Stressed? Then knit (and wash your hands!).
Stressful times call for casting new projects and liftfing the quaratine on current WIPs!
This week I have been working on a free pattern named "Cotton Lustre Wrap". The yarn, a cotton and linen blend, is providing for a wonderful drape and texture to the shawl. So far, my hands are not suffering while kntting this. Their mad dryness is due to world record number of hand washing. Let's not even discuss if these three colors go together. Ignore that the combo might remind you of low calorie, organic and gluten-free naepolitan ice cream. There are bigger fish to catch out there. After all, the yarn is discontinued. Found six skeins on clearance at my LNS --long time ago when social interactions at less than thee feet apart were seen as normal.
Until the next time. Lather, rinse, knit and be kind!
Warm hands
Two new mittens finally received a well deserved wash and block. Both pairs were finished last year with very special yarns.
Pattern (free): Lambing Mitts by Veronica Jobe. Link here.
Yarn: Cestari Traditional Collection Sock Weight, a Targhee & Columbia blend, in Natural Light. To my surprise, as I washed them, the water quickly turned light brown. I enjoyed knitting with this yarn and would definitely consider it for a larger project.
Yarn: Cestari Traditional Collection Sock Weight, a Targhee & Columbia blend, in Natural Light. To my surprise, as I washed them, the water quickly turned light brown. I enjoyed knitting with this yarn and would definitely consider it for a larger project.
Pattern: Squad Mitts by Ann Weaver included in Mason-Dixon Knitting Field Guide No. 1. Link here.
Yarn: Two ply Merino handspun that I dyed blue at home and Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport in Stone.
Yarn: Two ply Merino handspun that I dyed blue at home and Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport in Stone.
Antlers on
The Antler toque is a wonderful, and free, pattern by the talented Tin Can Knits team. I used "Imperial Yarn Columbia" in the Teal Heather color way. This is an Aran weight yarn. The recommended yarn for this pattern is worsted weight.
I should have used different size needles as it turned out a bit tight for my big "brain". You live, you learn. It is still getting a lot of use. Baby, it is cold outside!
Granny Blanket
This Granny Blanket, a free pattern by Purl Soho, is my first ever crochet project. I found the instructions to be beginner friendly.
While the colors and materials of the original blanket are gorgeous, the over $140 USD in yarn for my first crochet project didn't seem right at first. I am using a Caron yarn exclusively sold at Michael's. It feels synthetic but not terrible. In retrospect, I wish I used a nicer yarn!
The colors are just perfect for the recipient, my daughter, who loves a happy yellow any given day.
While the colors and materials of the original blanket are gorgeous, the over $140 USD in yarn for my first crochet project didn't seem right at first. I am using a Caron yarn exclusively sold at Michael's. It feels synthetic but not terrible. In retrospect, I wish I used a nicer yarn!
The colors are just perfect for the recipient, my daughter, who loves a happy yellow any given day.
Carmine
This project was completed on November 2018. Back then I didn't know what eventful months laid ahead. Oh, 2019...never a dull moment. I am taking one day at a time. Going back to activities that bring me joy. Hello again sweet purls. I have missed you dearly. Thanks for waiting until I was ready to come back.
I purchased the Superwash Targhee from Highland Handmade. Sadly, it looks like they are out of business. The fiber was a joy to spin in my Turtle Made spindle.
I created several "singles turtles" (a hundred percent not sure that is a technical term) and offload then into my swift. Then, the singles were transferred into two bobbins and plied on my Louet Julia wheel.
The yarn is about 11 wraps per inch or a DK weight, 290 yards. Possible patterns, in my library, to knit with this yarn: Pastella hat, Brick Sidewalk beanie (free on Ravelry) or the Hackberry hat.
Handspun Scarf
Who would have thought I would enjoy knitting a very long scarf so much? Perhaps the success was due to a nice match of yarn and pattern.
The handspun Alpaca was marinating in my stash until I searched, in Ravelry, for patterns knit in Alpaca and found the beautiful Trellis Scarf + Wrap from Purl Soho. Is there any design from them that you don't want to knit?
Project details: here.
What a great feeling it is to have this scarf that I love -- after so much time and effort spinning and plying the singles and finally knitting the yarn. I used almost 500 yards on this project. I cannot wait for winter to wear this over and over.
Project details: here.
What a great feeling it is to have this scarf that I love -- after so much time and effort spinning and plying the singles and finally knitting the yarn. I used almost 500 yards on this project. I cannot wait for winter to wear this over and over.
Work in Progress: all the chocolate
I cannot live without chocolate in my pantry...or in my stash, apparently. On my needles are "two cocoa" projects.
