RHYTHM OF THE NEEDLES

National Sweater Day

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, February 9th, is National Sweater Day here in Canada. Getting a knitter to wear a sweater is easy. Trying to decide which one to wear is a little harder.

Mind Travel - For Now

2012-02-06T23:17:00.002-07:00

What do you do while you're knitting? Do you turn everything off and relax with your stitches? Do you listen to a book on tape? Something else?

For me, I'm usually listening to music or watching TV, normally something that doesn't take a lot of concentration, nothing too intense. I like travel shows, especially Rick Steves' Europe, and my mind will virtually visit places that I want to see.

I've been lucky enough to live in Germany and I long to go back to my home-away-from-home, Lahr, Baden-Württemberg. I do plan to go back someday but the hard part is trying to decide what time of year would be the best time to visit: in the late winter for Fasching or springtime for Easter, the beautiful weather in summer, the various festivals in the fall or maybe in December for the Christmas markets? It's difficult to decide on just one time of year.

Of course, I'd have to visit a yarn shop, or perhaps I could see where Opal yarn is dyed (another link here). According to the yarn label it's in Hechingen and a check of the map tells me that it's about 1.5 hours from Lahr.

Click on the map to enlarge it.

My mind has taken me to some wonderful places this evening as I sit and knit my latest sock but now it's time to call it a night.

Bis zum nächsten mal und gute nacht.

Admitting Defeat

2012-02-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

If you happened to look in on my blog earlier this morning you may have seen a post about a baby bonnet that I was starting to test knit for Lucy Neatby. Well, I've decided to bail on the project. First, let me say that the pattern is excellent. Lucy went into great deal on how to work in the double-knitting technique, complete with diagrams. The problem wasn't with the pattern, it was with me. I was hating knitting every stitch.

I'd first tried double knitting, a method of creating a double thick, fully reversible fabric, about 30 years ago. I tried it and gave up on it but I'd since forgotten why. Now I remember. I just didn't like doing it, to put it mildly. Another technique that falls into the same category for me is entrelac. Don't like it. Won't do it.

I think that most of us have techniques that are favorites and some we don't like. I have my favorites: intarsia particularly, color knitting, textures, sock knitting and working with fingering-weight yarns among them.

I did learn something new from starting the pattern, something I've never done before and that's the tubular cast on. I like the edge that it gives a garment and will use it one day.

So, with apologies to Lucy, I'm moving on to other projects. Fortunately Lucy has many test knitters and I'll be glad to knit something for her in the future, but for this project, I'm done.

Elmo

2012-01-31T23:05:00.000-07:00

Good news! I finished my Grandson's Elmo pullover in time for his birthday party. He's now 2. The party was at 10am and I finished weaving in the last end just after midnight the night before.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: A basic, plain pullover, knit in pieces, saddle shoulders

I found the Elmo graph online here. It's #80-74

Size: 3

Needles: 2.25 & 2.75 mm / US #1 & 2

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Lanett Superwash

100% merino wool

Main Color: Gray #1053

Contrasting Colors - small amounts:

Red #4128

Black #1099

White: #1002

The Stealth Project

2012-01-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

This sweater is a only a stealth project because my daughter reads my blog and what I'm making is a gift for my grandson's birthday. He'll be 2 on Monday but his birthday party is tomorrow. She's too busy to read anything today, so here's a picture of the inside of the front piece.

You don't need the team of CSI to figure out that this is Elmo. The back and sleeves are finished and being blocked. Normally I will weave in the ends of an intarsia project as I go along but this one is small and not terribly complicated so I left all the tails to the end.

Now the question is, can I weave in all the ends, sew the pieces together (it's got saddle shoulders) and work the neck ribbing by the birthday party tomorrow? I hope so but, if not, there should be no problem having it completed for Braydon's actual birthday on Monday.

It's been so much fun to do intarsia again. I love it and I've missed it. I like the results, the challenge and making something out of the chaos of all the yarns. I have another project to do right away after this one and then I'm going to pull out my intarsia cushion that's been resting for a while. It'll be good to get back to it again.

Unravelling

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Again, many thanks for all the kind notess. Your words have touched me.

After not knitting at all for the past week I've now picked up the needles again: a few rows of a pair of socks and a stealth project. The stealth project is coming along quickly and I hope that it's fast enough. It's a sweater. The front and both sleeves are finished and I'm hurrying to complete the back. More on it soon.

Knitters aren't crazy about unravelling a project but sometimes it's necessary. I'm one of those weird people who don't mind ripping out my work if it means the reknitting will make the project better. I came across this little video in which unravelling means moving forward, not backward. It's a machine-knitted 2012 calendar and you unravel the days (they're in German) as you move throughout the year. It's clever, and at the end of the year you have yarn for something new, perhaps a new calendar for 2013.

Mom

2012-01-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

I've been away from the computer for a few days because my Mom died last Thursday (my post that day had been written earlier and scheduled for the 19th). I flew back to my hometown to be with family and attend the funeral and returned back to Calgary a couple of hours ago. Even though she lived a very long life and had been ill for a some time it is still very difficult. I want to take this moment to thank my friends who sent messages, cards and flowers. Your moral support means a lot to me. I'll be back to knitting and blogging soon.

He's a Keeper!

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

One day my Grandson was at the table with his Mom playing with Play-Doh. She would roll it out and then give it to him. Braydon held onto the two ends and started turning and twisting it. When asked what he was doing he said "knitting". It looks like circular knitting to me. I couldn't be more proud!

This picture is a screen shot from a little video. The file was too big to add here. Maybe he'll knit something for his Grandma someday.

Rule of Four - Jan '12

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

The craziness of the Christmas season and rushing to finish projects is over. Now, I can settle back and decide on my Rule of Four (plus Socks) list:

#1 - is a Stealth Project with details to come soon. It's a sweater and the sleeves are finished. I did both sleeves at the same time. I had two balls of wool and would knit across one sleeve, then the other one. This ensures that both sleeves are the same, increases in the same place, etc. Also, I don't have that feeling of starting all over again when one sleeve is finished and the other is about to be started. Now, onto the front. I'm not knitting them in the traditional order of back, front, sleeve, sleeve. This project has a deadline.

#2 - Jigsaw Afghan. I'm looking forward to getting more done on this afghan. It won't be long until I start to think about the border.

3 - It's been frigid here in Calgary for the last couple of days so a pair of gloves has moved up in the queue. I have the yarn and patterns for three of the glove offerings from the Rainey Sisters. I'm going to start with the Foxhall Gloves as I think that these will be the warmest ones. These are supposed to be gloves for men but to me they look unisex to me. I'm calling this project as 1% finished as I've assembled the materials and wound the yarn (Jared Flood's "Loft") into a ball.

#4 - I'm going to finish up the Wibble Wobble Scarf and get it delivered to Inn From The Cold. It got set aside over Christmas.

C...C...C...C...Cold

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Carole's list this week seems timely since we're having a cold snap here in Calgary:

"The Ten on Tuesday topic for 1/17/2012 is 10 Things To Do Inside When It's Too Cold To Go Outside"

1. Knit, of course, but that goes for every day, doesn't it?
2. Make a pot of chicken soup - did it.
3. Play with Grandson - yes.
4. Hot bubble bath - later.
5. Clean out cupboards - in progress.
6. Watch a movie which is set somewhere warm - yep, Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil, set in Savannah, Georgia.
7. Do the ironing. Okay, okay.
8. Catch up on email - in progress.
9. Read - yes, "Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson".
10. WHINE and hope for a hot flash.

Zigmas's Socks

2012-01-16T13:16:00.001-07:00

If I keep going like this I'll have no problem with knitting 12 pairs of socks (1 pair/month) this year. A second pair is now off the needles. This pair is for Donna Druchunas' upcoming book about Lithuanian knitting. This is the first pair of socks I've made with worsted-weight yarn. Talk about a quick knit!

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Zigmas's Socks

Method: Cuff down, 48 stitches, 2x2 ribbing, pattern on legs and feet

Size: Lady's medium

Needles: US #4/3.0 mm double points

Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers - 1 skein

Color #9558 - very pale blue

100% Peruvian Highland Wool

Sweet Shawlettes Winners

2012-01-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

Some people might think that Friday, the 13th is an unlucky date but for three readers of Rhythm Of The Needles, it's a lucky day. Thanks to everyone who left a comment and entered the contest, and also to everyone who visited even if you didn't enter the contest.

I asked my daughter to choose three numbers at random. She chose numbers 1, 24 and 33. These numbers matched up with:

1. Cyndi in BC

24. Carol Griffin

33. Jessica

If you will email me: joanne @ jconklin . com with your postal address I'll get the books off to you within the next couple of days. Enjoy your new book!

Squares-From-Sock-Yarn Afghan

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

I usually have quite a bit of yarn leftover from knitting socks so the question is, what should I do with the rest of the yarn? I set aside 8 yards to make a block on my Sock Yarn afghan and I save some for my friend's afghan, too. That afghan is in my storage unit right now and I'm looking forward to getting back to the project. It's addictive, close to being completed and I miss it.

One day, while browsing knitting blogs I came across another sock yarn afghan that I like a lot. Check it out at Gail's Good Yarn. It's it stunning? It looks like a quilt. So, I decided to make one that's very similar.

Here's what I did:

With 2.75 mm needles I cast on 1 stitch. Then, I increased by knitting into the front and back of the first stitch on every row until I had 45 stitches on the needle. Next, I k2tog at the beginning of every row until I was back to 1 stitch left and secured it. Easy: make the square bigger until it's the size you want, then make it smaller until you're back to 1 stitch.

The square on the left is from the Fabel socks that I just finished. The square on the right is from the S&S Socks from a few months ago. And so the new adventure begins.

Like Gail, I plan to sew these squares together right away. I'll make the seam as flat as possible so that the afghan will be almost the same on both sides, reversible. When I started and finished the square I left a long tail which I'll use for the seaming.

This is going to be a long, slow project. All yarn will be from stash, mine or others. No new yarn will be purchased for this afghan. I expect that it'll take a couple of years, at least, to finish up. I won't count this as one of my Rule of Four projects. Instead, it's a P.S. at the end of a pair of socks.

What I don't have is a name for this afghan. I already have a Sock Yarn Afghan so I need something different. Suggestions?

First Socks of the New Year

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier I wrote that I'd like to complete a pair of socks every month for 2012. The first pair is finished. Sure I started in 2011, on December 24th, but now I have plenty of time to start on a second pair this month. The bottom line is that by the end of the year my sock stash will be smaller.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Generic

Method: Cuff down, 60 stitches, 2x2 ribbing, stocking stitch legs and feet, short row heels

Size: Lady's medium

Needles: US #0/2.0mm double points
(used my new Knitter's Pride Dreamz)

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Fabel Superwash

75% wool, 24% polyamid

50% merino woo, 50% cotton

Made for: Daughter, Jessica

Notes: One of my goals for 2012 is to complete a minimum of 1 pair of socks a month. One pair down, eleven more to go!

Two Socks At A Time

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Usually, when someone says that they are knitting two socks at a time they are working on circular needles. For me, it means something different. If I have two 50-gram balls of sock yarn, and especially if the yarn is self-striping, I like to get out two sets of double-pointed needles. I will knit one leg on a set of needles, then another leg on the second set. Then, I knit one heel followed by the other one. The first foot, then the second, followed by one toe and then the other.

I know that it takes just as long to knit this way as it is if you do one complete sock, then another, but it feels quicker. You don't get that feeling of starting all over again once one sock is finished. It also helps me to keep my eyes on the striping in the hopes of having the socks match each other.
I rarely use this method if the yarn comes in a 100-gram ball. I'm too lazy to divide the yarn.

In the top picture the two legs are finished. In the bottom picture the socks each need toes.

I finished the socks on Saturday and blocked them yesterday. I'll post the details tomorrow. The socks have been claimed by Jessica which is perfectly okay. I'll be making more pairs of socks...always!

