work 28 stitches, add a second ball of yarn (I try to match the colour of the other side) cast off next 15 stitches, knit to end. Working both sides of the neckline, decrease one stitch at each NECKLINE edge every row 4 times, then only on the right side rows 4 times. Continue to work even until 27 inches total are done, cast off both shoulder edges.

Sleeves: Cast on 39 stitches, and work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches, increasing 6 stitches in the last row of rib.

Work in stocking stitch, increase one stitch at each end of the row every 6th row. (until you have 84 stitches on the needle, then work without increases)

Work until total length of the sleeve is 18 inches.

Cap: cast off 15 stitches at the start of next four rows. Cast off all the rest of the stitches.

Cowl Neck options(please read both)

Straight needle instructions:

**** you could work the cowl on straight needles if you sew only ONE shoulder seam and leave a side seaming the cowl neck at the other shoulder. Pick up 76 stitches across the back and around the front and work back and forth instead of around like below. Every inch or so change to a large needle and work until 6 - 7 inches are done. Cast off VERY loosely. ********

Circular instructions: (my choice) sew both shoulder seams.

With double pointed needles (4mm) or short circulars (I used my Denise set, with the shortest length that could still turn to knit), pick up 76 stitches evenly from around the neck edge. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for the cowl neck. For every inch worked, you can change up a needle size (again easy with the Denise set, work your way from 4mm to 6.5mm) If you don't have that many, try 4mm for 2 inches, 5mm for 2 inches and 6mm for the rest. Work for at least 6 inches, but I did closer to 7 inches for really full cowl. Cast off VERY loosely (use a 7mm needle if that helps).

Sew in sleeve caps, then finish under arm and side seams.

Mail to your sister!

I felt like making tea...

2011-02-06T10:43:00.007-05:00

The new cashmere sweater has started. Photo of yarn in the simple eyelet stripe pattern is here...

It will be a large tunic style sweater, knit on 4mm needles, so should keep me busy for a few weeks. Meanwhile I have a lovely mystery sweater to publish in a week or so. I cannot print photos yet, as sister must be the first to see it in person (birthday present!).

My fascination with felting has carried me to try a tea cosy. And not just a plain tea cosy (that would NOT do!). This one was designed in one continuous piece(no side seams) in a technique involving a resist shape laid in between the two sides of the cosy, and the roving wrapped around all edges except the bottom opening...

I had to design the plastic resist in the shape of the pre-folded, pre-shrunken felt that I wanted.

It was a first attempt and I think it turned out pretty good. The shrinking was very aggressive, to achieve a really sturdy fabric.

While it was still wet after shrinking, I molded the folded ridges, and pinned them where I wanted them to be. I dried the cover on the tea pot so that it would be a perfect fit.

I also made several blue wool balls and brown wool spikes to add after drying. Another piece of felt was prepared for the spout detail.

These I added with needle felting and a bit of hand stitching.

Anyone for a cuppa' ?

Bubble Felt

2011-02-01T09:35:00.010-05:00

I have been working on a really great new sweater, pattern to be posted in a couple of weeks, but cannot show you (hush hush) due to the fact that it is a special birthday present for a special (nameless) sister, who watches my blog and I don't want to spoil the surprise!! (No peaking sis'!)
In the meantime....

I have been making small pieces of felt in the hopes of getting a feel for new techniques. This piece is wet felt, alpaca and merino in natural colours. Made the usual way with wetting and rolling, I got to the place where the small scarf was in one solid piece, but not yet fulled (shrunken).

At that point, while wet, I placed small stones on the back surface and tied cotton yarn around the pebble from the front to create a bump. It was tied fairly tight, with only a small gap showing at the back.

There were 15 'bubbles" placed near the ends only of the scarf.

Then I took it to the hot wash, (a sink full of hot soapy water) and alternated agitating in the hot bath with cold rinses and a few gentle throws in the other side of the double sink. I did this five times, then rinsed well in cold and wrung out in a towel....

While still wet, I gently cut the cotton yarn and released the stones (careful not to open the bubble any more than necessary to slip it out), then dried the whole thing.

You can see the pebble images are very pronounced and remain quite intact (although light and empty they hold the shape!)

Amazing how texture can add to the look of an otherwise mono-chromatic fabric. Just wait until I throw it into a colour mix!

