Pinwheel Blanket Update

My Pinwheel Blanket is getting bigger. It's now on circular needles. This is a KAL for my knitting circle.

I'm finding this a satisfying knit, at least since I got beyond the first few rows. You cast on 5 stitches in the round on four needles! After many tries on three needles, I was able to get beyond the initial row. Others seasoned knitters have experienced this too. I think the pattern needs a warning: It's not just you...

Happy Casting On!

An Actual Finished Object: My Jamaica Pouch

This fun project used the Brown Sheep Serendipity Tweed Yarn that I won from an Ally B blog contest.

I couldn't help thinking about a pumpkin when I photographed this pouch. Really it's more like a pumpkin Salvador Dali might paint. If I made it again, I'd use variegated yarn which would accent the spirals.

Like the pattern? Want to try it? Here's all you need to know via Ravelry.

It's great to be back with all you Fiber Art Fridayers!

Now, get on over to Wonder Why Gals to see some talented people.

Happy FAF!

My Knitting Circle's Knit-Along: Pinwheel Blanket

I am so excited to belong to a new knitting circle in my small town. Tonight is our second meeting. I'll be bringing the beginnings of my Pinwheel Blanket by Genia Planck.

My knitting circle is doing this project as a KAL. The finished blankets will be donated to children in need.

This is my first non-cyber space KAL!

Happy Knit-Alongs!

Adventures in Lace Knit Along: Got Ribs, No Lace...Yet!

My priorities are straight. After making sure we had enough to eat for the week with my usual Monday trip to the grocery store, I casted on  98 stitches to begin my lace knit along project. This is the beginning of my Ribbed Lace Bolero.

I'm in the middle of knitting 3 inches of ribbing, before I hit the lace. The gauge is working out. I am notorious for not doing tension swatches!

I'm really looking forward to seeing how the other KAL knitters are coming along with their lace projects.

Happy Casting On!

I've Joined a Knit-A-Long: An Adventure in Lace

I can't remember how I came across this KAL at Lazy Kate Creates.  The theme is Adventures in Lace. In all of my years knitting, I have steered clear of knitting lace. This KAL has inspired me to take the plunge into the world of knit lace.

I've chosen a pattern from Ravelry for the Ribbed Lace Bolero by Kelly Maher. I was contemplating knitting Veronik Avery's lovely Lace Ribbon Scarf. But, I've been knitting hats and mitts lately and a scarf didn't quite cut it.

So, wish me well.

Happy Knitting!

Hat Trilogy Complete: Ribbed Hat for Sonny

That's it for knit hats for now. After knitting hubby's ribbed hat, and my owl hat, sonny wanted a hat too. I knit him one like hubby's except in funkier colors. I had a ball of variegated Patons Classic Wool in my stash which fit the bill. Voila, here's the result:

I used That Chocolate's Gone Straight to Your Ribs Hat pattern by Leonie Connellan found here on Ravelry.

My hands feel empty now. What to do next?

Happy Knitting!

Knit for Who?: My Knitted Owl Hat

Another hat! Yes, this time it's the pattern Who? from Ravelry by Sara Amoroso. I saw this when searching for a pattern for a hat for hubby. I had to knit it. Making owls out of cables made me happy. I love birds. This will officially be my filling the birdfeeders hat.

I used up the rest of the grey Patons Astra I bought for Hubby's ribbed hat. There was no problem with the size using 4mm needles.

Love the cable owls with my vintage buttons for eyes, of course!

What's on my needles now? Another hat!

Happy Knitting!

Check Out This Knitted Word Search

I had to share this post from Prick Your Finger.

Photo from Prick Your Finger's Blog

It's a winter themed knitted word search complete with clues. Send an e-mail and you can get a printable version to complete. Wow!

Happy word searching!

Winter is Here: Time to Knit!

Despite the fact that winter doesn't actually arrive until December 21st, winter arrived in my backyard yesterday!

I tend to want to knit when winters calls. Compliments of Queer Joe's Knitting Blog, this is a super list of 25 places to find free knitting patterns.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Happy knitting!

Thrummed Mittens: The Finale Sorta

One finished thrummed mitten. Beautiful, isn't it? I feel like I'm imposing my baby pictures on you.

Yes, I know I must knit its partner. I'll be casting on for that this weekend.

See this mitten from its humble beginnings: part one, part two and part three.

It was fun to try something new. Any ideas what I can get my needles into next?

