tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84217030213746669432024-03-13T09:42:10.160-07:00The Laziest KnitterThe Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-36450211736740543282015-05-19T22:11:00.002-07:002015-05-19T22:11:51.697-07:00Minimalist CoutureI've always wanted to teach a knitting class that combines gauge and fiber information with fit and fashion. The class that connects the dots. It's a class that will take more than a few weeks. Like anything done right, it's not instant gratification.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.woolandcompany.com/store/shop/classes/minimalist-couturier-starts-sat-5-23-at-100pm-5-23-5-30-6-6-6-13-more.html?utm_source=MadMimi&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Minimalist+Couture+at+Wool+and+Company&utm_campaign=20150506_m125665279_Minimalist+Couture+at+Wool+and+Company&utm_term=Minimalist+Couture" target="_blank">Minimalist Couture</a></b> begins this Saturday at Wool & Co. in St. Charles.<br />
<br />
This is my dream class. <b>It breaks all the rules.</b> <br /><br />“Haute couture” actually means high-fashion clothing that’s made-to-measure by hand, start to finish. <br /><br />Sounds like hand-knitting to me.<br /><br />I call this class Minimalist Couture because students will learn what's necessary to knit the sweater they love to wear. It will fit. The fabric will drape properly. The finishing touches will be ooh la la.<br />
<br />We’re going to talk a lot and test-drive yarn and stitches a lot and then go shopping for yarn+pattern. We’ll talk some more at that point about whether the design and stitch pattern marries well with a particular yarn. We’ll test-drive some more. We'll begin with top-down designs because top-down knitting is perfect for trying the garment on and adjusting as you progress. Like they do in the Paris ateliers. <br /><br />This Saturday students will bring a sweater or jacket or blazer that fits. You know the one -- you wear it because it makes you feel good because you know you look good. We’ll figure out why it’s such perfection. Then we’ll measure all of us. We’ll compare the measurements to the garments that fit us and talk about something called “ease.”<br />And off we go...<br /><br />Breaking the rules. <b> It’s so much more fun that way. </b><br />
<br />
<br />LK<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />.<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-34509893960928945242015-05-19T10:57:00.002-07:002015-05-19T11:06:33.852-07:00Shimmy, Take 2Finished blocking <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reverse-psychology" target="_blank">Reverse Psychology</a> overnight: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4CalumcZIk/VVt3wYhOkrI/AAAAAAAAAVg/AjtHveWbHz4/s1600/DSC02873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4CalumcZIk/VVt3wYhOkrI/AAAAAAAAAVg/AjtHveWbHz4/s320/DSC02873.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The color is really quite blue, but I haven't quite got the hang apparently of the new iPhoto thing.<br />
<br />
BTW, you can click on any photo to magnify.<br />
<br />
Yarn: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/schachenmayr-select-tahiti" target="_blank">Tahiti</a> in color 7617 Bermuda.<br />
Beads: Aqua TSL 6/0 from stash. Designer Mindy Ross used a different color aqua bead in her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/stormyk9/fringe-with-benefits-2" target="_blank">Fringe with Benefits</a> in this Tahiti colorway, which looks quite effective.<br />
<br />
Here is RP modeled by Artemis:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIO9W5x9TYk/VVt4C77VAdI/AAAAAAAAAVo/-LaXyhKxcto/s1600/DSC02881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIO9W5x9TYk/VVt4C77VAdI/AAAAAAAAAVo/-LaXyhKxcto/s320/DSC02881.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
I'm quite taken with the little curl on the end:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNEWZKCX4VA/VVt4LVHjRcI/AAAAAAAAAVw/3iuwLKm6h80/s1600/DSC02882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNEWZKCX4VA/VVt4LVHjRcI/AAAAAAAAAVw/3iuwLKm6h80/s320/DSC02882.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Hey, this photo color looks about right. Wonder what I did?<br />
<br />
And a couple of close-ups of one reversible bit:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7YsqstKDz0/VVt4f_yLEBI/AAAAAAAAAV4/okpnrlj5TPw/s1600/DSC02877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7YsqstKDz0/VVt4f_yLEBI/AAAAAAAAAV4/okpnrlj5TPw/s320/DSC02877.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Reverse:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aG8qcBEiCHA/VVt4pMl6nAI/AAAAAAAAAWA/1Z6_1E59fSU/s1600/DSC02876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aG8qcBEiCHA/VVt4pMl6nAI/AAAAAAAAAWA/1Z6_1E59fSU/s320/DSC02876.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Finally, Artemis also modeled <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fringe-with-benefits" target="_blank">Fringe with Benefits:</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADRE9sxVdcM/VVt5B9DsCsI/AAAAAAAAAWI/lbsfTrxzC2s/s1600/DSC02879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADRE9sxVdcM/VVt5B9DsCsI/AAAAAAAAAWI/lbsfTrxzC2s/s320/DSC02879.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
I really nailed the colors in this photo. <br />
<br />
That's it for today.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I have a bit of a surprise for some of you out there -- something that thrills me no end.<br />
<br />
All best,<br />
LK<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-58982199161157293952015-05-18T13:52:00.003-07:002015-05-18T20:56:55.190-07:00ShimmyEver buy a pattern off of Ravelry, read it as bedtime reading (yes, you do that) and fall in love with the writing? No? OK, maybe that's just me. But I ran across <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fringe-with-benefits" target="_blank">Fringe with Benefits</a> and this description right at the cast on: "shimmy bead" up to the stitch on the needle.<br />
<br />
I've pre-strung beads (there's only a handful pre-strung in this pattern; the remaining are hooked on, phew) lots of times but never following a pattern that describes the process so well. That darn bead does actually shimmy up the yarn. (And if you're not careful, will shimmy right back down again, but we're all careful, right?)<br />
<br />
After reading "shimmy bead," it was destined that I'd make Fringe with Benefits. By happenstance (or my trip to Churchmouse Yarns last month), I had three skeins of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/schachenmayr-select-tahiti" target="_blank">SMC Tahiti</a> in a new color, Wildfire: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3rHjPijTnM/VVpLwUVO1qI/AAAAAAAAAUk/LHpiHlE16nE/s1600/DSC02868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3rHjPijTnM/VVpLwUVO1qI/AAAAAAAAAUk/LHpiHlE16nE/s320/DSC02868.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It was a bright and beautiful day during our visit to Bainbridge Island and Churchmouse. Or maybe I would have picked the brightest color anyway. Hard to tell. My sister-in-law was along for the trip and I could swear she shaded her eyes during my purchase, but again, maybe I was imagining that.<br />
<br />
For those of you who have nothing better to do than track all of my projects, you'll remember that I made <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitmaven/cladonia-6" target="_blank">this</a> out of Tahiti that I nabbed last year in a color called Marble, a.k.a. black-to-white gradient<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f04u8iUm-6U/VVpMIi4SDtI/AAAAAAAAAUs/C6viCjTfcmg/s1600/DSC02780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f04u8iUm-6U/VVpMIi4SDtI/AAAAAAAAAUs/C6viCjTfcmg/s320/DSC02780.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