Classic Ruffled Cardigan

2011-01-28T08:38:00.007-05:00

I wanted a great classic black cardigan. The kind you can wear with a crisp white blouse for work or a cute camisole for play. I like the way a lot of fashions right now have a bit of ruffle detail, and thought about adding it to the whole front opening. Some great buttons finish the look and an optional knitted flower detail is perfect right now.

Yarn: Sport weight Merino that works to gauge. About 400 grams or about 1600 meters. (I got it from Elann but it is discontinued now... THIS YARN would work with just 4 balls!

Gauge: 24 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stocking stitch on 3.25 mm (US 3) needles.

Needles: 3.25 mm straight for the body and long circular for the ruffle ( the whole thing could be knit on the circulars as I usually do, just don't join and work right and wrong sides)

Finished size: Chest 38 inches around and length 24 inches. Sleeves are 3/4 the way I like, but you could make them longer. The fit is huggy but not too tight on me.

Back: Cast on 120 sts. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for one inch. Chang to stocking stitch and knit straight until 15 inches from the beginning are done. Bind off 8 stitches at the start of next 2 rows, then decrease one at each end 2 more times. Continue to work straight until 9 inches above armhole decrease and cast off all stitches.

Left front: cast on 60 stitches, work garter stitch edging for one inch, then stocking stitch until 15 inches are done. Cast off 8 stitches at start of next row (right side facing you), then one more at the same edge at the next 2 right side starts.

While leaving that side alone for the rest of the piece, start the neck side decrease by knitting two together at the END of every right side row 14 times, then at the end of every FOURTH row 7 more times. Work even until the total length of armhole is 9 inches, and cast off all stitches.

Right side: Cast on 60 stitches, work garter stitch edging for one inch, then stocking stitch until 15 inches are done. End with the WRONG side facing you for the next row.... Cast off purl-wise 8 stitches, and purl to end. Purl 2 together at the start of the next two wrong side rows. You are now done with the armhole side and will continue that edge without changes. With next right side facing you, start neck decreases... knit two together at the start of every right side row 14 times, then at the start of every fourth row 7 more times. Work even until the total length of armhole is 9 inches, and cast off all stitches.

Join shoulders, and with circular needles and right side facing, start to pick up stitches for edge ruffle at the bottom right front edge. Pick up 80 along the straight front edge to the start of neck decreases, 30 along the decrease edge, 30 along the back edge, 30 along the left front decrease edge, and 80 along the straight left front edge.

Purl next row.

Row 3: knit all stitches,

Row 4 : purl all stitches,

Row 5: Increase** [Knit 5, Knit in the front and back of next stitch] repeat until end (ok if you end without completing the FULL repeat in the last 6 stitches)

Row 6: purl all stitches,

Row 7: Knit all stitches

Row 8: Purl all stitches.

Next row: Button hole row: Knit 10 [cast off 2 stitches, knit 20] repeat 4 more times, knit to end.

Next row: Purl across, casting ON 2 stitches over the cast of holes.

Continue the pattern starting at Row 5 , work to row 8, then repeat rows 3 - 8 once more.

Finish the ruffle edge with 6 rows of garter stitch, then cast off all stitches.

The reason I like to do the edging before the sleeve, is that I often don't know if I have enough yarn to finish and would rather have shorter sleeves than incomplete edgings!

Sleeves (make two)

Cast on 50 stitches, Work in garter stitch for one inch. Change to stocking stitch for rest of sleeve, increase one each end every 4th row 23 times. Continue until sleeve is 3/4 or full length of arm to underarm, then shape cap...

Cast off 8 stitches at start of next two rows. Decrease one each end of every row 14 times. Cast off 4 stitches at start of next 4 rows, cast off remaining stitches.

Sew sleeve cap into armhole. Sew sleeve seam and side seams. Add buttons opposite holes.

Flower detail: (all in garter stitch) cast on 8 stitches, knit one row.

Increase row: knit in front and back of every stitch.

Knit two rows.

Knit increase row.

Knit two rows.

Knit increase row.

Knit one row,

Cast off all stitches.

