I'm sorry you feel the way you do. I'm sorry you have no idea what actually happened at Westside Wednesday because you weren't there. I'm sorry you've never joined any of our events or bothered to introduce yourself to any of the members. I'm sorry you feel like you have the right to be catty and rude in public to people that you don't know. And I'm really sorry, but not surprised, that you chose to hide your nasty little comment behind "Anonymous".
I do not think a group of over 150 members can be "cliquish", especially when the group is open enrollment, no permission is needed to join the group, there are no membership fees, and no roll is taken. All the yarn events and knit nights posted through the PDX Knit Bloggers are open to anyone who wants to attend. That's the reason the events and get-togethers are all posted on the calendar in the group site: they're open to all. You can join in the conversation or not, read as many or as few blogs as you wish, and join in events and knit nights or not. Like any other group, you get out of it exactly what you put into it. However, you wouldn't understand that concept, because as you stated, you've never bothered to attend any events, join in any of the knit nights, or introduce yourself to any of us.
One of the great things about open enrollment groups is that no permission is need to join the group, or to leave it. Which I really wish you would do. You haven't participated, therefore you will not be missed. Of course, if you do choose to exit the group, as a Group Owner, I'll be notified when you leave and you won't be "Anonymous" anymore.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
It's that time of year again!
For the Annual Seattle to Portland Yarn Crawl that is! Every year, Charisa Martin Cairn organizes a group of Seattle knitters (and the occasional intrepid husband or two) for a train trip to Portland to crawl the LYS in The Pearl District and the PDX Knit Bloggers (wanting to be good hosts) meet them at Union Station.
Last year, the train was almost 20 minutes early and it was cold and rainy, so this year we decided to show up early if for no other reason than to have time to hit the bathrooms, dry out, and warm up before heading out again.
While the other early birds sat on benches trying to either sleep or stay away, the knitters didn't seem to mind waiting; they had plenty to keep themselves entertained!
Some of the PDXKB gang hadn't met before, so intros were done all around. Joan Schrouder even drove up from Eugene to come crawl with us!
And Deb Accuardi, one of the original members from two years ago (has it really been that long??) came down off her mountain long enough to crawl, too! And bless her pea pickin' heart, she brought me a "hostess gift"!
Would you just look at that? It's a blend of Corriedale and Pygora, from Deb's goats, that she had combed and pin drafted. It's about the size of a small baguette, except MUCH softer! I can hardly wait to spin this up; I think it's destined to become a cowl for moi. By the way, Deb is also putting out a podcast, "At the Kitchen Table"; check it out if you haven't found it already.
And Sara Ferguson came with baby Connor, who was looking just adorable in his little Gnomey hat that matched his big blue eyes.
We all decided that baby books should really have a "Baby's First Yarn Crawl" page. Right after "Baby's First Steps".
Before long, the Seattle train pulled in and intros were being made. I got no pictures of the crowd; Charissa and I were too busy hugging, getting name tags attached to people, handing out maps, and breaking the big group into smaller groups so as not to overwhelm the shops.
Rachel had brought 1/2 ounce samples of fiber from Susan Stambaugh of Abstract Fiber for the Seattle knitters, who swarmed her. Unfortunately, I was standing right next to her and got caught up in the crush (do not ever try to come between knitters and free fiber).
I had a sample of the Autumn (on the left) from Susan at Spinnerati a couple months ago; and I got the other two from Rachel on Saturday. I love Susan's colors; they're very saturated and her fiber is always so soft!
Once our little group got organized (HA!), we headed out for the first stop on the crawl, Dublin Bay.
That's Deb in the middle, trying to escape the camera. And down there is Tami, trying to escape the lure of yarn, which she did.
However, right after I took this picture, I discovered this:
That's a pound of combed Jacob wool from Ireland, natural color. Dublin Bay's regular price is $17/pound - a great bargain! Of course, once Tami saw me comparing colors (there was a nice purple, a denim blue, a black that had been over dyed with jade, and this), she fell down. I know she's going to blame me for it, but really all I did was ask her what color she thought was the best. It's not like I forced her to feel of it or anything. Really, I didn't!
I also snagged up a card of these darling ceramic buttons; hey, they're hedgies, I had to buy them! Fortunately for the ol' credit card, and much to ToolMan's relief, Dublin Bay was giving Yarn Crawlers a 20% discount, so I made a hasty escape for under $25. And they tossed little samples of SOAK in everybody's bag, too!