in what appears to have been a conservative streak, color-wise.<br />
<br />
This particular Fringe with Benefits is destined as a gift. I've photo'd it as best I can, though I think I'd have to be at least a foot taller to get the entire thing in one frame (I was standing on a stool as it was). Here it is showing all but the really cool beaded edge:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uaWmt6QzNs/VVpMmGJYAEI/AAAAAAAAAU0/0wEA-lKeuyg/s1600/DSC02871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uaWmt6QzNs/VVpMmGJYAEI/AAAAAAAAAU0/0wEA-lKeuyg/s320/DSC02871.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Really cool beaded edge:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1Bd4n9uqDc/VVpM6NxeZlI/AAAAAAAAAU8/aCjsZDCRUws/s1600/DSC02869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1Bd4n9uqDc/VVpM6NxeZlI/AAAAAAAAAU8/aCjsZDCRUws/s320/DSC02869.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Close-up of beginning edge, including the shimmied beads:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxZKDzQ9r0U/VVpNFb0dIPI/AAAAAAAAAVE/679hsk4EJrU/s1600/DSC02867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxZKDzQ9r0U/VVpNFb0dIPI/AAAAAAAAAVE/679hsk4EJrU/s320/DSC02867.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I had such a good time making this design that I went back to Mindy Ross's designer page and picked out <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reverse-psychology" target="_blank">Reverse Psychology</a>, which is now finished out of more Tahiti in a color called Bermuda (two island countries in one yarn name; can you beat it?). When Reverse Psychology is blocked, I'll add some photos. But Fringe with Benefits is hogging the blocking table at the moment. <br />
<br />
I've now begun a second Fringe with Benefits out of some <a href="https://www.appletreeknits.com/store/c47/Silk_Fingering.html" target="_blank">Apple Tree fingering silk gradient</a> (there happened to be a shawl-size skein in the Ready to Ship section that apparently had my name on it). But I'm going to make this Fringe also reversible with some of the stitch patterns Mindy Ross used in Reverse. Got that? Concatenation of patterns. Shimmy. Today's knitting words.<br />
<br />
LK<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-10341246889761104872015-04-10T14:53:00.001-07:002015-04-10T14:53:13.337-07:00On AmazonOK, everyone, my digital novel is on Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Fine-Until-Isnt-Kartus-ebook/dp/B00VXQD2R8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428702517&sr=8-1&keywords=everything+is+fine+until+it+isn%27t" target="_blank"><i>Everything Is Fine Until It Isn't</i></a><br />
Easy to find, great read, check it out. You can read it on Kindle or get the Kindle app for free and read it on your iPad, iPhone, etc.<br />
<br />
What I need from you is to read and then post reviews on Amazon.<br />
Thanks. You all are wonderful.<br />
<br />
LKThe Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-34075849304824092092015-04-04T12:23:00.000-07:002015-04-04T12:23:29.176-07:00I made thisThe creative process is a peculiar thing: sometimes the lights are all on and sometimes they dim. The more technique you know, the brighter the creative lights. But technique isn't everything. It's just experience. You're probably muttering about now: <i>just</i> experience? Hard-won experience, but once it's yours, it's yours.<br />
<br />
The last time I posted I'd made this <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/everything-is-fine-until-it/id967655383?ls=1&mt=11" target="_blank">book</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxKkc13Lf7A/VSAy0djlMcI/AAAAAAAAATw/t6wN-ALvkk0/s1600/cover20150210c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxKkc13Lf7A/VSAy0djlMcI/AAAAAAAAATw/t6wN-ALvkk0/s1600/cover20150210c.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yesterday I finished this sweater:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBOtI2oi6mw/VSAzDiqq7KI/AAAAAAAAAT4/nJXnFnwABh8/s1600/DSC02858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBOtI2oi6mw/VSAzDiqq7KI/AAAAAAAAAT4/nJXnFnwABh8/s1600/DSC02858.JPG" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>
Artemis is modeling <a href="http://ww.ravelry.com/patterns/library/murasaki-akai" target="_blank">Murasaki Akai</a> from the book <i>Knit Kimono Too</i>. It fits her pretty well. It fits me perfectly. And every time I wander through my studio and see the sweater on Artemis, I think, "I made this." Sure, experience led me to get the gauge just right. To change the order of putting together the back so I could try the the back + fronts on for fit before picking up from the armholes for sleeves. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6tG_ZXrYPs/VSA0WcB-8LI/AAAAAAAAAUE/Xe6oLdfmfLw/s1600/DSC02859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6tG_ZXrYPs/VSA0WcB-8LI/AAAAAAAAAUE/Xe6oLdfmfLw/s1600/DSC02859.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
To alter the sleeve stitch-decrease to row ratio so the sleeves fit me.<br />
<br />
To add a three-needle-bind-off up the side seams and underarms so that the vertical vs. horizontal motif continues throughout the sweater. And to figure out how to pick up and knit for that three-needle mod so that the seams hang just right.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tic4likaIGk/VSA0dKhSm6I/AAAAAAAAAUM/bpWs-deREhw/s1600/DSC02861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tic4likaIGk/VSA0dKhSm6I/AAAAAAAAAUM/bpWs-deREhw/s1600/DSC02861.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
To weave in the ends while knitting so I didn't have a zillion ends to weave in during finishing.<br />
<br />
Experience also dictated that I work the first version of this in the yarn the designer used, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/brown-sheep-cotton-fleece" target="_blank">Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece</a> as a test-drive of the design. Because somehow I knew I was going to make this more than once. I have a plan for Murasaki Akai version 2, but it will have to wait for wool-knitting weather. Suffice it to say it will be two colors of sport weight solid and one self-striping.<br />
<br />
<br />
Writing and knitting shine the creative light on each other for me. And occasionally there's an "I made this!" moment. <br />
<br />
Had to share. <br />
<br />
LK<br />
<br />
<br />
The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-24279780659309937252015-02-16T11:00:00.002-08:002015-02-16T11:00:47.395-08:00The latest and greatest ...It's a book:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZYBZ6YMRRs/VOI9k1B0sGI/AAAAAAAAATM/55YwOe9xGu0/s1600/cover20150210c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZYBZ6YMRRs/VOI9k1B0sGI/AAAAAAAAATM/55YwOe9xGu0/s1600/cover20150210c.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Just published on iBooks: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/everything-is-fine-until-it/id967655383?ls=1&mt=11" target="_blank">Everything Is Fine Until It Isn't</a>, by, yes, LK.<br />
<br />
So go read!<br />
<br />
LK<br />
The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-25416721913195977252014-12-23T14:59:00.000-08:002014-12-23T14:59:20.038-08:00Happy Holidays<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAlLbH-G-2M/VJnyYA3agSI/AAAAAAAAAS8/pDAI2ed5ge8/s1600/DSC02844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAlLbH-G-2M/VJnyYA3agSI/AAAAAAAAAS8/pDAI2ed5ge8/s1600/DSC02844.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
It's a new shawl wall.<br />
And you thought shawls were only for wearing!<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays from LK.<br />
<br />
