Thu - March 1, 2007
Blue ewe
more babble about yarn
Started
another sock, and little ewe\sheep tape measure is hiding in it at the moment.
It will be a simple 2 rib sock to add to my sock stash. I have also joined the
online guild for knitters,
weavers and spinners as I will enjoy that online community as well as
the workshops held by members. There was a really good series on colour work
which I want to work through. Some really good principles to work through if you
are considering more yarn dyes and fibre dyes as I am in the near
future.
A fun visual and informative videocast is Cat's video podcast letsknit2gether which has some really good shows on techniques of felting, knitting socks with circular needles. There was a reportage on stitches show and sheep and wool fest which was fascinating as I have never been and am not likely to go,but it has often been described on other podcasts.
Went for a small walk on the beach today and wish I had taken pictures as the tide was out and the beach had a lovely sheen to it. Maybe next time.
Posted at 11:19 AM
Wed - February 28, 2007
Spectrum Project
I have joined
One of the things I aim to do at the moment is playing with colour and to carry
this theme this year I have joined up with project
spectrum . This months colours are blue, white and
grey.A photo that inspires me at the moment is a stall of embroidery threads photographed in Belgium.
hat would make nice sock yarn what?
I have finished the raveberry socks and will post a pixie tomorrow and have cast on a pair of toe up socks using Wendy's generic pattern ( so easy to do) in Trekking XXL colour way 109. It is blue and grey. First project for project spectrum.
I have also got some dying to do soon of some merino fibre and sockyarn which will be a first. Watch this space.
Posted at 09:02 AM
Mon - February 26, 2007
Tropicana sock
Love this design, so easy to
knit
Don't you just
love the colour way. One of the things I bought at getknitted was a sock
stretcher which means that I will not have to put each sock on a foot for
photographs.I have had the greatest day although DS3 is getting at me to get on with his sweater. Designers....don't you just love them. A change has already been made to the coloured stripes but as I am not at that bit yet I am not steaming......
Posted at 09:03 PM
Fri - February 23, 2007
It is taking
shape, its going to be bright! Got knitted
Finally, oh finally....
Finally had
an opportunity to go to get
knitted in Bristol. As it is half term we tried to combine a day
where everyone might be happy. After travelling down and visiting N and a
fantastic pizza lunch, we tried to follow directions to take us to the knitting
mecca. We were not disappointed.It was all a bit overwhelming I have to say and walls of colour would jump out at you.
I am a great
fan of sock knitting but even I was having a bit of trouble making a choice here
.
Where do you
start and stop.In the meantime, the boys had found a wonderful spot to sit and eat sweeties.
and even DH
was catered for, so he could go and read a paper provided and help himself to
drinks if he wanted to.
As you can see
he was engrossed in his paper, which can only mean that N and I were happy
browsing and filling our little and large
baskets.No, I am not going to show you!
When I got to the pay desk, I did indicate that I would only complete my purchase if she would not actually mention the amount spent outloud.......to which the woman kindly replied....please you do not have to justify yourself to me, I work here and I am on your side, I understand.
She got me worried when she picked up the phone and asked for a notepad and a piece of soap which I am sure is some code for ' this is a real addict out here come and look at what this person is doing!!!'
It was a good day, having decided that money available for therapy could be spent on fibretherapy to make me feel better.
Thank goodness I do not come that often here, I have enough yarn to sit and knit for a while.
On leaving Dh made the comment ' I should have brought a pickup truck'. We both have a sense of humour.
Posted at 04:13 PM
Thu - February 15, 2007
Raving socks
I am off on a retreat, not a knitting one though,
but it promises to be quiet.
Might be
eyecatching knitting this weekend. If you want to know why I am away check here , that saves me
having to say it all again.See you soon, the yarn is great and I love the colours.
Posted at 09:01 PM
oooh Koigu.....
Its true, they
feel...well...fab
I often
wondered about the craze on Koigu, but then remember that Knitting and yarn are
sensual pleasures. It just feels wonderful and I am really chuffed with the
results. What next? I like the tropicana
pattern Alison talks about on her blog and am going
to use the raveberry yarn made for me by Chickengoddess . It looks
good already, well in my imagination.
Posted at 12:31 AM
Thu - February 8, 2007
Turning the heel
Getting along nicely
I have turned
the heel, slowly but surely and am knitting the leg part. Not sure how good a
fit this is going to be but we will see.I also spent some time spinning today, some more alpaca, but I have a suspicion that I have a alight allergy to it, washing the fibre has not completely solved my problem. Limiting myself to 20 mins a day.
Posted at 02:59 PM
Mon - February 5, 2007
Falling leaves
Sock update
The falling leaves pattern is growing slowly. The koigu is great to knit with and I love the colours and how the pattern brings them out. Lace is on my list of skills to tackle this year. memory problems and committing patterns to memory have been a skill lost in the last 3 years due to CFS so starting to read a chart and trying to make those neuroconnections is a worthwhile exercise. I wonder if others would benefit from knitting therapy and if there is such a thing?
Posted at 12:07 PM
Sun - February 4, 2007
Debbie Abrahams Picnic blanket
Hooray not frogged but
finished
After having
washed the blanket at the highest temperature in the washing machine the cream
is a whitish blue jeans colour and the result is very pleasing. This has taken 3
years to make. On and off. It has been my in between project, you know between
the projects you want to make, waiting for the yarn to arrive. At some moment I
wanted to frog it but having made the yarn investment I forced myself to do a
lesson in patience. It is now dry, and quite large ( 180 cm square). My DS3
wants to take it to school to his maths lesson and after that it will find its
place in the large window seat in the living room in case anyone feels the need
to be cuddled under it. On summer days it will come to the beach so I can sit
down and knit while the boys go fossil hunting. Posted at 12:53 PM
Sat - February 3, 2007
With a little help from my friends
denim found
Thanks to Alison , the
remaining yarn arrived and I have now finished the blanket. I am currently
having an anxious feeling as it needs to be put in the washing machine at 80
degrees to shrink the blanket to a square shape. The water currently looks
rather blue.
My next project is falling leaves with koigu sockyarn. First time I am knitting with koigu.
Maybe if I start knitting soon, the calm will return.
My next project is falling leaves with koigu sockyarn. First time I am knitting with koigu.
Maybe if I start knitting soon, the calm will return. Posted at 08:38 PM
Wed - January 31, 2007
Picnic blanket
3 rows to go and no more
yarn.....
How close and
yet so far. There are literally 3 rows to do and I have searched ebay for a ball
of rowan denim. The blanket is therefore on hold. No matter, it will be finished
soon after that. Posted at 09:13 PM
Thu - January 25, 2007
Rollo's fleece
A new spinning experience
Rollo's fleecy blanket has been in the plastic
bag for a few weeks. I am not sure whether I will be able to continue spinning
his blanket. Maybe in small parts. At the moment, the fluffyness of alpaca hair
is not helping my breathing but that may change. I have washed the fleece in the
hope that the allergic reaction is due to the dust in the fleece, otherwise, I
am stumped and shall have to revert to wool
only.
Rollo's blanket is a fawn with a streak of butterscotch in it and is very attractive, soft and warm. This is a pilot skein, 2 are Dk and 1 is 4 ply so I can see how it works out. There is still 3 lbs of fibre to spin so it will be a while.
Rollo's blanket is a fawn with a streak of butterscotch in it and is very attractive, soft and warm. This is a pilot skein, 2 are Dk and 1 is 4 ply so I can see how it works out. There is still 3 lbs of fibre to spin so it will be a while.
Posted at 01:42 PM
Tue - January 23, 2007
3 squares to go
Gently gently she nudges toward the
end
Some white
squares to go and maybe tomorrow will be a grand sewing session to put the
blanket together. Its too cold outside to do any gardening really so housework
and working with my hands keeps me occupied in body and mind. Posted at 02:47 PM
Mon - January 22, 2007
Squares
Debbie Abrahams blankets and throws to
knit
I am still knitting the picnic squares in rowan denim out of Debbie's
book and with 5 squares to go can finally see the end of it. I
started this as an in between project abut 3 years ago but something else always
came in the way of knitting it and putting it
together.Having cleared some of my stash and look at projects I wanted to make this year I came across the basket full of squares and decided ill in bed that it would make a good recovery project. When my camera has some more batteries in it might let you have a peep at it tomorrow. Its juts like knitted patchwork, it takes patience and hoodles of yarn. I have not yet spotted a picture of this project on any blog so this might be a first who knows.
Posted at 03:47 PM
Sun - January 21, 2007
Back
A prolonged holiday season
I've been too poorly to remember so won't go into
that apart from to say that when I stop knitting, I know I am really really
poorly. Longingly looking at yarn, stroking hanks of angora and alpaca have the
power to revive me. ( Can you imagine an intensive care room full of yarn!, or
would that be a picture of heaven?)
The holiday season was full of good cheer and my family are caving into purchasing me more sock yarn, even handdyed in places, stitch markers and handcream and knitting books. It was simply great to be acknowledged as a weird, individual creative person and it made me feel very loved.
I missed going to the opening of get knitted, because I have no voice to speak with and am to weak to travel. Today I might get a glimpse of what it is like there from my friend who will pop in for our usual cup of tea and knitting together. I'm not doing much of either but there is life in the old gal yet. I have bags and bags of alpaca to spin but right now, the best place for me is under the duvet with my ipod, listening to podcasts and music. Cannot knit but can listen to people talk about knitting.
Little steps of progress are being made and I am eying a UFO!
The holiday season was full of good cheer and my family are caving into purchasing me more sock yarn, even handdyed in places, stitch markers and handcream and knitting books. It was simply great to be acknowledged as a weird, individual creative person and it made me feel very loved.
I missed going to the opening of get knitted, because I have no voice to speak with and am to weak to travel. Today I might get a glimpse of what it is like there from my friend who will pop in for our usual cup of tea and knitting together. I'm not doing much of either but there is life in the old gal yet. I have bags and bags of alpaca to spin but right now, the best place for me is under the duvet with my ipod, listening to podcasts and music. Cannot knit but can listen to people talk about knitting.
Little steps of progress are being made and I am eying a UFO!
Posted at 11:26 AM
Wed - December 13, 2006
Holiday knitting
oops, you cannot see any of
it
The holiday knitting is getting on well and I am
trying to find some time to sit down and do some more spinning. Its a slow job,
what with all the gift purchasing, gift making, wrapping, making menus etc, you
know I am sure. Will be taking a break until i have something to show for all
the work I have been doing.
Its fun though
Its fun though
Posted at 11:04 AM
Thu - December 7, 2006
Buying yarn in the USA
Cost saving tip
As the £ buys you 2$ worth of stufff now is
the time to place that order with the USA for yarn as you are likely to get more
for your money. One of the suppliers I keep an eye out is yarn forward . I have
ordered from them in the past and they are extremely quick and efficient as they
deliver by courier. You may wonder how it can be cheaper to do it that way, but
in my book it pays to shop around for your
yarn.
The same goes for fabric supplies, USA prices are way lower than there so if you are into patchwork, go and have a lok, a favourite of mine is the quilted crow .
On the needles for the moment is a lana Grossa cardigan which should be finished today hopefully. I have also done some holiday knitting, a scarf that feels and looks like velvet.
The same goes for fabric supplies, USA prices are way lower than there so if you are into patchwork, go and have a lok, a favourite of mine is the quilted crow .
On the needles for the moment is a lana Grossa cardigan which should be finished today hopefully. I have also done some holiday knitting, a scarf that feels and looks like velvet.
Posted at 08:30 AM
Fri - December 1, 2006
The blue tubie is done
Finally a fitting garment
Do you remember this one a few months ago
?
the 60 inch
sweater that just looked well, truthfully a body disaster of the first order?
Well it has been taken apart and transformed into the new
tubie.
I decided to
wear it to my course today and got quite a few compliments. The colour is simply
just me. So here it is then C, as requested, a picture of Angora and her new
sweater. I do not often knit for myself, the funny thing is that my Dh really
had his eyes set on this sweater, he thought it was going to be his. No of
course not, his is packed away for that special day.
the 60 inch
sweater that just looked well, truthfully a body disaster of the first order?