Curl the piece into a swirly flower shape and stitch to hold shape, stitch it to cardigan. I added two pieces of one of the buttons that broke when I took it from the button card, but intended to add the whole button to the middle of the flower, but you could add beads (sparkly?) or use other yarns for contrast!
The black yarn is difficult to knit, as the stitches are quite hard to see, but we all need a basic black cardigan. It is also hard to photograph which is why it looks a bit grey in the over lit photos above. I hope you can see enough details. It would look lovely in lighter colours too.

new nuno part two, the vest

2011-01-23T18:29:00.008-05:00

I cut the fabric to shape after making a muslin pattern that I liked (kind of like a swatch in knitting terms). Then I finished the edges with some wet felt roving binding, dried, then needle felted to close the edges and give definition. The back of the vest.....

The back of the bolero.....

The vest also needed a bit of shaping at the neck and waist, and I made some subtle, invisible darts to de-box-ify the whole thing. (new word, means less boxy!).

The beauty of this design is that you can wear it four ways. Silk side out, vest...

Silk side out, upside down, bolero with big collar.....

Felt side out, vest......
Felt side out, upside down, bolero with big collar.....
I need to find some nice pins to use to close the vest, something earthy or sparkly, not sure. This vest is super light and very soft to touch. Much more stunning in person due to the textures of the wools and wrinkled silk. I am tired, but thrilled with the effort.
(PS: when I did the spell-check it did not like de-box-ify! HUH!)

new nuno

2011-01-22T21:18:00.009-05:00

I have spent several hours today making yardage of Nuno-felt. I started with some lovely habotai silk in natural white...

Then played around with my new dyes from the Fibre Garden....

It was dyed using clamps to block out some of the brown dye, and using poured dye (not a full bath) so that some areas would be darker than others. After the required simmer, I rinsed and let almost dry. Then laid it out smooth and flat, and drizzled some black and burgundy dye over the lighter areas. After carefully wrapping in plastic, I popped it in the microwave and nuked for a minute!

And it turned out really cool.
Then I started to lay out the fibre. For this I am using Merino roving in natural (actual sheep) colours. A medium grey-brown is the base. I used a slightly grey natural for accent one and a dark brown (almost black) for accent two. Then I laid over some boucle wool yarn in chocolate brown, some curly top wool in natural and brown (dyed along with the silk to match) and lastly some small squares of dyed silk that I trimmed off the rectangle yardage. I tried to anchor the silk with thin webs of roving over top.

The of course I rubbed.... I used the sander again, this time I figured out that some polar fleece covering the sander base would be better than the bare sander (it has a velcro-type surface that was ripping holes in my plastic)... I can still learn as I go! I used the sander for almost an hour total, flipping the silk and merino piece several times. After the first sanding, I flipped it and laid out some circles of merino on the bare silk side to add a bit of texture there. Then continued with three more rounds of sanding.

The fabric seemed well fastened together, although the curly top was NOT well attached, but I thought I may be able to dry needle felt it in after the piece was dry. I gently felted it in hot soapy water in the kitchen sink, gently threw it in the second sink, then rinsed with cold. I repeated the hot / cold routine three more times, getting a bit more rough with the hot wash and the throwing. After the last cold rinse, I rolled it in towels then finger flattened the piece. I steamed it a bit with the iron to smooth out the wrinkles, and have laid it to dry....

Photo of the felt side....

Photo with the silk side folded back.....

I will cut and finish it tomorrow... photo to follow!

No Heat Continues

2011-01-18T13:02:00.003-05:00

The one good thing about having no heat in the house is that I feel the need to sit in one end of the family room, right near the wood burning fireplace, in front of the tv. In this space, I can only knit. No sewing, no felting (no laundry, vacuuming or cleaning for that matter). So I am well on track for finishing the black ruffle cardigan.

I did take a break from the chilly life to go to the fabric store and got some really fabulous buttons for the cardi'. I also found some 100% cashmere yarn on eBay, and got it for a great deal! Right now I am wearing a knit cardigan and a knit coat and a scarf and a knit blanket over my jeans... I should get a photo, I probably look silly, but with the warm laptop over my knees, I am cozy.

Stay tuned for the new cardigan and for me being warm again!

Black Ruffled Cardigan and Staying Warm

2011-01-16T09:59:00.007-05:00

I have finished the fronts and back, and decided to stitch the shoulders and add the front ruffle detail, before doing the sleeves. The reason this made sense to me is that I may run out of yarn, and would rather have shorter sleeves than an incomplete ruffle edge.