How to Knit Cables: A Knitting Tutorial

Knitting cables has got to be one of my favorite techinques in knitting. Cables look difficult to the uninitiated beginner, but they are quite simple.

This tutorial will show you how to knit  an 8-stitch cable as part of a knit panel. Make many panels and sew them together into an afghan. Make the panel just the right length for a scarf.

To make my panel, I used a medium weight yarn and a pair of  6 mm (10 US) needles. For your cables, you'll also need either a double pointed needle or a cable needle with the funny bend that I suppose is there to prevent your stitches from falling off. I use a plain old double pointed needle for my cable needle which has served me well for an infinite amount of cabling!

To get started:

Cast on 24 stitches. Knit 4 rows of garter stitch ending with a purl row. Next row is the right side of panel.

You are now ready to set up your foundation row for the cabled panel.

1st row: (Right side).  K 4,  P 4, K 8, P 4, K 4
2nd row:  P4, K4, P8, K4, P4

Your work should now look like this:

This is where cable patterns can get scary for first-timers.

3rd row:  K4, P4, C8B, P4, K4

Don't panic! C8B means CABLE 8 BACK. You simply slip the next 4 stitches onto your trusty cable needle and take it to the back of your work. Here is what the cable needle will look like at the back of your work.

Knit the next 4 stitches from the left-hand needle not the cable needle which is still to the back of your work.

This is what your work will look like after you knit the stitches from the left-hand needle.

And then, knit the 4 stitches off of the cable needle.

Your first cable twist complete !

This is what your work will look like when you finish the 3rd row.

4th row:  P4, K4, P8, K4, P4
5th row: As 1st row.
6th row: As 2nd row.
7th row: As 1st row.
8th row: As 2nd row.

These 8 rows complete one cable pattern. Repeat these 8 rows until your panel is the length you want it.

This is what your panel will look like with another cable twist.

To end your panel:  after completing a row 8, repeat 1st and 2nd rows once. Knit 4 rows of garter stitch to match the beginning of the panel and cast off.

For a thrill, try C8F. Bring you cable needle to the front of your work. What happens?

Happy cabling!

Sunday Summary: As the Leaves Turn

It rained most of this week. Finally, today there is sun and brilliant blue sky on this Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. I took advantage of the weather to enjoy the outdoors and the vibrant fall foliage of the birch and maple trees.

As the leaves turned, I continued to create neck warmers this week. This one is a rich dark brown color and unlike last weeks creation is not in the style of a collar.

The warmth of  wooden  buttons suit the thickness and cozy texture of the rib knitting.

I have a baby blue neck warmer currently being knit on my needles and hope to finish it soon.

I'm now off to prepare our Thanksgiving dinner which we have on Sunday before the holiday Monday. Lamb is on the menu!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Felting: The Little Coco Bag

The famous Little Coco Bag has to be one of my favorite felted bags of all time! 

It is designed by Diane Sutliff who offers the patten free at her blog  Felted Handbag Workshop.

My bag is knit with two strands of Patons Classic Merino Wool. The finished product is a stiff bag with form. It's exactly what I was looking for in a felted bag.

The straps are pulled though grommets in the sides of the bag which is a nice detail.

Once you've tried this pattern, you'll want to make more than one!

You can see all of the wonderful interpretations of this bag on Ravelry. You'll need to log in.

Happy Felting!

Vintage Thingies Thursday: 1950s Sweater Pattern Book

I love flipping through the pages of vintage pattern books especially if there are color photographs illustrating the fashions of the time. I especially like this Star Sweater Book No. 92. Published by the American Thread Company in 1952, it would have only set you back 10 cents to buy!

Look at the fresh 50's faces of these models. Eyebrows and lips seem to be the focus of the face with lots of waves in the hair. The sweaters these gals are wearing are knit from the same pattern with variations in the trimming to make each individual.

This snazzy Bolero vest is knit in simple garter stitch using sport weight yarn. Sequins and beads are used to give the vest some flash. I want her blouse and skirt!

I left my favorite sweater for last. This crocheted Stole Blouse in buttercup yellow is so unique. The stole is crocheted separately from the blouse. The buttons are sewn to the blouse. Then, the stole is buttoned to the blouse. I love that!

There are more Vintage Thingies at ColoradoLady.

Happy Vintage Thingies!

Whiskers and Wool: Men Who Knit

Do you know of any men who knit? I know men knit, but I don't know any men who knit.

