Easily distracted
What can I say, I'm easily distracted. The swatch leapt onto my needles...who was I to fight it. Some fingerless mitts (to match the cowl from earlier this year) seemed in order. I'm sure you understand, right? I mean who can be expected to say no to that. But don't worry, they're quick. I'll be back to the slipper some time soon!
Officially now decorations, not holes!
So let's see where we ended up. First the sleeve. Then the shoulder. Then the front. I love it. Totally couldn't be happier. I'm actually considering doing this in a few other spots on the sweater where there are no holes just for the fun of it because I don't want to be done yet. And for folks asking or wondering, no it's really not hard. You can find embroidery floss at most any craft store. The only other things you need are a needle (I like the blunt ones, but some people like pointy ones...experiment and see what you [...]
Conflagration (plus giveaway)
So I don't mean to alarm you, but it's kind of chilly where I am. This morning it was in the 30s. And while I don't particularly approve of this, I'm a knitter, so I do feel I'm well equipped to handle it. Conflagration might be just the thing to take the chill off! I can't help but think the stitch pattern on these looks like licks of flame dancing up your ankles. The pattern goes swirling around your leg, making some neat zig-zags as it goes (check out the last picture of the post to see how it makes [...]
Before and after (or why you block your swatches)
So we talked about this before with this yarn, but it really does something magic when it gets wet. Take a look at the differences between this shot before and after I soaked it. Before: And after: And yes, I know it can be a bit hard to see in pictures (it's more dramatic in person). But look especially at the stretches of stockinette at the broadest part of the leaf. See how it's filled in? And the spaces between each leg of the stitches are much smaller? And the holes made by the yarnovers are more distinct (because the [...]
I’m starting to like the holes in my sweater
So I took a break from the hole on the front of the sweater and moved onto the one on the cuff of the sleeve. The first round of stitching looked something like this. Then I spent some time on the one on the back of the shoulder (right where the front, back, and sleeve all come together). It's working out something like this. In both cases I've gone with stabilizing (or really even emphasizing) the hole rather than trying to hide it. And both spots will be getting Lots More Stitches before this is over. But I'm having so [...]
Last Call, Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet Books Retiring Soon
Oh man, this is a bit tough, but it has to be done. All three of the Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet books are almost gone. I have just a tiny handful of each left. Once those are gone, they're gone. I won't be printing more. You may still be able to find them on amazon for a little while (looks like they a few copies of each at the moment). And of course you may well be able to find used copies out in the world. But I won't have any more to send out to shops or individuals. And of [...]
There’s still a hole in my sweater
It's true...the hole (or rather holes) are still there. But I find I don't mind them so much now! Full disclaimer, I know next to nothing about embroidery. Which should be fairly obvious to anyone who does know something about it. So apologies if you're cringing over there. My approach really is more or less keep doodling until it starts to look interesting. I think it's a viable technique, all things considered. I mean really, if you hate it, you can pick it back out. And I sort of don't hate it. I might actually rather like it! So what [...]
Play time, part 2
Ok, so I'm not that mean. I won't keep you waiting too long. Because really? No one should have to wait for this. I mean it's practically electric. Totally cannot get enough (and I'm usually fairly immune to the charms of blue, but somehow this totally does it for me). But the thing I find really interesting is how differently each base took the color. From left to right that's Matrika, Zenith, Apex, Meridian, and Corona, all from Seven Sisters Arts. Just as a reminder, they looked like this undyed. And ok, maybe you'd expect the Apex (the gray one [...]
Play time, part 1
My job is awesome. I mean yes, sometimes I spend too much time with boxes and labels and tape. But I also get invited to go visit with fabulous dyers and play with their yarn. And really, that makes up for an awful lot of time spent packing boxes! While we were up in Maine, Karen of Seven Sisters Arts asked if I'd like to come over and play. You know I love her yarn (I used it most recently in Pelagic, and before she opened Seven Sisters Arts, she was half of String Theory, and I've used a ridiculous [...]
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