The ruffle is stocking stitch with increases every sixth row, and garter stitch for 6 rows at the outside edge. It is less flouncy than I thought, but I think that is fine for now.

I need four really interesting buttons for the holes you can see. I have started the sleeves, but was so busy yesterday I did not get much done (I meant to post this last evening!).

I started the day well with a quick grocery run, followed by a slow and thorough visit to the Y. Then after lunch I hosted a nuno-felting session for Jane... forgot to take the after photo...

That took us to dinner, and AT THE SAME TIME.... (they always write knitting patterns like that) I had the football game on, and watched the Bears kill the Falcons. Bye Bye Seattle.

The day was good. Until we discovered that there was a weird noise (ignored for a while) then a weird burning smell (not so easy to ignore) and we concluded our furnace was doing something wonky, so we turned it OFF and went to bed (with extra quilts).

This morning, I am really impressed with the level of insulation in our home.... it is 65F (17C) and this is impressive as it is 8F (-14C) outside! After this cup of coffee and this posting, I will be calling our furnace guy! Keep warm.

Nuno-Felt, Rock without the Roll

2011-01-09T10:46:00.010-05:00

I have a photo with extra sunlight of the black cardigan back... not too exciting as it is only stocking stitch and black, but I hope the final details punch it up to another level... meanwhile I am enduring knitting in black... I really find it hard to see to pick up the inevitable dropped stitch. Need good lighting for sure.

But in the meantime... check out my newest Nuno-felt adventure! I am at this time, waiting for a shipment of silk. Large pieces that can be nuno-felted into enough yardage for a coat or two! So to practice the procedure, I dug out a lovely old hand painted silk scarf I have owned for about 15 years.

I laid it on bubble wrap, laid down a fine bed of natural colour merino, then dropped fine wisps of grey and lime merino to decorate. Using a soap mixture, I sprayed the roving until JUST WET, then covered with plastic wrap.

Using my hands I rubbed the plastic until the soapy water was completed through the merino and the silk scarf (becomes translucent through all the layers). The top of the plastic is dry to the touch and no water and soap are running out of the layers.

Here's the RUB!!! I got our cordless hand sander! I turned it on and placed this over the plastic, holding it in one place for 3 seconds, then lifted (not dragged) to the spot next to it and did the same 3 seconds. I moved slowly across the long edge, 3 seconds at a time, then came back across the middle, then back across the upper long edge. This covered the whole piece, one section at a time for three seconds.

I lifted the plastic and noticed some felting starting (a bit of the wool showed up on the back of the silk) but no shrinking happening yet.... perfect. I turned on the sander and repeated this process once more. Then I pealed off the plastic, lifted the scarf and flipped it to silk side up (merino side down on the bubble wrap), replaced the plastic, and did two more rounds of the sander over the plastic.

This whole process so far, took just under 30 minutes!

Then I pealed the plastic, checked the scarf to find LOTS of merino fluff on the silk side and the edges well set (the silk could not be easily pulled off the wool). Time to full (shrink and set).

(the photo is actually in the almost dry state later... but it shows how much wool came through. it photos well through the grey part of the silk)
I took the scarf to my bit laundry sink. Running the water so it was almost too hot to put my hands in, I wet the scarf and used a bit of soap to mush the thing in a ball with soapy hot water... about 2 minutes. Then I threw it to the bottom of the sink several times, then rinsed in cold water thoroughly. I repeated, hot water, soap, mush and throw again, then rinsed in cold again.

It seemed well felted then, but you just repeat this until it is shrunk enough. You can tell by feel and by how wrinkled the silk has become. The more the merino shrinks, the more wrinkly the silk becomes!

See the nice contrast between the wool felt front and the wrinkled painted silk back!