First, a hat using Blue Sky organic cotton in color number 623. The yarn is super soft and pleasant to knit with. I am entering this in the Glidden Hat KAL hosted by Blue Sky Fibers. Head over to the forum for more information. Enabling Alert: there is a discount code for the pattern :-)
Also on the needles is a pair of plain vanilla socks in Online Supercocke 100 color number 904. I have been caught myself smiling at the yarn!! Perhaps due to my constant craving for all things chocolate. My favorite is dark chocolate with any kid of nuts or dried fruit. What kind of chocolate person are you? ;-)
First, a hat using Blue Sky organic cotton in color number 623. The yarn is super soft and pleasant to knit with. I am entering this in the Glidden Hat KAL hosted by Blue Sky Fibers. Head over to the forum for more information. Enabling Alert: there is a discount code for the pattern :-)
Also on the needles is a pair of plain vanilla socks in Online Supercocke 100 color number 904. I have been caught myself smiling at the yarn!! Perhaps due to my constant craving for all things chocolate. My favorite is dark chocolate with any kid of nuts or dried fruit. What kind of chocolate person are you? ;-)
Twins!
I am the proud mama of twin...socks! They are fraternal. It wasn't planned. Is what happens when one buy too much yarn. But, who am I to judge?
The first pair was knit with Regia 4 ply in color 7200 Moewe.
The yarn for the second pair is Opal. Unfortunately I cannot find the ball band to list the color here :-(
Both pair of socks softened when blocked. They fit wonderfully! I guess one cannot go wrong with either Regia or Opal - both workhorse yarns with fun (similar) colors.
The first pair was knit with Regia 4 ply in color 7200 Moewe.
The yarn for the second pair is Opal. Unfortunately I cannot find the ball band to list the color here :-(
Back where I left
So much had happened since that last post in mid August. I have decided to come back as if it was yesterday that I last hit "Publish". It is less overwhelming than trying to recap four intense months.
A finished object makes me feel like a Knitter (with capital K). This cowl has seen lots of wear since I cast off. It was my first time knitting with Dream in Color Smooshy and I really enjoyed its rich color and high twist.
Ravelry Project page: here.
The pattern is from the book Start Style 2. Totally recommend this book even when it was published back in 2013. It has twenty six patterns from renowned designers like Jarred Flood, Pam Allen, Laura Nelking, Veronica Avery and Romi Hill. Even Brioche made it to the book! I do not regret buying it used at a real bargain and see myself casting on another pattern in the future.
Post vacation
Finished Object
My Turkish spindle provided great entertainment for the long drive to and from Washington DC.
My Turkish spindle provided great entertainment for the long drive to and from Washington DC.
This is a Blue Face Swirl in a Limited Edition colorway by Gale’s Art. I spun two ounces in my Turkish spindle and the remaining two in my Kromski wheel. The final yarn is super spongy. Yardage is to be determined -- skein looks substantial (how about that?).
New to me magazine
I picked up the third issue of the Making Magazine at Fibre Space. This is a gem and I want to make everything in it. I will not pass on next time Madder open up subscriptions. The magazine is worth every penny, in my opinion!
Vacation highlights
Family time. Priceless. As crazy and imperfect we all are, magic happens when we get together.
Visits to Fibre Space and Looped Yarn Works. No yarn came home. Books, tools, bags and fiber made the cut!
Yummiest empanadas at Panas in Dupont Circle.
Spinning and stashing
Another week and my master closet is not done. We are still waiting for the hardwood floor. Jumping of joy for more days of having to tour the house to complete an outfit. Shoes in one corner. Tops in the spare room and bottoms in the crafty room. Confession time: I've been wearing the same shoes out of laziness.
Spinning here and stashing there. Multi tasking in other words. Who could resist these two skeins of Sunshine Yarns Classic Sock? Left: Inner Child and right: Sunstone
Talk to you after vacation. Knit, eat and smile at every opportunity!
Also in progress is some spindle spinning. Of course, I discovered another bag of blue fiber after I was done with three skeins (blogged here). My goal is to be done tomorrow. We are going on vacation and I want an empty spindle to start a new project.
Spinning here and stashing there. Multi tasking in other words. Who could resist these two skeins of Sunshine Yarns Classic Sock? Left: Inner Child and right: Sunstone
Happy Fourth of July!
Happy Fourth of July! Hope that everyone is having a spectacular and safe day.
My husband and I have been working on remodeling our master closet. Lot's of stuff is being donated. The walls are waiting for a fresh coat of paint. The lighting is being upgraded as well as the organization system. All of that translates to hard work, money out of the door and not much knitting or grilling.
I was able to spin a gorgeous Ashland Bay Multi-Colored Merino Top that I bought from The Woolery. Colorway is Rose Quarz.
Two ounces of Fiber, woolen spun, two ply yarn at around fourteen wraps per inch which could pass for sports weight. Yardage still to be determined.
My husband and I have been working on remodeling our master closet. Lot's of stuff is being donated. The walls are waiting for a fresh coat of paint. The lighting is being upgraded as well as the organization system. All of that translates to hard work, money out of the door and not much knitting or grilling.
I was able to spin a gorgeous Ashland Bay Multi-Colored Merino Top that I bought from The Woolery. Colorway is Rose Quarz.