Well it has been taken apart and transformed into the new
tubie. I decided to
wear it to my course today and got quite a few compliments. The colour is simply
just me. So here it is then C, as requested, a picture of Angora and her new
sweater. I do not often knit for myself, the funny thing is that my Dh really
had his eyes set on this sweater, he thought it was going to be his. No of
course not, his is packed away for that special day. Posted at 08:27 PM
Mon - November 20, 2006
Tubie in progress
the one woman's sweater
There is slow
progress as the sweater is beginning to be quite heavy on the hands. I have
found a nice new corner near the radiator, with my feet up and knitting resting
on the table and it is working out quite
well.Today, the winter 2006 edition of interweave knit s arrived full of lovely cable patterns.
I
particularly like well all of them really : Berta Karapetyan: Knitter, Designer, and Yarn
Connoisseur Julie
Moline
Meet the author of the
upcoming book, Runway Knits.
A Cardigan for Arwen
Kate
Gilbert
A hooded jacket for the
princess in you.
Venezia
Pullover Eunny
Jang
Fitted Fair Isle has old-world
charm and modern allure.
Equestrian
Blazer Kate
Gilbert
A classic jacket gets fit
with short-row shaping.
Gutter
Ganseys Elizabeth
Lovick
The herring lasses’
take on the classic fishermen’s sweater.
Pewter
Coat Shirley
Paden
Deep lapels add style to a
cable-brocade jacket.
Innovation in the Andes: Making Bobble
Yarn Linda
Ligon
Innovative craftsmen make a
novelty yarn for a traditional hat.
Enid
Cardigan Véronik
Avery
Add purls to your color work
in a Bohus-inspired sweater.
Retrograde
Pullover Amy M.
Swenson
This reversible sweater is a
quick turnaround on large needles.
Nantucket Jacket
Norah
Gaughan
Godets add flare to a
texture-rich cardigan.
Refined
Raglan Mercedes
Tarasovich-Clark
Delectable yarn and
a simple silhouette make for comfort knitting.
Rambling Rose Cardigan
Laura
Zukaite
Two tones harmonize in a
leaf-embellished cardigan.
Provincial
Waistcoat Mari Lynn
Patrick
Texture stitches pull this
vest
together.
Corded Yoke
Pullover Annie
Modesitt
A spoke yoke shows off more
than it covers.
Cabernet
Ribs Liz
Nields
Faux layers feel good in
mohair/silk and merino.
Touch Me
Tunic Katy
Ryan
Dress up in a plush
chevron-patterned tunic.
Beyond the Basics: Steeks—Cutting the
Edge Eunny
Jang
Take scissors to knitting and
live to tell about it.
Thrummed
Mittens Jennifer L.
Appleby
Work fleece into your
mittens to keep out the cold.
Arctic
Diamonds
Stole
Donna Druchunas
Knit a lacy motif
inspired by a traditional Alaskan design.
Blue Skies
Cardigan Katie
Himmelberg
You’ll have blue
skies every day in this Rocky Mountain cardigan.
Rustic Holiday
Stocking Kristin
Nicholas
An embroidered stocking for
holiday fun.
Jawbreaker
Cardigan Kendra
Cray
One button and an asymmetrical
collar make this little cardigan pop!
Wine and Roses
Mitts
JoLene Treace
For romance at your
fingertips, knit a pair of cashmere mitts.
Cable and Bobble
Headband Carrie Bostick
Hoge
Bobbles, cables, and pom-poms
go to your head.
Cowgirl Slipper Socks
Ann
Budd
Home on the range in
lace-cuffed buffalo socks.
Tweed Beret
Kristen
TenDyke
You’ll stop traffic in
this one!
I love cables and texture using yarn and am still
browsing with my cup of tea, the drink of champions
Posted at 06:37 PM
Mon - November 13, 2006
Knitting and the Oddyseus
Myth and craft together
A story from the Shetland Daily
News:
11 November, 2006
A CRITICALLY
acclaimed opera starring knitters and spinners from Shetland will finally arrive
in the islands later this month at the end of a UK and Norwegian
tour.
Five Shetland women have left home for three months to join
the caste of accomplished actors, musicians and the highly respected production
team involved with Odysseus Unwound.
Artistic director Bill
Bankes-Jones said: "I really admire the Shetlanders for performing in the play
because it is a big commitment to be away from home and family for three months
on tour. They have all been great and they are really
thriving."
The Shetlanders - Elizabeth Johnston, Margaret Milligan,
Margaret Peterson, Janice Sawford and Anne Sinclair - got involved in the
production in 2003 when the theatre company Tête à Tête visited
the islands.
They met more than 100 local knitters and spinners,
before homing in on the Greek epic The Odyssey as "a natural vehicle for the
merging of opera with knitting".
Last year the company undertook an
intense series of workshops with singers, and knitters and spinners from
Shetland.
The opera premiered at London's Alexandra Palace last
month, and has been winning over audiences wherever it has been performed,
gaining rave reviews from various broadsheet newspapers.
It
concentrates on the dark side of Odysseus' character and is shot through with a
savage humor and lyricism whilst portraying the adventures of its hero. On one
level a cautionary tale of the horrors of war in any age, and on the other a
death defying adventure with a great scope.
Tête à
Tête have lost money by taking the show on tour, but say they are committed
to taking quality opera to far flung places which would not normally get to see
it.
Mr Bankes-Jones said they had been greatly encouraged by the
support of local people in Shetland with their contributions of equipment and
time, but he was disappointed that no financial support had been forthcoming
from the islands, especially after they received £70,000 from the Norwegian
government.
The opera will be performed at Lerwick's Clickimin
Leisure Complex, on 27 November.
Posted at 08:24 AM
Sat - November 11, 2006
Tiger on the beach
Not really, only kidding.....did i scare
you?
I have had trouble with my camera, well its
ongoing but everytime I put new batteries in them, they only seem to last a few
days and I am not taking that many pictures. However, it will do for the
moment.
I have just
finished a standard pair of toe up socks for my DS who is very keen on animals.
Its done in Opal Rainforest Tiger colourway. I still am in search of a yarn that
is going to make the heels less vulnerable to fraying as all socks I wear seem
to only last about 7 washes before thinning out. If you have any suggestions on
that one let me know. So far I have thought about using clear sewing thread
while knitting the heel to reinforce it but I am still on the lookout for
another suggestion. I recently looked at pricing of handknit socks and the
following seem to be encouraing. I wonder whether anyone really is going to
spend
£ 69 on a pair of socks , oh well maybe they will. What do you
think? There is hope for us still then?
I have just
finished a standard pair of toe up socks for my DS who is very keen on animals.
Its done in Opal Rainforest Tiger colourway. I still am in search of a yarn that
is going to make the heels less vulnerable to fraying as all socks I wear seem
to only last about 7 washes before thinning out. If you have any suggestions on
that one let me know. So far I have thought about using clear sewing thread
while knitting the heel to reinforce it but I am still on the lookout for
another suggestion. I recently looked at pricing of handknit socks and the
following seem to be encouraing. I wonder whether anyone really is going to
spend
£ 69 on a pair of socks , oh well maybe they will. What do you
think? There is hope for us still then?
Posted at 10:14 AM
Fri - November 10, 2006
Am I still here?
Yep, sure......
I guess its been a long time no posting. What
have I been up to, am I still alive. You see, I have been knitting but not so
much and not so fast. Having decided not to purchase any more yarn and to start
spinning my own has somewhat slowed me down. Few I hear you say, she is human,
she needs more than 14 days to finish a sweater. The banshee has slowed down and
joined the human race.
Well, the nights are drawing in, my needles are out, my projects sorted and I am off. The blue tubie sweater is 17 inches long, am knitting one sleeve and will be attaching that soon I hope. I am still spinning blue bayoo to a lovely yarn but its taking long and then there are al those holiday projects to keep abreast off.
Ah the comfort of a good podcast, the clicking of needles and warm tootsies in handknitted socks....is it heaven?
Well, the nights are drawing in, my needles are out, my projects sorted and I am off. The blue tubie sweater is 17 inches long, am knitting one sleeve and will be attaching that soon I hope. I am still spinning blue bayoo to a lovely yarn but its taking long and then there are al those holiday projects to keep abreast off.
Ah the comfort of a good podcast, the clicking of needles and warm tootsies in handknitted socks....is it heaven?
Posted at 09:41 PM
Thu - October 5, 2006
Tubie blue...
Its growing
There it is,
the second attempt at making my blue sweater. This time, it looks too small, but
that is only because I am knitting it in a rib 4 knit, 2 purl and the effect is
really quite nice. One ball seems to go a lot further than last time, but then
this is not 60 inches wide! ( DUH!)Maybe, just maybe I will get it sorted before it gets too cold.
Posted at 02:46 PM
KNIT IT
Fundraising for charity
This year I intend to take part in fundraising for the Children's
Society . I will be putting a number of items for sale on a separate
website and then donating the funds to them. Timeline is 6 months. If you would
like to be part of this project and wish to donate items for sale on line at the
website, let me know by email or leave a
comment.So knitsibs, are you out there? If anyone is able to create a button for me that would be great too.
Posted at 02:44 PM
Sun - September 24, 2006
Trekking socks XXL
these socks are made for
walking
The socks are
finished and I have been experimenting with strengthening heels. One sock has a
double heel and the other has only the bottom part strenghtened. The experiment
is to see which one is comfortable and which one lasts longest before I launch
the instructions on the web. Always useful to test your product...... Now I am
off to wind hanks into balls and start another sweater hopefully the gauge will
be correct and not end up as the 61 inch sweater. Having had a 61 inch sweater
did nothing for my moral on body shapes....need I say more! Posted at 04:02 PM
Mood pictures
I feel a bit like this.......
This has got
to be a good indication of a grumpy old knitter......... Posted at 03:58 PM
Thu - September 21, 2006
THE LAST KNIT
very funny take for addicted knitters....be
warned this could be scary
Posted at 08:50 PM
Mon - September 18, 2006
CLAPOTIS
Here's something to do for
inspiration
If you enter pattern names in Flickr accounts
search you will be shown a gallery of finished articles by handy knitters.
Clapotis shows up 1808
pictures you can google at for
inspiration.
Mrs Beetons has 18 pictures, and jaywalker 802 times. A truly wonderful gallery of art.
Enjoy.
I am winding
yarn from my sweater, washing and rewinding it so it may be a few days before
you see some progress here. From time to time, I wander off to look at some
truly individual interpretations of designs on the net. My heart is warmed and
my eyes feast on some lovely colour ways.
Mrs Beetons has 18 pictures, and jaywalker 802 times. A truly wonderful gallery of art.
Enjoy.
I am winding
yarn from my sweater, washing and rewinding it so it may be a few days before
you see some progress here. From time to time, I wander off to look at some
truly individual interpretations of designs on the net. My heart is warmed and
my eyes feast on some lovely colour ways. Posted at 02:32 PM
Thu - September 14, 2006
The VIP sweater
Oh what fun I had, the satisfaction of a jumper
that fits.
I managed to finish the VIP sweater but it has
been packed away. Why no picture you ask. Simply because it forms part of my
Xmas gifts and that would be telling. The socks are getting on but I am going to
have a go at a patchwork hat which is a pattern from Spinoff of March 1990. A
few weeks ago I attended a dying workshop which left me with a few different
colours of green and autumn shades so it may be a way to use this and make a
spectacular hat.
Posted at 04:44 PM
Tue - September 12, 2006
Viveka in Knitty
Hmm scrumptious......
If you have not had a look, the new knitty is
out....hey i said, THE NEW KNITTY IS OUT. I love the simplicity of Viveka and am
adding that onto my wishlist to do, its grwoing ever so
steadily.
Posted at 08:45 PM
A bowl of socks
Tomatoe vines seem a possibility and as I have
some of those around at the moment it seems a fun idea to try out before they go
on the compost heap.
I have been
working on the personal problem of reinforcing heels. I have discovered a way to
make the heel stronger without using any other yarn to do so. The effect is that
you do not lose the colour way of the self striping yarn. The colours are
working out great on this sock and it just tickled me to put it in the fruit
bowl. Arranging yarn in a fruit bowl seems a good way to display colour
arrangements. The pumpkins in my garden are growing a lovely orange colour and
it matches with some of the colourway in these socks. I have ordered some
mordants to dye some yarns in natural materials. Tomatoe vines seem a
possibility and as I have some of those around at the moment it seems a fun idea
to try out before they go on the compost heap. I love playing with all these
possibilities. Posted at 08:28 PM
Wed - September 6, 2006
The joy of the house to myself!