Knitting in the Dark (yarn)

2011-01-05T21:38:00.002-05:00

I have almost finished the back of the black ruffled cardigan. I still am not sure if it will photo well, and it is just a black blob right now, so I will attempt when I have more shapes to show you. The yarn is a fine sport weight merino, it feels really nice and is a thinner weight on 3mm needles.
I am not sure I will have enough yarn to do what I have designed in my head, and will re-assess as the front pieces take form. I may have to add another yarn (maybe a charcoal grey?) to finish the ruffled front and bottom of sleeves. I really like flying by the seat of my knitted pants sometimes. It makes the whole project more exciting and I often end up with different results that the original plan due to yarn stash restrictions.
Stay tuned to see how it evolves.!
Meanwhile I am half writing this and half glued to the gold game of the World Junior Hockey Tourney. It is (almost) in my neighbourhood, being held in Buffalo, just "over the river" from my stomping grounds. As the announcers say, it is hosted by Buffalo, Ontario, thanks to all the Canadian fans that have braved the border line-ups to get to the games.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T15:38:00.002-05:00

Although there were not many photos of knitting in December, I managed to knit 7 pairs of socks for Christmas gifts, as well as the texting mitts and tea cozy that DID make it onto the blog pages. I am now back to regular knitting, and my first project is a black cardigan, with (maybe) a ruffled front edge and collar. Unfortunately I think this may be hard to show in detail by photo, as the colour will not photo well. I will try when I have enough to click...
Meanwhile, I have some fun photos on my sewing side (over there in the upper right window...) and I have plans to do a bigger felting / sewing project in a week or two.
So have a Happy New Year and keep knitting in the long cold days of January. Nothing is more comfortable than having some lovely soft yarn in your hands on a cold evening!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T07:16:00.005-05:00

It's Christmas morning and all my house is still asleep (I have no little ones under this roof, only grown children and a beloved Aunt visiting, as well as the resident Hubby. Before I start the routine of preparing the meals for the steady stream of visitors today, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and thank you for the feedback through the year and for the reason to continue this blog.

I thought, when I started, that this would be about me. Keeping all my knitting ideas and patterns in one easy place so that I could find them and remember them. But it has changed into a two way conversation, with comments and emails and that drive me to continue. I get so much back from those tiny comments (and complicated questions in the emails) and I love them all. Also I am humbled by the stats that show my blog gets hits of over 1500 most days! So thank you and keep the feedback coming and hopefully I never run out of inspiration and ideas for all things yarny!
A parting shot of the trees at the end of our yard as cars drove by last night.

Really Tweet Texting Mittens

2010-12-23T14:21:00.009-05:00

With all the cell phones out in the fresh air these days, I am surprised I have not seen a pattern for these.... Mittens that will allow the user to text, tweet, twitter and well, make a phone call while keeping as many parts of the hands as possible under cover. Sure there are fingerless mittens, and hand warmers, but these expose just the essential tips of one finger and thumb on each hand! They are knit with sock yarn on small needles, and could be made in stripes with leftover sock yarns!

Yarn: standard sock yarn, about 75 grams.

Needles: 2.25mm (US 1) double pointed set of 4

Markers: one for start of row, and two different ones for thumb increases.

Stitch holders (you could use a darning needle and pass contrasting yarn through the stitches to hold them)

Gauge: 28 sts = 4 inches in 3 X 1 ribbing pattern.

3 X 1 ribbing pattern: [Knit 3, Purl1] repeat

Size: to fit ladies or teens hands. Watch length of open finger and thumb and adjust for shorter fingers... you want to leave exposed from the final knuckle.

Right Hand: Cast on 52. Divide onto 3 needles and join carefully, begin cuff pattern: [Knit2, Purl2]repeat. Place a marker to show start of row. Working in 2 x 2 ribbing, continue until 4 inches are done, moving start of row marker with each new row.

Change to 3 x 1 ribbing pattern, and work that for 1 inch.

At start of new row: work 2 stitches, place 2nd marker, knit in the front and back and front again in the next stitch, place 3rd marker, and continue in 3 x 1 ribbing as established for the rest of the row.

*for next 2 rows, knit the knits and purl the purls, making the stitches between the 2nd and 3rd markers (the thumb markers) all knit stitches.

Increase thumb row: knit 2, move marker, knit in front and back of next stitch, knit to last stitch before end of thumb marker and knit in front and back of that stitch, move marker, and work the rest of row as established.**

Repeat between * and ** until there are 13 stitches between the thumb markers.

Work 2 more rows as established.

Nest row: Knit 2, place next 13 stitches onto a holder, and remove the thumb markers, then cast one stitch on needle, and continue to work the 3 x 1 ribbing from the other side of the thumb, pulling the gap closed and letting the thumb stitches hold in front of your mitten.