Two ounces of Fiber, woolen spun, two ply yarn at around fourteen wraps per inch which could pass for sports weight. Yardage still to be determined.
Now a Flicker
A few weeks ago I learnt about flicking! If you are late to the party just like me, flicking is a variation of the English knitting method. Similar to Continental, flicking facilitates both hands to stay in the needles instead of dropping a needle to throw the yarn as you do with traditional English knitting.
Fascinated by the possibility of reducing hand movements and therefore knitting a bit faster, I've watched a good number of YouTube videos to learn the technique. If interested, I recommend you do do a search on "Flicking knitting" in YouTube.
Knitting a cowl with simple knit and purl stitches is providing good practice on this new to me technique. I am a convert, my friends!
There is not much to say now about my WIP as it is just a few rows in. I will blog about the pattern and yarn in a later post.
Blues meet handspun
It was all about spinning this past week. My favorite wheel, Julia, is not feeling well. I've changed it's driver band and ball bearings...and still cannot make it spin like in good old days. So while Julia rested I worked with my Kromski wheel on spinning a beautiful Julie Spins' gradient.
I separated the fibre and spun three different two ply yarns: blue, turquoise and both colors blended with some white Merino I had in stash. I am happy with the results and yardage. There should be enough yarn for a very blue shawl.
I separated the fibre and spun three different two ply yarns: blue, turquoise and both colors blended with some white Merino I had in stash. I am happy with the results and yardage. There should be enough yarn for a very blue shawl.
About Stash Enhancement
Still valid is my goal of being mindful about stash enhancements. I am not one to get stressed about any upcoming show update. I don't have to knit with the hottest yarn in the market. But, if a skein strikes my fancy, I will let it come home without guilt.
I am enamored with this Swans Island yarn. Check out their beautiful website: here.
Organic Merino | 525 yards | Fingering Weight | Natural Color Collection
The second skein screams "tropical spring" to me. It is from Three Irish Girls.
Adorn Sock | 430 yards | Fingering Weight | Wendy Darling colorway
Don't you think the yarns go along well? I need pattern ideas. Suggestions are very welcomed.
For a very practical discussion about stash enhancement, I recommend watching episode three of the "Hand Me My Knitting" podcast around the 22:41 time mark. Link here.
My Quiet Journey
Anyone out there? It is so nerve wracking to post after a long hiatus.
My unintended break gave me space to accept that I cannot do it all every single day. It gave me stenght to recognize that something gotta give. Knitting, spinning, posting, social media took a back seat as I was too overwhelmed with changes, unrealistic expectations and some failures. Things took a turn when I came back from a short vacation and decided to embark in a healthier eating and exercising journey. Slowly, but steadily, getting back to crafting eased my mind and changed my mood. Body and mind are now in a calmer and happier state.
With that...here is a finished object!
My Quiet Journey is finished. The pattern was a gift from a dear friend, Andi of My Sister's Kniter. I want to knit this again but in Fingering weight.
The shawl used three skeins of O-Wool DK Legacy, base that is apparently discontinued. Luckily, O-Wool still carries Classic Worsted.
Look at that color and stitch definition...can I ask for more?
Project page: here.
My unintended break gave me space to accept that I cannot do it all every single day. It gave me stenght to recognize that something gotta give. Knitting, spinning, posting, social media took a back seat as I was too overwhelmed with changes, unrealistic expectations and some failures. Things took a turn when I came back from a short vacation and decided to embark in a healthier eating and exercising journey. Slowly, but steadily, getting back to crafting eased my mind and changed my mood. Body and mind are now in a calmer and happier state.
With that...here is a finished object!
My Quiet Journey is finished. The pattern was a gift from a dear friend, Andi of My Sister's Kniter. I want to knit this again but in Fingering weight.
The shawl used three skeins of O-Wool DK Legacy, base that is apparently discontinued. Luckily, O-Wool still carries Classic Worsted.
Look at that color and stitch definition...can I ask for more?
Project page: here.
Another week, another shawl
This pattern cannot be more simple; endless garter stitches with purl rows here and there. Some might find this very boring. I decided it was a perfect source of relaxation after hectic workdays. Call it garter therapy.
The yarn is the protagonist. Tern is, like other Quince & Co. yarns, a pleasure to knit with. The shawl is light and easy to wear. I think it will transition well into Spring.
I love the wrong side of the shawl...apparently...hmm...see above for details :-)
Pattern: The Big Blue by Meg Gadsbey
Ravelry project page: here
(Public service announcement: dark chocolate is full of antioxidants = good for you, good for me!)
The yarn is the protagonist. Tern is, like other Quince & Co. yarns, a pleasure to knit with. The shawl is light and easy to wear. I think it will transition well into Spring.
I love the wrong side of the shawl...apparently...hmm...see above for details :-)
Pattern: The Big Blue by Meg Gadsbey
Ravelry project page: here
(Public service announcement: dark chocolate is full of antioxidants = good for you, good for me!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)