The next stop on this tour was Knit Knot Studio. This shop is tiny, but what a wonderful place it is! They even have a shop dog who greets you at the door.
Kathleen and Karen were pleased to see StitchJones yarns hanging on the wall. I don't know how Stitchjones does it, but her sock yarns absolutely do not pool! I've seen the same colorway knitted into different patterns, and it never pools or flashes. I think it's magic! Kathleen (that's her in the shawl from our Grand Experiment in Spinning a couple months ago) had a cold and didn't make it to the train station in time, but she met up with us at Knit Knot in time to gift Charissa with a skein of StitchJones Glam Sock Yarn; Charissa was speechless!
I was admiring the chandelier and ogling the scarves when Kathleen waved this under my nose:
Mohair. And anyone who knows me know that the mere mention of mohair lace weight makes me go weak in the knees. This was a real bargain; 560 yards in a lovely heathered green for $9. Knit Knot was giving a 10% discount to all the Yarn Crawlers. In fact, Knit Knot has some very good deals on yarn; I'll definitely be back there again.
By now, it was early afternoon and all of us needed a little "pick me up" so we stopped by Cupcake Jones. It's a tiny, tiny place; so tiny, we couldn't all get inside at once! With cupcakes in hand, we headed next for Cacao.
I had bought a Peter's Chocolate Mint cupcake, which is devil's food cake filled with mint chocolate ganache topped with chocolate fudge frosting, drizzled with mint sauce and topped with an Andes mint chocolate. At Cacao, most of the rest of the group opted for the drinking chocolate, but with all the chocolate in my hand, I decided the perfect thing to wash it down was a good ol' cup of joe. Caffe Americano with room for cream. Honestly, the cupcake and coffee was almost as good as sex. Almost.
Thus fortified, we straggled on to the last LYS on our list, the renowned Knit Purl. You know you've arrived when you see the window with a fantastic fiber art display.
Last year, the train was almost 20 minutes early and it was cold and rainy, so this year we decided to show up early if for no other reason than to have time to hit the bathrooms, dry out, and warm up before heading out again.
While the other early birds sat on benches trying to either sleep or stay away, the knitters didn't seem to mind waiting; they had plenty to keep themselves entertained!
Some of the PDXKB gang hadn't met before, so intros were done all around. Joan Schrouder even drove up from Eugene to come crawl with us!
And Deb Accuardi, one of the original members from two years ago (has it really been that long??) came down off her mountain long enough to crawl, too! And bless her pea pickin' heart, she brought me a "hostess gift"!
Would you just look at that? It's a blend of Corriedale and Pygora, from Deb's goats, that she had combed and pin drafted. It's about the size of a small baguette, except MUCH softer! I can hardly wait to spin this up; I think it's destined to become a cowl for moi. By the way, Deb is also putting out a podcast, "At the Kitchen Table"; check it out if you haven't found it already.
And Sara Ferguson came with baby Connor, who was looking just adorable in his little Gnomey hat that matched his big blue eyes.
We all decided that baby books should really have a "Baby's First Yarn Crawl" page. Right after "Baby's First Steps".
Before long, the Seattle train pulled in and intros were being made. I got no pictures of the crowd; Charissa and I were too busy hugging, getting name tags attached to people, handing out maps, and breaking the big group into smaller groups so as not to overwhelm the shops.
Rachel had brought 1/2 ounce samples of fiber from Susan Stambaugh of Abstract Fiber for the Seattle knitters, who swarmed her. Unfortunately, I was standing right next to her and got caught up in the crush (do not ever try to come between knitters and free fiber).
I had a sample of the Autumn (on the left) from Susan at Spinnerati a couple months ago; and I got the other two from Rachel on Saturday. I love Susan's colors; they're very saturated and her fiber is always so soft!
Once our little group got organized (HA!), we headed out for the first stop on the crawl, Dublin Bay.
That's Deb in the middle, trying to escape the camera. And down there is Tami, trying to escape the lure of yarn, which she did.
However, right after I took this picture, I discovered this:
That's a pound of combed Jacob wool from Ireland, natural color. Dublin Bay's regular price is $17/pound - a great bargain! Of course, once Tami saw me comparing colors (there was a nice purple, a denim blue, a black that had been over dyed with jade, and this), she fell down. I know she's going to blame me for it, but really all I did was ask her what color she thought was the best. It's not like I forced her to feel of it or anything. Really, I didn't!