I got thinking about this when I discovered BrianKnits! on Twitter. Brian is a knitter who blogs about his love of knitting. Take a look at his lovely triangle shawl.

Further investigation of the male knitter led me to  Men Who Knit  which is an online community for, who else, men who knit. It has 3078 registered users! There are a lot of guys knitting out there.

 
There are so many men blogging about their passion for knitting. Asplund Knits  of Sweden has examples of his skillful knitting on his blog. I love his Twined and Stranded Mittens.

Then there is Queer Joe's Knitting Blog which is entertaining to read with more great knitting. This is Joe's excellent tutorial Seaming a Sweater Sleeve.  Joe where were you when I was trying to figure this out?

At MenKnit  there is  an interesting history of men and knitting. There is also a list of more men's knitting blogs you can explore.

Happy Knitting Guys!

Fiber Arts Friday: Scarves Anticipating a Change in Seasons

It's Fiber Arts Friday at Alpaca Farm Girl's blog. After a summer hiatus, I am back in action for the soon coming fall season. I've been busy knitting and crocheting scarves using a wool soy blend yarn. The yarn is soft and silky. I especially like how this yarn crochets into a thick and soft scarf.

I designed this blue variegated diamond lace scarf using one of my favorite crochet motifs. I love the flow of blues throughout this yarn. I'll soon be listing this scarf for sale in my Etsy shop.

My knit scarf is worked in simple garter stitch on large needles which gives a lightness to the soft wool soy yarn. This variegated yarn of plum, pink red and brown makes for a richly colored scarf to warm your neck.

So, my hands are busy creating scarves at the moment. Happy fiber arting!

How to Knit and Felt a Small Bag

A knitter of any experience level can use this free pattern to knit and felt this small bag. If you haven't felted before, it is so amazing. Before my first felting experience, I was horrified at thought of "ruining" beautiful wool in a bath of hot water. After taking the plunge and felting my first bag many moons ago, I now love the magic of turning knitted fabric into felt.

For this project, you will need 100g (3.5 oz.) of 100% wool yarn, four 5.5 mm (US 9) double pointed needles, 1 button and the usual suspects being scissors, a wool needle and stitch marker.

I used Patons Merino wool knitting with 2 strands throughout the project.

To begin, set up your work to be knit in the round on the double pointed needles. Using two strands of yarn, cast on 42 stitches dividing them evenly around the three needles using your stitch marker to mark the end of each round. I use a fancy key ring for my marker!


Knit in stocking stitch until you have a 7 inches (18 cm) tube.


Next row: *K2 tog. K 10*. Repeat from * to * to the end of the rnd. 38 sts.
Knit 3 more rnds.
Next row: K2 tog to the end of the rnd. 19 sts.
Knit 3 more rnds.
Next row: K2 tog to the end of the rnd. 10 sts.
Knit 1 row.
Next row: K2 tog to the end of the rnd. 5 sts.

Your work should now look like this.

Cut your yarn leaving enough length to thread it through the remaining stitches. Pull these stitches together and sewn in the end. You are now finished the body of the pouch!


You will now make the flap. With the right side of your work facing you and using 2 strands of yarn, pick up 18 stitches on the back of the pouch at the cast on edge. Make certain your stitches are centered.




Knit in stocking stitch for 4 inches (10 cm) ending with a purl row.


Now you are ready to shape the top of the flap.
Next row: K2 tog. Knit to last 2 sts. K2 tog.
Next row: P2 tog. Purl to last 2 sts. P2 tog.
Repeat these two rows until you have 2 sts remaining.


Use these two remaining stitches to make the button loop closure for the pouch. On these two stitches, knit 3 inches (7.25 cm).



Cast off . Cut your yarn leaving the end long enough to sew the loop into position as seen below.

Make I-cord for the strap of your bag using two of the double pointed needles. With two strands of yarn, cast on 2 sts. Do not turn your work. *Slide stitches to the other end of the needle. Pull yarn to the front of the stitches. Knit 2.* Repeat from * to * until the I-cord measures 48 inches (122 cm). This makes a shorter strap. If you want a longer one, keep sliding those stitches!


Here is the bag and I-cord ready to be felted!

To felt the bag, use the lowest water level and put the hottest water you can into your washer along with a small amount of laundry soap. Place the bag and the I-cord into an old pillowcase tied securely shut with a rubber band. Put the pillowcase and an old pair of jeans (for extra agitation of your wool) into the washer. I set the washer on the highest agitation and the longest cycle.