Work the 3 x 1 ribbing for the rest of the hand for about 1.5 inches or until the palm of hand in completely covered (you can try it on as you go to check!).

You should still have a start of row marker that is moving up with you, so starting there make the index finger as follows: place next 7 stitches on a needle, place next 38 on a holder, and place last 7 stitches on a needle. (you have not knit any stitches while doing this)

At start of row: knit 7 from first needle, cast on two more and split these 9 more evenly onto two needles, then join the circle by knitting a third needle from the last 7 stitches. You have a small closed circle of 16 stitches. Work around this in all knit stitches for 1.75 inches or desired length for the index finger, then cast all off loosely. Leave a 5 inch end to weave in later.

Put the 38 stitches from a holder onto needles like this.... first 20 on the first needle, next 10 on second, then 8 on third needle. As you knit around these from the start, end with casting on 2 more stitches on the last needle, then join in a circle and knit the rest of the mitten top.

Work even for one inch. Decrease row: Knit 2 together at start AND end of needle 1, and knit 2 together at start only of needle 2 and end only of needle 3 (Decreases are on the outside edges of the mitten only - like a sock toe).... Now here is the tricky part. You will continue to decrease stitches at the end of needle 1 and start of needle 2 every other row (more tapered on the pinky finger side) BUT will only decrease every SIXTH row on the middle finger side.... you can do it, it's only for a couple of inches! When the whole mitten top is about 3 inches long and you have about 16 stitches left you can stop and use a weaving (kitchener stitch) to close the top like a sock...

Thumb: Place 13 stitches from holder onto 2 needles, attach yarn and knit across them both, then with a third needles, pick up 5 stitches evenly from the top side of the thumb hole. Join and work evenly for 1.5 inches for thumb, then bind of loosely all stitches.

Left Mitten: Cast on 52 and work the same as right, placing start of row marker, work until 1 inch of 3 x 1 ribbing is done.

Placement of thumb markers: Work around the mitten until 3 stitches remain BEFORE start of row marker: place thumb marker, knit in front and back and front again of next stitch, place second thumb marker.

Continue to work in the same manner as right mitten until 13 sts on the thumb, and place on holder as before. Cast one more on the needle over the thumb and continue to work the same way as the right mitten right through to the finish. Pick up and work the thumb the same.

Funky Chunky Teapot Cozy

2010-12-21T14:43:00.004-05:00

This pattern should fit most 4 - 6 cup teapots. It stretches easily and hugs almost any shape of pot.

Yarn: Wool-Ease thick and quick (less than one ball)

Needles: 9mm (US 13) Straight needles are ok, but you need double points for the I-cord detail.

Cast on 40 stitches. work in K2 P2 ribbing for 3 inches.

Work 18 stitches, cast off 4 stitches and rib to end of row. Working on one half only (put other 18 on a holder) work in ribbing until top edge of teapot (about 3 - 4 inches). Put those 18 on a holder and rejoin the other side and work second side to the same length as first side.

Now join sides again by ribbing from one side right across other side (36 stitches on the needle now). Work 4 more rows of 2 by 2 ribbing. Next row, [K2, Purl 2 together] repeat across the row. Work 4 more rows in K2, purl ONE ribbing (as established).

Finishing: Cast off 2 stitches, knit 3 and put last 4 stitches on a holder, cast off 4 stitches, knit 3 and put last 4 stitches on a holder. Cast off 4 stitches, knit 3, and put last 4 stitches on a holder... then cast off all the rest. This leaves only 12 stitches divided on 3 holders to make the three I-cord details. With double pointed needles, knit 4 stitch I-cords on all the remaining stitches, working about 4 inches, or until it's the perfect length for you.

Stitch back seam for about 2 inches to sit below the handle of the teapot, leave an opening for the handle and stitch again above the handle. Stitch the top of the pot, leaving the I-cords dangling freely.

Now put the kettle on and put your feet up!

Felt like Felting

2010-12-19T11:09:00.006-05:00

The new books have inspired and as usual I jump in the deep end, and here are the first two attempts at cobweb scarves.

The first is very whispy and surprisingly sturdy light and warm....