I also snagged up a card of these darling ceramic buttons; hey, they're hedgies, I had to buy them! Fortunately for the ol' credit card, and much to ToolMan's relief, Dublin Bay was giving Yarn Crawlers a 20% discount, so I made a hasty escape for under $25. And they tossed little samples of SOAK in everybody's bag, too!
The next stop on this tour was Knit Knot Studio. This shop is tiny, but what a wonderful place it is! They even have a shop dog who greets you at the door.
Kathleen and Karen were pleased to see StitchJones yarns hanging on the wall. I don't know how Stitchjones does it, but her sock yarns absolutely do not pool! I've seen the same colorway knitted into different patterns, and it never pools or flashes. I think it's magic! Kathleen (that's her in the shawl from our Grand Experiment in Spinning a couple months ago) had a cold and didn't make it to the train station in time, but she met up with us at Knit Knot in time to gift Charissa with a skein of StitchJones Glam Sock Yarn; Charissa was speechless!
I was admiring the chandelier and ogling the scarves when Kathleen waved this under my nose:
Mohair. And anyone who knows me know that the mere mention of mohair lace weight makes me go weak in the knees. This was a real bargain; 560 yards in a lovely heathered green for $9. Knit Knot was giving a 10% discount to all the Yarn Crawlers. In fact, Knit Knot has some very good deals on yarn; I'll definitely be back there again.
By now, it was early afternoon and all of us needed a little "pick me up" so we stopped by Cupcake Jones. It's a tiny, tiny place; so tiny, we couldn't all get inside at once! With cupcakes in hand, we headed next for Cacao.
I had bought a Peter's Chocolate Mint cupcake, which is devil's food cake filled with mint chocolate ganache topped with chocolate fudge frosting, drizzled with mint sauce and topped with an Andes mint chocolate. At Cacao, most of the rest of the group opted for the drinking chocolate, but with all the chocolate in my hand, I decided the perfect thing to wash it down was a good ol' cup of joe. Caffe Americano with room for cream. Honestly, the cupcake and coffee was almost as good as sex. Almost.
Thus fortified, we straggled on to the last LYS on our list, the renowned Knit Purl. You know you've arrived when you see the window with a fantastic fiber art display.
Those are fabulous felted cranes. Each one is a felt square; some cabled, some colorwork, some with embroidery, or needle felt designs; then each folded into an origami crane. Absolutely intriguing!
Knit Purl is a great shop; they carry wonderful yarns from ShiBui, Habu, Koigu, Malabrigo, and Hand Maiden, to name a few. And they always have great knitted garments on display for inspiration.
That's Charissa, blogging me blogging her! I think she'd been overcome by yarn fumes at that point.
I'm a sucker for Hand Maiden Sea Wool. And Knit Purl always has a good selection of their colors. This one came home with me this year. I'm not sure what it will become yet, but I really like the muted colors. The colorway is "Woodland" and the yellowy green in it reminds me of our Pacific Northwest in the spring.
I'm a sucker for Hand Maiden Sea Wool. And Knit Purl always has a good selection of their colors. This one came home with me this year. I'm not sure what it will become yet, but I really like the muted colors. The colorway is "Woodland" and the yellowy green in it reminds me of our Pacific Northwest in the spring.
After Knit Purl, Tami and I kept Kathleen company for a short stop in Josephine's Dry Goods. Kathleen makes a lot of her own clothes, and for seamstresses, Josephine's has great fabrics.
By this time, it was after 3:00 p.m. The PDXKB gals had all gotten up early, and we were running out of steam pretty quickly at that point. Most of the PDXKB group wound up at Starbucks across the street from Knit Purl for a rest and coffee or tea before heading home. After a short rest and comparison of purchases, Tami, Sara and I headed for the MAX while the rest of the group headed back north to pick up cars left at Knit Knot and Dublin Bay.