Changing the workspace
Alas, the studio is occupied by one of my sons (
don't ask....) Anyway, I am resigned to continue presently to work in what is
the dining area of our house. But there are new additions. I read about
hopechests some time ago and wanted to find one that would hold my stash so here
is the stash box.
Its empty at
the moment but then again, it will no be long so because today I succumbed to
some Koigu yarn and some trekking xxl for the silly sock season which is upon
us.
Its not all
purple and pink I hear you say, well heck no, my colour taste is widening a bit.
Got the yarn from get
knitted and I have to say that the delivery was super fast so well
worth a go if you are addicted to yarn. I have finally decided I am going to
have a go at the jaywalker
pattern which so many have tried already. I am bit slow on that
front, like to hoard the yarns. Reasoning is that I had so many projects to
finish and indulge in my new play activity which is yarn dying. Brenda Dayne has a podcast on
natural dying which gives you some info on that.
Yesterday I chatted and knitted with C who looked at the VIp sweater and said very earnestly ( wondering whether I was knitting for a one armed man)' where is the second sleeve'. I am still making it but it looks satisfying to know that one is attached and finished.
I am catching
up with the knitting and Oh the Joy of having the house to myself for a few
hours a day....I do miss the little darlings too , but peace is nice
too.
I can now sit at my computer desk in a nice chair with my call centre headphones on and listen in comfort while I .....knit of course.
Its empty at
the moment but then again, it will no be long so because today I succumbed to
some Koigu yarn and some trekking xxl for the silly sock season which is upon
us. Its not all
purple and pink I hear you say, well heck no, my colour taste is widening a bit.
Got the yarn from get
knitted and I have to say that the delivery was super fast so well
worth a go if you are addicted to yarn. I have finally decided I am going to
have a go at the jaywalker
pattern which so many have tried already. I am bit slow on that
front, like to hoard the yarns. Reasoning is that I had so many projects to
finish and indulge in my new play activity which is yarn dying. Brenda Dayne has a podcast on
natural dying which gives you some info on that.
Yesterday I chatted and knitted with C who looked at the VIp sweater and said very earnestly ( wondering whether I was knitting for a one armed man)' where is the second sleeve'. I am still making it but it looks satisfying to know that one is attached and finished.
I am catching
up with the knitting and Oh the Joy of having the house to myself for a few
hours a day....I do miss the little darlings too , but peace is nice
too.I can now sit at my computer desk in a nice chair with my call centre headphones on and listen in comfort while I .....knit of course.
Posted at 01:59 PM
Mon - September 4, 2006
Vintage stuff
Now how about a few vintage patterns to enjoy
when considering the next project?
The
good yarn site has some really good links and patterns to ponder over.
Inspiration? I am not sure but some of the bonnets look rather fetching if done
in some handpsun yarn. The Rosemary
cap is funny and it would be a nice surprise to have a go at. Then
there is also the whimsical
eggsweater which may make a lovely stocking filler for
knitters.There is also a library of 65 knitting related picture s to enjoy. I rather think the Rosemary cap with some lovely knitted flower on it would be a fascinating project to contemplate.
Posted at 04:50 PM
Sat - September 2, 2006
ORANGE TO DIE FOR
Colour inspiration
What inspires
you when you design something?Armed with scissors I wandered lonely in the
garden and found a sunburst of colour right there in front of me. the weather is
dismal today, lots of wind and rain and definitely a good knitting day! My DS3
is still waiting for his orange sweater and I am wondering whether I can make
use of the above colours to design a dying scheme specifically to catch the
depth and hue of the colours displayed in the flowers. I intend to dye the
roving I have and then spin it, alternatively he could choose the best match to
the orange that he wants. Choices, choices.
I am knitting the sleeves of VIP sweater and looking to source some trekking sock yarn as apparently it is better than Regia's. A rainy day is the perfect day to sit and ponder, look through the library of knitting and spinning books I have on the shelves, enjoy a cup of tea....and dream.
Then again, its the time to sew labels in school sweaters but that can be done listening to podcasts. If you ahve not listened to limenviolet , give it a go, they chat a lot but they are very cheerful and its full of fun ideas. You can download it at itunes.
Posted at 04:48 PM
Thu - August 31, 2006
Consumed by ' HUSH'
its taken a long time to
finish....
There you are,
no kidding, I did finish it and then packaged it up to be sent away. The shade
was a greenish colour......and here are my tips for completing the
garment.PATIENCE!!!!!!! the amount of beads on each ball should be about 35 that should get you around to the next ball. The lace pattern is easy to memorise, and the yarn knits beautifully. I thought I had done really well when finishing the main parts, back and fronts and sleeves. The bulk of the work takes part in the collar. All together the collar, from side seam to side seam takes 1000 stitches in a pattern that is yarn forward, knit two together, which creates a rib. Addi turbos are lovely to work with but the yarn slips and you do not want to be undoing this work I tell you!!!! The collar took 5 balls of yarn, 16 rows, so thats 16,000 stitches.
Ok thats the critique of it, it looks and feels lovely and gorgeous but took me 3 weeks to make which is not long by any means, but i usually manage to finish a garment in two weeks time.
I did not post an update because the picture you would have seen is a grey haired woman, trying to do 1 row at a time, and taking hours over it..... what can I tell you about that?
Hopefully when the kids go back to school, my knitting will take on its usual pace. I have been missing it. It has lost that meditative quality I like of the process of knitting......OHM.......
Posted at 03:02 PM
Thu - August 17, 2006
Margheurite
Finally finished
Sorry about not posting, its been a busy few
weeks, boys are on holiday, family projects to work on and not much time for
creativity at the moment. Hopeful that life will find a slower lane soon as
stressy days really are no longer on my menu, but then how do you avoid
them.
I finally managed to complete the above which is unfortunately a little too tight to wear at the moment, which means it will either be gifted away to some slimmer person or wait in my wardrobe until I am slimmer to fit into it. ( which is more likely to happen then?).
The little flowers on the cuff make it a lot more feminine.
This yarn is very soft and has a thread of mohair in it which makes it a little scratchy for sensitive skins, but that is the only criticism I can offer.
On a different note, there have been changes to my technology present so i am learning to do things differently. It should be easier in the long run but at the moment it takes a little longer. What am a I changing. In the future I should be able to use speech recognition software to dictate my entries, allowing my energy to be used differently. I am going to be robotically replaced in parts, as yet not found a robot to knit ......
I finally managed to complete the above which is unfortunately a little too tight to wear at the moment, which means it will either be gifted away to some slimmer person or wait in my wardrobe until I am slimmer to fit into it. ( which is more likely to happen then?).
The little flowers on the cuff make it a lot more feminine.
This yarn is very soft and has a thread of mohair in it which makes it a little scratchy for sensitive skins, but that is the only criticism I can offer.
On a different note, there have been changes to my technology present so i am learning to do things differently. It should be easier in the long run but at the moment it takes a little longer. What am a I changing. In the future I should be able to use speech recognition software to dictate my entries, allowing my energy to be used differently. I am going to be robotically replaced in parts, as yet not found a robot to knit ......
Posted at 07:32 PM
Thu - July 20, 2006
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
the knitting embargo that is......its cooler so
am off again....
The second
attempt at knitting in the round is being attempted with more caution than the
first time. EZ's book was great but listening to the Knittingnews podcast
a little whole ago, a different book was discussed expanding on EZ ideas by
Jacqueline
McFee, The sweater workshop. The author takes you step by step
through the process and invites decision points so you can make choices as you
go. Its basic but until you have the technique under your belt, basic is good.
The sweater sampler discussed in the book is a great idea to learn some new
skills and ends up looking like a windsock, but well worth the effort.
So, what can you subject VIP to when it comes to the sweater. After 3 inches of round knitting, Jacqueline suggests you try on the sweater because gauge in the round might be different to gauge back and forth ( probably where I went wrong last time). To do this, you put half the stitches on one 24' needle and the other half on the same. I did not have long enough needles which made the trying on a tad interesting. A hudini exercise, where I was found picking up stitches and telling VIP not to move on pain of death......it will be worth it in the end, the measurements were exact and I have 20 inches to knit in the round to the sleeves. Mindless but then that is something I like to have in my knitting basket from time to time for mindless days...I have some of those on a regular basis whereby I do not even make an attempt at a lace pattern.
The other cardigan is getting on fine and will be updating tomorrow. I managed to find some cute pearl buttons for that one in town. I love browsing in the fabric store, makes me dream a lot about the clothes I would like to wear.
Posted at 12:43 PM
Tue - July 18, 2006
THE HEAT IS ON
Its true, its too hot for
knitting.....
Fading away here, drinking lots of water, keeping
cool in the house, but not able to knit as I am uncomfortable with temperatures
at 30 degrees plus. It appears this will continue until Friday, steady climb to
37 degrees which is unheard of. Not that I want to sound gloomy but this is
going to be a summer for the record books. Not much stops me from knitting when
its too cold, I can wrap up but heat you cannot do anything but keep cool,
hydrated and give up knitting. A good time to go and check what projects could
be done when it gets cooler.
Posted at 06:28 PM
Fri - July 14, 2006
Camera less....
What happened to the pictures you
say?
Its died, the batteries, rechargeable as they are
do not appear to be able to cope with my volume of knitting related pictures. I
do need to sort this soonest as the next guild meeting hosts a couple of fibre
animals and I wanted so to share with you what is happening
tomorrow.
Instead, I have finished my sample knitting square for the jumper for my VIP, I have taken some measurements and have calculated the amounts of stitches needed etc so am ready to go on that one.
I continue to knit on the Margheurite cardigan for me, which has another sleeve and both fronts to go and I also played about with the spinning wheel creating a 3 ply yarn from blue bayoo dyed a couple of weeks ago. Its great, soft and thinner which means that practising on the spinning wheel does give good results.
Why would I want to spin a sample yarn? Simple because without it I could be spinning for hours and hours to have a yarn that does not do what I want to use it for, this one is about DK weight I hope, but again will see what gives when its knitted up. I have a cardigan in mind, which is tied along the front, so no buttons, icord fastenings and a small easy lace pattern to create more air in the garment. Thats what I am dreaming up .....no patterns just creativity.
Pix to follow when the camera's fixed......
Instead, I have finished my sample knitting square for the jumper for my VIP, I have taken some measurements and have calculated the amounts of stitches needed etc so am ready to go on that one.
I continue to knit on the Margheurite cardigan for me, which has another sleeve and both fronts to go and I also played about with the spinning wheel creating a 3 ply yarn from blue bayoo dyed a couple of weeks ago. Its great, soft and thinner which means that practising on the spinning wheel does give good results.
Why would I want to spin a sample yarn? Simple because without it I could be spinning for hours and hours to have a yarn that does not do what I want to use it for, this one is about DK weight I hope, but again will see what gives when its knitted up. I have a cardigan in mind, which is tied along the front, so no buttons, icord fastenings and a small easy lace pattern to create more air in the garment. Thats what I am dreaming up .....no patterns just creativity.
Pix to follow when the camera's fixed......
Posted at 01:15 PM
Mon - July 10, 2006
Cara
Lovely pattern, interesting
layout
Cara has been
finished. I love this top, its very feminine and the layout is interesting, The
sleeve tops and bodice are knitted normally and then a band of lace knitting is
added on the bottom of that. The pointy lace bit on sleeve and bodice are also
knitted separately. I did have some problems knitting the lace centre, simply
because my concentration did not enable me to memorise the pattern so I spent
the entire time reading the 16 row repeat but then hey, it was good brain
exercise. I am persevering despite the brainfog and the result is very pleasing.
One slight alteration I did to the lacy band was to add 1 stitch either side as
edging so that the sewing together is neater and
easier.Here is a closeup for the lacy band:
I really am sorry for the lack of posting but the weather has just been toooo hot to move and it really affected me. Not enough to stop knitting. There is also a lot going on in my life section at the moment to keep my mind focussed when it manages to do that for a few minutes.