<br /><br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-49620849039550335502014-11-16T16:31:00.000-08:002014-11-16T16:31:00.959-08:00Plan BRobert B. Parker, author of the Spenser and Jesse Stone detective novels, writes somewhere that you should always have a Plan B.<br />
<br />
Plan B:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IPYSRrfK-4/VGk-3IISDAI/AAAAAAAAASU/tVtpeBzdkKk/s1600/DSC02836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IPYSRrfK-4/VGk-3IISDAI/AAAAAAAAASU/tVtpeBzdkKk/s1600/DSC02836.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dotted-rays" target="_blank">Dotted Rays</a> by Stephen West.<br /><br />
Plan A: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pueblo-stole---earth-and-sky" target="_blank">Pueblo Stole</a>. This is as far as I got before it dawned on me two years later that it was destined to remain a UFO:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQJHEkhPQ60/VGlADT5Y4_I/AAAAAAAAASc/p7WoFrx176s/s1600/DSC02823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQJHEkhPQ60/VGlADT5Y4_I/AAAAAAAAASc/p7WoFrx176s/s1600/DSC02823.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
That's all I could knit, maybe a third of the stole.<br />
But here's the thing: it is the most beautiful yarn. If you haven't tried Carol Sunday's yarn, you must. I couldn't let it sit there in stash for another year. Plan B took a week to knit. And I have all of this yarn left:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3x05hwE0Mpw/VGlArDOxoVI/AAAAAAAAASs/egg5PUm0UlA/s1600/DSC02825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3x05hwE0Mpw/VGlArDOxoVI/AAAAAAAAASs/egg5PUm0UlA/s1600/DSC02825.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
There will be a Plan B version 2. Could be another year. But the pressure is off. Good yarn put to good use, you know?<br />
<br />
L&K<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-79627955292916916202014-09-23T12:25:00.000-07:002014-09-23T12:25:49.695-07:00The Right Tool for the Right JobOne of DH's favorite lines from Zap Comix is "Mr. Natural says, 'The right tool for the right job.'"<br />
<br />
While blocking <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitmaven/glacier-sweep" target="_blank">Glacier Sweep</a> yesterday, I thought, the right tool: too true. Glacier Sweep is a REALLY big half-circle shawl with an i-cord edge (more on i-cord edges in the next post). The only way to block it was with the right blocking wires. So on Sunday I invested in these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AB1-iE9p9M/VCG_SpcRWGI/AAAAAAAAARU/v4XEMAQ4mVw/s1600/DSC02810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AB1-iE9p9M/VCG_SpcRWGI/AAAAAAAAARU/v4XEMAQ4mVw/s1600/DSC02810.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Janet had them in the store, though it took Lynette to find them for me. On the front counter. From my point of view behind the counter and computer screen, completely invisible. Anyway, worth every penny.<br />
<br />
I own a set of straight blocking wires bought sometime in the 1990's. But if you want to block a curved edge, you need these wires. They worked perfectly. I threaded the longest wires through the curved i-cord, then pulled the wired edge and pinned it so the stockinette stitch contrasted strongly against the garter stitch curved stripes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v58sFdHRDqM/VCHAfWmTzDI/AAAAAAAAARc/WsRxrKYSsz4/s1600/DSC02806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v58sFdHRDqM/VCHAfWmTzDI/AAAAAAAAARc/WsRxrKYSsz4/s1600/DSC02806.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a vast set of blocking wires. Really long ones and really short ones both. Will work for straight edges, too, like the top of the shawl. Have a feeling that my old blocking wires aren't going to be used quite as much...<br />
<br />
The right tool for the right job. Worth the investment. And it's not like tools wear out. <br />
<br />
Get some blocking mats. Mine are from Knit Picks but you can get the same thing for less in weird colors at Home Depot or other hardware stores:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2A29ZFLx6I/VCHBj91z2DI/AAAAAAAAARk/MYN82FmULyA/s1600/DSC02811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2A29ZFLx6I/VCHBj91z2DI/AAAAAAAAARk/MYN82FmULyA/s1600/DSC02811.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I didn't want weird-colored mats but only because I tend to photograph projects while blocking (see Oct. 7, 2013 blog post, "Blocking the Wedding Shawl").<br />
<br />
In any case, I cover my studio table with the mats to the size I want. Pins stick in the mats. The mats have a raised grid that holds the shawl, etc., in place enough to wire and pin it without chasing it around the table. Yes, your bed will work, too, as a blocking surface. Me, I prefer to sleep in the bed and allow a shawl to dry overnight. <br />
<br />
These are the needles I use for joining yarn, burying yarn ends and the occasional fiber repair job:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPHpQOCVMiw/VCHC5kdw7GI/AAAAAAAAARs/u1ZAx92OxFY/s1600/DSC02812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPHpQOCVMiw/VCHC5kdw7GI/AAAAAAAAARs/u1ZAx92OxFY/s1600/DSC02812.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This particular set I found in String Theory's notions drawer; they're made by Lacis and are called something like ribbon needles. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMeWPzsDqjU/VCHDKg8dmYI/AAAAAAAAAR0/5DWw_18pr7k/s1600/DSC02813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMeWPzsDqjU/VCHDKg8dmYI/AAAAAAAAAR0/5DWw_18pr7k/s1600/DSC02813.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Each needle has a long eye and a sharp point. Different from tapestry needles, which have curved and blunt points. Those of you who do needlepoint know these sharp needles by another name. Also, sometimes they're called darning needles. To do really blind finishing, especially on multicolor or lace or anything with a pattern to it, you need sharp needles to hide yarn ends. Not to mention to conduct a Russian join easily.<br /><br />
What other tools do you absolutely need?<br />
1. Row counters that live on your knitting needle:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61168y9NW34/VCHFt_gpujI/AAAAAAAAAR8/hlVpftTao0A/s1600/DSC02814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61168y9NW34/VCHFt_gpujI/AAAAAAAAAR8/hlVpftTao0A/s1600/DSC02814.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Use the top one in the photo for knitting flat/ back & forth.<br />
Hang the bottom one from your needle when working after joining in the round. That way it functions as an end-of-round marker as well.<br />
<br />
2. Invest in some good stitch markers. My preference is metal ones, since they slide across the needles without grabbing. Again, yes, you can use bits of yarn for stitch markers. But the small investment makes your knitting time so much easier and more enjoyable.<br />
<br />
(Optional, though not in our house.) Cat, to oversee everything you do:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eguSmYY5xY/VCHGhEHZSPI/AAAAAAAAASE/46uX6nfXLRU/s1600/DSC01417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eguSmYY5xY/VCHGhEHZSPI/AAAAAAAAASE/46uX6nfXLRU/s1600/DSC01417.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
LK<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-20188580956812187462014-09-09T11:21:00.004-07:002014-09-09T11:25:28.383-07:00Taking charge of self-striping yarnIf you've met me or watched me knit for any length of time, you know how much I love self-striping yarn, especially gradient yarn. There's a difference: gradient flows smoothly from one color to the next, sometimes along the value scale. Self-striping? Think sock yarn. Both are great fun.<br />
<br />
But you want a particular color or value to hit at the right spot in your garment, right? E.g., in a shawl, to create a picture using color.<br />