I don't know about the rest of the group, but I was pretty foot sore and muscle sore by the time I got home. ToolMan had a dinner of chicken salad sandwiches and tomato soup waiting for me at home. It really hit the spot after all that walking and no lunch. After dinner, and an Aleve, and an hour in front of the tv, I was ready for bed. I slept like a rock.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Ready for CHANGE
We watched history being made today. I don't have words to express the emotions and thoughts that churned through my brain today. Today, I read Don R. Hays and his words are much more eloquent than mine:
"We’re ready for change. This is coming from me, one of those citizens that still believes in George W. Bush and his Presidency. I consider him an honest, moral, spiritual, and very smart person, and the right man for the right job. I believe that world Democracy will come decades sooner as a result of those Bush-directed actions taken post 9-11. I certainly lost faith in the Republican Congress, and Congress in general, and was very disappointed that Republicans and Democrats alike were able to pretty much neuter his compassionate Republican plans in so many areas. But, I am ready for change. I’m ready for a unifier, and not a vindictive anger spouting rhetoric such as has become so popular. If you like Limbaugh, Pelosi, Boehner, Reid, Franks, etc., so be it, but my guess (prayer) is that you are ready for change as well.
Maybe—oh how I hope—that this black man can bring a calmness, a spirit of cooperation, a culture of responsibility (that’s his new theme, I understand) that Martin Luther King dreamed about for America as One Nation Under God. This great country, and this great world, is ready for it, and the lack of unification, and the political in-fighting since Reagan’s first term has put us many years behind in where we should be.
I’m not worried about the deficit, as crazy as that may be. I want the money to be spent wisely, of course, but if it is we will find a rejuvenated and re-energized industrial base that will be welcomed by the massive new consumer base being brought into the world Democracies. It will be very easy to repay that deficit with the economic reaction when technology and productivity meets those billions of world citizens waiting to get a job and earn a living.
Transcending to the last exciting 30 years, Nixon inaugurated in 1973, with Ford coming in at the bottom of that 1974 bottom to finish his term, then Carter in 1977, Reagan in January 1981, again in January 1985. In 1989, Bush I took over for one term, but then Clinton elected and inaugurated in 1993 and again in 1996. Bush II was inaugurated in the midst of a tough down-cycle in the economy, and then 9 months later 9-11. He has gone through a War and Cleansing of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the War with Iraq, the worst Hurricane hitting New Orleans in a 100 years, Alan Greenspan and a Republican Congress that had been there much too long. And today as he leaves the White House, he is ready for a rest.
So on this great day in history, Barack Obama takes office, and it is fitting that he has given so much due to Abraham Lincoln, and the great heritage of our rocky and turbulent past that has built this great nation.
I am one lucky guy to have been blessed to live in this country, and President Obama, who did not get my vote, now has my allegiance to do my best to help my family, my community, my state, and my nation to get back on a new path that will lead the next generation to the great opportunities I’m been given.
I thank you George Bush for your patriotism and hard work in one of the most difficult times in U.S. history, and I thank you Barack Obama for exciting a nation to be kinder and gentler and more responsible. It is a very valiant and grand mission, and my prayers are with you.
God Bless America."
"We’re ready for change. This is coming from me, one of those citizens that still believes in George W. Bush and his Presidency. I consider him an honest, moral, spiritual, and very smart person, and the right man for the right job. I believe that world Democracy will come decades sooner as a result of those Bush-directed actions taken post 9-11. I certainly lost faith in the Republican Congress, and Congress in general, and was very disappointed that Republicans and Democrats alike were able to pretty much neuter his compassionate Republican plans in so many areas. But, I am ready for change. I’m ready for a unifier, and not a vindictive anger spouting rhetoric such as has become so popular. If you like Limbaugh, Pelosi, Boehner, Reid, Franks, etc., so be it, but my guess (prayer) is that you are ready for change as well.
Maybe—oh how I hope—that this black man can bring a calmness, a spirit of cooperation, a culture of responsibility (that’s his new theme, I understand) that Martin Luther King dreamed about for America as One Nation Under God. This great country, and this great world, is ready for it, and the lack of unification, and the political in-fighting since Reagan’s first term has put us many years behind in where we should be.
I’m not worried about the deficit, as crazy as that may be. I want the money to be spent wisely, of course, but if it is we will find a rejuvenated and re-energized industrial base that will be welcomed by the massive new consumer base being brought into the world Democracies. It will be very easy to repay that deficit with the economic reaction when technology and productivity meets those billions of world citizens waiting to get a job and earn a living.