First F.O. Of The Year

2012-01-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

Somehow it seems only fitting that my first Finished Object of the new year is a design from Jean Moss' new book, Sweet Shawlettes. It worked up quickly and I'm very happy with the results. I'll have to get my daughter to model it later on. For now, here's what it looks like while laying flat.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: The Penumbra Cowl by Jean Moss

From: Sweet Shawlettes, page 38

Needles: 3.75 mm / US #5

(went down a needle size to get gauge)

Yarn: Rowan Wool Cotton

50% merino woo, 50% cotton

Colors: Antique (white) #900 - 2 balls

Inky (black) #908 - 2 balls

Notes: The Penumbra Cowl is done in the shadow knitting technique, also known as illusion knitting. If you look at the photo, above, you can see a hint of the zigzag pattern. However, if you look at it from the side the pattern pops!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway of Jean's book. Details can be found here.

Sweet Shawlettes by Jean Moss

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

I feel very fortunate to have British designer Jean Moss visit my blog. I've been a fan for years, knitting one of her early designs, Sculptured Fairsle, in the early 1990s.

Hi Jean. Welcome to my blog. It’s a thrill for me to have you visit me as I’ve been a fan for many years. Congratulations on the publication of your newest book, “Sweet Shawlettes”.

I’m curious about your creative thinking. What generally comes first? An idea, the yarn, a request from a yarn company, something else?

My career has always been fashion-led, so each season I look at the trends. I also love street fashion and like nothing better than to sit in the sun with a cup of coffee and observe what people are wearing - especially in the big cities. I’m also fascinated by old fashion illustrations, the designs of David Downton, Rene Gruau and Erte are mega-inspiring. My camera is always to hand and I take many pictures of interesting objects, people and places - looking back over them often sows the seeds of new designs.

I think that you’re very lucky to work so much with Rowan yarns, my favorite company. How did you become involved with Rowan initially?

I became involved with Rowan way back – magazine #4 if my memory serves me well, when Stephen Sheard, founder and co-owner, came to see me in our workshop in York. At this time the business had already taken off and it was a hive of activity. We employed quite a few people, who were involved in making up and sending out kits to knitters all over the country, finishing off the completed sweaters, quality control, labeling, packing and shipping.

I was doing a lot of design and production for Polo Ralph Lauren and Laura Ashley, as well as selling my own line of handknits to many top-end US stores. Stephen had seen the fairisles I’d done for Ralph Lauren, which all used Jamieson & Smith Shetland yarn. He reckoned my perception of colour would translate well into his 4-ply botany yarn (still one of my alltime favourites) and asked me to do an exclusive version of a dolman-sleeved crew neck sweater. This became the Bellmanear, named after our beloved old farmhouse in the Yorkshire Wolds where we were living at the time - the first of many subsequent designs for Rowan.

How long did it take from the beginning until the book was ready to go to the publisher?

This may come as a surprise, but the timeframe for the book was alarmingly short. I was asked to write the book in November 2010 and I had to deliver the completed manuscript by the end of March 2011. It did seem like a huge ask from scratch, but I’ve always found it hard to turn down interesting new projects, so it didn’t take me long before I jumped in and agreed.

The schedule seemed to dovetail with other things I was committed to at the time - Knit Morocco, one of our knitters’ tours was due to start in the last week of March. I reasoned that if I could eliminate all other projects for the next four months, it was doable. However, I certainly couldn’t have done it without my band of trusty knitters who tested every stitch, but it did require an unswerving daily commitment.

I knew I had to have a couple of weeks at the beginning to chew the cud and dash off some drawings as and when the ideas came to me. Eventually I had a whole pile, in fact many more than I could possibly use. Once I got into the genre the ideas poured out and then came the task of editing them to make a balanced book in terms of difficulty, yarns, colour, techniques and styles. I did have to decide early on exactly where the big knits were going to go and write the patterns first, as I had to deliver the finished pieces at the same time as the manuscript

Do you have plans for another book in the future? If so, can you give us a hint about it?

I’m in negotiation with Taunton at the moment about another book. At this stage I can’t say a lot about it other than it’s developing one aspect of Sweet Shawlettes and applying it to small projects

It was a treat to have Jean visit on her blog book tour. I have plans to make more of her sweaters in the future as well as another project or two from Sweet Shawlettes. You can see all the designs in the gallery, here. I've almost finished the Penumbra Cowl and I'm seriously drawn to the Ceilidh Shawlette. I’d also like to take one of her tours. Last year she took a group to Morocco (I’m so envious) and this year the trip is to Ireland.

To learn more about Jean Moss’ designs and tours check out her website: http://www.jeanmoss.com/ and the Ravelry group, found here.

You can purchase Sweet Shawlettes at a yarn shop or bookstore near you, or online at one of these sellers: Amazon, Chapters/Indigo, Threads Magazine, or Taunton Store and I'm sure that there are more.

GIVEAWAY: I have three copies of this beautiful book to giveaway. Leave a comment and you're entered to win. Winners will be chosen randomly. Perhaps you'd like to tell us the name of your favorite design? Winners will be announced next Friday, January 13th. Good luck.

Here's is the full blog tour. Why not follow Jean on her travels around the blogosphere?

Mon 2 Jan More Yarn Will Do The Trick– Jean Moss
Tues 3 Jan Wendy Knits - Wendy Johnson
Wed 4 Jan Knitgrrl - Shannon Okey
Thurs 5 Jan Yarnagogo – Rachael Herron
Fri 6 Jan The Knitter – Rosee Woodland
Sat 7 Jan Rhythm of the Needles – Joanne Conklin
Sun 8 Jan Knit Purl Gurl – Karrie Steinmetz
Mon 9 Jan CraftSanity – Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
Tues 10 Jan Planet Purl – Beth Moriarty
Wed 11 Jan Sunset Cat – Stephannie Tallent
Thurs 12 Jan A Really Good Yarn – Julie Schilthuis
Fri 13 Jan knit 1 chicago – Lynn Coe
Sat 14 Jan Go Knit In Your Hat – Carol Sulcoski
Sun 15 Jan Redshirt Knitting – Erika Barcott
Mon 16 Jan In The Loop – Cheryl & Ellen
Tues 17 Jan WEBS – Kathy Elkins
Wed 18 Jan Zeneedle – Margene Smith
Thurs 19 Jan Knitspot – Anne Hanson
Fri 20 Jan Urban Yarns – Alexa Ludeman
Sat 21 Jan A Friend to knit with – Leslie Friend
Mon 23 Jan Tentenknits – Margaux Hufnagel
Tues 24 Jan Fancy Tiger Crafts – Amber Corcoran
Thurs 26 Jan The Panopticon – Franklin Habit

Tbc Chic Knits - Bonne Marie Burns

Jean Moss' Visit

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I hinted about a visitor coming to my blog tomorrow, Saturday, January 7th. I can't keep the secret any longer. The talented British designer Jean Moss is coming by to answer some questions and tell us about her new book, Sweet Shawlettes. You can find Jean's blog, here.

But wait, there's more. There will be giveaways. Three lucky visitors to my blog will receive a copy of the Sweet Shawlettes book.

The picture, above, was taken when I was almost almost halfway through the Penumbra cowl but I'm now approaching the three-quarters point. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this is my first FO (finished object) of 2012.

Be sure to come back and visit tomorrow!

Cool stuff

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

I was surfing around knitting sites and one place led to another, then to another. You may know what that's like. I came across this site and spotted the wooden box for sorting straight knitting needles.

How cool is that? If anyone knows where I can find one like it or something similar, please let me know.

Speaking of cool things, my daughter bought a double dish that I think would be a good gadget for knitters, too. The bowl comes in two pieces and the idea is to put nuts, or something similar, in the top part and in the bowl underneath you put the discarded shells. I can imagine a knitter putting small objects: markers, scissors, pins, etc. in the top and then, after sewing in ends, put the yarn bits underneath until you have time to empty it. It would all be very tidy. I won't be buying a bowl. My scraps of yarn are under control and I'm happy with my system.

And while we're on the topic of nuts, I leave you with this picture that I took while at the grocery store. This is a huge bulk bin of pistachio nuts with an allergy alert note above it stating that they may have come in contact with nuts. Too funny!

Remember...let me know if you've seen a wooden box for straight needles. Thanks!

Coach's Corner - 2030

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm Don Cherry. Tonight on Coach's Corner we are interviewing power forward for the Colorado Avalanche, Braydon Freeman.

Freeman, almost 20 years old, is the highest scorer in the NHL for the second year in a row.

Cherry: Braydon, welcome to the show. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Freemen: I grew up in Calgary I've been on the ice since I was around two years old. After that I worked my way through the Atom, Bantam, Peewee, Midget, Junior B and Junior A leagues.

Cherry: Have you always wanted to play hockey?

Freeman: Yes. I can't remember a time when I didn't want to play. I've always liked it.

Cherry: Have you always wanted to play center?

Freeman: When I was little there was a time that I toyed with the idea of being a goalie but I get a kick out of scoring goals.

Cherry: Who are your favourite hockey players from the past?

Freeman: From very long ago I liked former Avalanche players Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg. Growing up in Calgary I liked watching Jerome Iginla. I also liked Sidney Crosby. He had a good, long career and he'll be missed now that he's retired. Best of all was watching my Dad play hockey. My Mom took me to the rink for the first time to watch him play when I was only a few months old.

Cherry: Do you like any other sports?

Freeman: When I can I like to ski but there isn't much time with games and travel. I also like to go bicycling in the off-season

.Cherry: You've brought along a couple of pictures of yourself when you took to the ice for the very first time. I believe the date was January 2nd, 2012, you were 23 months old and you were wearing bobskates from Canadian Tire. Is that true?

Freeman: Yes. My Grandma called me "spaghetti legs" back then! Here are the pictures:

Cherry: Have your parents given you any advice?

Freeman: They've suggested that I be traded to the Calgary Flames.

Cherry: Do you have any questions for me?

Freeman: Just one. Why do you look the same now, at age 95, as you did in 2012 when you were 77?

Cherry: Healthy living and a diet of poutine.

Cherry: Braydon, thanks for stopping by Coach's Corner. You're a gentleman on and off the ice and an inspiration to youngsters everywhere.

Freeman: You're welcome. Thanks, Don.

Ten On Tuesday

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Carole's description for this week's Ten On Tuesday topic read as follows:

"The Ten on Tuesday topic for 1/3/2012 is 10 Things You Want to Do in 2012. Make it about knitting, cooking, crafting, traveling, reading, or anything else you can think to include!"

I don't like to make New Year's resolutions as I think it's just a way of setting myself up for failure. I like the wording in her description, however, "want to do". I can handle that! Here goes, in no particular order, and not including very personal things and stuff I want to do with family:

Knitting: Finish a pair of socks every month. If I can do more, bonus, but I'd like one pair per month to be my minimum. I have a lot of sock yarn and it's time to make a bigger dent in the stash.
Knitting: Make myself a minimum of 3 sweaters before the year is over. These will come from my too-large stash. One must be my Bohus sweater, which I like a lot and can't wait to wear.
Cooking: My interest in cooking is growing more every day, especially Mexican dishes. I want to try out and perfect some recipes. I won't limit myself to Mexican cooking, however.
Travel: There is so much world and I want to see it all. I likely won't make a major trip this year but I can start planning one. My plan is to go to Europe, rent a car and go wherever the road takes me. It will definitely include southwest Germany/Black Forest/Rhine Valley area. The hardest part for me will be deciding on what time of year to go. Right now I'm leaning towards the Christmas season. I love the Christmas street markets.
Travel: I hope to go to Denver sometime in the summer. I miss my friends and the city and would like to go, even if it's only for a long weekend.
Music: I love, love, love live music and want to hear as much as possible in the coming year. If it includes travel that's a good thing. First up, I'm going to Savannah in 2-1/2 weeks to see Gregg Allman at the Johnny Mercer Theater. Maybe I'll go to the Limestone City Blues Festival or the Kitchener Blues Festival. Both are in August.
Event: This summer is the 100th Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede. I want to go. The last time I went to the Stampede was in July, 1978.
Creating and Learning: Back in the early 1980s I taught myself to make Pysanky. It's not easy and my eggs were okay but nowhere near as beautiful as the ones that Ukranian artists make. I'd love to get back to it and take classes on how to make them better. The city of Vegreville, Alberta is the home of the world's largest Ukranian Easter egg and I'm guessing that I could find a couple of classes there. It would be worth the 4-hour (approximate) drive. I could count this in the Travel category, too.
Reading: The number of books that I want to read is growing. I want to make a dent in the list, including Laurie King's books about Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell, also a number of biographies
Organizing: Will I ever get my music files and photographs organized? I hope so.