<br />
Here's my latest gradient project:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6QiJLD6YKw/VA87FLhyOaI/AAAAAAAAAQc/z79XhodIPeI/s1600/DSC02783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6QiJLD6YKw/VA87FLhyOaI/AAAAAAAAAQc/z79XhodIPeI/s1600/DSC02783.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitmaven/cladonia-6" target="_blank">Cladonia</a> using solid black noil silk fingering alternating with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/schachenmayr-select-tahiti" target="_blank">SMC Tahiti</a>. Both are light fingering weight yarns -- meaning alternating yarns in the shawl body will show both yarn colors equally.<br />
<br />
But back to taking charge of color. I wanted the lightest gray at the neck, so started with that. Then I wanted a wide white stripe just before the lace edging, which happened to come off the skein and land in the right place. But I didn't want any more white in the edging. That required cutting the gradient at the right color and splicing the same color when it began to occur again in the skein. This is why you buy more gradient yarn than the pattern actually needs, so you can pick and choose.<br />
<br />
For all of you who are wincing at the thought of cutting and splicing in lace:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2kc1yBNq34/VA899eHikoI/AAAAAAAAAQs/yLitgZDahGQ/s1600/DSC02794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2kc1yBNq34/VA899eHikoI/AAAAAAAAAQs/yLitgZDahGQ/s1600/DSC02794.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Yes, just a Russian join (right below the green pencil point). Click on photo to enlarge.<br />
<br />
Same in the picot edge:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q444Zxux25U/VA8-mMNIGVI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/cORH8T5mIq8/s1600/DSC02791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q444Zxux25U/VA8-mMNIGVI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/cORH8T5mIq8/s1600/DSC02791.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Border join after burying ends, shown just to the left of needle point:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRTXKjCmbgg/VA9BHobNgnI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/NHnx8vW_06Y/s1600/DSC02797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRTXKjCmbgg/VA9BHobNgnI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/NHnx8vW_06Y/s1600/DSC02797.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Picot after burying ends. Can you tell which of the three picots in the photo has the join?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRt9INF-CIU/VA9BlN8BK2I/AAAAAAAAARE/RJVhxAWX76E/s1600/DSC02800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRt9INF-CIU/VA9BlN8BK2I/AAAAAAAAARE/RJVhxAWX76E/s1600/DSC02800.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes I enjoy the sheer randomness of color in self-striping or gradient yarns. Just let the colors end up where they want to. And then there're the times when I have a picture in mind of what I'd want a project to look like. <br />
<br />
For the record, I love this shawl. Wearing it tonight.<br />
<br />
LK<br />
<br />
P.S. more in the next few days on choosing the right tools for the right job. As in, just what is that long-eye sharp needle in the second-to-last photo and why do I have a small collection of them?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-80495293514870966792014-08-07T09:46:00.002-07:002014-08-07T09:46:46.415-07:00ReversibleTime out from multicolor knitting for a bit of texture:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQonTeBq4i8/U-OqT19vBKI/AAAAAAAAAP0/T6jwOoUAbtQ/s1600/DSC02720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQonTeBq4i8/U-OqT19vBKI/AAAAAAAAAP0/T6jwOoUAbtQ/s1600/DSC02720.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/suke-suke-cowl">Suke-Suke Cowl</a> by Olgajazzy (Ravelry pattern). This designer invents stitch patterns you don't see elsewhere. Suke-Suke has pleats and dropped stitches. <br />
Here's what it looks like before the drops:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJv4bl0l36M/U-OrA1B4k9I/AAAAAAAAAP8/T1MfOfLR9BE/s1600/DSC02714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cJv4bl0l36M/U-OrA1B4k9I/AAAAAAAAAP8/T1MfOfLR9BE/s1600/DSC02714.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And it's reversible. Other side, after drops:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB4XnjCHrGo/U-OrcFhrjsI/AAAAAAAAAQE/VJwyywGirrw/s1600/DSC02722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB4XnjCHrGo/U-OrcFhrjsI/AAAAAAAAAQE/VJwyywGirrw/s1600/DSC02722.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Artemis modeling:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ9KRqzXaho/U-Oro6xfN_I/AAAAAAAAAQM/dsJVt1Ypki8/s1600/DSC02767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ9KRqzXaho/U-Oro6xfN_I/AAAAAAAAAQM/dsJVt1Ypki8/s1600/DSC02767.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The vivid green color looks accurate in the photos. It's called Granny Smith Apple, in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/suke-suke-cowl">Feederbrook Common Ground. </a><br />
Come cold weather, Emily will wear this cowl. <br />
<br />
Now MA insists I finish my novel so she can find out what happens. When someone else starts referring to fictional characters you've invented as real people, well, it's time to go to work. <br />
<br />
LK<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-7683711299483089932014-08-02T16:33:00.000-07:002014-08-02T16:33:24.002-07:00In which Artemis models in the garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It's a beautiful afternoon here in LK land. After various chores, some involving actual physical effort, Artemis joined us outside for her first modeling gig in the garden:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RHwls0XbdY/U91ueX9zvcI/AAAAAAAAAO0/xzayxyDU5so/s1600/DSC02767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RHwls0XbdY/U91ueX9zvcI/AAAAAAAAAO0/xzayxyDU5so/s1600/DSC02767.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Our garden is a little strange because it's designed for the bees. One of which tried to chase me away as I photographed. She and I had a little chat along the lines of "I'll be out of your way as fast as I can" from me while she buzzed around my hair. Apparently there was some communication because she retired to that useful stand of bee balm on the left in the photo and got back to her own work, leaving me to mine.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here's what I really wanted to show you on Artemis:<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW7r4Hz-poA/U91voszII8I/AAAAAAAAAPE/6NlmWztT8NE/s1600/DSC02740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW7r4Hz-poA/U91voszII8I/AAAAAAAAAPE/6NlmWztT8NE/s1600/DSC02740.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
This is a pattern called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spokes-2">Spokes</a>. I saw it on Ravelry and immediately went stash-diving to see what I could experiment with. As you may have gathered, I'm addicted to modular knitting and to combining yarns and colors.<br />