The second is a bit more merino to add a sturdier hand, and was also more agressively felted, so I got more holes and spikes and ridges. I was surprised and pleased with the results....

Not bad for first tries and now I can't wait to do more!

Books

2010-12-15T13:49:00.011-05:00

I thought I could take some time to tell you about some books. The first two are fibre art delights!

1000 Artisan Textiles shows photos and credits the artist, of 1000 garments, accessories, quilts and art pieces, made of felt, weaving, quilting and mixed textiles. The whole book is so inspirational and beautiful, it makes any crafty person drool. There is no instruction, just photos and credits, and I have only flipped quickly through it so far. I expect I will be able to find websites from many artists and look at even more pieces on the web! A perfect way to while away a winter afternoon. The second is Felting Fashion, by Lizzie Houghton. This one has beautiful felted and nuno-felted garments and accessories with some basic instructions and wonderful photos. This lady is a talented artist and will inspire everyone. The third book is a personal gift.... a memoir of my father's life. He took the time to think and write and re-write and edit and created a lovely book that follows his life through his eyes, from childhood to present time. This is extraordinary because most people do not sit down the compile these thoughts into one place, much less be willing to share it with others. It opens up a truly personal story and allows me to see the man (not just the Dad). This sort of book is not terribly overwhelming to produce. Software and computers make self-publishing fairly easy (I have done so with my blog and with my travel books). The challenge is to gather the thoughts and stories and present them in a fluid, entertaining way.

Thanks, Dad!

Christmas Tree, and Christmas Knitting

2010-12-14T14:29:00.008-05:00

No photos for the last few days, because I am in Christmas knitting marathon phase. I do have some photos of the break I took from knitting to put up my Christmas Tree...

testing the lights and building the tree (yes it's fake, but perfect)

some of my favourite ornaments... notice LOTS of nutcrackers...
hi Charlie...
This white fuzzy thing is a knit fun fur ball, in sparkly white, and with glass beads strung below, and white ribbon above. I love it and want to make more for my tree....

Tree is done, but I still have a few other decorations to get up. Keep knitting!

Finished Photos

2010-12-05T15:19:00.011-05:00

Several projects are done and photo-worthy!

The first is the cashmere ruffled scarf from Paris. After translating from french, I managed to really enjoy knitting the tri-coloured ruffle ended scarf. I added a couple of colour blocks to the midde of the long part and made the scarf as long as it could be using ALL the yarn in the kit.... it is now long enough to wrap around the neck once and have the ruffles lie nicely under the chin.
The second is the felted scarf from our Nuno-felting afternoon at Susan's house. I added a bit of needle felted embelishment in multi-grey tones, and it is very long and can be wrapped several times around the neck or hang long to the knee. Very soft, very lightweight and very warm.
Notice the sparkly mesh fabric that is the base of the scarf, peaking through holes in the felt!

The third is an attempt to create "texting gloves". I will not be posting a pattern, as I used a published one.... but you can make these using any glove pattern, and binding off the thumb and first finger at the first knuckle! Lots of glove patterns are at knitting pattern central.

This yarn is Noro Silk Garden, a thick yarn for gloves, but cute and warm. It would work even better in sock yarn and finer needles!

They work!

Nuno-Felting

2010-12-02T21:06:00.003-05:00

My knitting posse had a great day at Susan's trying Nuno-felting for the first time. What fun to learn something new, and have a cool scarf to show for it. Pop over to the other side (my sewing blog) to read about this new fun with fibre.... -------)

Echarpe Cashmere a volants [Ruffled Cashmere Scarf]

2010-11-29T15:41:00.007-05:00

From Paris, via Susan, came a lovely little package... three small balls of cashmere yarn and a scarf pattern. This cute kit makes the ruffled scarf in the photo....

and the colours are olive green and two lighter shades. It is not a particularly difficult pattern, but it is written in French. Having studied basic french in school from grade 6 to 9, I was able to actually read about every fifth word of the pattern. But I have even more skill in reading KNITTING, and was pleased to realise that the numbers meant stitches, and rows, and repeats... and "3 m, 2 m ens" probably meant "knit 3, knit 2 together" because it resulted in one fifth reduction in the total number of stitches! Although I am not very multi-lingual, I think I can claim to be an international knitter now!

It is a sweet project and the feel of the fabric is lush. Thank you Susan!