It'll be intersting to see what I've completed by December 31st, 2012.

Rhythm's Word Search

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a little word seach puzzle, created for your enjoyment. If you like it, let me know and there will be more puzzles in the future.

To print a copy, and I hope this works, highlight the puzzle and the clue words under it, copy the selection to your clipboard and then paste it into a Word document (or a similar program). If you have a better solution, please post it in the comments. If you can't get this method to work, or if the puzzle doesn't display properly in your browser, email me [ joanne at jconklin dot com ] and I'll send you a .pdf of the puzzle. It may take me a few hours or a day to get back to you, but I will. Enjoy!

RHYTHM OF THE NEEDLES

S H B I N D O F F M G Y L X L C U F J K X H W

B I Y P Y B R A Y D O N N W N E E D L E S N A

O T M A K E O N E V E C P E A V V A E X F O S

H K O I T W W J Z B B B T T V H C A J Q Q T G

U M D P U L L O V E R U C T O P S A R M S S I

S R E T A E W S J X N O A A E Z O I M T N A J

D H N Y X I R A T I U G L L O S F S S S O C E

U I V D R P W O Y U N Y G P R D S R H O T C D

N A E Q D J A Z V I S X A A F G H A N D T O O

Z A R R G E D H T Z X N R C B R A T F O U X U

W U G P M N H T S X K S Y A Q D V N N Y B C B

R I W I N U I S O C K S W A F Y W I G I M T L

A R S F D N S H I X H X T C Q U P Y A E G U E

X B F E K R O I C N E V E E L S V G R N K I P

D M Q Z U X A S C A I P T V P A K I I T N V O

Y E V X N Q X C S X E F R D A M N R H I R I I

U X T F P G I F P P Y T X O M O E K L Z V Q N

R T G S C F Y N G X T N H X J G D L R U P X T

H S N V R G J M H I H S M M N E F I H A X S E

J S E I R O S S E C C A W I M V C S Y P P N D

N R A Y D F W W P P E W F B H Z K T T Z N Y Z

R P P F L G O L B D W T T W A O Q D H K C A B

H T N O R F S W W U L K V B L T H P M B L T W

ACCESSORIES	FASSETT	PULLOVER
AFGHAN	FINGERING	PURL
ALPACA	FINISHED	QIVIUT
BACK	FRONT	RHYTHM
BIND OFF	GUITAR	SHAWL
BLOG	INTARSIA	SILK
BOHUS	JIGSAW	SLEEVE
BRAYDON	KNITTING	SOCKS
BUTTONS	MAKE ONE	SWEATER
CALGARY	MERINO	TEACHING
CARDIGAN	MUSIC	TECHNIQUES
CAST ON	NEEDLES	TRAVEL
DENVER	PROJECT	WORSTED
DOUBLEPOINTED	PSSO	YARN

2012 Already?

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? I'm still waiting for the problems associated with the new millenium to happen. Gee, that was a fast decade +.

To my knitting friends:

No matter who you are or where you are visiting from, I would like to wish you a very happy and healthy 2012.

Dreamz Needles

2011-12-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

I decided to buy myself a Christmas present. I got two sets of Knitter's Pride Dreamz needles: the 10" straights and the double-pointed set.

I love these needles. To me they are that link between metal needles and the bamboo wooden needles. They are hard, made of birch, and highly lacquered so that they are slippery, but not too slippery.

My preferred method of knitting is to use straight needles. It's what I learned on and grew up with. Don't get me wrong. I'm not adverse to circulars. I do like them for circular knitting and for extra long projects.

The set of straight needles ranges in size from US 2.5 (3.0 mm) to 11 (8.0 mm). I found that there were some gaps in the range of sizes in the set, however. There was no US 10.5 (7.0 mm), for example. This doesn't bother me as I rarely use that size anyway. If I need it in the future, I'll order it then.

Another size that's missing is one that I do use often: US 3 (3.25 mm). There were two extra loops in the case, on either side of the needles on the right. I shifted the needles around so that the empty loops were now on the left side, right where the size 3 (3.25 mm) needles would go, and then I ordered that size and will add them to the case.

To my mind the double-pointed needles are as close to perfection as I've seen so far. They are 6" long, which I like, and the sharpness of the points is just right. This set ranges in size from US 0 (2.0 mm) to 3 (3.25 mm) and includes those pesky sizes that don't always translate from mm to US: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2.5 (3.0 mm). I make most of my socks on US 0 (2.0 mm) needles, so I ordered 2 extra sets of that size. They are already in use. I also added one more set of dps: US 4 (3.5 mm). Those are pictured in the middle, the loose needles.

I really like the fact that every size is a different color. It makes it very easy to sort your needles and to choose the ones you need without the need to pull out the needle sizer. The writing on the needles is tiny and hard to see. Also, the colors are consistent. The straight size 3 mm needles are yellow (they call it "yellow topaz"), for example, in both the straight sets and the dps. I'm sure that's true with the Dreamz circulars as well. I haven't tried the circs but I hear good things about them.

Now, I would like to find the perfect needle case to hold dps. I've looked but nothing has caught my eye and I tend to be a bit particular. I wish there was a lovely soft leather case that would hold everything. Wouldn't that be nice?

I was so good to me this year!!

HBC - Finished

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to coral an almost-2-year-old and get him to (1) stand still, (2) show off a sweater so that you can see all the angles and (3) smile all at the same time! This completes my list of Christmas projects for 2011.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: I used a shawl collar sweater pattern from Sirdar as the template and added the signature stripes of the Hudson Bay Company, a Canadian institution. The entire body of the sweater was done in stocking stitch instead of with the double moss stitch on the top part. I added 6 little wooden buttons.

Size: 2-3

Needles: 3.0 & 3.75 mm / US #2.5 & 5

Yarn: Plymouth Encore D.K.

75% acrylic, 25% wool

Main Color: Cream #256

Contrasting Colors: Black #217

Red #1386

Yellow #1382

Green #54

New Project

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Since I've been good about finishing projects lately I feel that I can cast on for a new one with a clear conscience. I'm starting a new pattern from a new book just about to be released. Here's a hint:

Intrigued?

You'll want to come back here on Saturday, January 7th as the author/designer will be visiting. There will be giveaways of her book, too.

I have one more finished Christmas project to blog about, probably tomorrow.

Bread Basket Liner #2

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

I finished up another bread basket liner. This second one was a Christmas gift for my son-in-law's parents. The details are the same as the first one, click here.

I didn't have any bread handy for the picture so project is doubling as a pine cone basket liner. So versatile!

The bread basket is really nice. It has a clay tree of life warmer that you can heat up in the oven and place in the basket to keep the bread or buns warm. I think I should order one for myself when they are back in stock.

I think I have enough yarn left on the cone for one more liner. I'm adding it to my queue. My very long queue.

Effortless Is Finished

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter loves her new Christmas sweater, the Effortless Cardigan. I am quite sure that it's going to drape more casually as it's worn and washed. It's only had a brief blocking so far due to lack of time. The sleeves are longer than what the pattern suggested. This was at Jessica's request.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Effortless Cardigan

Size: Small

(Second size listed)

Needles: US #7/4.5 mm

Yarn: Tosh DK - 5 skeins

Color - gossamer

Note: Originally Jessica wanted the color which was on the sample sweater in the picture. The name of the color is gossamer and to both of us it appeared to be blue/gray. However, on receiving the yarn we could see that it was definitely beige with a hint of pink. Fortunately Jessica liked the new color, too. The pattern is well-written and it an easy knit.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T00:40:00.002-07:00

Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or it's just a Sunday... I hope that you have a very happy and healthy holiday season.

Another Mini Stocking

2011-12-24T00:24:00.000-07:00

I managed to complete one more little project before Christmas. I was hoping to have the time to do it but wasn't confident that I would. The details for this mini-stocking is the same as one I did earlier for my Mom, click here. This one was hung on my daughter and son-in-law's tree and there is a (hopefully winning) lottery ticket in it.

I just realized, after posting about this stocking, that I forgot to sew the decorative little button at the base of the hanger. I'll add it later on.

Christmas Knitting

2011-12-23T01:08:00.002-07:00

Two days until Christmas and my knitting projects are finished, well, almost. I'll post pictures and details after the presents have been opened.

I like the way those percentage bars look with those 100s and a 99. Now, I can get back on track with my Rule of Four, except that I'm going to revise it for 2012. From now on it's the Rule of Four Plus Socks. I always have a sock on the needles. It's my carry-along project so I'm not going to count it and give it a slot in the lineup.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Click here if you want to join Ten on Tuesday, a blog ring created by Carole Knits

Music Monday - Christmas Edition

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Love the song. Love the group. Enjoy!

That Pesky Deadline

2011-12-18T08:31:00.001-07:00

On Thursday I had the back of the HBC sweater for Braydon done but I was contemplating ripping back and re-knitting the top part in stocking stitch. I decided to do this. Thank goodness this sweater is only a size 2-3 and that the yarn is DK weight as it makes for quick knitting. All the pieces are now knitted and today I'll be blocking and sewing them together. That will just leave the bands and collar to knit and the buttons to attach.

However, that's not the end of my Christmas knitting. I still have to block the Effortless cardigan for my daughter. I have one more bread basket liner to knit and Jessica "hinted" that she'd like one of those small Christmas stockings for her tree.

I should have pictures to show you soon but, for now, I need to knit. It's also a good chance for me to get caught up on episodes of EastEnders. I want to get up to date as things always go crazy on Albert Square at Christmas!

Hudson's Bay Company Cardigan

2011-12-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

First up: my daughter is banned from my blog until after Christmas, so Jessica, if you're reading this, close your browser!

With just over a week left until Christmas I've got some serious knitting to do. I'm a little further behind than I'd like to be right now. I thought I'd knit more when I was in Kingston but time has a way of slipping by. Maybe now that I'm home I can pick up speed.

I'm working on a stealth/Christmas sweater for my Grandson. I posted the colors in my last blog entry. If you're familiar with the Hudson's Bay Company then you'll be familiar with the colors. You can see them behind their logo. The company is a Canadian institution and has been around since 1670.

The stripes are instantly recognizable on blankets and heavy sweaters. I decided to make Braydon a cardigan with a shawl collar in the HBC style, size 2-3.

I found this Sirdar pattern on Patternfish to use as a template. This little sweater is cute and very masculine, in my opinion. I've knitted the back of the sweater using the striped design. I have the rest of the sweater to finish, so I'm off to knit. Time is short and I still have another gift to make after this one.

Unblocked

Since writing this post I've been having serious doubts about whether or not to do the upper body in double moss stitch as it is in the pattern. It's cute on the sweater pattern but I think it would be more traditional in an HBC sweater to stick to stocking stitch. I'll think about it a bit more (but not too long) and make a decision.

Hi from Kingston, Ontario

2011-12-11T16:55:00.001-07:00

I'm here visiting my Mom. I'll also be doing some Christmas knitting.

One of the nice things about moving to Calgary is getting a chance to spend time with my grandson. That includes being able to see him, in person, wear sweaters that I've made for him. Here he is in his blue cabled sweater. I blogged about it earlier, here and here. I was living in Denver when I mailed it to him.

Now that I'm on vacation for a few days I'll be working on a stealth project: a new sweater for Braydon, a Christmas present.

The colors are off a bit. The one in the middle is red and that's black yarn at the top. It's Plymouth Encore DK, a practical yarn for an active little boy. Now, can I knit the sweater in time for Christmas? I hope so.

Re-finished Object #2

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

I wasn't happy with the look of my shamrock coaster. To my eye it looked unfinished and needed to be squared up some. I decided to add an attached I-cord border and reblock and I think it looks better (photographed while still wet):

For more information about working an attached I-cord, click here.

Here's an explanation on how to turn a corner with an attached I-cord, click here.

Eye Candy Friday - Santa Edition

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

My grandson, Braydon, (22 months old) visited Santa yesterday. Obviously he wasn't impressed. This picture cracks me up!