You start at the neck, which allows you to see if your yarn combo is working:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CihNhnrsT3k/U91wYDCeTgI/AAAAAAAAAPM/4A6TYqu6uyw/s1600/DSC02741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CihNhnrsT3k/U91wYDCeTgI/AAAAAAAAAPM/4A6TYqu6uyw/s1600/DSC02741.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I could tell immediately that yarns and pattern were getting along famously. When I got to the odd short-row design in the center back I thought, what the hey and went along with it. My policy is always to let designers have their way if the idea potentially makes sense. Well, this one worked big time. Spokes hangs perfectly. It's the shawl I've been looking for almost as long as I'd searched for Artemis. OK, maybe not that long. But this one keeps your shoulders and neck warm. That short-row action in the center back does the trick. Brilliant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MTxfE5p8QBY/U91xLd5ceRI/AAAAAAAAAPY/fFw6q5R43Hg/s1600/DSC02736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MTxfE5p8QBY/U91xLd5ceRI/AAAAAAAAAPY/fFw6q5R43Hg/s1600/DSC02736.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I used Madelinetosh Merino Light in a gray-green called Celadon for the garter spokes and some Noro Silk Garden Sock for the gradient.<br />
<br />
Then yesterday while working my Friday afternoon shift at ST I ran across a new Madelinetosh Merino Light color called Optic and fell in love. I've combined it with an ancient skein of Misti Alpaca Sock in a color I don't think is made anymore:<br />
<span id="goog_1971855710"></span><span id="goog_1971855711"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2McrrfExaoI/U91yombxOMI/AAAAAAAAAPk/5MVi4KGoZ5k/s1600/DSC02762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2McrrfExaoI/U91yombxOMI/AAAAAAAAAPk/5MVi4KGoZ5k/s1600/DSC02762.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Click on the photo to get the whole positive/negative effect.<br />
This, folks, is why we keep stash. You run across some yarn that's really gorgeous. Then at some point two yarns or a yarn+pattern will suddenly work and you can't stop knitting. Started this second Spokes last night. <br />
<br />
More photographs to come in the next few days. Artemis and I (and the bees) have been busy.<br />
<br />
LK<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1434212010"></span><span id="goog_1434212011"></span><br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-74564522266290231052014-07-29T17:59:00.000-07:002014-07-29T17:59:03.224-07:00MA's GyreMA just finished her version of Gyre. It's the same yarn and size as mine, but she completed the whole pattern length. Here it is modeled by her granddaughter:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmAwQnlfMpA/U9hBTdtT4tI/AAAAAAAAAOM/hembO6VdVC8/s1600/DSC02724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmAwQnlfMpA/U9hBTdtT4tI/AAAAAAAAAOM/hembO6VdVC8/s1600/DSC02724.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6JAaOK_di4/U9hCFFv2tjI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Z8idZX49tjQ/s1600/DSC02726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6JAaOK_di4/U9hCFFv2tjI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Z8idZX49tjQ/s1600/DSC02726.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This is Gyre, exactly as written. Gorgeous. Now compare length to mine in same yarn:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuWhSJQfnNc/U9hCnNoYIbI/AAAAAAAAAOk/RJq6se4K9ZY/s1600/DSC02692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuWhSJQfnNc/U9hCnNoYIbI/AAAAAAAAAOk/RJq6se4K9ZY/s1600/DSC02692.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Wow. What a difference.<br />
Love them both.<br />
Thanks MA for letting me photograph your trophy.<br />
<br />
LK <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-68534922165380250652014-07-28T17:20:00.000-07:002014-07-28T17:20:53.110-07:00ArtemisMeet Artemis:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNfG8y5WCdY/U9bmLqaEXMI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Riisqu7GSCw/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNfG8y5WCdY/U9bmLqaEXMI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Riisqu7GSCw/s1600/photo.jpg" /></a></div>
Artemis and I have been searching for each other for, oh, let's say 15 years. When I brought her home from the lovely store in Geneva where I found her, my husband said, wow, you've been wanting one of those forever. <br />
<br />
I immediately put Artemis to work in my studio, which she seems to enjoy:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdCkWsEUe2g/U9bngfCuHKI/AAAAAAAAAN8/HyHX7aewdFo/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdCkWsEUe2g/U9bngfCuHKI/AAAAAAAAAN8/HyHX7aewdFo/s1600/photo.jpg" /></a></div>
Here's she's modeling the back of the entrelac cardigan I've been inventing out of Noro Taiyo sock yarn. If you look very very closely at the right side you can see the arm scythe. In which there will be a sleeve. Eventually. Artemis doesn't have arms but we'll work something out, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
One of you faithful readers pointed out yesterday that I'd stalled out months ago here on Gyre and that I had some catching up to do. <br />
<br />
OK. I'm on it. As you can see.<br />
<br />
LK<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-79445609667260538082014-05-06T17:15:00.001-07:002014-05-06T17:15:18.072-07:00OK, I got wild and crazy and ...started another <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gyre-cardigan">Gyre</a> in skinny <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/shibui-knits-cima">Shibui Cima</a>. Cima is kind of a heavy lace weight, if that makes sense. Last thing I made out of it was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitmaven/cladonia-2">Cladonia #2</a> on a U.S. 7 needle and it's one of my favorite shawls ever. So I grabbed some out of stash in color UV and cast on.<br />
<br />
I test blocked it still on the needle and look:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDcN4A24M_o/U2l1kso6UiI/AAAAAAAAANI/JzikKFSgZcI/s1600/DSC02711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDcN4A24M_o/U2l1kso6UiI/AAAAAAAAANI/JzikKFSgZcI/s1600/DSC02711.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's the needle at the bottom -- Gyre is worked top-down. So the part at the very top is the neckline. I used a #5 needle for the first 15 or so rows before sizing up to a #6 needle. After all, I'd made that shawl on a #7 needle successfully. When the pattern says to size up to the larger needle, I'll go to the #7. And will make a larger size than medium, though I don't know how much larger yet. Gotta get there first (all Gyre sizes start out with exactly the same number of stitches and increases).<br />
<br />
This is what the neckline bit of Gyre looks like in the prescribed yarn weight:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQSaiH-JXLo/U2l2IwC-rWI/AAAAAAAAANQ/CKFJkXSA1LA/s1600/DSC02692_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQSaiH-JXLo/U2l2IwC-rWI/AAAAAAAAANQ/CKFJkXSA1LA/s1600/DSC02692_2.JPG" height="89" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lacey but not as lacey as Cima. Cima version's eyelets and ribbing up close:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M039ekl9eZU/U2l4fNtmoBI/AAAAAAAAANc/keIXjawmLv0/s1600/DSC02712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M039ekl9eZU/U2l4fNtmoBI/AAAAAAAAANc/keIXjawmLv0/s1600/DSC02712.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The downside of this will be that I'll be knitting lots of extra rows to get the length, though not zillions more. I have three skeins in stash and another three on hold at the store, though five will probably be enough. I've been wearing both <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/berroco-mayatm">Maya</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/lang-yarns-sol-degrade">Sol Degrade</a> versions of the sweater and think a floaty version would be fun to wear as well. I love floaty garments. Maybe because I wore a lot of power suits in my previous career. Remind me to tell you sometime, though, about how different the businesspeople I interviewed reacted to Lisa in a power suit vs. Lisa dressed in a sweater and skirt -- different better for the sweater outfit. Clothing is theater, you know?<br />
<br />
I must be easily entertained or something because I'm having a great time playing with this pattern and yarn combination. <br />