I am going to continue to do the other cardigan now and then knit a swatch with the yarn I spun....I have spun 2 lbs of the wildberry colour yarn and now need to find out what gauge it uses and then devise a pattern for a man's sweater. Is there lack of men's sweaters out there that are either not too easy to do or dead boring?
Posted at 06:53 PM
Tue - June 27, 2006
THE YARN STUDIO
Here we go, some inspiring, simple space to work
in
When hanks of yarn become your main decoration,
when your DH offers to kit out a studio, you know you are addicted to a passion
for yarn and at the same time, immensely grateful that it is OK to have a
playroom. So come on in, share a cup of tea and give me your
thoughts.
The decor is
simple as I want the yarn to speak while I am sitting there. There will be a
sewing table and work desk in one and then maybe later on a glass cabinet to put
some books and other beautiful things. Only shame is that I am sharing it with a
drum kit but not at inspirational moments, at that time, when a small boy comes
and shatters the rhythm in the room, I shall walk in the garden. He will
probably find the decor less to his taste, not very heavy metal or rock, but
then, I am happy to share with him.
I had a bad day yesterday and the news was mixed today.....got a driving notice in the post.....would beat myself up about that but on the other hand, I cannot afford to give that too much energy....am off to play after lunch. I will just have to reconsider how I can manage driving better.
The decor is
simple as I want the yarn to speak while I am sitting there. There will be a
sewing table and work desk in one and then maybe later on a glass cabinet to put
some books and other beautiful things. Only shame is that I am sharing it with a
drum kit but not at inspirational moments, at that time, when a small boy comes
and shatters the rhythm in the room, I shall walk in the garden. He will
probably find the decor less to his taste, not very heavy metal or rock, but
then, I am happy to share with him.I had a bad day yesterday and the news was mixed today.....got a driving notice in the post.....would beat myself up about that but on the other hand, I cannot afford to give that too much energy....am off to play after lunch. I will just have to reconsider how I can manage driving better.
Posted at 12:55 PM
Mon - June 26, 2006
Louisa Harding - Marguerite
On the needles, for me for a
change
It looks
pretty on the model and I am knitting this in...purple and pink of course. The
feel of the yarn is terrific and ...I never knit with mostly nylon in it but the
mohair gives it a bit of body and it is ohh soo
soft.Another one that will be starting tomorrow is Cara, pretty......in RYC Cotton
And just in case you want to race ahead a bit with your knitting, check out the knitted Ferrari by Lauren Porter Clever or what! Please let little boys not get any ideas.....
On a personal note, its been a sad day for me today.....another step in my acceptance of living with ME. This is such an unpredictable illness that affects all parts of your body, mind and from time to time gets a little deeper under the skin. Today was such a day......it is a gift in many ways....and in other ways, it is a cross to bear.
Tomorrow I will share with you some pix of the little studio that my DH has created just for me and my knitting passion, you are invited. It still needs a clean, it needs some yarn moving in, and you will be able to join me for a virtual cup of tea.
Despite the occassional heartache a chronic illness brings into my life, they are countered by priceless blessings of which my Dh and children are one of many. Ok enough, need the tissues again........
Posted at 08:07 PM
Wed - June 21, 2006
STRIPEY
The last afghan to leave the
needles
The weather is getting sunnier and my knitting is
going to reflect that, I hope. Knitting an afghan in purple colinette mohair and
the dyed purple yarn I made, was a pleasure but was getting a little too hot to
handle. The stripes are very simply 2 row stripes and there is garter stitch
around the edges. Nice and cosy and effectively easy to
achieve.
Posted at 10:56 AM
RAVE BERRY YARN
Electric........
Wow, the
parcel arrived today, the dog barked like mad and it felt like Christmas. I
have been so generously spoilt by my dyorama pal
, chicken goddess (
love the name, really very apt for me to have such a pal, if only you knew).
Check out her blog to see how it was dyed. I am going to enjoy knitting with
this one I can tell you. Not sure whether is is going to be a pair of socks or a
EZ baby cardigan or whatever it calls to me to be. I will keep you
posted.Chicken goddess also sent me the cutest candles and very kindly also sent me the candle holder which is absolutely fab too. Made my day! Way to go, bright. lovely raveberry!
Posted at 10:53 AM
Fri - June 16, 2006
LUCKY BLANKET
A bit of fun with my stash
Lucky our dog has a habit of running off in the
evening with my teatowels, mainly because she wants to have a cushion to lie
on.
Here's what came off the needles....
This is based
on 1/4 of a baby blanket design by EZ and uses up some of the bits and pieces I
had lying around and enjoyed knitting with.
I then just
had to leave it out for her and I think she is quite satisfied with the end
result
I have not been that good at posting lately because we had visitors and all of the things together exhaust me too much. I am still knitting though ....the next project I am half way through is a prayer shawl for the ordination of one of the people from our village. Its purple, its big and its fluffy. More about that tomorrow maybe.
Here's what came off the needles....
This is based
on 1/4 of a baby blanket design by EZ and uses up some of the bits and pieces I
had lying around and enjoyed knitting with. I then just
had to leave it out for her and I think she is quite satisfied with the end
result
I have not been that good at posting lately because we had visitors and all of the things together exhaust me too much. I am still knitting though ....the next project I am half way through is a prayer shawl for the ordination of one of the people from our village. Its purple, its big and its fluffy. More about that tomorrow maybe.
Posted at 08:37 PM
Dear Dyorama Pal
Where are you?
Dear Hope to
Dye
I tried and tried to find you on the net but cannot manage to search your details...so well done on being completely secret. I am so looking forward to receiving the yarn in the post and hopefully it will get to me with just Angora on the label. If you want to email me you can on journey dot bc at mac dot com.
Thank you so much
I tried and tried to find you on the net but cannot manage to search your details...so well done on being completely secret. I am so looking forward to receiving the yarn in the post and hopefully it will get to me with just Angora on the label. If you want to email me you can on journey dot bc at mac dot com.
Thank you so much
Posted at 08:32 PM
Tue - June 6, 2006
Gracious cardigan
Made with Love
This is a really special cardigan. I am not
usually keen to finish other people's projects but this one tugged at my
heartstrings. This was started by a mother for her daughter and could not be
finished as the mother passed away. I have tried my best to make it in the same
way as the mother would have done in the hope that it will give the daughter a
lasting reminder of the love her mother wove into the stitches while she was
making it. It had emotional energy and I have been honoured to finish
it.
And here is a close up of the fairisle collar.
I also managed to wash the hanks of yarn I have been spinning. Its natural colour, and I will be trying to knit another seamless sweater.
And here is a close up of the fairisle collar.
I also managed to wash the hanks of yarn I have been spinning. Its natural colour, and I will be trying to knit another seamless sweater.
Posted at 08:33 PM
Wed - May 31, 2006
Blending, carding blue bayoo
heavenly day
Its been glorious today and I have been out
in the garden. The boys have helped me to card and blend blue bayoo together
and it looks heavenly and soft.
Its a bit like the nursery rhyme, baa baa blck sheep have you any wool, three bags full. I have plenty here to be getting on with. Not sure what its going to be but it could be a lovely cardigan for the autumn to go with jeans or.......something entirely different.
I asked the boys what colour they fancy next and its......orange. That would be interesting too, not sure that I will wear a lot of that but blending it with red, yellow and orange may give a fiery yarn. Hmm, next is another sheep's fleece to scour over, wash and dye...
On another note the garden is simply gorgeous too, picked some flowers such as wild gladioli, white lilac and the first sweet peas. I just love the colours and putting an arrangement from the abundance of col,our around me.
So, thats my cup with lemon balm tea, simply pick some leaves, infuse them in hot boiling water, wait 5 mins and pour out. Very good for you I am told, and simple.
Its a bit like the nursery rhyme, baa baa blck sheep have you any wool, three bags full. I have plenty here to be getting on with. Not sure what its going to be but it could be a lovely cardigan for the autumn to go with jeans or.......something entirely different.
I asked the boys what colour they fancy next and its......orange. That would be interesting too, not sure that I will wear a lot of that but blending it with red, yellow and orange may give a fiery yarn. Hmm, next is another sheep's fleece to scour over, wash and dye...
On another note the garden is simply gorgeous too, picked some flowers such as wild gladioli, white lilac and the first sweet peas. I just love the colours and putting an arrangement from the abundance of col,our around me.
So, thats my cup with lemon balm tea, simply pick some leaves, infuse them in hot boiling water, wait 5 mins and pour out. Very good for you I am told, and simple.
Posted at 05:39 PM
Mon - May 29, 2006
Blue Bayoo
What cooking in the dye pot
Today has been fun. The boys have been away
to a party and I have been cooking up a steam of blue yarn in the pot. This
time, I took the fleece to wash it and then spin dry it and add it to the
Ashford teal dye and at the moment it looks blue. It never actually so far has
looked anything like it says on the packet but that is half the fun of it. I
will be carding this with some alpaca to make a smooth, soft yarn out of
it.
The Shakers did things in seasons, sheep shearing, then carding and dyeing through the summer, spinning and weaving in the winter months. I am still experimenting....nothing has exploded yet and I am going to be more adventurous and create unique colours.
I think dying
the fleece gives more scope for even colour through carding but again I could be
wrong I am just a novice dyer.
I also had to rescue a fluffy bunny today. The cats had chased it around the garden and were just about to bite its neck. Eventually, I managed to pick it up and release it in the long grass...its heart was beating so fast and it was just a baby. Peter Rabbit stories came to mind and I just hope it will not go and feast on my lettuces in the garden. Maybe its been scared off by the cats who again are looking at me, as I have taken their toy away........clever cats.
The Shakers did things in seasons, sheep shearing, then carding and dyeing through the summer, spinning and weaving in the winter months. I am still experimenting....nothing has exploded yet and I am going to be more adventurous and create unique colours.
I think dying
the fleece gives more scope for even colour through carding but again I could be
wrong I am just a novice dyer. I also had to rescue a fluffy bunny today. The cats had chased it around the garden and were just about to bite its neck. Eventually, I managed to pick it up and release it in the long grass...its heart was beating so fast and it was just a baby. Peter Rabbit stories came to mind and I just hope it will not go and feast on my lettuces in the garden. Maybe its been scared off by the cats who again are looking at me, as I have taken their toy away........clever cats.
Posted at 08:20 PM
Mon - May 22, 2006
PROJECT UPDATE
Hmm what have I been up to
lately
The big news this week is that I had a lovely
day out at the Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers near my home town. It was
good to meet others who are passionate about fibre and thanks to the generous
driving of my friend M, we listened to a nice talk about Cotswold Sheep and the
organic process of spinning the yarn and dying it with natural materials.( I had
no idea that sheep needed to be labelled organic...news to me!) I loved the talk
as I am enjoying ' dying' in many more ways than one. So here is a picture of
the yarn I dyed for my dyorama pal
I ended up
making little labels to wrap around it, very pleased with the ultimate colour of
it.
Then I worked on Gloria, which is a noro project and it looked like this:
Its very red,
but the combination of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and Noro silk garden gives it a
soft feel.
And now for some ( take deep breath_, yeah, CROCHET......
A beach bag, just right for that towel, flip flops, magazine and ipod.
Its very
colourful and was an enjoyable quick
project.
What will be next I wonder. I borrowed 2 books from the Guild Library, one is Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitters Almanac and the other is about Shaker Textile which I am looking forward to. The reason for joining the Guild is that it puts me in touch with all those wonderful artists. I don't see myself as an artist per se, just like the process of knitting and I heard what the difference is....artists make objects whether they are useful or not, I make projects that are useful and colourful. Guess I will never make it to artist status. Oh well, I will keep trying anyhow.
I ended up
making little labels to wrap around it, very pleased with the ultimate colour of
it.Then I worked on Gloria, which is a noro project and it looked like this:
Its very red,
but the combination of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and Noro silk garden gives it a
soft feel.And now for some ( take deep breath_, yeah, CROCHET......
A beach bag, just right for that towel, flip flops, magazine and ipod.