Jigsaw Afghan - Halfway

2011-12-08T10:38:00.001-07:00

Until my Christmas knitting is finished I'm knitting only one block a day on my Jigsaw afghan. I've just passed the halfway point, not counting the border. The turquoise block at the top is the middle square. I love seeing the puzzle pieces forming.

Just a reminder that the pattern and a knitalong group for the afghan can be found on Ravelry.

Speaking of Christmas, I finished another one of the projects. I'm going to block it today and will be posting the details and pictures in the next day or two. Maybe I'll finish my Christmas knitting in time. There's hope!

Re-Finished Object

2011-12-07T11:54:00.001-07:00

I'm the first to admit that my skill with the mattress stitch could use some work, at least when seaming fairisle.

I posted that my tiny Christmas stocking ornament was finished but, in truth, I wasn't all that pleased with it. The mattress stitch was not tidy enough for my liking so I took it out and tried again, using the back stitch. I was even more unhappy with the results. Since I really wanted to give this stocking as a gift I was particularly determined to be proud of it. So, I rethought and reknit.

This time I knit in the round = no seam except for the back of the heel. I used the mattress stitch there and it looks fine. The snowflake design is now centered on each side of the mini stocking. When I seamed with the back stitch it was not.

I hadn't added a button to the first stocking as I hadn't found buttons to my liking. On a visit to Fabricland I found little silver-y/pewter-y buttons that, in my opinion, are perfect.

I tossed the first incarnation of the stocking in the garbage. Now that I've got the stocking that I'm happy with I've had a request for another. I like making these stockings very much and I have a feeling that I'll be knitting more than just one more in time, maybe even for myself!

Denver

2011-12-06T13:29:00.002-07:00

Watching the flashmob at Denver International Airport makes me feel a bit "homesick". Enjoy, no matter where you are.

Itty Bitty Christmas Stocking

2011-12-04T10:19:00.020-07:00

Over the years my parents put up two Christmas trees. One was the normal tree with the usual type of ornaments. The other was my Mom's "Funny Tree". It was a small tree that sat on a table top. She called it her Funny Tree because she put small, unusual ornaments on it...anything that caught her eye. I tried to come up with one new ornament each Christmas. In Germany I found a tiny wooden nativity scene that was only about 2" tall. She had a beautiful silver angel from Mexico. There was also a little plastic Snoopy with his tongue stuck out. For me, this was the tree that I liked best. This year I decided to knit a small Christmas stocking.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Mini Christmas Stocking

a free pattern from Little Cotton Rabbits

Size: 4" from top to toe, not including the loop for hanging

Needles: US #1.5 / 2.5 mm

Yarn: Sandnesgarn Lanett

#4128 cardinal

#1001 white

(a few yards of each)

Note: A quick and fun pattern, well-written and easy to follow.

RANT: If you notice that the line spacing is weird on any blog posts I have Blogger to thank. Lately it's been a battle to make the lines stay put. Sometimes an extra line shows up, sometimes line breaks disappear. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when or why this happens and it's certainly taking the fun out of blogging. If anyone has a solution, (this problem is sooooo frustrating) I'd love to hear from you. Thanks. joanne @ jconklin . com

Shamrock Coaster

2011-11-29T11:52:00.001-07:00

I decided to do a quick stocking stuffer for my Mom for Christmas: a shamrock coaster. It only took a couple of hours at the most. Given her Irish heritage I'm sure that she'll like it and that it will come in handy. I'm calling this project finished but I'm thinking about adding a border, maybe an attached I-cord, to help square up the coaster and smooth out the edges..

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Small Shamrock Cloth

a free pattern by Kris Patay

Size: 6" square

Needles: US #3/3.25 mm

Yarn: Hemp For Knitting - Hempton

Color #67 - Sage Green

DK Weight

40% Cotton

30% Rayon

30% Hemp

~ 1/3 of the ball was used

Hey Kids....

2011-11-27T16:46:00.001-07:00

....let's all go to Hooter's for dinner!

Calgary, November 26, 2011

Baby Booties for Jamie & Amanda

2011-11-25T09:15:00.006-07:00

Jamie and Amanda, friends of my daughter and son-in-law, are expecting their second baby in about 2 weeks. It's a boy. I wanted to make a small baby gift for them and Christine's Stay-On baby booties was the ideal pattern. My daughter loved the pair she received when her son was born, thanks to my friend, Sheila.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Christine's Stay On Baby-Booties

by Christine Bourquin

Free pattern, click here.

Made for: Jamie and Amanda's baby due Dec. 12, 2011

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

Fingering weight

Color #340059 Teal

Color #340100 Off-white

(less than a ball of each color)

Plus about 5 yards of pale blue Sandnesgarn Lanett

Needles: US #1/2.25mm

Notes: After the foot was finished I did the following:

Knit 3 rounds in teal.

Worked eyelet round for the shoelaces.

Knit 2 rounds in teal.

Knit 1 round in off-white.

Worked 2x2 ribbing in white for 22 rounds.

Purl 1 round in baby blue.

Work 1 round, 2x2 ribbing in baby blue.

Purl 1 round in off-white.

Work 2 rounds in 2x2 ribbing in off-white.

Cast off loosely in ribbing.

The ribbing is folded in half to create a cuff.

Shoelaces: 2-stitch I-cord for 16 inches.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:00:00.003-07:00

Knit-in

2011-11-21T14:38:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I made my first trip to the Calgary Farmers' Market. I'll be back one day for lots of fresh veggies, meat and treats. This visit, however, was to join the knitalong in support for the Calgary branch of Inn From Cold.

I knew that I was at the right place when I saw the giant ball of yarn and the sign on the table:

They are in need of mittens, toques, socks, etc. I'll be knitting more things for them in the future, but for now I decided to make a quick scarf, my Wibble Wobble Scarf. I found an interesting yarn in the bargain bin at Gina Brown's. It's Adriafil Impulso Trends, an aran weight. I may have to go back and get a couple more skeins for a scarf for myself. I like the way it's turning out:

I had hoped to finish in time to turn it in at the knitalong. I'll drop it off the next time I go the market as the need for warm clothes, blankets and accessories is ongoing.

I had to smile when I saw this "rhythm of the needles" sign on one of the tables! Did you notice the misspelling?

Bread Basket Liner Finished

2011-11-19T00:58:00.005-07:00

I've finished the first bread basket liner. I bought a 650-yard cone from Louet online so I've got enough yarn to do at least one more. The bread basket liner was rather unappealing when I took it off the needles. It looked like a limp wrinkly rag but washing and blocking has transformed it.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Bread Basket Liner (Ravelry link)

by Kellelynne Hedberg Riley

Thistledown Design

Size: 17" square

Needles: US #4/3.5mm

double-pointed, then 24" circular

Yarn: Louet Euroflax Sportweight

Color #01 Champagne

Road Trip

2011-11-17T18:36:00.004-07:00

Today I decided to take a little road trip to the town of Okotoks, Alberta, a short distance south of Calgary. Fun word to say. Okotoks. It's a nice place with a view of the mountains. I did some sightseeing and ate some excellent homemade, greasy French fries, made just the way I like them at Mr. Spud Cafe. Of course, every trip requires a visit to a yarn store if there is one. I found Shuttleworks, Ltd. outside the city in a rural area where highways 2 and 2A meet.

The store is located in a large building attached to a house.

They cater to knitters, crocheters, but even more, to spinners and weavers. They have a lot of yarn from Brown Sheep, the only Brown Sheep yarn I've seen since arriving in Canada. I don't think that I saw this much variety in shops in Denver. I was good and resisted all yarns, but what tempted me the most were cones of Shetland-style 2-ply fingering yarn from Harrisville. I thought that the price of $23.00 for an 8-ounce cone was quite good. There were lots of books, needles, hooks and dyes.

There was lots of equipment for spinners. I don't know much about spinning but it appeared to me that there was quite a bit of variety. I saw some very fine gauge cottons that weavers would like.

All in all it was a nice shop and Okotoks is a pleasant, quiet little city.

More Red Socks

2011-11-14T00:00:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I wrote about the red socks that I finished. There was quite a bit of yarn left over so I did some math and worked out a pattern for a pair of toddler socks for my grandson - about a size 2. There was also enough yarn remaining for a couple of blocks for my sock yarn afghan. I can't wait to get back to that project.

Finishing the socks opens up a slot in my Rule of Four. Next from the queue is the bread basket liner that I read about on the Rainey Sisters' blog. I get many (too many!!) ideas from reading it.

I'm also working on a quick scarf for charity but I'm not counting it in my Rule of Four as it's only going to take a couple of days.

New Red Socks

2011-11-13T14:54:00.009-07:00

The red socks that I originally planned to knit for my Project Spectrum project are finished. I had to give up on Project Spectrum this year as life got in the way. I hope that there will be another round next year as I really enjoy it. It's good to have these socks completed. I gave them to my daughter who likes them a lot.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Generic -

stocking stitch legs and feet, short row heel, 2 x 2 ribbing, top down

Size: Ladies Medium

Made for: Daughter, Jessica

Yarn: Regia 4-ply Line Steps

Color #5372, reds

Needles: US #0/2.0 mm

But wait, there's more.... come back tomorrow to see what else I made!

Knit In for "Inn From the Cold"

2011-11-12T11:12:00.002-07:00

Calgary Farmers’ Market is hosting a Knit In for Inn from the Cold.

We have heard many predictions of this winter to be a long and cold one. So in preparation for this The Calgary Farmers’ Market and Original Linda’s Knits (couldn't find a link) are hosting a Knit In for Inn from the Cold. This event will bring together knitters of all ages and levels to help create hats, scarves and mittens for those in need. We believe everyone deserves to stay warm and we hope you will join us to help this great cause.

Knit In for Inn from the Cold
Sunday November 20th from 10am -2pm
Location: Large table in between The Cherry Pit and The Saskatoon Farm.

You can come for any length of time between 10am – 2pm. The Calgary Farmers’ Market will provide $10 in Market Bucks to each participant. The Knit in Participants will be knitting items like socks, scarves, hats and mittens to be donated to Inn from the Cold. You can bring your own yarn and needles but we will also have donated yarn.

We look forward to seeing you and ask that you RSVP so we can gauge attendance numbers. Please RSVP to Amanda at amanda@calgaryfarmersmarket.ca

Remembrance / Veterans' Day

2011-11-11T00:48:00.000-07:00

Lest We Forget

A Murmuration of Starlings

2011-11-08T11:14:00.003-07:00

I just learned a new word today: murmuration. This amazing video is captivating, just draws you in, especially if you watch it in full screen mode. Enjoy a couple of minutes of relaxation.

Effortless - Halfway

2011-11-05T16:41:00.002-06:00

Over the past few days I've been working on the Effortless Cardigan. The pattern is well-written and the knitting is, well, effortless! I'm halfway finished, at least I'd better be halfway. I've used half the yarn. If I'm not halfway then I'm in trouble!

I like the Tosh DK yarn. My hands are loving the softness. I've read on various blogs and on Ravelry that sometimes there is a wide difference in color between skeins of the same dye lot. However, so far at least, I'm not finding that with this color. Maybe it's because gossamer is a lighter color. Having said that, I hope that the remaining three skeins are as consistent as the first three.

I just need to finish 2 more inches of ribbing at the bottom, the two sleeves and the ribbing along the front edges and neck.

Do Not Disturb Room

2011-11-02T11:59:00.002-06:00

If you ever find yourself in Brighton, UK, and you're missing your home with its massive yarn stash all around you, you might think about checking in to the Hotel Pelirocco. To call this place "funky" is an understatement. Each room has a theme and the newest one is a single room called the "Do Not Disturb Room".

The room is entirely decorated in knit and crochet items, right down to the bacon, eggs and toothpaste:

I don't know how often the room gets rented out but the owner could probably charge admission just to view it and could make a profit!

I learned about this place from the Wool-Tyme (Kingston, Ontario) newsletter. You can see more pictures and read more about it in British newspapers, click here or here.

Hallowe'en 2011

2011-10-31T22:29:00.014-06:00

Happy Hallowe'en from me and my 21-month-old-grandson, Braydon (aka Elmo).

At first Braydon wanted nothing to do with his Elmo costume but was okay with it once he got it on.