<br />
Class starts tomorrow, Weds. 5/7, at 7pm at String Theory if you want to join us at yarn play.<br />
And yes, that's a double entendre.<br />
<br />
LK<br />
The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-28577514184815671522014-04-29T16:07:00.002-07:002014-04-29T16:11:39.931-07:00Just what I've always wanted: a shawl with sleeves. How many times has a shawl fallen off my shoulders and landed in the dust? This happened literally last Thursday when I got out of the car to open the gate at MB's farm in South Carolina. It was dry and warm there. While MB and I are hugging in greeting, her husband looked over the gate at a pile of blue. "What's that?" Didn't even occur to me it was my silk and cashmere shawl. Not to worry, it survived just fine. But really, wouldn't it be wonderful to have a shawl with sleeves?<br />
<br />
Meet <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gyre-cardigan">Gyre</a>. This is another of those patterns that you can't tell from the pattern pictures what it's really going to look like. Never fear, I've made it twice now -- yup, shawl with sleeves. This is just so much fun to wear.<br />
<br />
First I made it in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/berroco-mayatm">Maya</a>, a DK which is exactly the gauge called for. We had some black at the store, so black it is, made short for short me:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpiYJNlJxhM/U2AoWTRil4I/AAAAAAAAAME/YJjSzENGmsU/s1600/DSC02689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpiYJNlJxhM/U2AoWTRil4I/AAAAAAAAAME/YJjSzENGmsU/s1600/DSC02689.JPG" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>
Janet stood still for me long enough to shoot a picture. Here's the back:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xg6iVrkEcw/U2Aom8T9_kI/AAAAAAAAAMM/tfD-Q9M1osE/s1600/DSC02692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xg6iVrkEcw/U2Aom8T9_kI/AAAAAAAAAMM/tfD-Q9M1osE/s1600/DSC02692.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
This is a wonderfully comfortable cardigan. But can you tell from these photos how shawl-like Gyre is?<br />
<br />
To quote Monty Python, "wait for it..." <br />
<br />
Meet my second Gyre, modeled by Susan, knitted in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/lang-yarns-sol-degrade">Lang Sol de Grade</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYBCKijFesw/U2ApdvW50qI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ooGZdWyvYhk/s1600/DSC02702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYBCKijFesw/U2ApdvW50qI/AAAAAAAAAMU/ooGZdWyvYhk/s1600/DSC02702.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
Wear it straight:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAA9Xa-Y454/U2AprhSXFoI/AAAAAAAAAMc/wT5pBgNSeHw/s1600/DSC02704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAA9Xa-Y454/U2AprhSXFoI/AAAAAAAAAMc/wT5pBgNSeHw/s1600/DSC02704.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Wear it draped:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krN3RiMkYP8/U2Ap4AoYjTI/AAAAAAAAAMk/bySoRi6_XUA/s1600/DSC02707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krN3RiMkYP8/U2Ap4AoYjTI/AAAAAAAAAMk/bySoRi6_XUA/s1600/DSC02707.JPG" height="320" width="280" /></a></div>
Or both!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4Bo2GykJiI/U2AqHSKLrVI/AAAAAAAAAMs/vVeZVjcl3kM/s1600/DSC02703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4Bo2GykJiI/U2AqHSKLrVI/AAAAAAAAAMs/vVeZVjcl3kM/s1600/DSC02703.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm thinking of making it in fingering weight next. You know, like a shawl. Maybe bead the eyelets:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXmPYmsaY5A/U2AtfAJ1gRI/AAAAAAAAAM4/TT9SjAmqJvg/s1600/DSC02701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXmPYmsaY5A/U2AtfAJ1gRI/AAAAAAAAAM4/TT9SjAmqJvg/s1600/DSC02701.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And yes, those are dropped stitches. You all know how I love to drop stitches on purpose. <br />
<br />
After trying on Gyre, would it surprise you that people want a class for Gyre? There are a few tricky bits to this sweater, including making sure those dropped stitches don't get carried away. Fit, though, is no big deal. Because it's a -- repeat after me -- shawl with sleeves.<br />
<br />
Class begins on Wednesday May 7 at 7pm, then meets Wednesdays May 14, June 11 and June 25. Call the store if you want to sign up; there are a few slots open. <br />
Materials: Pattern in Spring 2014 Interweave Knits (you can buy a digital download at<br />
www.interweavestore.com)<br />
1000-1300 yards DK or light worsted weight, such as Maya or Rowan Softknit Cotton, <br />
with sizes 7 circ and 8 long circ needles<br />
or<br />
at least 1000 yards of Aran weight, such as Sol de Grade, with sizes 8 and 9 circs <br />
or<br />
get wild and crazy and make it in fingering weight. Like a shawl.<br />
<br />
<br />
See ya.<br />
LK <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-74286906522400870242014-04-21T08:49:00.000-07:002014-04-21T08:49:04.697-07:00Well?If you knit standing up, do you burn calories?The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-73951221344976157682014-03-12T12:36:00.001-07:002014-03-12T12:36:23.542-07:00On needlesI've been thinking about needles lately.<br />
I hear "I like bamboo" or "only metal ones for me" all the time.<br />
That's fine. <br />
But the needle we choose is as important as the yarn. The two go hand-in-hand, needle-in-stitch hundreds or thousands of times. (Btw, counting all your stitches? That way lies insanity.)<br />
<br />
If you're working on plied wool yarn, you can use just about any needle you fancy.<br />
<br />
But if you're working on unplied wool or anything plant fiber such as cotton or linen, or bug fiber such as silk, what the needle is made of is crucial. Plied mercerized cotton (like Cascade Ultra Pima) begs for a slower needle finish, such as bamboo. <br />
<br />
The stitch pattern is also a determinant: if you're working lace, a sharp point is pretty much a necessity. If you're working lace in silk yarn, a sharp point on a slower needle finish is better. <br />
<br />
I just finished a mammoth project out of Noro Taiyo, an aran-weight unplied combo of cotton, silk and a touch of wool. The piece has modular bits, lace bits, a ruffle, slip stitch, and yards of pick-up-and-knit. The project started out on my favorite plastic needles (used to be Bryspun, now called Pearl) which have great points but I was having to haul the stitches across the needle. Too much heavy lifting. <br />
Then I tried acrylics (my second favorite, from Knitter's Pride). Same thing. <br />
Next, ChiaoGoo Red metal. A little better. <br />
Finally, I pulled out a 25-year-old Addi Turbo (same as now; company never changed the basic Turbo except for the cable color) and bingo, I was on a roll. These are still the slickest needles out there. Not my "favorite," because metal obviously has no give and is harder on my hands. And they're expensive. But hey, they never wear out.<br />
<br />
Now I'm inventing a sweater using a discontinued yarn from Noro called Chirimen. It's basically Noro Taiyo in DKish weight. ChiaoGoo Reds are working so far for this one because of the sharp point. <br />
Good: The Reds are one step down from Addi Turbos when it comes to slick finish, a much sharper point, and half the price. <br />
Better: the right tool for the job.<br />
Best: a knitted fabric I like.<br />
<br />
LK<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-75368461172902807832014-02-13T06:50:00.000-08:002014-02-13T06:50:56.735-08:00Context is everythingYou know when someone tells you something and you think, "Has [he or she -- choose one] been paying attention?" You wonder whether [he or she -- choose one] has just tuned in. And then just assumed other [usually incorrect] stuff? Those times when you stand there thinking to yourself, "Really?" <br />