Its very
colourful and was an enjoyable quick
project.What will be next I wonder. I borrowed 2 books from the Guild Library, one is Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitters Almanac and the other is about Shaker Textile which I am looking forward to. The reason for joining the Guild is that it puts me in touch with all those wonderful artists. I don't see myself as an artist per se, just like the process of knitting and I heard what the difference is....artists make objects whether they are useful or not, I make projects that are useful and colourful. Guess I will never make it to artist status. Oh well, I will keep trying anyhow.
Posted at 06:50 PM
Wed - May 17, 2006
SCARED TO DYE
Surprise.....what would you call that
colourway?
Ok here is my attempt at dying for
DYEORAMA.
Take one pot
Take 2 hanks of sock yarn 100% wool
prepare Ashford Dyes, red, yellow and blue
The hotdogs jars come in handy. Then I put the yarn to soak for 30 mins in water, put it in the pot and added the dye.......
Put the lid on and wait 30 mins. Then I rinsed it by pouring warm water out of the watering can.
Then I set the colour in the microwave 3 x 1min on high. Then I rinsed it and washed it by hand, spun it in the machine and ended up with this colourway....
The end result is surprising and makes me think of autumn leaves, berries and walking boots.
The only thing I forgot to do and for which I am making myself a note is to tie the hank in various places as it looks a little tangled and will require patience to untie and then rewind on the niddy noddy.
This is definitely a man's sock yarn. Any advance on calling it HUNTER GATHERER?
Take one pot
Take 2 hanks of sock yarn 100% wool
prepare Ashford Dyes, red, yellow and blue
The hotdogs jars come in handy. Then I put the yarn to soak for 30 mins in water, put it in the pot and added the dye.......
Put the lid on and wait 30 mins. Then I rinsed it by pouring warm water out of the watering can.
Then I set the colour in the microwave 3 x 1min on high. Then I rinsed it and washed it by hand, spun it in the machine and ended up with this colourway....
The end result is surprising and makes me think of autumn leaves, berries and walking boots.
The only thing I forgot to do and for which I am making myself a note is to tie the hank in various places as it looks a little tangled and will require patience to untie and then rewind on the niddy noddy.
This is definitely a man's sock yarn. Any advance on calling it HUNTER GATHERER?
Posted at 03:03 PM
Tue - May 16, 2006
GLORIA on the needles
Ooop,s guess its another Noro
project
Just in case you are wondering, I have to admit,
despite the knots and twigs in the yarn and the price of it, I love knitting
with the yarn. I suggest that if you cannot afford the yarn and you like the
process of knitting with it that you find someone who hates to knit with it and
offer to do the knitting for them.
Gloria is looking like this if you follow the link. Its an easy pattern to knit and the softness of the Debbie Bliss Merino shows through. Again I have issue with the amount of yarn needed, it says 150 g for the small size but actually I have knitted 2 balls of 100 g and I have run out and the two fronts still to do. So either my knitting is way off lately or the patterns are not quite accurate which simply annoys me. If you end up with the odd skein over you can use it in another project or add it to stash but being short is juts plain annoying as it requires a trip to the yarn shop. Oh well, maybe I can get on with the bag I am making in ----wait for it----CROCHET ( Sorry I just had to spit that one out). I actually love Crochet but not for garments, it works for me for edgings, bags and afghans. May well do a Prayer Shawl in Crochet just to ring the changes.
Pictures tomorrow, am spending too much time in the garden as there is lots to do and very little energy left to do it.
Gloria is looking like this if you follow the link. Its an easy pattern to knit and the softness of the Debbie Bliss Merino shows through. Again I have issue with the amount of yarn needed, it says 150 g for the small size but actually I have knitted 2 balls of 100 g and I have run out and the two fronts still to do. So either my knitting is way off lately or the patterns are not quite accurate which simply annoys me. If you end up with the odd skein over you can use it in another project or add it to stash but being short is juts plain annoying as it requires a trip to the yarn shop. Oh well, maybe I can get on with the bag I am making in ----wait for it----CROCHET ( Sorry I just had to spit that one out). I actually love Crochet but not for garments, it works for me for edgings, bags and afghans. May well do a Prayer Shawl in Crochet just to ring the changes.
Pictures tomorrow, am spending too much time in the garden as there is lots to do and very little energy left to do it.
Posted at 05:23 PM
Knitwit- rantings of a rabid knitter
One of the lovely podcasts I listen
to
This last one was simply a story I could relate
to with Nano's and computer geeks. If you know me you would
understand.
I am not that geeky, in fact my brain has problems working these things out lately, but I love podcasts and listening to other people's stories, makes life interesting when you are knitting.
Check out Carry's podcast here.
I am not that geeky, in fact my brain has problems working these things out lately, but I love podcasts and listening to other people's stories, makes life interesting when you are knitting.
Check out Carry's podcast here.
Posted at 05:17 PM
Tue - May 9, 2006
EASTER BUNNY SOCKS
You've guessed it, definitely
flipped!
The sockyarn was died in Easter Colours and I
got it at about that time and when I started knitting ,it seemed a fitting idea
to make them into Easter Bunny Socks. So here goes, what do you
think?
I have someone in mind for these, it has to be fate.....dressed up like a giant bunny...so how can I resist.
Cute or what?
I have someone in mind for these, it has to be fate.....dressed up like a giant bunny...so how can I resist.
Cute or what?
Posted at 09:49 PM
Tue - May 2, 2006
IN NEED OF SOME HELP HERE
I am the recipient of 20
fleeces
My DH is a darling and well connected in the
farming world. Today, a surprise phonecall from his friend enabled a delivery of
a large and I mean LARGE bag full of fleece for me to play with. So much fun to
look forward to, how many hours of carding do you reckon this is going to take?
How many sweaters will I knit and dye from that lot? Am I the only spinning
woman on earth to have accumulated not only a stash of yarn but now of fleece.
Heavenly on the one hand, my needs are satisfiied, a fluffy bag of fleece, a
spinning wheel, and I can go round and round for probably years. Saying that,
thats last year's fleeces, this years still have to be shorn and that will yield
some more including some lambswool. Only drawback is, I cannot keep them in the
living room, as they are well, very rural smelling!
Now, I need to find out how to wash them before spinning them but I think I know where to go with that. There are my readers who could point me in the right direction and then there is also a 92 year old wonderful lady who knows her fleeces and has been spinning for a long time, She is going to be surprised or knocked flat by the smell, whatever.
Its been a fun day, the universe does indeed listen to my requests and.....I do believe that my DH is a loving man, he does seem to take my hobbies seriously. He should as I do the same for him but I am not that well connected in the crocquet world I have to say....unless of course they need white socks and warm sweaters...now that I could do.
Now, I need to find out how to wash them before spinning them but I think I know where to go with that. There are my readers who could point me in the right direction and then there is also a 92 year old wonderful lady who knows her fleeces and has been spinning for a long time, She is going to be surprised or knocked flat by the smell, whatever.
Its been a fun day, the universe does indeed listen to my requests and.....I do believe that my DH is a loving man, he does seem to take my hobbies seriously. He should as I do the same for him but I am not that well connected in the crocquet world I have to say....unless of course they need white socks and warm sweaters...now that I could do.
Posted at 07:24 PM
Thu - April 27, 2006
Hat and bag pressie
Its complete
Its complete
but I wonder whether a scarf would complete the pressie set? Its going away now
for a few months, as I am working on using my stash and making Christmas
presents. I could make some more of these but that would mean buying some more yarn and I am on a no buying yarn at the moment.
I also spun another bobbin with the cheviot yarn, hoping to do the whole fleece and then dye it all in a different colour. I have a pattern in mind, well actually a whole set of jumper, hat, gloves and socks which should be cosy all in the same colour. Winter was harsh this year and I want to be prepared and snug in a woolly jumper.
Posted at 07:03 PM
Wed - April 26, 2006
NORO HAT
Working with bits of leftover yarn...well
hanks
Felting seems a bit scary when you start as
you really have no idea what things are going to look like but here is my
attempt
First I knitted the booga bag and a felted hat.
Then, put it in the washing machine with 2 pairs of jeans ( items in a pillowcase). They all spilled out but the hat is looking something like this now....
I am really pleased with the results of this. Felting in the past has been by accident rather than design, and I think it will make a cute pressie for someone.
The bag is still drying as it takes up to 2 days. An easy project that gives a good result.
First I knitted the booga bag and a felted hat.
Then, put it in the washing machine with 2 pairs of jeans ( items in a pillowcase). They all spilled out but the hat is looking something like this now....
I am really pleased with the results of this. Felting in the past has been by accident rather than design, and I think it will make a cute pressie for someone.
The bag is still drying as it takes up to 2 days. An easy project that gives a good result.
Posted at 08:47 AM
Sun - April 23, 2006
Handspun cheviot fleece
Oh my, I am having fun and working on my
maths
I am indulging in a very interesting project,
it combines using my spinning wheel as physical exercise, i.e. threading the
wheel, my hands are used to hold the yarn and I am building up my arm muscles by
using the hand carders.
The brain is also being used on a regular basis but more about that later, when I can actually use it with ease.
I received 500g of cheviot raw fleece which I am turning into yarn to hopefully make a garment with. Currently I have not really got any idea as to how much yarn it is going to produce, as well as the weight required to make the garment but I am aiming to make a cardigan with some cables and mosstitch in it for winter.
The fleece looks something like this........
and after
carding,spinning, plying and washing it by hand in some warmish water with
ecover washing up liquid, it looks like
this.
and is
hanging up to dry near the Aga. The WPI ( wrap per inch is 12) which brings it
out as a worsted yarn or double knitting but I am not ready to knit it as
yet.
I am missing a niddy noddy to enable to me make the yarn into hanks and that is on my wishing list. ( mI am using 2 chairs at the moment).Once I have spent more time spinning, the yarn will be dyed in a colour suitable for autumn, not sure what that is going to be, I am exploring formula....... its going to be a labour of love.
And hopefully a big learning curve to produce a garment made from locally produced yarn.
The brain is also being used on a regular basis but more about that later, when I can actually use it with ease.
I received 500g of cheviot raw fleece which I am turning into yarn to hopefully make a garment with. Currently I have not really got any idea as to how much yarn it is going to produce, as well as the weight required to make the garment but I am aiming to make a cardigan with some cables and mosstitch in it for winter.
The fleece looks something like this........
and after
carding,spinning, plying and washing it by hand in some warmish water with
ecover washing up liquid, it looks like
this. and is
hanging up to dry near the Aga. The WPI ( wrap per inch is 12) which brings it
out as a worsted yarn or double knitting but I am not ready to knit it as
yet.I am missing a niddy noddy to enable to me make the yarn into hanks and that is on my wishing list. ( mI am using 2 chairs at the moment).Once I have spent more time spinning, the yarn will be dyed in a colour suitable for autumn, not sure what that is going to be, I am exploring formula....... its going to be a labour of love.
And hopefully a big learning curve to produce a garment made from locally produced yarn.
Posted at 02:47 PM
Fri - April 21, 2006
TREE HUG
I am working on reducing the yarn in my
stash
I joined stashalong some time ago but had
some projects on the go, and although I have been very good on the yarn buying
moratorium, the knitting has been slow.
I love taking photos of yarn in unsuspecting places so offer you tree hug, every tree deserves a scarf.
On closer inspection the prayershawl looks like this.
Its not as wide as the usual one and intend to make a beanie to go with it so it might be useful to someone going through chemo.
I love taking photos of yarn in unsuspecting places so offer you tree hug, every tree deserves a scarf.
On closer inspection the prayershawl looks like this.
Its not as wide as the usual one and intend to make a beanie to go with it so it might be useful to someone going through chemo.
Posted at 04:28 PM
Wed - April 19, 2006
The voyage of Persephone
Just right for the clubbing ( maybe literally in
my case)
This is a stunning sweater......this looks
stunningly easy......do not
attempt if you have no patience as you will
need it.
The yarn is a ribbon yarn that is made up of a flat tiny knitted tube. The yarn length is not that much and it knits up quickly with large needles ( 7mm).
WARNING - The amounts of suggested yarn are not correct. For the medium size it took 5 of the main colour, 5 of the second colour, only 1 of the green and 1 of the orange. I was cautious to only bring in new yarn at the beginning of a row.
The front and back are the same, the sleeves are bell shaped.
This is how it has turned out.