He wasn't sure what all this Hallowe'en stuff was about. However, once he realized that people were putting things into his little bucket, he was anxious to visit every door. He's not interested in the candy (unlike his grandma!) but liked all the little packages he received.

Braydon had fun visiting the houses in his neighborhood with his Mom, Jessica and Dad, Drew (behind the camera). Grandma handed out candy at the house.

"Look for me again next year."

In Memory of Duane Allman...

2011-10-29T22:47:00.005-06:00

...who died 40 years ago today. Thank goodness for the music we have, and, oh, the music we have missed. Listen to this amazing performance at the Fillmore East in New York City when he was only 23 years old.

Jigsaw Afghan - 40%

2011-10-28T15:22:00.000-06:00

My Jigsaw Afghan is now approximately 40% complete. I've done 104 blocks of the 247, eight strips of the nineteen total. I'm very happy with the way it's turning out. The more I knit, the more of it looks like a jigsaw puzzle.

I'm setting it aside for a short while in favor of finishing a couple of small projects. The red socks have been waiting patiently for such a long time and I'd like to finish them. Then I can knit the bread basket liner that caught my eye on the Rainey Sisters' blog (yarn arrived in the mail yesterday!). Also, I want work on the Effortless Cardigan now that the battle with the swatch has ended.

The Jigsaw Afghan will not become a UFO (unfinished object), however. I get a rush from finishing projects and I'm looking forward to getting back to it, soon. I just have so many things that I want to knit (and the designing bug is hitting me again), but I also want to see the projects when they are completely done. Finishing can be as addictive for me as starting something new.

I'm Such A Lemming

2011-10-26T21:55:00.003-06:00

This is Stonechat:

This is also a Stonechat:

The former is the Malabrigo sock yarn that I'm going to be using to make the Rainey Sisters' Bijoux Beaded Gloves. The latter is a pretty African bird.

My friend, Sheila, is the enabler in this gloves project. She and I and Pam S. will be making the gloves. I have to admit that the gloves are lovely and I'm now living in a place where gloves are much more than a fashion statement. They are a downright necessity. I won't be starting immediately, but it would be nice to have them before it gets too cold.

I'll need to find a good source of beads. I've been all over the city checking out the local yarn shops. Now, I'll have to see what it has to offer in the way of beads, assuming, of course, that I decide to add the beads.

Oh, the list of projects continues to grow. I'm such a lemming, following my friends...and I wouldn't change it for the world!

Knitiffi

2011-10-25T09:56:00.002-06:00

I just found the website, Knitiffi, via Jean Moss' blog. Check out the yarn-bombed boat!

What a LOT of yarn and work.

Pudding Yarn

2011-10-24T00:00:00.002-06:00

I've now visited all the yarn stores in the Calgary area, all that I'm aware of at any rate. If I've missed any, please let me know. The latest one I visited was Pudding Yarn. I went there a few years ago on a visit to Calgary, so this was actually a re-visit.

The store is small, but obviously popular judging by the number of people who were shopping. There was much more yarn than I remembered from my first time there, filling the shelves and spilling out. A great deal of it is from my favorite company, Rowan. This alone gives me a great reason to visit again. Now I now where to go for my Rowan fix! One small ball (25 g) of Rowan Fine Tweed followed me home. It reminds me of some of Rowan's early yarns that I liked so much. This ball, a deep red color (#369, Bainbridge) is just for swatching. I have no doubt that one day I'll use this yarn for a project... in the distant future.

One of the things that I like about Canadian yarn stores is the availability of straight knitting needles. I prefer straights most of the time, depending on the project, of course.

Other than the small ball of yarn, one other item came home with me, a Peep Sheep rubber coaster from Herdy. Isn't it cute? Now tell me, how was I supposed to resist? It was difficult enough trying to decide on the color.

Non Compus Mentus

2011-10-23T06:55:00.003-06:00

An update to the update:

The swatches have relaxed overnight, more than I have, I might add. The last swatch on size 6 needles is too small. The one on size 7s is now just about right. It's off by a hair. I need size 6.9 needles, I guess. I'm going to go forward today and cast on with the 7s. Let's hope that the knitting gods are with me!

TGIS

2011-10-22T15:27:00.004-06:00

I'm a little baffled about the yarn for the Effortless Cardigan. The suggested yarn is Tosh DK. DK knits up to around 5.5 stitches/inch on US 6 needles. However, the pattern gauge is 19 sts = 4 inches on size 9 needles. Normally you would get that gauge with a worsted yarn on size 7 or 8 needles.

Something just didn't compute.

I was doubtful, but decided to make the swatch with the pattern suggestions and see what I'd get. I didn't even measure my swatch, nor did I finish it. I'd only done a little and it was obvious that it was going to be much bigger than 4 inches, and the fabric was very loose and unappealing.

On the pattern page the suggestion is made to use a worsted weight yarn if you are substituing.

My next guage swatch was done on size 8s, which was still too loose and big. Then I tried size 7 and it appeared to be right, that is, until I washed it. - a gentle soaking in Euclan. As you can see, my swatch grew and it's still too large. The resulting fabric is improving, however.

So, three swatches have been made. Now, onto swatch number four on size 6 needles. I wonder if it will be the last one or will I have to go on to try size 5s?

Updated later in the day: It looks like I'll be using size 6 needles. The swatch tells me that it's the right choice. I hope so. Swatches are notorious liars!

One other thing. I know that monitors show colors differently, but I'm guessing that almost every one will show my swatch as beige, with perhaps a hint of a pink tone. The shade is "gossamer". Apparently the picture of the sweater on the pattern is gossamer. It looks blue/gray to me. I wrote to the people at Madeline Tosh and they said that gossamer is beige. Again, something seems a bit off, but the gossamer I received is nice, so I won't complain. It just leaves me a bit curious.

TGIS = Thank Goodness I Swatched!

Eye Candy Friday

2011-10-21T00:00:00.005-06:00

Last weekend we went to the Calgary corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch. My 20-month old grandson, Braydon, had a good time. Here he is becoming acquainted with a sheep. He already says "Grandma knit". Is he getting a good education or what?

I wonder if he wants to learn to knit someday? If he does, I know just the person who can teach him!

The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook

2011-10-19T22:38:00.009-06:00

I'm indebted to Deb Robson for two very special reasons. First, she introduced me to the music of Playing For Change. I've been to two of their concerts and bought the CDs and DVDs. Playing For Change is now a favorite and I hope to be seeing them again before long. You can see more about the group if you check out my blog post of October 13th.

Now, I'm reading the book, The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook that she wrote with Carol Ekarius. I followed Deb's blog and Tweets, reading about all the testing of the various fibers. It sounded like a great deal of work. Now, in my hands, I have the result of that hard work and I'm totally blown away.

I'm not a spinner and I know very little about where my yarn comes from. I get my yarn in a store all nicely prepared and labelled, ready for knitting. I know that merino yarn is soft, that qiviut comes from the muskox and some of it's fabulous qualities. However, now I'm learning so much more. I've never seen a book quite like this one. I'd say that this book is a textbook, educating the reader about the fibers of animals such as sheep, goats, bison, yaks and so much more. But, textbooks are generally rather dry and boring and this one is definitely not boring. There are loads of pictures of the animal, the fleece in its raw and cleaned state, the yarn and a sample of what it looks like when it's been woven and/or knitted.

As a person who likes geography I like the maps inside the front and back covers and that the various animals are sorted into regions. I'd never heard of an ouessant before and now I know where it comes from, what it looks like and about its fleece.

I'm enjoying my education. I'm so glad that the ladies wrote this book and that it's now an essential part of my knitting library. This is the go-to book if I want to know about a specific breed. I now have a much better appreciation for the yarns in my stash.
sThanks Deb and Carol.

Rule of Four - 10/2011

2011-10-18T00:00:00.005-06:00

Here is my Rule of Four, which I've mentioned before.

I can only work on four knitting projects at a time, no matter how many I want to knit or how many are in my stash.
In order to move onto a new project I have to finish one of the four, opening up a slot.

Sometimes I fall off the Rules bandwagon, but currently I'm being good about it.

My current projects are:

Red socks: These were started some months ago and meant to be part of Project Spectrum. However, because of my move and other distractions I set them aside. One sock is finished and the cuff of the second one is done. I plan to finish these as quickly as possible to open up a needed slot for a stealth project. The yarn is Schachenmayr Nomotta Regia Line Steps Color #5372.

Jigsaw Afghan: I made this pattern, inspired by a quilt that I saw online. I thought that others might like to join me and knit along so I started a group on Ravelry. There are approximately (it varies day to day) 168 people who joined the group and I'm looking forward to seeing other's versions of this blanket. My plan is to have it done within the next month, again to make room for another project. This is my main focus at the moment.

Damson Shawl: I started this beautiful shawl by Ysolda Teague approximately a month ago and set it aside because I'm hosting the Jigsaw Puzzle afghan knitalong. The yarn, Madeline Tosh Merino Light, was given to me by a good friend. I'm looking forward to returning to it.

Effortless Cardigan: This was originally going to be a Christmas gift for my daughter, Jessica. She saw a similar sweater in a store but had issues with the color and size. It was very similar to the Effortless Cardigan by Hannah Fettig and she said that she'd liked it when I showed her the picture. The yarn, again by Madeline Tosh (Tosh DK) was ordered and has arrived and one ball has been wound into a ball. I had planned to knit the swatch last weekend, but again, there's that Jigsaw Afghan project distracting me. Now that she knows about the sweater it's no longer a Christmas gift. I'll give it to her when it's ready and hopefully that won't take too long.

The Knitting Room

2011-10-17T20:33:00.006-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I visited one more yarn shop, The Knitting Room. I think that I've now been to all the local stores. Of course, I'll have to revisit Pudding as it's been a few years since I've been there.

As you can see, The Knitting Room is a very well-stocked shop. I was greeted by the charming manager, Marnie, whose love of knitting was obvious.

My only problem with the shop was finding it. I put the address into my GPS and headed out. The voice told me that I'd reached my destination but I was in the middle of a highway. The store is actually a little bit away from the highway, closer to Varsity Estates than Crowchild Trail.

I was very taken with the pullover that you can see on the wall (below), the off-white one with the circular yoke. Since I have so many projects planned already I resisted the temptation to buy the yarn. I did, however, buy the pattern, Turia, knit in Berroco Lindsey yarn. If I ever make the sweater, I'll lengthen the sleeves.

With all of these excellent stores in Calgary, Cochrane and Canmore, I'll be well-supplied for the future, and well-tempted, without a doubt.

Jigsaw Afghan - The Border

2011-10-15T00:00:00.006-06:00

This is the method I plan to use for my border. You will also need 4 stitch markers. One of them should be distinctively different from the other three.

If you cast on/started with 40 stitches for each of your squares, pick up and knit 20 stitches along each of your blocks starting on one of the short sides of the afghan. If you started with a different number, then use half of that number.

I will be picking up 20 stitches along the edge of each block. There are 13 blocks. Therefore, I am picking up 260 stitches total along the short edge. Place a marker.

Now, pick up and knit along the long edge: 20 stitches x 19 blocks equals 380 stitches. Place a marker.

Pick up and knit 260 stitches along the remaining short edge. Place a marker.

Pick up and knit 380 stitches along the remaining long ege. Place the marker that is distinctively different here. This is the beginning/end of your round.

Total: 1280 stitches. Yes, I know. It's a lot of stitches. I'm okay with that.

Proceed:

Round 1: M1R (make 1 stitch leaning to the right) http://youtu.be/IlPQBhZ31B4, then knit to the marker, M1L (make 1 stitch learning to the left). Slip the marker. Repeat to end of the round.

Round 2: Purl all the stitches, slipping the marker when you come to it.

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until the border is the width you'd like. End with a Round 1. Bind off loosely. You can bind off in knit or purl, your choice.

If you'd like your garter stitch border to be striped, change colors whenever you like, but always on Round 1.