<br />
That's what happens when you don't swatch for a knitting project. You're that out-of-touch person. You just jump right in, casting on and merrily knit along. Then maybe you don't like what's happening on your needles. <br />
<br />
So swatch. Play with your yarn. Try different needle sizes for a particular stitch pattern. Or different stitch patterns with a particular yarn. Block your swatch. Blocking mimics what's going to happen to your knit fabric when it's worn. You know, in real life.<br />
<br />
Don't assume. <br />
<br />
Get some context.<br />
<br />
And go read <a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=/review/profile/101216_a.asp">this</a> RIGHT NOW. Yes, you have time. Just like you have time to make a swatch or two. <br />
<br />
Context is everything. <br />
<br />
LKThe Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-47104403498976669212014-01-21T14:29:00.003-08:002014-01-21T14:29:28.667-08:00On gauge, or making the pattern you want out of the yarn of your dreamsJust finished knitting <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/stringtheoryge/kara">Kara</a> out of sport-weight yarn. It's such a relaxing knit, with a straightforward lace repeat and one-piece construction. <br />
The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 sts wide and 32 rows = 4"on #6 U.S. needle. I nailed it. <br />
<br />
Gauge swatch, lightly blocked: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yd_8yWE_fbs/Ut7qmHapiVI/AAAAAAAAALA/QDxlloGHJmk/s1600/DSC02669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yd_8yWE_fbs/Ut7qmHapiVI/AAAAAAAAALA/QDxlloGHJmk/s1600/DSC02669.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Looks pretty much like the version Janet made. Mine is one size larger than her store sample.<br /><br />
When it was over I kind of missed working on Kara so I've been playing with yarns for a summer-weight version. <br />
<br />
OK, I could just find another sport-weight yarn. But where's the challenge in that? I went stash-diving and found some standard-weight worsted cotton (don't ask, it's so old the manufacturer stopped making it years ago) just to see what the lace pattern would look like in worsted. Since it's heavier and I wanted it lacey, I tried a #8 needle. See for yourself:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0IfVI_KjZ4/Ut7rQP-5WAI/AAAAAAAAALI/b8M9rwXqHDY/s1600/DSC02670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0IfVI_KjZ4/Ut7rQP-5WAI/AAAAAAAAALI/b8M9rwXqHDY/s1600/DSC02670.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The swatch measures 4.75" wide (stitches) by 4.5" (rows). After I did the math (want to know how? Leave a comment), it turns out that using pattern instructions for Kara two sizes smaller would get me the same size as the sport-weight version. Bigger yarn (worsted) makes wider fabric, requiring fewer stitches and rows to create the same size.<br />
<br />
Then I thought, hey, I'd really like a lightweight sweater. Having made <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lea--lola">this</a> out of Cozette (one of my favorite sweaters):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ls52WByfv_k/Ut7vIVx11wI/AAAAAAAAALg/tVUyHCbXTng/s1600/DSC02599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ls52WByfv_k/Ut7vIVx11wI/AAAAAAAAALg/tVUyHCbXTng/s1600/DSC02599.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
and therefore having some left over to use for a gauge swatch:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SR3YvBGlf2c/Ut7tKKmGp_I/AAAAAAAAALU/P9gz8kSSCWE/s1600/DSC02672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SR3YvBGlf2c/Ut7tKKmGp_I/AAAAAAAAALU/P9gz8kSSCWE/s1600/DSC02672.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/knit-one-crochet-too-cozette">Cozette</a> is fingering weight. Tried it on a #6 needle but didn't like the fabric so tried again on a #5 needle. Success! Unlike the sport-weight version, I blocked this lace tightly, opening all the yarnover holes wide. And guess what? Gauge swatch measures 4" by 4". We have a winner!<br />
<br />
The moral of this story is that with a bit of patience you can match pattern and yarn.<br />
And that you can make Kara out of fingering or sport or worsted.<br />
<br />
Want to know about substituting yarn? <br />
Take this class at String Theory: <br />
<b>Substituting Yarn</b><br />
Unravel the mystery of which yarns work for which projects. I
explain the connection between gauge, fiber, needle size and your
tension, and how to make the combination work for you, using our yarn as
examples.<br />
<strong>Learn to: </strong>select the perfect yarn no matter what the pattern calls for, make a proper swatch<br />
<strong>Materials: </strong>pencil and paper<br />
<strong>Cost:</strong> $25<br />
Sunday Afternoon 4:00 – 6:00 Feb 16<br />
<br />
Want me to help you make Kara in the yarn of your dreams? <br />
Take this class at String Theory:<br />
<b>Kara</b> <b> </b><br />
<b>Learn:</b> if you’ve never knitted a lace pattern, this one’s a
perfect place to begin. The pattern is a straightforward repeat. I'll insist that you learn to read charts because it really is easier
once you get the hang of it. Also learn cable cast-on and seaming lace.
<br />
<b>Materials:</b> yarn — model used sport-weight Cody,
32″ circular needle in size U.S. 6 or what you need to get gauge, 32″
in one size smaller for ribbing, tapestry needle, lots of stitch
markers, row counter.<br />
<b>Please buy your pattern on Ravelry and bring copy to your first class. </b><br />
<b>Cost:</b> $60(materials not included)<br />
Wednesday Evenings 7:00 – 8:30 Mar 5, Mar 12, Apr 2, Apr 23<br />
<br />
LK <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOFuiToldcU/Ut70kvIGHGI/AAAAAAAAALw/QLNySCl2vvU/s1600/DSC02667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOFuiToldcU/Ut70kvIGHGI/AAAAAAAAALw/QLNySCl2vvU/s1600/DSC02667.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-70111241084071218002014-01-13T09:21:00.001-08:002014-01-13T09:21:42.570-08:00The Slip Stitch RulesWhen you're making a decrease that requires a slip stitch, such as SSK or k1sl1psso (knit 1, slip 1, pass slipped stitch over knitted stitch), always slip stitches as if to knit.<br />
<br />
If you're working a slip-stitch pattern or a stitch pattern with wrap-and-turn, slip stitches as if to purl.<br />
<br />
Not a decrease? Always slip stitches as if to purl unless the pattern designer specifically tells you otherwise. <br />
<br />
Why? Because when you slip stitches as if to knit, you're twisting the stitch: changing its orientation from right leg forward on the needle to left leg forward. This tightens the stitch. Makes sense in a decrease.<br />
<br />
When slipping stitches as if to purl, you're maintaining the right-leg forward orientation of the stitch on the needle. This doesn't tighten the stitch.<br />
<br />
Someone asked me recently if this is written anywhere. If so, I've never run across it. It's one of those little mysteries of knitting that you just pick up. Or by reading this blog.<br />
<br />
Today's tidbit.<br />
Enjoy.<br />
<br />
LKThe Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-73706825099925080322014-01-01T08:46:00.000-08:002014-01-01T08:46:30.590-08:00A new knitting yearHappy New Year! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBiVTV1wC6Y/UsRBiUy4EFI/AAAAAAAAAKI/HEyTxOnHzPk/s1600/DSC02650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBiVTV1wC6Y/UsRBiUy4EFI/AAAAAAAAAKI/HEyTxOnHzPk/s320/DSC02650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a severe case of finish-itis for the last month or two, pulling UFOs out of bags and getting them done. The oldest one (I think) was this sweater, started at least three years ago:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICZCQGezzDE/UsQ_sFrNpjI/AAAAAAAAAJs/HGDWFKEV1ko/s1600/DSC02656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICZCQGezzDE/UsQ_sFrNpjI/AAAAAAAAAJs/HGDWFKEV1ko/s320/DSC02656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The back and 1.5 fronts were done; just needed a .5 front and a couple of sleeves. And miles of icord finishing. Now it's waiting for buttons. One day I'll decide to wear it and, zoom, those buttons will go on. <br />