Check the progress of the felting periodically until the stitching has disappeared and is felted to your liking. I will reset the wash cycle back to the beginning before it goes to the rinse cycle, if my piece needs more time in the washer.

Once you remove your bag from the washer, it should be shaped and left to dry. I put a plastic cup inside mine while it dried to give it shape. I also stretched the length of the I-cord before leaving it to dry.

When dry, position the holes for your strap. Use a knitting needle to poke holes in the side of your bag for the I-cord to be threaded through. Then, choose a pretty button for your closure and enjoy your bag! Happy felting!

Crochet in the Great Outdoors

This time of year I love to crochet or knit outside in my backyard. My workspace is my patio table. I sit on my patio under my umbrella and work away.

I always keep my work journal close by to jot down ideas for my original designs, patterns or blog topics.

One thing I accomplished today was the crocheting of a wrist cuff bracelet complete with vintage buttons. I love working with the white organic cotton yarn.

Of course, there is the odd distraction supplied by nature like the hummingbirds, robins and woodpeckers who pop in and out of my landscape.

This woodpecker was accompanied all day by a hummingbird who used the holes the woodpecker made in the tree trunk to drink some sap. The woodpecker didn't seem to mind.

While I finished crocheting a lacy scarf in a lovely soft wool soy blend yarn, bees buzzed in my flowering bush. This bush is sure to have lots of berries for the birds thanks to this bee's pollination efforts!

It's not every day that I have the privilege to create in my backyard while sharing the habitat of these wonderful creatures. But today the weather was perfect. It was warm and sunny with a light breeze.

Sharing this glorious day with me were my two companions, Miss Amelia the cat and Mindy the dog. They are SPCA rescue animals.

They remind me on a daily basis to live for the moment which is often difficult to achieve in this fast paced world. However, on a day that was like today, I did have my "moments".

I'm looking forward to my next opportunity to create in the great outdoors. Happy creating!

Color Inspiration: Mother Nature

What are your color inspirations for your fiber art creations? I often turn to mother nature who is the ultimate colorist. My passion for birdwatching at my feeders in the winter led me to wonder at the perfect color combinations in the feathers of the birds visiting my backyard.

The black, white and grey feathers of this chickadee against a blue sky gave me the inspiration for a crocheted handbag's colors. The blue grey wool is the wing feathers of the chickadee. The blue lining echoes the sky. A shiny black button is inspired from the curious dark eye of the chickadee.

Do you notice the beige in the chickadee's breast feathers? How could you work that into a color combination with the black, grey and white?

Of course, not all of my color inspirations come from nature. But my camera is not far away when I'm walking in the woods, strolling along a beach , or admiring my flower garden. It's amazing what great color combinations I find days or weeks later while reviewing my nature snaps.

If you find yourself with fiber artist's block, look to mother nature for inspiration.

Interested in what color combinations you may see at your own backyard bird feeder visit Cornell's Lab of Ornithology.

Embrace Your Inner Fiber Artist

Me, a fiber artist? Not having thought of myself in those terms before, I once had a difficult time seeing myself as an "artist". To me, artist implied some formal training in design and technique. My road to becoming a weaver of fiber with hooks and needles did not bespeak "artiste".

First learning how to knit as a girl at my mother's hands and a teach yourself to knit book, I managed one sad lonely mitten. I went through my Phentex slipper phase marvelling at the ingenious design that made those checkered ribbed wonders. Bravely moving on to sweaters and foolishly ignoring the concept of gauge, I knitted a sweater slightly too small. Have you ever tried knitting from the cast on edge of the cuff to lengthen a sleeve? Don't.

Not easily deterred, I went on to explore the world of crochet and experimented with granny squares I could never make the same size. Try sewing those together into some sort of regular sided shape. The wonders of Phentex never escaped my crochet hook either, as I made lovely pillow shams with huge red roses adorning the center. Crochet a bikini. Why not! Of course, using double crochet was not a good design strategy.

I see those early years as paying my dues. I was learning from poor design decisions and baffling color combinations. Mastering gauge and discovering the wonders of blocking, I have since become an accomplished knitter and crocheter expanding my repertoire with felting. I now confidently create my own pattterns and take inspiration from my fellow fiberites.

Using my skill with fiber and my creativity, I craft objects that are appreciated and bring pleasure to others. Isn't that artistry?

I am a fiber artist.

So, whether you knit ponchos from Phentex or crochet shawls from alpaca, hookers and needlers embrace your inner fiber artist!