When it comes to the border, you have lots of options. Here are just a few other suggestions:

I-cord: http://youtu.be/jcGj6tpqeJA You can knit an I-cord and then sew it around the outside of the afghan, easing it around the corners.
Attached I-cord: http://youtu.be/H0PILVw6eO8 or http://www.purlbee.com/attached-i-cord-tutorial/ You can find other tutorials for I-cord and attached I-cord by searching online or in some knitting books.
You might like to add a lace border. Many designs can be found in stitch dictionaries. You can attach the border while you're knitting or knit it separately and sew it on.
If you know how to crochet, you can do a border using that method. I don't crochet but I understand that this method is quick and quite easy.
Some may like to add a fringe on one side, or all 4.
Look in books such as Nicky Epstein's book about borders for ideas.

Once you have finished the border weave in the yarn ends and you're finished!

Jigsaw Afghan - 3.5 rows

2011-10-14T13:46:00.003-06:00

I'm making progress on my Jigsaw afghan. Block 6 on the fourth strip is now on my needles. It's going pretty quickly and I'm weaving in the ends whenever I finish a square.

I'm using SandnesGarn Lanett which comes in a lot of colors. I have more colors in my stash to choose from, but colors will be repeated. So far I've used the following:

1. Light green #8913

2. Grey #1032

3. Royal blue #5836

4. Red #4119

5. Pale blue #5930

6. Teal #6855

7. Navy #5575

8. Orange #3309

9. Grape #4853

10. Black #1099

Now that I can see some of the puzzle pieces taking shape the afghan is becoming quite addictive.

Knitalong on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/jigsaw-afghan Why don't you join us?

Musical Interlude

2011-10-13T13:42:00.003-06:00

While I knit some blocks for the Jigsaw Afghan I'm listening to the Playing For Change CD. I love the reason that PFC was formed and the music. I've been lucky enough to see two of their performances and hope that I'll see them again before too long.

Enjoy the video. Peace.

Paul Smith Cardigan - Finished

2011-10-12T13:38:00.005-06:00

The Paul Smith cardigan is now finished and I can move onto my next sweater project, the Effortless Cardigan. My much more slender daughter, Jessica agreed to model the finished cardigan for me. It's too big on her as you can see, but she makes an excellent model. I haven't tried it on yet, but if the sleeves are too long, as they appear to be on her, then it's easy enough to fold them back. With 3 inches of ribbing on the cuffs it'll be fine.

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Free pattern from

Harper's Bazaar UK

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto 4-ply

Fingering Weight

Off-white 02, Black 03, Red 09, French navy 13, Moss green 14

Needles: 3.00mm & 3.25mm

Buttons: I found some nice buttons at Gina Brown's in Calgary. They are made by "Hello Beautiful Buttons" by Jones-Chu Designs. As I'm writing this there are no buttons listed on her website. I'm not sure if they are porcelain or stone. I suspect that they are made of porcelain.

Notes:

(1) I loved this yarn and plan to use it again. I'll be making something in maroon, a color which is now, unfortunately, discontinued.

(2) I followed most of the pattern as it was written, but I should have listened to my inner critic and changed the decreases at the neckline. The way the pattern had you do the shaping meant that there were large holes, which I carefully closed after the sweater was finished. I trusted the pattern since the rest of it was good. I should have trusted my instincts. I would make the top of the sleeves a bit less gathered as well.

(3) The buttonholes, as written, are fine when worked on the ribbed sections. However, they didn't look tidy on the stocking stitch part of the sweater, so I made a change: I purled to the last 6 stitches, p2tog, yarn round needle, purl to the end.

(4) There really aren't buttonhole and button bands but only a 2-stitch border on each side. This isn't enough to make the edges lie flat. I'm going to try to block the sweater again and keep my fingers crossed that the edges will be less curled under.

(5) I don't normally like a 3-inch ribbing on my sweaters but I did it on this one, just to have more variety in my wardrobe.

Update: I just tried on the sweater and the sleeves are much too long, but it looks okay with the cuffs turned up. I'm not fond of the bit of gathering on at the top of the sleeves, but I don't hate it. All in all, it's an acceptable cardigan and will get lots of wear. Wearing it, it feels very good. I don't think I'll be using this pattern again in the future, however, but I will use this yarn.

Wibble Wobble Scarf

2011-10-11T21:49:00.006-06:00

I used to have a free scarf pattern on Ravelry, but I forgot about it. This was years ago and I changed websites over time and the pattern was no longer accessible. I thought I'd post it here, just in case you need a quick-knit project or something warm for the coming months. The link on Ravelry brings you to the page you are on now. I particularly like the version that my friend, Steve, made: Ravelry link.

WIBBLE WOBBLE SCARF

Yarn: Any heavy worsted or bulky. The original was knit using Teseo yarn by Cascade: Fiber: 53% Wool/47% Micro Fiber. Yardage: 50gram ball = 98 yards. I think it's been discontinued, but any heavy yarn will work. Approximately 196 yards for short scarf, 294 yards for long scarf

Needles: US #10 / 6.00 mm

Gauge: 4 stitches =1 inch. Exact gauge is not important.

Hint: In order to be able to distinguish the right side of the scarf from the wrong side, attach a pin or thread to the right side.

Method: Loosely cast on 23 stitches, or any odd number of stitches.

Work 20 rows in garter stitch (every row is knit).

Work 13 rows as follows:

Right side – (knit 1, purl 1), repeat to last stitch, knit 1

Wrong side – (purl 1, knit 1), repeat to last stitch, purl 1.

Repeat the garter and ribbing sections to desired length, ending with a garter stitch section.

Bind off loosely. Weave in ends. Wear and enjoy!

Note: Pattern is for personal use only and is not to be sold. Scarf is not to be knit for resale.

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

2011-10-10T00:00:00.003-06:00

Jigsaw Afghan - Onward and Upward

2011-10-09T00:00:00.004-06:00

Okay, by now you may have your first strip of blocks completed = 13 blocks, and you're ready to start the second strip.

For the first block on the right hand side you will cast on 20 stitches. This is half of the total number that you need. (Your personal number may be different if you made adjustments).

Then, with right side facing, pick up and knit 20 stitches along the top of the first block, the swatch block.

Turn. With wrong side facing, slip first stitch purlwise, knit to the end of the row.

From here on you'll work the block the same as all the others.

Next block (strip 2, block 2): With right facing pick up and knit 20 stitches along left side of previous block and then 20 stitches across top of block below. Turn.

With wrong side facing slip first stitch purlwise, knit across the row. Turn.

Continue as with other blocks.

You know have the methods for all the blocks and can continue to the end of the nineteenth strip.

Weave in the ends. On October 15th we'll talk about the border.

For questions and discussions, please visit our Ravelry group. If you find errors in this post, please email me at: joanne @ jconklin . com (remove the spaces) so I can correct them.
I hope you're having fun!

Eye Candy Friday - The Ducks

2011-10-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

The ducks go marching one by one.... down to the pond.

Calgary Zoo, Saturday, September 24, 2011

They were totally oblivious to the people around them who stopped to watch and photograph the little procession.

Jigsaw Afghan - Color & Placement

2011-10-06T00:00:00.011-06:00

How did you make out with your swatch? Did you decide on your needle size, yarn and finished afghan size?

Now we get into the fun part, the knitting. Below is a schematic of the entire afghan. The dark lines are drawn around the various puzzle pieces. The pieces are also numbered to help you to know what color to knit for each block. For example, starting in the lower right-hand corner you'll see blocks #1. They will all be knit in the same color. In my case, these are green.

You can repeat the colors are often as you like. You can make #1 to be green, and #28 can also be green. The choice is totally yours. If you're going to plan your colors, you can print the schematic (it's a .jpg) and color it in. I'm doing mine randomly. I have lots of colors and will just pick whichever one appeals to me to knit next. Again, your choice. No rules!

Click to enlarge. Use your Back button to return here.

You already have your first square finished. Next up is another block in the same color (another #1).

Orient the square so that the middle decrease line goes diagonally from the lower right to the upper left:

With the right side facing pick up and knit 20 stitches on the left side of the first block. Note: I cast on 40 stitches for my first block (the swatch) and this is half of that number. If you cast on a different number of stitches, then you will be picking up half of your number.

Cast on 20 stitches (or half of your number). There are 40 stitches on the needle (your total number of stitches).

Turn. With the wrong side facing knit to the end of the row. Do not slip the first stitch on this row only.

From here on you'll be making the square the same way that you did the swatch.

*Good news* - When you have completed your block, and if the next block to be worked is the same color, DO NOT BIND OFF. Simply enlarge the loop (last stitch) and pass the entire ball of yarn through the loop and tighten. You're now ready to pick up the stitches and you'll have 2 fewer ends to weave in!

Work the entire first row of the afghan. Next up, on Sunday, I'll give you directions to continue onto the next row. Then, you'll be able to complete the entire afghan, except for the border.

Here's my first row:

Questions? Please go to the Ravelry group discussion board, click here. If you find any errors in this post, please email me: joanne @ jconklin . com (remove the spaces).

Jigsaw Afghan - The Swatch

2011-10-05T00:00:00.042-06:00

First I need to insert an appropriate swear word here. I wrote a long blog post and lost it. (*&^% Okay I feel better now.

First we will start off with a swatch, but don't worry, it's a small one and when you're happy with it you will have completed the first block of your afghan, lower right-hand corner.

YARN: You can use any yarn. I'm using fingering-weight (equal in thickness to sock yarn, baby yarn, Koigu, Knit Picks Palette, Shetland, etc.), SandnesGarn Lanett. I have a lot of it on hand and it comes in a wide range of colors, but you can use whatever you like. My final swatch was done on 2.75mm/US #2 needles.

You can also use heavier yarns such as sport, DK or worsted. If so, then you'll need to use larger needles. To find the appropriate size, refer to your yarn label. It's a good starting point.

SIZE: My swatch measured 2.75 inches square. The afghan is 13 squares in width and 19 squares in length. To figure out the finished size of the afghan I multiplied:

2.75 inches x 13 = 35.75 inches (width)

2.75 inches x 19 = 52.25 inches (length)

Add the width of the border to these numbers and you have the finished size of the afghan. This is the formula. Change the highlighted numbers to suit your swatch.

If you want a larger afghan there are several things you can do:

-- Using a slightly larger needle, e.g. 3.25mm, will make each square slightly larger. Just be sure that you are happy with the feel of the "fabric", that it's not too loose.

-- You can add more stitches as long as you start with an even number, and then follow the pattern as written.

-- You can use a heavier yarn. Just remember to use larger needles, ones that are appropriate to the yarn. The instructions for the swatch are the same no matter what thickness of yarn you decide on.

-- If you are feeling adventurous, why not get out your graph paper and draw more puzzle pieces? Use regular graph paper, not knitter's graph paper for this.  The puzzle piece blocks are square.

THE SWATCH:

These directions are what I used, but please, feel free to adjust them to whatever works for you. You'll need yarn, needles, stitch marker and a small safety pin or thread.

Abbreviations:

st(s) - stitch(es)
k - knit
sl - slip knitwise
psso - pass the slip stitch over the knit stitch
k2tog - knit 2 stitches together

*HINT*: I found it easiest to use short straight needles when working with so few stitches. I used 2 double-pointed needles and put a stopper on the end of each. Voilà, easy to manage 6-inch needles.

Loosely cast on 40 stitches.

Row 1 (right side): Slip first stitch purlwise, k17 (two sts before the center), sl 1, k1, psso, place marker, k2tog, knit to the end of the row.
Row 2 (wrong side): Slip first stitch purlwise, knit to the end of the row.
Row 3: Slip first stitch purlwise, knit to 2 sts before marker, sl 1, k1, psso, slip marker, k2tog, knit to the end of the row.

*HINT*: Put a pin or a thread on the front of the swatch (see picture) so that you can distinguish the right side from the wrong side.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until 6 stitches remain, ending with a wrong side row (Row 2).

Next row: Slip first stitch purlwise, sl 1, k1, psso, slip marker, k2tog, k1. (4 sts on needle)
Next row: Slip first stitch purlwise, knit to the end.
Next row: Sl 1, k1, psso, k2tog. (2 sts on needle)
Next row:  Slip first stitch purlwise, k1. (»Edited to add this row - see explanation below)
Next row: K2tog. Break yarn. Pass the tail of the yarn through the loop and tighten.

» Edit: This row was added to give you just a bit more room to pick up stitches along the edge when you get to second afghan strip and above. If you’ve already made squares without this added row, no problem. You can continue, going forward, adding them on your next blocks…no need to go back! This little addition is just to make things easier for you.