<br />
Then there was the three-color <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/carson-modifications-for-3-colors">Carson shawl</a> out of Sophie's Toes sock yarn:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMm0ownm4rw/UsRAjjyo1-I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/BLDmCN_Bzjc/s1600/DSC02644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMm0ownm4rw/UsRAjjyo1-I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/BLDmCN_Bzjc/s320/DSC02644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Also finished my first <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/viajante">Viajante</a> poncho/shawl/thingie, but no photo yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
And under the heading of almost-finished is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/phiaro-scarf">Phiaro</a> out of a skein of Handmaiden Rumple and Art Yarns ensemble light:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn6u_XioT5g/UsRBJ5ET6yI/AAAAAAAAAKA/5SveoG3crGM/s1600/DSC02658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn6u_XioT5g/UsRBJ5ET6yI/AAAAAAAAAKA/5SveoG3crGM/s320/DSC02658.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've made Phiaro twice before and gifted both. Keeping this one. <br />
<br />
<br />
You know what comes after finish-itis, right? Yep, start-itis. Started another Viajante yesterday out of some stash yarn that sparkles:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JabpVAAc9_Y/UsRB-gVNOBI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/j5M7ugvBXRM/s1600/DSC02654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JabpVAAc9_Y/UsRB-gVNOBI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/j5M7ugvBXRM/s320/DSC02654.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midnight-ocean">Midnight Ocean</a> out of some gradient yarn originally bought for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lady-violet">this</a>. Love the yarn, got bored with the pattern, thus the switch to Midnight Ocean. Right now it looks like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kScPyhPs5Ts/UsRC5cQ2hCI/AAAAAAAAAKc/-BxXhSho5fA/s1600/DSC02655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kScPyhPs5Ts/UsRC5cQ2hCI/AAAAAAAAAKc/-BxXhSho5fA/s320/DSC02655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And I'm thinking seriously of creating a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-yarn-blanket">sock yarn blanket</a> out of this plus a few other colors of same (Janet says more is on its way):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFQkXujjd0E/UsRFDxmFhBI/AAAAAAAAAKo/ok0Kj7j47Fc/s1600/DSC02660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFQkXujjd0E/UsRFDxmFhBI/AAAAAAAAAKo/ok0Kj7j47Fc/s320/DSC02660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
(If you're in the area, see you this Saturday afternoon for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/string-theory-glen-ellyn/2756577/1-25#21">KAL</a>.)<br /><br />
<br />
It never ceases to amaze and please me that we can start with nothing but an idea and come up with items to love and cuddle us. I love my stash. It's my paintbox. My palette. Augmented by my LYS.<br />
<br />
All best to all of you.<br />
LK<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdFRUDXpWSk/UsRFl22_sGI/AAAAAAAAAKw/V64zh5x330E/s1600/DSC02652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdFRUDXpWSk/UsRFl22_sGI/AAAAAAAAAKw/V64zh5x330E/s320/DSC02652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-64946599231847498952013-11-07T08:47:00.001-08:002013-11-07T08:47:29.682-08:00Artistic urgesAs you all may have gathered, I love playing with color. So on a whim a week or so ago I asked Janet if she wanted <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/morocco-scarf-2">Ilga Leja's Morocco scarf</a> for the store. She enthusiastically picked a couple of colors of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/schoppel-wolle-gradient">Schoppel-Wolle Gradient</a>.<br />
<br />
Her color choices ended up with this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_i9s5pz_tk/Unu9xZ8cM9I/AAAAAAAAAI4/SNJAP9dcgC4/s1600/725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_i9s5pz_tk/Unu9xZ8cM9I/AAAAAAAAAI4/SNJAP9dcgC4/s320/725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And now there's a class with four people in it so far, beginning on Nov. 18.<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/entre-new-cardigan-2"></a> <br />
I'll be making the shawl version of Morocco out of a couple of skeins of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/kauni-wool-8-2-effektgarn">Kauni EQ</a> left over from designing my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitmaven/lightning-shawl">Lightning Shawl</a> a few years ago:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2FXAgh-33U/UnvC0qGEfhI/AAAAAAAAAJY/eh-6dxGq7B4/s1600/DSC01490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2FXAgh-33U/UnvC0qGEfhI/AAAAAAAAAJY/eh-6dxGq7B4/s320/DSC01490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But first I need a new sweater made from Spud & Chloe Sweater. The one I made last year <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qak1i3ZdOo/UnvBGdRTH-I/AAAAAAAAAJM/edIlNpFC6Ss/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qak1i3ZdOo/UnvBGdRTH-I/AAAAAAAAAJM/edIlNpFC6Ss/s1600/photo.jpg" /></a></div>
is getting worn yet again on a near-daily basis. This is THE most comfortable yarn, half & half wool/cotton.<br />
So this one is in the works:<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/entre-new-cardigan-2">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/entre-new-cardigan-2</a><br />
<br />
Sometimes you just have to follow your artistic urge. Oh and then wear your trophies.<br />
<br />
LKThe Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-66472821794568073532013-10-22T07:19:00.001-07:002013-10-22T07:19:48.985-07:00The Wedding Shawl in actionRachel is beautiful on a daily basis. She glowed at her wedding. Shawl = my small contribution:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRgjSaZXTXE/UmaIXATwu9I/AAAAAAAAAIo/I5qDPAHei10/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRgjSaZXTXE/UmaIXATwu9I/AAAAAAAAAIo/I5qDPAHei10/s1600/photo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#sort=best&craft=knitting&query=Cladonia">Cladonia</a> a.k.a. The Wedding Shawl (longer than pattern, extra lace repeat, added beads, blocked fro a sheer fabric). One and a bit of a second ball of Classic Elite Silky Lace in color Wedding White.<br />
<br />
LKThe Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8421703021374666943.post-67351574144006291702013-10-08T11:08:00.002-07:002013-10-08T11:08:21.118-07:00More blocking points<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lViizm-vwIA/UlRJuxmV6eI/AAAAAAAAAIY/zzstmp0GF7w/s1600/DSC02639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lViizm-vwIA/UlRJuxmV6eI/AAAAAAAAAIY/zzstmp0GF7w/s320/DSC02639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Couldn't resist the visual pun.<br />
(We knitters are easily amused.)<br />
<br />
LK<br />
<br />
P.S. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitmaven/stundentuch---morning-hour-shawl">Morning Hour Shawl</a><br />
The Laziest Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16975008382601789987noreply@blogger.com0