This is a
short top, with lots of sparkle and plenty of frustrating moments for the
knitter. ( not to put you off here but I would say that the sewing together may
require advanced skills, a strong drink and a measure of patience......the yarn
catches easily when sewn,so you need to sew it through clean loops instead of
through the yarn as it will not go
through).
I thought you would prefer to be forewarned!
I have started a children prayer shawl in the meantime to meditate silently and also to reduce my stash pile.
The yarn is a ribbon yarn that is made up of a flat tiny knitted tube. The yarn length is not that much and it knits up quickly with large needles ( 7mm).
WARNING - The amounts of suggested yarn are not correct. For the medium size it took 5 of the main colour, 5 of the second colour, only 1 of the green and 1 of the orange. I was cautious to only bring in new yarn at the beginning of a row.
The front and back are the same, the sleeves are bell shaped.
This is how it has turned out.
This is a
short top, with lots of sparkle and plenty of frustrating moments for the
knitter. ( not to put you off here but I would say that the sewing together may
require advanced skills, a strong drink and a measure of patience......the yarn
catches easily when sewn,so you need to sew it through clean loops instead of
through the yarn as it will not go
through).I thought you would prefer to be forewarned!
I have started a children prayer shawl in the meantime to meditate silently and also to reduce my stash pile.
Posted at 08:40 PM
Sun - April 16, 2006
Purple yarn to dye for.....
The process of handdying a hank of yarn or
several
My friend M gave me this for a Christmas
present so, as it is that sort of a day and my DD is visiting we thought we
would have a go at dying.
Step 1- soaking the yarn in warmish water.
Step 2. Mix up the dye as per packet instructions, this one required 8 oz of salt in the water and we wondered whether that made it an alkaline? Important note is to wear those yellow gloves....for safety.
Step 3, put yarn in basin with colour and move gently.......not too harsh as it might felt.
Step 4 - leave for 45 mins
rinse until clear water and at that point I added some vinegar to set the colour.
Step 5- admire result
I have to say that the handpsun wool did not stand up to the washing that well and showed signs of some felting, but I think it bonded the fibres well.
Now it just needs to dry and then I need to decide what to do with it but in honour of M I think something is seedstitch......
Step 1- soaking the yarn in warmish water.
Step 2. Mix up the dye as per packet instructions, this one required 8 oz of salt in the water and we wondered whether that made it an alkaline? Important note is to wear those yellow gloves....for safety.
Step 3, put yarn in basin with colour and move gently.......not too harsh as it might felt.
Step 4 - leave for 45 mins
rinse until clear water and at that point I added some vinegar to set the colour.
Step 5- admire result
I have to say that the handpsun wool did not stand up to the washing that well and showed signs of some felting, but I think it bonded the fibres well.
Now it just needs to dry and then I need to decide what to do with it but in honour of M I think something is seedstitch......
Posted at 08:06 PM
Sat - April 15, 2006
The first bobbin
The first hank of yarn...soft and
white
DH could not resist the following picture,
capturing the complete and utter concentration and lack of
expression.......woman lost in yarn and spun off with oblivious dog at her
feet.
Some moments of spinning merino roving produced a bobbin like this......
and after some plying, we ended up with a small hank of yarn looking like this..... not bad for first effort
I need to get
used to the speed of the wheel and find different ways to ply the yarn. I
spotted a great site which shows small, videos on spinning and plying, and may
have a go at navajo
plying as that would enable me to deal with the amount that is left
on the bobbin. Spinning roving is lovely but the white colour begs to be dyed so
will have a go at that together with some other yarn I was given to
dye.
Anyhow I think that is enough for one day, have washed it gently in the sink, handwash to get the last of the oils off and it will be drying near the aga over night. I am so excited that I have been able to do this today. Pat on the back, lost in roving.........
Some moments of spinning merino roving produced a bobbin like this......
and after some plying, we ended up with a small hank of yarn looking like this..... not bad for first effort
I need to get
used to the speed of the wheel and find different ways to ply the yarn. I
spotted a great site which shows small, videos on spinning and plying, and may
have a go at navajo
plying as that would enable me to deal with the amount that is left
on the bobbin. Spinning roving is lovely but the white colour begs to be dyed so
will have a go at that together with some other yarn I was given to
dye.Anyhow I think that is enough for one day, have washed it gently in the sink, handwash to get the last of the oils off and it will be drying near the aga over night. I am so excited that I have been able to do this today. Pat on the back, lost in roving.........
Posted at 08:57 PM
Thu - April 13, 2006
Spin off
Sock and yarn...my new exercise machine arrived
today
First and foremost, the toe up socks are
finished. Not sure what happened to the pattern on the second sock but it has
gone a bit loopy. The texture of this yarn is great, and feels soft, proof will
need to be worn to find out what gives.
And then look what arrived today.....my new exercise machine. I need to exercise my feet more a little at a time and with the help of something fibre related have settled on an Ashford Traveller spinning wheel. Years ago ( and I mean about 25) I had a traditional spinning wheel and learnt how to dye successfully and spin my own yarns and I am hoping that I can revive that interest. Some kind farmer has given me a bag full of fleece which is going to be a challenge. I love the smell of the lanolin in the yarn and it leaves the hands very soft. I will be keeping you updated on my adventures.
I cannot start immediately because the wheel has a small part missing which hopefully will arrive in the post soon.
Now all that
is needed really is to get some sheep and I am all set.......
And then look what arrived today.....my new exercise machine. I need to exercise my feet more a little at a time and with the help of something fibre related have settled on an Ashford Traveller spinning wheel. Years ago ( and I mean about 25) I had a traditional spinning wheel and learnt how to dye successfully and spin my own yarns and I am hoping that I can revive that interest. Some kind farmer has given me a bag full of fleece which is going to be a challenge. I love the smell of the lanolin in the yarn and it leaves the hands very soft. I will be keeping you updated on my adventures.
I cannot start immediately because the wheel has a small part missing which hopefully will arrive in the post soon.
Now all that
is needed really is to get some sheep and I am all set....... Posted at 04:09 PM
Sat - April 8, 2006
Whats on the needles?
Greek goddess.....touch of Midas
Gold
This project is colourful to say the least, has a
touch of gold in it and it is quick to knit. I am not posting much this week as
the kids are on holidays and my niece is staying and I will be out and about a
bit.
If you want to see a picture of Persefone , check it out.
If you want to see a picture of Persefone , check it out.
Posted at 12:18 PM
Tue - April 4, 2006
SEABREEZE pattern critique
Finished item added to my
gallery
I did enjoy
this pattern, the yarn is lovely and yet the garment is quite heavy. It has the
texture of sands, pebbles and dunes and in the pattern book , Classic Beach by
Rowan there are some lovely garments, you could get
hooked!
The edge is a
lovely pict edge which is on every edge and the sleeves are three
quarter.Little tip, sewing up using kitchener stitch will give a better finish as otherwise seams could be very heavy.
When you come to the end and the pattern asks you to cast off stitches for middle and back, put them on a holder instead as you will be picking them up again, and it makes a nice follow on from the pattern.
This is a 4 row repeat pattern and is quite easy to memorise.
The yarn does not have a long length so be sure to add yarn on at the end of rows.
Thats it for this one, I wonder what will be next. Off to do the second sock I think.
Posted at 07:59 PM
Sun - April 2, 2006
Elizabeth Bennet's sock programme calculator
Check it out, utterly cool
Here we have it for all sock fans, an instant
calculator to get the best sock pattern fitted to the person you are
going to knit for.
Simply fill in the details such as type of yarn, amount of stitches per inch and circumference of ankle of the person you are knitting for and the calculator does the rest.
I'll be checking it out and doing the practice but for the moment I still have a sock to finish and am still working on seabreeze.
Simply fill in the details such as type of yarn, amount of stitches per inch and circumference of ankle of the person you are knitting for and the calculator does the rest.
I'll be checking it out and doing the practice but for the moment I still have a sock to finish and am still working on seabreeze.
Posted at 05:04 PM
Wed - March 29, 2006
Seabreeze pattern check
A snapshot
The
pattern is a repeat of a cable and some lacey panels and it working
out quite quickly. It is a 4 row repeat so easy to catch on. The yarn used is
softish but has very little natural fibre in it. The cost is £ 4.50 per
ball and the pattern I am doing takes 16 so thats a sizeable investment. Here is
the swatch then.
Posted at 06:45 PM
Tue - March 28, 2006
GLAD its finished
I love the texture of Kid Silk
Haze
Doesn't this look great, it is so fine, the
fabric of it, and such a light garment. I think this pattern could be adapted to
have any sort of lace pattern in it and that would make it more individual to
the person wearing it. Apart from that a very enjoyable project and very light
on the hands.
So what's next on the needles I hear you ask, a sweater called Sea Breeze in RYC Natural Silk Aran, off to do my swatch.
So what's next on the needles I hear you ask, a sweater called Sea Breeze in RYC Natural Silk Aran, off to do my swatch.
Posted at 06:17 PM
Mon - March 27, 2006
ITS A PURL MAN
You see, men do knit
Added yet another podcast to my listenings. Its a purl man , great show by a
man who knits and talks about a purple monkey on his back. Check it out, its a
great tonic.
Posted at 05:53 PM
MAGIC MOMENT
Who could resist this moment
Since family
members are finding their way into the blog, I could not resist this photo
opportunity of Magic in the basket. The expression looks rather defiant, not
sure what he says, I do not speak sufficient cat language, but he seemed happier
in there than outside where it is raining very heavily. ( I do think he is
trying to ignore me there)My sock project is coming along fine, one sock finished. I decided on a bit of the ladder of life pattern and some rib to finish it off and am not sure whether the definition shows up. A reinforced heel could be a bandaid and maybe I need to look at my feet and look after them too. Valid points to take into account.
Posted at 12:16 PM
Sat - March 25, 2006
KNIT TUNES and other new podcasts
Another baby is born!
Woooow I love the podcasts that are coming on the
scene....many of them...might join one day you never
know.
The newest, well to me at this moment in time is knittunes , a site with hip music to knit to, very modern, very different and well.....give you ears a treat while you knit.
Another one is Pixie Purls , downloaded but not listened to.
Knitcentric
and Knittergail
You will be spoilt for choice soon. Makes commuting and knitting fun and as an alternative to watching soccer with your DH, you could be plugged in and listening to your own info.
The newest, well to me at this moment in time is knittunes , a site with hip music to knit to, very modern, very different and well.....give you ears a treat while you knit.
Another one is Pixie Purls , downloaded but not listened to.
Knitcentric
and Knittergail
You will be spoilt for choice soon. Makes commuting and knitting fun and as an alternative to watching soccer with your DH, you could be plugged in and listening to your own info.
Posted at 11:25 AM
What mind of a knitter am I?
You appear to be a Knitting Adventurer.
You are through those knitting growing pains and feeling more adventurous. You can follow a standard pattern if it's not too complicated and know where to go to get help. Maybe you've started to experiment with different fibers and you might be eyeing a book with a cool technique you've never tried. Perhaps you prefer to stick to other people's patterns but you are trying to challenge yourself more. Regardless of your preference, you are continually trying to grow as a knitter, and as well you should since your non-knitting friends are probably dropping some serious hints, these days.
http://marniemaclean.com
Posted at 09:29 AM
Fri - March 24, 2006
CALLING ALL STASHOLOLICS
Ok I have your attention now
There is going to be a new knit along starting on
April 1st so hurry only a few days to purchase yarn. You can find details here
of the stashalong ,
the stash purchasing diet.
Sounds cool and hopefuly will trim a few drawers of my stash, as long as the moving of it is not too strenuous.
Sounds cool and hopefuly will trim a few drawers of my stash, as long as the moving of it is not too strenuous.
Posted at 08:55 AM
TOE UP SOCK
Buy locally
How sweet of
my DS2 to go on a fieldtrip to Coldharbour Mill , and
bring his Mum some sockwool. It smells lovely of lanolin and has 172m of yarn
for £ 4.25, I think , I am not sure. The colour is bluebell and will add
this to my stash.I am also working on a toe up sock in search of the perfect fitting sock pattern, as I have square feet. This is surprisingly easy so I would suggest you give it a go. Ideal if you don't know how long your sock is going to be because I guess you can stop and fit as you go along. The pattern is from Wendy Knits and here is my starting point in fortissima sock yarn in my stash. I have enough for many many socks. If you need photo instructions about the toe these can be found here.