Do you like the feel of your swatch? Is it the size that you want? If so, then you've just completed your first block. Tomorrow we'll talk about color and placement, and we'll be making more blocks.

For questions and discussions, please visit our Ravelry group.  If you find errors in this post, please email me at:   joanne @ jconklin . com (remove the spaces) so I can correct them.

Swatch on!!

NKOTB and Vanilla Ice

2011-10-04T00:00:00.001-06:00

An update to those of you who have written to me about my New Kids on the Block sweater and Vanilla Ice sweater. I would reply to you personally but I either don't have your email address or it's on my desktop computer in storage (I'm still in the midst of my move from Colorado to Canada.

To answer the questions I've been asked:

I no longer have these sweaters or the patterns but I could probably recreate them reasonably well, given time. They wouldn't be exact copies but replicas of what I made around 20 years ago.
I could also be convinced to knit custom sweaters, but I have to tell you that it would not be an inexpensive endeavor. Even the fastest knitter, making a plain sweater, will take a couple of weeks to knit a garment. These sweaters would take longer due to the intricate color work. Then, too, there is the cost of the yarn.
I could also be open to the idea of making the pattern available to knitters, but it would take time. I need to get settled here in Calgary first. There would have to be a sizable market for these sweaters to make it worth my while in terms of the time I'd need to design the sweaters again and write up the pattern.

There is also the issue of copyright infringement. When I made the original sweaters I admit that I really wasn't aware of copyright. It wasn't something I knew about or thought about. I did make money by selling some of the sweaters but ended up losing when you think of the time involved to knit the pullovers.

I would need to know that I had permission from the New Kids on the Block and/or Vanilla Ice. I wouldn't know where to start with that. I'm now know about copyright laws and will honor them.

If you're still interested and it's something that would be good for both of us, and if the details can be worked out, then please email me.

It's been a blast to get your emails and revisiting the past has been such fun. I thank you for that. You people have "the right stuff"!!

The Knitter's Life List

2011-10-03T12:02:00.004-06:00

It's not often that I pick up a knitting-related book, skim through it, and then sit down to read it cover to cover. This was the case when The Knitter's Life List by Gwen W. Steege arrived in my mailbox last week. In the span of 2 days I had read it cover to cover, and will revisit it often.

This is a book that's different than any other I've seen and that's refreshing. It's not a book of patterns, although there are links to many. It's so much more.

Personally, I have a knitting life list. I want to travel and see the world, visiting yarn shops whenever I stop in a new area. I want to take classes with amazing teachers and learn as much about my obsession as I can. I keep attuned to the latest trends and find that my favorite projects tend to be more classic and will withstand the test of time. I'd like to learn more about what makes a pattern popular or timeless.

This book is going to aid me in all of these goals and pursuits. It will not be sitting on my bookshelf to be dusted off every now and then. I'll be using it as a reference, a checklist. Most of my knitting books are in perfect, like-new condition. I know that I'll be writing in this one, making notes and check marks as I see what I've already accomplished and what I might move on to next.

The topics are wide and varied. Take Chapter 4, "The Socks Life List", for example. It starts off with the list: who do you want to meet, or have already met? Charlene Schurch or Stephanie Pearl-McPhee for example? Next, what would you like to discover? Tweed socks yarns or the history of knitting. What do you want to try, learn, experience? Where do you want to go?

After the checklist are sections on techniques, secrets to sock success, tips, quotes from designers, a story about sock knitters during the war, yarns and needles, charity knitting, etc. All of this is just in the chapter about socks.

You'll also find chapters about yarn, know-how, sweaters, scarves & shawls, hats, gloves & mittens, bags, kids-knit, home dec as well as the fiber-lover's life list and a section on who's who in the community of knitting experts.

My own short list includes, in no particular order:

- Go to Meg Swanson's knitting camp and take a class from the lady herself.
- Visit places like Peru or the Baltic region and meet and learn from the local knitters.
- Teach at events such as Stitches or Madrona, somewhere in the UK, etc.
- Take classes from teachers such as Alice Starmore, Kaffe Fassett.
- Write a knitting book. Maybe I'll finish the Matilda the Bear stories and knitting patterns one day. Collect my patterns into a book, design more.
- Visit Rowan Mills in the UK. Take a class and meet in-house designers.
- Make a significant dent in my stash.

Well, that's a start. The bottom line about The Knitter's Life List is that it's a wonderful book. To say that I like it a lot is an understatement.

Jigsaw Knitalong

2011-10-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

The Jigsaw Afghan is now a knitalong on Ravelry. Join us, won't you?

http://www.ravelry.com/groups/jigsaw-afghan

Eye Candy Friday - Allman Edition

2011-09-30T00:00:00.007-06:00

The eye candy today isn't Gregg Allman, although he is good looking. What is appealing to me is the updated tour schedule.

Click to enlarge. Use your Back button to return here.

Going to a Gregg Allman concert and visiting Savannah, GA are two things near the top of my must-do list so this seems like an ideal combination. Add to that the fact that it's warm in Georgia in January and cold in Calgary and it's an easy decision. Tickets don't go on sale for three weeks. I hope I can get something close to the stage.

I still need to see the Allman Brothers Band. I'll keep watching the tour page and hopefully something will be scheduled before long.

Jigsaw Afghan - Gathering Yarns

2011-09-29T00:00:00.021-06:00

Beginning next Wednesday I'm going to start making a lap blanket based on a quilt pattern by Janet Wickell. You can find her free quilt pattern here.

(c) Janet Wickell

I'll post my knitting directions. It's going to be knit in mitered squares. I have quite a bit of fingering-weight yarn in all types, including sock yarns, baby yarns, shetland... I'm not sure which ones I'll use and I might pick up a couple of new colors between now and the start date. You can use any yarn: solid colors, variegated, some of each, brights, earth tones, pastels. The possibilities are endless. It's a great way to use up small amounts from your stash.

My afghan is going to be a small lap robe. Each block will be about 2-1/4 inches square (5.7 cm). If the blocks turn out to be a wee bit larger or smaller, that's okay. With this block size the lap robe will be 32.5 inches wide and 49.5 inches long (82.6 x 125.7 cm). Add to this the border, about 1 inch per side (2.5 cm), adjustable of course.

The graph is adapted from the picture, above, just a little fewer blocks. There will be 20 incomplete puzzle pieces and 15 complete ones for a total of 35 pieces. Knowing this will help you decide on colors. You can choose as many or as few as you like. You might want to include some black pieces that represent jigsaw pieces that haven't yet been placed into the puzzle.

I'm going to use size 2.5mm/US 1-1/2 needles. If you use a different yarn weight you'll need to adjust the needle size accordingly. More on that next week. On Wednesday we'll start with a swatch. Don't worry, it's a small one!

<---- If you're going to join me, here's a button for your blog.

Why not email me or leave a comment with your website address so that I can come and visit your blog and see your afghan. No two will be the same so it would be fun to check out yours!

Gina Brown's

2011-09-28T00:00:00.001-06:00

My tour through the yarn stores of Calgary and area continues. The latest one I visited is Gina Brown's located at 107, 5718 1A Street SW.

The outside is like many other shops in a strip mall, but inside...check this out! If a picture is worth a thousand words, here are 4,000 words for you to describe the store:

Gina Brown was the lady who opened the store 41 years ago. Obviously they are doing something right to stay in business for such a long time. Now it is owned by her daughter, the charming Diana. She and I had a very nice conversation. There is also another Gina Brown's located in Vancouver, owned by Diana's daughter, Gina's granddaughter, Kristina.

The shop is well-organized, complete with a large variety of yarns in all weights and colors, lots of patterns, needles, notions and accessories. There is an area near the front of the shop for those who are interested in needlepoint or smocking.

Some yarn followed me home - enough to make a sweater but it will be a stealth project for a while.

This store is across town but well worth the drive. I'll be back.

ps...to my friend, Barb B. There was an entire binder full of Cowichan sweater patterns like the ones we bought. I wasn't able to sit and browse as someone else had the binder. Now, I have an excuse to go back to Gina's, as if I needed an excuse!

I have one shop left to visit, The Knitting Room. I've heard good things about it and I'm looking forward to seeing it. I will also go back to Pudding Yarn as it's been years since I was there.

Ten On Tuesday 9.27.11

2011-09-27T00:00:00.020-06:00

Carole, from Carole Knits, emails a topic each Monday for Tuesday's blog posts. You can participate every week or occasionally. You can sign up here. This is my first Ten On Tuesday post, so let's see if I can come up ten answers (aside from all the obvious ones):

10 Things You Do Every Day

#1. Okay, the top of the list has to be knitting. It's right up there with breathing and eating. I wonder how many bloggers/knitters put that at the top of their list? If I don't knit at least a few stitches in a day, check my pulse! Add to that, thinking about designing, coming projects, yarns and the odd guilt feeling about the size of my stash!

#2. Watch the news. I need to know if there is trouble in the world. If the world is ending, I will need to knit faster to complete a few projects first.

#3. Email or talk to my friend in Georgia.

#4. Browse Ravelry. I like to see what friends are making, check out trends and often I end up trying to avoid temptations!

#5. Read. Currently I'm reading "Skydog" by Randy Poe. It's the life story of guitarist Duane Allman, a very talented musician who packed a lot of living into a very few years. In the same vein is...

#6. Listen to music. I like all kinds of music, except country.

#7. Nap. My idea of happy hour? Taking a nap! Z Z Z z z z z z z z .............

#8. Think about travelling to places all over the world, domestic and foreign. So much world. So little time.

#9. Okay, I'm running out of ideas other than eating, showering, brushing my teeth, etc. etc. etc. I'll continue on with things I do often: watch Jeopardy. I've been following the show since I was in high school. I often do well from the comfort of my couch but I know if I ever went on the show the categories would be: Chemistry, Medieval Battles, Men Named Thaddeus, Country Music (see #6), Ballet, Japanese Phrases and Places Beginning With X. I'd set a new record for the largest loss in Jeopardy history.

10. Blogging. I enjoy blogging and try to post something almost everyday. I also like to check other's blogs, but I often fall behind.

Qiviut on the Hoof

2011-09-26T10:17:00.004-06:00

On Saturday I went to the Calgary Zoo. It's been decades since I visited a zoo. The last time was in Basel, Switzerland in the early 1990s. It was very enjoyable, especially with a 20-month-old toddler who is fascinated with the animals. I paid for a membership and I'll be back from time to time, so there was no need to see everything in one day. For this visit I wanted to see the Canadian Wildlife section.

It was amazing to be so close to grizzly bears, moose and more.

Grizzly bear, above. Moose, below. Scroll down to see the muskox!

However, my goal was to see another animal from Canada, from the high Arctic, one I've never laid eyes on before: the muskox. How can a knitter resist seeing the animal that gives us such wonderful yarn, qiviut, made from the undercoat of the muskox. And so, there they were, basking in the warm sunshine. I wonder if they were missing the cold of the northern tundra.

I've been lucky enough to knit with qiviut quite a bit in the past. I've made scarves and a cowl. It's a wonderful, soft yarn, often referred to as "cashmere of the north". It is hypoallergenic, eight times warmer than wool, doesn't shrink or shed, odorless, durable, and rare. The current retail price is $90/oz!!

I still want to go to Alaska and the Arctic and learn more, but for now, one more thing has been checked off my knitter's list of things I want to do and see. Now that I'm living in a colder climate I must dig out the Muskox Mitten kit that I bought (online) years ago from Folknits. A must-have knitting book about qiviut is "Arctic Lace" by Donna Druchunas. It's an interesting read and the patterns are beautiful. I was lucky enough to do a bit of knitting for Donna and read the manuscript-in-progress. If you're interested in all things qiviut and you're in the Banff, Alberta area, you must visit the Jacques Cartier store.

Replying To Comments

2011-09-24T19:45:00.002-06:00

I've mentioned this pet peeve before and I'm still irritated. Blogger doesn't appear to have the option to ask a commenter for their email address, which is not published. As a result, I'm not able to reply unless I, personally, already have your email address . I certainly understand that you may not want to see your email in the comments.