Noro Beret (felted Tam)

2010-11-27T19:07:00.007-05:00

This hat is lightly felted to make the fabric fuzzier and a bit thicker. I like the self striping design, and every hat will be different!

Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, 2 balls

Needles: 4.5mm ( US 7) double pointed needles, and short circular needles (also 4.5mm).

Starting at the center top of the hat, using the double point needles, cast on 4 sts. Round 1: knit into the front and back of each stitch. (8 sts). Place markers between each of the eight stitches * making the end of row marker different from the rest*. Round 2: Knit front and back of each stitch (24 sts)

Round 3: [Knit front and back of next stitch, knit one] repeat to end of round.

Round 4: Knit every stitch.

Round 5: [Knit front and back of next stitch, knit to marker] repeat to end of round.

Continue with round 4 & 5 increasing every other row, until work measures about 11 inches in diameter. (switch to circular needle when double points get too full) ( I found measuring from the center to the edge and reaching 5.5 inches was easier - it can be tough to smooth the knitted fabric enough to measure)

Work even for 6 rows.

Start decreases, by alternating the decrease row: [knit 2 together, knit to marker] repeat to end of round... with a plain knit row.

Continue to decrease every other row until 3 inches of decrease have been worked.

Removing all markers except the end of row one, [K2, p2] across row (increase or decrease at end of row if stitches do not divide by 4) and continue to work 2 by 2 ribbing for 6 rows. Bind off in ribbing loosely.

Felting: Before washing, find some all acrylic yarn in your stash and measure your head size (mine was 21 inches) Cut acrylic yarn about 23 inches and using a darning needle, weave it through the ribbing about every 2 stitches, join by tying together securely so that the ribbed band is securely 21 inches around. *** this is important so that the band does not stretch out of shape during felting.

Put through one full hot - regular wash, (it's good to throw a couple of old towels in with the hat - but put the hat in a mesh delicates bag). If not shrunk enough to fit, try one more round in the wash. Hand shape and allow to dry then carefully pick out the acrylic yarn stay.

Felted Tam

2010-11-26T11:08:00.004-05:00

When last we spoke (blogged) I was working on a felted hat - beret - tam. I got the first model knitted in 50% larger than the target and started felting (washing in hot - high agitation - cycle in the machine).... and I washed and washed and washed...

And I discovered that Silk Garden gets softer and thicker but not that much smaller... so I ended up with a perfect, soft, pretty hat that is still too big to wear.

So back to the beginning, and I re-knit the hat, only a bit bigger than required, and felted through one wash only, and it is perfect. A bit thicker, and a bit smaller and a perfect fit!

I will post the complete pattern this weekend, but for now here is the photo!

Cashmere and Tams

2010-11-20T18:43:00.005-05:00

I received an amazing gift of yarn from Susan... straight from Paris. She spent some time in a Parisian Yarn Shop, and brought the gift of cashmere!

The pattern is a lovely ruffled scarf from a local pattern maker.... Cosmicpluto (Laura Chau)

The second project on the go is a felted Tam (beret)... I got my head all wrapped around the circular pattern, and how to felt it, so I am plunging ahead with the prototype. A Noro Silk Garden circular knit beret in a 50% larger size, with the intention of throwing it into the washing machine and holding my breath through a cycle or two of HOT.... stay tuned. If it works, I will be posting the whole pattern here for you to try too!

Giant Slippers + magic = Perfect Slippers!

2010-11-14T16:59:00.010-05:00

I finished the to-be-felted slippers this morning, and took this photo...

The Slipper next to it is a perfect size 8.5 ladies moccasin that I have been wearing for about 15 years. It is really a leap of faith to continue knitting something so mammothly huge, and believe that would EVER be a prefect fit.

Then I washed them. Hot full cycle, twice, in the washing machine and I actually was concerned that they became TOO small. But as suggested, I put a plastic bag on each foot, and molded the still damp slippers over my feet. I stretched them out a bit and molded them to a better foot shape, then left them to dry.....

They are SO cute and SO thick... I am sure they will be really warm and comfy. I have some ultra suede fabric that I think I will hand sew as a non-slip layer on the bottom of the sole. They are a bit slippery on the hardwood floor. The pattern is Fiber Trends Alpine Boot Slippers.