This is how far I have got with it. I am still doing glad but the stockingstitch asked for something else.
I have also joined count your socks so that I have some incentive to see how bad my sock addiction is. Button added in side bar.
Posted at 08:51 AM
Wed - March 22, 2006
MY STORY in STITCHLINKS
Wow, I am in print, feels
good!
Its Springtime today and I am excited. I should
relax I know, but my story has been printed in Stitchlinks and I hope it will
help others to manage chronic conditions with fiber arts. So if this is your
very first time visiting Angora's Journal, welcome, browse about, hope you like
what's here and if you have a chance leave me a comment so I know you have
visited. I love comments.
My energy levels are stabilising again and I ventured out to do some more work in the quilt I am making for my son's teacher who is retiring at the end of term. I hate deadlines but again, the 15 min principle works well for me. A bit here and a bit there and I will get there in the end.
I cut out all social activity, days out, chores etc to enable me to concentrate on staying out of bed and stopping a spiral down with the energy stakes and so far it is working. Listen to your body, listen to podcasts and chill out. Spotted some daffodils and some tulips peeping through and the moral points are soring. Where is the warmth?
Off for a little snooze before the boys get back.
My energy levels are stabilising again and I ventured out to do some more work in the quilt I am making for my son's teacher who is retiring at the end of term. I hate deadlines but again, the 15 min principle works well for me. A bit here and a bit there and I will get there in the end.
I cut out all social activity, days out, chores etc to enable me to concentrate on staying out of bed and stopping a spiral down with the energy stakes and so far it is working. Listen to your body, listen to podcasts and chill out. Spotted some daffodils and some tulips peeping through and the moral points are soring. Where is the warmth?
Off for a little snooze before the boys get back.
Posted at 02:10 PM
Tue - March 21, 2006
Boys who knit
Does not just appeal to girls you
know.
I am teaching my DS2 a new skill, knitting. I did
not force him, he just wanted to have a go and here he is, having a go and
trying to watch the Simpsons at the same time. How patient will he be? No idea
but he seemed to think it was easy, just 2 stitches to learn, knit and purl. He
is developing his own technique, but soon his personal scarf will grow I am
sure.
He seems happy
enough.Oops he has dropped everything so must go and attend my pupil. Patience
is the key.
He seems happy
enough.Oops he has dropped everything so must go and attend my pupil. Patience
is the key. Posted at 07:42 PM
Mon - March 20, 2006
What do you do when you cannot knit?
Question and answer session
This question
is inspired by The peaceful knitters second
episode . If you have not had a chance to listen to this podcast I
urge you to try. It is short ( about 10 mins), you can knit while you listen and
most of all, the program asks you to reflect on one particular question. I love
reflecting....well I have plenty of time, but it enables us to see what we do,
then see whether we are happy with that thought and then create changes if we
want to as well or not as the case may be.So what can I possibly do when I cannot knit. Short of going into a deep depression......no not really, but knitting is my way of relaxing and using a memory muscle process as Lisa calls it.
Here are my favourite alternatives:
Visit a fiber related exhibition or art exhibition to cultivate creative talents.
Go and smash my stash ( by that I mean trying to make it fit and disappear in a smaller drawer, while kidding myself that I do not have a yarn addiction)
Go and gawp at knitting books and get inspired.
Invite myself over to other knitters so I can get into the flow without doing the actual knitting( Sad he!)
Not leave the house after that because I am in danger of buying more yarn and adding to stash.
Go an soak in a nice bubble bath and dream of ewe.....
Indulge in chocolate until I can knit again. ( Hopefully that does not take too long then)
Search the internet for knitting related posts.
Indulge in other fiber related arts, quilting, spinning, crochet, weaving.
Cry........and holler until I can knit again.
Daydream about my next project so I can indulge in the process of making it.
Ok there is an emotional connection to my knitting but at least I have explored what I could do alternatively to knitting.
What's your reflection on the matter?
Posted at 07:42 PM
Sat - March 18, 2006
'GLAD'TO BE KNITTING
A really simple, big stocking stitch
project
I am knitting
'Glad' by Sarah Hatton from Rowan Magazine 39 in Kidsilk Haze. I love the
quality of this yarn. If you are a physotherapist you will probably have some
theory about why knitters like sensual yarns....but I just do, and this one is
as light as candyfloss so it is ideal for aching muscles. How far have I got
with it......well, the back is finished and the front is nearly done ( 1 part)
as it is quite big as you can see from the above
picture.
It looks huge to knit but in stocking stitch it does flow. If you are a beginner and you want a project that is just stocking stitch, modern, light and no too pricey give this one a go.
Posted at 04:14 PM
Thu - March 16, 2006
PODCASTS and my new little friend
Don't you think it is cute?
Just thought I
would show you a picture of my Make Mother Happy Day gift received last Sunday.
Apart from saving their socks off to get this organised ( some high finance had
to take place), as well as working with their big sister to get a delivery
sorted without me knowing, I received a knitted cover from my DD for my new
little nano. It is special, because it enables me to wear the nano around while
I sit or am in bed, and the two buttons stick out a little so that I can hang
the earphone leads on it when it is not in use. I am still figuring that out.
They managed to put my calming music playlist on it as well as a variety of the
podcasts that I subscribe to. I love the podcasts because they enable me to stay
in touch which what is happening in the world of knitting as well as giving me
something to relax with when I am knitting. Sometimes I like to go into a
reflective space but on other days, when I am sitting in my chair with a non
specific easy project to knit, I like to think I am multitasking by knitting and
listening at the same time.The podcasts I listen to are are follows :
Knitcast
Time2knit
Cast on
The Knitting News
Musings of a peaceful knitter
About time
I am still listening to some others but have not got into the swing of them yet. The above just need listening to, they do not require any action as such. the secret knitter is interesting as you follow instructions while you knit what the lady talks about, but that is beyond me at the moment.
About time's latest issue is one I particularly enjoyed because it contained an essay by Wren Ross, about knitting, The words are just beautiful and if you only have time to listen to one podcast this week, make it that one, the song is great. Whit always uses some poetic reference or some literature in her podcast and refers it back to knitting which means that while I knit and listen I also learn about poetry, essays and possibly future books to read. One of those texts you go 'ah that really spoke to me'.
On the health front I am keeping my ground, not falling back at the moment although I have cut back drastically to basics. Am off to do some knitting now by the fire, feet up and listen in to some more podcasts. I do have conversations with the boys when they get home too......
I know, its a new toy, but one that is actually very nice and useful. I feel like a spoilt woman and I intend to enjoy it at the moment.
Posted at 03:10 PM
Wed - March 15, 2006
MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
Hats and bags
Just thought I
would show off my DD's hat which she has been knitting feverishly over the last
few days while also attending to little boys, making meals, calming her mother
down,bringing endless tea and sympathy and being a complete tonic. If you have
daughters and small boys.....there is hope. The patterns is the odessa hat
, and although there are no beads in this version, it fits perfectly.
So well done! You have made it in the blog. My DD's knitting skills have
continued to blossom, now trying complicated patterns like the above. I liked
her quote that ' creativity is all about making mistakes...and then creating
solutions and making new things' That is a good life philosophy so I shall
continue to be creative.We also made this together.....
So why would you want to make a black bag...well this is no ordinary bag, it contains space for a laptop, has some lovely pockets it is and most of all, has those lovely creative memories that were done together....late at night, laughing around the ironing board or pondering together how this possibly could be solved,...how did we get to this? Thanks N for spending time with us, its been a real moral booster for me ( hope it was the same for you!)
The inside looks a lot more interesting and I like the colours she chose.
Posted at 03:25 PM
Mon - March 6, 2006
A MATCHING PAIR
First ever
They sort of
match which is a first for opal yarn for me. I did not try too hard to get them
to match, and I have to say that I am still not that happy with the colour
combination.Exciting thing is that a package arrived in the post today and will be knitting something other than socks, something light and airy that will be warm at the same time.
On another note, the US has an organic and recycled fashion site which sounds interesting, check it out, what options are there for knitters to go organic...sheepish question? have any of ewe knitted with bamboo yarn, soysilk and what is the verdict?
Posted at 04:36 PM
Mon - February 27, 2006
KNITTING RESEARCH
Are you going to the Stitch and Craft
Show?
Visit the Stitchlinks stand (Stitch
& Craft Show, Olympia 23rd - 26th
March and Vitality
Show, Olympia 30th March - 2nd April)
to take part in the latest research into the value of stitching and knitting to
combat stress and related disorders. Run by Cardiff University Psychology
department, the main project will take about 20 minutes and involve a
questionnaire and some simple knitting. You can bring your own small project or
needles and yarn will be provided. I will be interested to see if the outcome of
this research shows what many of us know to be that knitting and stitching are
therapeutic. I would love to see it happening in GP's surgeries as well as in
all clinics where women face difficult times, cancer wards, maternity wards, etc
etc.
Posted at 03:04 PM
Thu - February 23, 2006
THIS AND THAT
The tomato hat
That really suits my idea of fun, a tomato
hat for babies. That has to be on my list of things to make this
year.
Posted at 07:28 PM
KNITTING AND STITCHING THERAPY
Why is this not available on the
NHS?
The sock is getting longer but I am not that sure
about the colour way. It seems a simple striped pattern and I cannot warm to the
orange black segment in the middle of it. Never mind, the pattern is simple to
do, a madder rib sock by Nancy Bush. I believe I am slowly knitting my way
though the Vintage
socks book. It has a good history on socks and a variety of heels and
toes to work with. I know, you probably have never considered the
possibilities!
I am enjoying my knitting very much and it is a part of my daily routine now. It helps me with flexibility in my fingers, exercises them when they are cold and it gives me time to take sock ( stock pun) of what is happening in my daily life, it reduces my stress levels when I get a bit uptight and it provides me with a finished article I can wear that gives me a sense of achievement. Why does my GP not prescribe a course of that? I guess he is not a knitter or stitcher.
If you want to find out more about the benefits of stitching and knitting on your health, check out stitchlinks .
I am enjoying my knitting very much and it is a part of my daily routine now. It helps me with flexibility in my fingers, exercises them when they are cold and it gives me time to take sock ( stock pun) of what is happening in my daily life, it reduces my stress levels when I get a bit uptight and it provides me with a finished article I can wear that gives me a sense of achievement. Why does my GP not prescribe a course of that? I guess he is not a knitter or stitcher.
If you want to find out more about the benefits of stitching and knitting on your health, check out stitchlinks .
Posted at 10:49 AM
Tue - February 21, 2006
Cable socks
Its a pair
You can tell I am back home, the knitting needles
have been picked up again. I wonder whether I use this as stress relief? The
answer to that is ....probably....yes. It is so brilliant when you knit, you can
do meditation, shut yourself out of what is going on, no eye contact and yet you
can have conversations and you end up with a lovely pair of socks at the end of
it. I knit socks because they are useful, portable, require usually a small
amount of yarn and can be as complicated or simple as you
like.
These are
bound to keep my toes cosy over the next few months. The weather may even call
for sandals ( being very optimistic here) so the cables could be shown off a
bit.
What are the odds of someone sitting on your needles and breaking them? In our household quite high I have to say. I was so pleased when my friend M visited and offered to give me one of her needles. ( apparently she has more than one pair of sock needles?) My friends are so generous and understand completely what the dilemma is when I have lost a needle.
On the needles is the next sock simple rib stitch using Opal dream catcher yarn. Not sure how this is going to pan out but it is fun to see it unfold.
These are
bound to keep my toes cosy over the next few months. The weather may even call
for sandals ( being very optimistic here) so the cables could be shown off a
bit.What are the odds of someone sitting on your needles and breaking them? In our household quite high I have to say. I was so pleased when my friend M visited and offered to give me one of her needles. ( apparently she has more than one pair of sock needles?) My friends are so generous and understand completely what the dilemma is when I have lost a needle.
On the needles is the next sock simple rib stitch using Opal dream catcher yarn. Not sure how this is going to pan out but it is fun to see it unfold.