I've toyed with the idea of changing to another blogging program, but to be honest, it would be a lot of work and I'd rather be knitting.

So.... I have a suggestion. I'm going to start a little list that I'll keep on my computer. It will have names and/or screen names, along with the associated email address. This way, if I have something to say, I can write back to you. If you want to leave a comment, or think you might comment in the future, why not send your contact information to me privately. You can email it to me at:

joanne @ jconklin . com (remove the spaces).

I promise you, your email will be used only for this reason and won't be shared. By the way, if you leave me a link that begins with "https://", I'm not able to access it.

I've checked some Blogger message boards and this seems to be a common complaint. Perhaps Blogger will listen. In the meantime, this is the only solution that I can think of that will keep your email private and allow me to respond.

Thanks everybody.

Eye Candy Friday

2011-09-23T17:18:00.000-06:00

I've heard many times that Canadians are very polite. For the most part, I would agree. When I was in Canmore a week ago I saw this bit of graffiti. I think it's a shame when surfaces are defaced, but at least this person was polite about it and for that reason I chose it as eye candy. A polite graffiti writer is something you don't often see.

"Sorry About Your Wall"

The picture is a little blurry and I snapped it quickly as I was driving by. Distracted driving, I know. Bad Joanne. I'll be good from now on!

S & S Socks - Finished

2011-09-22T20:27:00.003-06:00

I finished the S & S Socks tonight. The colors didn't line up exactly but I'm satisfied that they are close enough. The socks are, more or less, in Colorado Avalanche colors. I've had the yarn for a while but chose to knit the socks now to honor two hockey players, former members of the Avalanche, who died in a plane crash in Russia on September 7th of this year, Karlis Skrastins (left) and Ruslan Salei (right).

THE DETAILS

Pattern: Generic, 60 stitches

Stocking stitch with short row heel

Worked top down

Yarn: Draygone Yarns on Etsy

80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon

100 grams/420 yds

Needles: U.S.#0 / 2.0 mm

double-pointed

Size: Lady's medium

Note: There was plenty of yarn remaining.

Cables

2011-09-21T12:31:00.002-06:00

Check out this cool cable-knit rug design from Flor. I like that it's simple. It comes in tiles so that you can mix and match and make the layout your own, either a large room-sized rug or a smaller one, or a runner.

I could be tempted. Okay, so I ordered a sample tile for a whopping $1.75 (incl. tax) and the free catalog. If nothing else, it will be nice to see the actual tile. I wonder which one they'll send me, and what color.

Knit & Caboodle

2011-09-20T00:00:00.011-06:00

Downtown Canmore is beautiful, surrounded as it is with mountains. As with any tourist-y mountain community I've been to there were a number of outdoor clothing stores, restaurants, souvenir stores and fudge shops. What's with the fudge shops in these places? I'm not complaining, but I wonder why they are so plentiful. I also found a really good bagel place, the Rocky Mountain Bagel Company.

This is 9th Street, a block away from the main Street, and across from a yarn store. Check out that mountain. If you looked down the street in the opposite direction you'd have a similar view. Yes, that's my vehicle on the left.

No trip is complete unless I visit a yarn shop, if there is one, and I found a very nice place called Knit & Caboodle.

I was immediately impressed when I walked in the store. There was quite a variety of yarn, many that I recognized, Cascade, Sirdar, Manos del Uruguay, Madeline Tosh, Malabrigo, etc., and some that were new to me.

What I really liked was the support of local entrepreneurs: a couple of independent dyers, TwoJuniper Yarns and Bohoknits and yarn bowls by Canmore potter, Katie Borrowman. One of the bowls followed me home as well as a skein of yarn for my Travel Afghan - more on my purchases another time. The lady who was working was very nice and a talented knitter. This is a shop that I look forward to visiting again.

The drive back to Calgary was much quicker. It turns out that I really was on a secondary road when I went to Canmore. I was on highway 1A, the old Trans-Canada, not highway 1, a busy, well-maintained divided highway.

Canmore

2011-09-19T00:00:00.007-06:00

First of all, the answer to guess-the-name from yesterday. The yarn is called "Lipstick in the Dryer" and that made me chuckle. I liked the thought that it might be called Sock Monkey. I'm starting to lean towards making a long, narrow scarf, but that could easily change.

Yesterday I drove to Canmore and it was really pleasant, once I got going. My GPS couldn't guide me out of the city because it didn't recognize the construction areas. I finally worked my way to another part of the city and then found the highway heading west and I was on my way. It started out with the GPS telling me where to go and ended with me telling it where to go!!

I was really surprised by the highway as it started out as divided, then narrowed to two lanes, and then to a long stretch where there were no shoulders and wasn't in great condition. This is the Trans-Canada highway?

Click on the picture to enlarge. Press the Esc button to return here.
(Blogger appears to be enlarging photos differently than before.)

The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, so close to the mountains and with the river at the base.

I was disappointed that I couldn't pull over at one point as there was a field with at least 30 donkeys grazing. I would have loved to take a picture of them.

The landscape is very rugged as you can see.

There was snow at some of the higher elevations:

Close to Canmore you see these peaks named the "Three Sisters". My daughter and her husband hiked on the trail (you can't see it in this picture) up to the top of the "Middle Sister". They do things like that. They're very athletic and it totally exhausts me just to hear of their activites.

The weather was beautiful, warm and sunny.

That's all for today. Tomorrow, Canmore - and the yarn store that I found.

Guessing Game

2011-09-18T10:09:00.002-06:00

Today I'm having a little guessing game. I won't call it a contest as there is no prize. Here is a picture of a sock yarn that I couldn't resist even though I have enough yarn to stock any good-sized store. I liked the yarn but I also liked the name of it. It's mostly gray with one splash of bright red. If you have a mind to leave a comment with your guess, or tell me what you would call this yarn, it will be fun to read your ideas. I'll post the answer tomorrow. If you already know the answer, please don't post it!

I'd also welcome ideas on what to make. Which sock pattern? A shawlette? Which design? Something else? A scarf, maybe?

I started the second S & S sock last night and knitted while talking to friends who came over for the evening. It's going quickly and I'll be turning the heel later today. Yay....another finished project is coming up very soon.

Today I'm going to take a little road trip, driving about an hour west of Calgary to the town of Canmore. I've heard that it's very beautiful, and oh, there is a yarn store, too, and it's open on Sunday!

One Down, One To Go

2011-09-17T11:16:00.000-06:00

The first of my S & S socks is finished and blocked. Now, let's see if I can make the second one match up with the first. I didn't make a note of exactly where in the blue section I started when I cast on for the first sock. It might take more than one try to get it right.

There'll be no second sock syndrome for me this time around. The second sock will be started right away and I have another single sock in my knitting bag when this pair is finished. Finishing. What a concept!

Missing Kaaterskill Quilt

2011-09-15T08:54:00.002-06:00

Today I learned about a missing quilt. It's a heartbreaking story about a stunningly beautiful quilt that took four years to create by hand.

You can read the whole story here, here and here.

Please keep your eyes open for the quilt: quilt shows, eBay, anywhere. If you have a blog, a Facebook account, a Twitter account, etc. you might think about passing on the word.

I'd love to see this story have a happy ending, wouldn't you?

The Rule of Four

2011-09-14T21:18:00.002-06:00

My Damson shawlette is underway and I've completed 32 rows. The Madeline Tosh Merino Light yarn feels really nice and is a joy to knit with. I'm on the garter stitch section and the pattern is easy to remember. The number of stitches is increasing quickly with 8 stitches added every two rows.

The pin attached to the middle lets me know which is the right side of the shawl.

I'm limiting myself to working on no more than four projects. The Damson shawlette is one. Two, the S & S socks: I've heading down the foot towards the toe of the first sock. Three, the Paul Smith cardigan: the back and both front pieces are finished. I'm undecided at the moment about number four. I've ordered the yarn for my daughter's Effortless cardigan so that will likely be it, or maybe I'll complete another pair of socks first.

My friends will remember "The Rule of Four". You could only have four projects on the needles at any time. If you wanted to start, or work on, something new you had to complete one of the four projects to create an opening for the new one. The only way to open up a spot is to finish something, you can't just exchange one unfinished project for another. This gives added incentive to finish.

You have to be careful when you choose your four projects. If you pick four sweaters, or four projects requiring a lot of attention to the pattern for example, what would you do for a carry along, or group knitting, project? If you need to make a gift, you have to plan to have enough time to make it so that it fits into the queue. If you have four long term projects, will you be able to knit the gift in time?

I wonder how many of my knitting friends are still adhering to the Rule of Four? I strayed from it for quite a while but now I'm back on track.

To change the subject: if you are interested in writing a guest blog post, drop me an email and tell me a bit about your idea. Perhaps you have something going on that you want to share, or maybe you don't have a blog but would like to say hi to the knitting world or just see what it's like to post. Whatever the reason, I welcome your email. joanne @ jconklin . com

Cast on 3 sts...

2011-09-12T22:41:00.004-06:00

Knit 6 rows.

Why, yes, I did start another project. How did you know?

On Sunday I started the beautiful Damson shawlette by Ysolda Teague. A few weeks ago I was given a gift of a skein of Madeline Tosh Merino Light by my friend, Sheila. She had visited Loop in Philadelphia and picked up a skein for both of us in the "Nostalgia" colorway. What a perfect name given the fact that I was about to move to a new city. The color is one of my favorites: mauve/gray, very slightly variegated.

We decided to choose a pattern that we both liked and do a little knitalong, and agreed on Damson. I'll post a picture of the shawlette-in-progress later. It's hard to get a good picture indoors at night. Besides, I don't have much done yet.

9/11

2011-09-11T09:00:00.001-06:00

Tapas Sock Club

2011-09-10T00:00:00.017-06:00

Last night I went back to Make One Yarn Studio for the launch of their Tapas Club. Roughly 30 people showed up and it was a nice group. I met some very friendly knitters. Tapas is a sock club with an original pattern, yarn dyed specifically for the pattern and extras being offered. The pattern was called Sangria and the yarn was a wine color with specks of yellow running through it. Also included in the kit was a recipe for roasted bell peppers and olives (the yarn color has the same name), a stitch marker in the shape of a lemon and a fabric bag that was close in color to the yarn. There was sangria and lots of hors d'oevres for the group.

The pattern was designed by Jen (left) and the yarn was from Sam (right) of Yummy Yarn Studio. The owner of Make One is Bess, in the middle.

The kit was nice and it was popular with the knitters but it didn't "speak to me", so I passed on buying it. The next kit will be offered in November. Sam had a couple of large baskets containing skeins of sock yarn and there were several colors that I liked. I picked out this less-than-subtle color:

I love it.

The yarn: 425m - 464yds/100g
2.25mm-3.25mm (US 1-3) 32-27 sts/10cm/4in
80% Bluefaced Leicester/20% nylon.

From the dyer: "BFL is a fibre with character. It loves the dye pot and I always smile when I pull it from the dye pot. 20% nylon means it is ready for the hardcore wear and tear we require from a sock yarn."

The Loop

2011-09-09T00:00:00.008-06:00

Yesterday I visited The Loop yarn store in the Kensington district of Calgary, joining in their weekly knitting group.

The shop has a nice range of yarns such as King Cole, Garnstudio, Cascade, Sublime, Malabrigo and more. A number of Canadian indie dyers are also well-represented: Rocky Mountain Dyeworks, Creeping Bellfower (the dyer, Frankie, was at the knitting group) and Dye Cauldron.

Also in the shop was a special order of Viola yarn from a dyer in Toronto. Nice stuff. I brought home one skein of worsted weight yarn. It was rather pricey, so I wasn't tempted by more. It's going to be the next block in my Travel Afghan. I liked the mix of the neutral colors with a splash of blue. Even though it's not a Calgary or Alberta dyer, it's a yarn I've never seen before, so it'll be a good addition to my afghan..

The Loop is lovely, as were the knitters. I'll go back again sometime soon.

That's the very welcoming owner, Annie, behind the cash.

I did have two thoughts going through my mind as I left, however: (1) sometimes it's hard to be the new person and unsure of what anyone is talking about, whether it's patterns or people, and (2) I miss my knitting group in Denver, but I guess that's very normal when you move. I'm sure that it'll get better.