Posted at 02:26 PM
Sat - February 11, 2006
Blog Button
Hooray, button has arrived
You may , then again may not, have spotted the
new blog button I received a few days ago. Have to say it took the IT Consultant
in the house to sort out how to get it on the blog. I show gratitude every time
he sorts out a little techno riddle for me. It features the lovely noro yarn I
love and the Lizzie cardigan I have made a few versions of. Think the colours
reflect my artistic side. let me know what you
think.
By the way, the socks are progressing slowly.
By the way, the socks are progressing slowly.
Posted at 07:32 PM
Wed - February 8, 2006
LONELY SOCK
Cable, cable on the needles
Apologies for
infrequent posting but it has been a testing week healthwise. My boys have very
nicely shared a rather bad cold around which had most of the household wrapped
together in the sofa, drinking hot lemons and needing TLC. My energy levels as a
result dropped by about half, which meant that neither brain nor body functioned
as before which is disconcerting. At least the weather is sunny today, my
hibernation on the sofa seems to have
ended.What have I been up to. I have been knitting very slowly Nancy Bush's cable sock from the Fall Issue 2005 of Interweave Knit magazine. I like this patters, had to take the photo on my foot as without it it looks rather, thin. The yarn used is Lana Grossa Meilenweit Cotton ( a blend of wool and cotton). It feels lovely and is a lilac colour.
I also want to say thank you to my DD who has sent me some wristwarmers to keep me cosy.
My stitchlinks pack arrived and I am quite excited to read more about that simply because I think it is such a good idea to make knitting part of therapy and healthy living. Frankly, sometimes it keeps my moral up when things get me down.
Posted at 01:25 PM
Thu - February 2, 2006
Kathy's Scarf
Shh she does not know about it
yet
I have to tell you about Kathy. She is the most
amazing person I know. She heads a children's project called CLOWNS , which means that
she gets to drive a double decker bus, ( the playbus), they have a toy library,
outreach van and to top it all, they do summer playschemes. Now Kathy, was
Lynn's friend, the lady I made a shawl for who sadly died, and I remember Kathy
talking about the shawl so much that I had a little thought. When at the yarn
shop in Chester I spotted this amazing yarn, which just spoke to me and this is
the result.
Now if you
wonder why I chose these colours and it spoke to me you have to check out their
website which should give you a clue. Its all packed up waiting to go and here
is the poem I sent with it :
Its that time of the year
When some of us get SAD,
But wear your scarf,
Things aren’t that bad.
Life has its ups
And then it has its downs
When you want to see a smiling face
Spend some time with CLOWNS
When the temperature dips
And the Siberian wind doth howl
Step on the playbus
And rest a while
Some people share our paths
And others seem to just coast
I hope this little friendly hug
Will keep you as warm as toast.
Now if you
wonder why I chose these colours and it spoke to me you have to check out their
website which should give you a clue. Its all packed up waiting to go and here
is the poem I sent with it :Its that time of the year
When some of us get SAD,
But wear your scarf,
Things aren’t that bad.
Life has its ups
And then it has its downs
When you want to see a smiling face
Spend some time with CLOWNS
When the temperature dips
And the Siberian wind doth howl
Step on the playbus
And rest a while
Some people share our paths
And others seem to just coast
I hope this little friendly hug
Will keep you as warm as toast.
Posted at 11:00 AM
Wed - February 1, 2006
STITCHLINKS IS LAUNCHED
Combining health information with knitting and
crosstitch
I came across this some while back thanks to my
friend Alison
who knows that knitting and craft projects keep me going through the more
challenging days of life with ME. So now, there is a stitchlinks club which is also
connected to some research being carried out in the benefits of knitting and
stitching to the quality of life of isolated people. Have a look and see if
this appeals to you. Alison did give me the lowdown on the starter pack she got
with some interesting ideas and gadgets that could make life more enjoyable. The
more the merrier I should say.
And if you want a good laugh.....do listen to Brenda Dayne's podcast cast on I talked about yesterday, the music is simply fab and uplifting!
And if you want a good laugh.....do listen to Brenda Dayne's podcast cast on I talked about yesterday, the music is simply fab and uplifting!
Posted at 10:23 AM
Tue - January 31, 2006
EZ fiitted sweater
Ahmm needs a little
improvement
The good news
is that the sweater fits my curvy body expertly, but I guess it requires some
changes to it. My body is not entirely square, so maybe next time, I will taper
it in hourglass shape a little better. It has a ribbed border, which again,
might be more flattering to have a simple stitched hem. I am wearing a scarf and
here is why.....
I ran out of
yarn, and although I did reduce the amount of stitches around the neck, it is
still too wide. I will have another go sometime and will do a saddleback neck,
making the sleeves longer and continuing the
decreases.The good thing about this sweater is that should I want to recycle it, I could undo it from the neck down and knit something else with it ( I do not have the heart at the moment!). It is going to be my cuddle sweater for the moment. Wool is such a good insulator, very natural and I love the colour so as long as the siberian weather holds here.....with no heating, I will put on my sweater, and as Brenda Dayne says from cast on , that's what its for!
The sleeves however are just perfect......
Posted at 04:09 PM
Thu - January 26, 2006
THE THATCHER, THE GIANT RAT AND THE MISSING CAT
What on earth went on today?
One of our cats has been missing for 2 days. I
woke up with a peculiar feeling in my arm this morning and as it was a shooting
pain decided to go and have a trip to the surgery. Since my last visit( months
ago) the system has changed and you just cannot turn up anymore. This resulted
in me seeing a triage nurse, who made an appointment for 10am ( should I wait)
and then I saw the dr who said I should have an emergency ECG. ( stay calm, deep
breathing and certainly do not panic). Anyhow, the appointment was made for pm,
and I went home. Matthew the thatcher was working and I had arranged to drop in
on a neighbour who told me she had a giant rat in the attic ( brain worked?)
Then she said it had made a lot of noise last night, scratching etc and I sort
of had a bit of a lightbulb moment. Could the giant rat, the missing cat and the
thatcher have a connection. The little grey cells worked it out in the end,
asked thatcher to have a look in roof, not possible, went back to neighbour 1
with neighbour 2, thatcher and torch and we discovered that the giant rat was
the missing pussycat. What followed was a very sad little pussycat not actually
wanting to leave as there were 3 people calling, 2 people with torches and
generally a lot of confusion about. That over and done with, I went for my
appointment and ECG, which was fine by the way, just muscular damage which has
to be the equivalent of knitters muscle pain. So need to take it easy for a few
days.
Posted at 04:02 PM
Wed - January 25, 2006
BLUE SAPPHIRE
Work in progress
Despite
terrible hysteria yesterday, the sleeves appear reasonably balanced and
attached. I had to think what sort of finish I would give it, so am doing a
raglan decrease. It is growing very slowly but at least, we are decreasing. I
just wanted to know whether this formula really works, the EZ way of creating a
made to measure sweater. Guess I will soon know whether it
does. Posted at 02:01 PM
Tue - January 24, 2006
THE DANGER DRESS
Check this out for the next
party
Catherine Cobey has
created a dress made out of black plastic and danger tape.
Posted at 10:07 PM
Mrs Dalloway's scarf
I know, could not resist some quick project from
the weekend
There it was
looking at me, the cedifra barocco, in the shop, thought it would make a quick
project. Managed to sneak it past DH while he was sitting on that chair in the
yarn shop and boy did he comment on the people coming in and out. He said it was
the busiest shop he had been in. Then he had a conversation with Steve the
owner's DH, simply about men and yarn but they arrived at a discussion about the
safety of yarn shops. How many holdups do you know have happened in yarn shops.
Do the headlines read.......lady robbed of stash? Maybe it happens but it has
not caught up yet. Accidents at work might happen........yarn store shelves
crash down and bury woman in yarn ( that has to be pleasant and not
painful).Anyhow, ~just so you know, no knitting weekend did not work ( but you knew that I guess). With the yarn I had to have some bamboo needles and exhausted from all the yarn shopping, we sat in the hotel room, doing exactly what we do at home, DH watches sport on TV and I knit, both of us totally engrossed and both of us happy.
Its called Mrs Dalloway's scarf because i have dedicated this scarf as my KTC project to accompany Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolff. It was going to be a sweater but then, gave it away before I took the picture. Was in a rush.....
Posted at 07:08 PM
The one for me
I am slightly worried here, things may not go
right as I think they are.
The problem is that there are too many stitches
on my denise needle, I have not been able to count them exactly and I have now
knitted the sleeves in, all is going around nicely, but I have a slight worry
that the sleeves will be in different spots to the body. It might end up like a
straightjacket. Not sure if anyone has a method for making this easier, guess I
could have used stitch markers to position the sleeves. The suspense is
interesting. I have no idea how many stitches are on the needle now, but guess
it has to be about 350? And how do you count to make sure you position the
sleeves correctly. Its all bunched up and looks rather deformed......it is meant
to fit my body!
An interesting learning curve, as one of my teachers used to say ..
Are you stuck? Well thats exactly where I want you to be, that is the place where greatest learning takes place.
I am right in it! Will show you progress tomorrow.
As a side issue I tried to do some sewing, making some pin cushions in the shape of a flower, I liked it but have ended up with a mighty headache, the concentration needed is simply too great at this stage. It looks pretty though.
An interesting learning curve, as one of my teachers used to say ..
Are you stuck? Well thats exactly where I want you to be, that is the place where greatest learning takes place.
I am right in it! Will show you progress tomorrow.
As a side issue I tried to do some sewing, making some pin cushions in the shape of a flower, I liked it but have ended up with a mighty headache, the concentration needed is simply too great at this stage. It looks pretty though.
Posted at 06:48 PM
Mon - January 23, 2006
Knitting in the dark
May the stitches be with
you.....
If you are one of those knitters that need the
latest accessory, check this one
out , needles that light up in the dark so you can knit wherever you
want to even in the dark. Thanks N, lovely tip.
Posted at 07:06 PM
Sun - January 22, 2006
SHOPPING HEAVEN
Chester, a lovely Roman city
Now my DH is an ex estate agent and has a
pencheant for tudor houses, so add to that a woman who loves yarn and you have
what makes a weekend compromise. I would recommend Chester for shopping, it is
such a pleasant town with interesting individual shops....and a yarn
shop.
Posted at 07:39 PM
STASH SHOP
Only 250 miles away.
The dedication and commitment of my DH is not to
be underestimated. Our little weekend away was lovely, went to Chester. I have
been admiring the STASH shop in Chester from afar and finally got to have a look
at the alladins cave. It is a smallish shop crammed full with lovely yarn to
touch, to go OOOHH and AHH over and 2 well positioned chairs for DH's to sit on,
as well as a lovely coffee shop opposite in case you ladies want a longer
browse. Did I purchase any yarn, well.......of course, some lovely novelty yarns
for scarves ( do I need that ?) as well as some of Louisa Harding yarn to make a
top. There was just too much to see and too little time. I guess travelling 250
miles to a yarn shop is madness but I think my Dh has a good idea of how to
treat me for the weekend. The rest was relaxing, fun and the weather was
gorgeous. Posted at 07:37 PM
Fri - January 20, 2006
THE RUSH IS ON
You know when you have a deadline to finish a
garment?
I am there, I am in it, ~I am soooo close and
yet, I do not do rushing, must remind myself. The fact is, I am nearly
finishing the Hervvik sweater ( picture will be posted when done......probably
from a hotel room). So picture this, I am off with a nearly finished sweater,
need to still sew it together but figured that could be done, in my hotel
room..... I have such a lovely patient DH, takes me away for the weekend and
I...yes I promised no knitting.....it is sewing however at this stage. He does
not condemn.....he knows.....there is bound to be a yarn shop where we
go......he shall have to spend HOURS IN THERE...... I have a secret admiration
for the partners in knitters lives, they deserve all the sweaters, beanies and
gloves you can make them, filled with love. He wants to pack, I am still
knitting here. It feels like Christmas.
Will update you Monday!
Will update you Monday!
Posted at 10:37 AM
Quick Links
Living the dream
For years I have wanted to simplify my life and was too busy doing instead of being. Then a little virus floored me and left me withME/CFS. This blog is about living the dream in spite of severe limitations in energy.
If I am not posting it is probably due to techno problems not health so please don't worry.
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