Transcending to the last exciting 30 years, Nixon inaugurated in 1973, with Ford coming in at the bottom of that 1974 bottom to finish his term, then Carter in 1977, Reagan in January 1981, again in January 1985. In 1989, Bush I took over for one term, but then Clinton elected and inaugurated in 1993 and again in 1996. Bush II was inaugurated in the midst of a tough down-cycle in the economy, and then 9 months later 9-11. He has gone through a War and Cleansing of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the War with Iraq, the worst Hurricane hitting New Orleans in a 100 years, Alan Greenspan and a Republican Congress that had been there much too long. And today as he leaves the White House, he is ready for a rest.
So on this great day in history, Barack Obama takes office, and it is fitting that he has given so much due to Abraham Lincoln, and the great heritage of our rocky and turbulent past that has built this great nation.
I am one lucky guy to have been blessed to live in this country, and President Obama, who did not get my vote, now has my allegiance to do my best to help my family, my community, my state, and my nation to get back on a new path that will lead the next generation to the great opportunities I’m been given.
I thank you George Bush for your patriotism and hard work in one of the most difficult times in U.S. history, and I thank you Barack Obama for exciting a nation to be kinder and gentler and more responsible. It is a very valiant and grand mission, and my prayers are with you.
God Bless America."
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sweater Weather
The weather has been unseasonably cold in Portland the last couple of weeks. We've had an East wind blowing and that always means cold weather here. The cold comes down from Canada, hits the Columbia River Gorge and blows right down into Portland. It's been so cold, that I've knit two sweaters this week!
Actually, I need to put something in the picture for scale. Here, how's this?
I got tired of the little raglans knit from left-over sock yarns, so I decided to knock out a couple of little mini-Arans. I think I'm going to do several of these for a door wreath for next year. We've been using the same Christmas wreath on our door for several years so the little wrapped packages and fake berries are starting to look a little ragged. I think several of these on the wreath with a knitted bow will say "A knitter lives here!"
I keep an empty box in the guest room, ready to toss in things going to Goodwill. Yesterday, the box was full so it was time to make an "exchange." I drop off a box full and try my best not to bring home an equal amount of stuff. I always check the book shelves (I've bought several old craft and knitting books there) and the men's sweaters (for ones that can be recycled into yarn). Here's part of the bounty:
Those skeins on the bottom are from a man's XXL Aran that I bought last year to recycle; the tag said 100% wool, hand knit in Ireland. It was obviously worn because it was filthy dirty, but no felting and no pilling. After raveling and a nice long soak, it's much softer than it was before; I'm not sure it had ever been washed. On top there is my real score; a man's XL in 100% cashmere, hand knit in China. There's a little pull on the bottom ribbing, but otherwise in great shape. This one, I'll wear through the cold spell then ravel in the spring. I'll get tons of lace weight out of this and it'll make a beautiful shawl for spring. The best part? It was $7!
This was the other find of the day; a man's XXL Woolrich sweater in green heather. No felting, no pills, no stains, and just over a pound of lambswool - all for $7. The inside of the hems are in navy blue, which will make a nice headband or accent on some mittens or a hat.
ToolMan wore his new driving cap to Westside Wednesday; we both got lots of compliments on it! Our son wants one like it, so I've decided to write a new pattern with my modifications. I had several people at Westside Wednesday try it on and volunteer to be test knitters for me because they want one for themselves. This is a hat that looks as good on women as it does men; just ask Duffy, she tried to keep it after she tried it on for a picture! I want to do another one to write the pattern for commercial yarn, then send it out to the test knitters, and make up a final to enter in the Washington County Fair in July. After that, I think I'll publish the pattern for sale.
I've also gotten some spinning done this week. I finished one bobbin of Romney Cross that Kathleen brought me from New Zealand. The fiber is a lovely natural reddish brown; I think it might become the driving cap for our son, or maybe the one for the county fair.
Someone on Ravelry asked if I'd start posting pictures of some of my hedgies, so here are a couple to start. There are two up there behind the scale holding the sweater. Here are two of my favorites, both Royal Doulton. First, Mrs. Tiggywinkle:
And her partner, Old Mr. Pricklepin:
Any wonder why I picked these for the first ones?
Actually, I need to put something in the picture for scale. Here, how's this?
I got tired of the little raglans knit from left-over sock yarns, so I decided to knock out a couple of little mini-Arans. I think I'm going to do several of these for a door wreath for next year. We've been using the same Christmas wreath on our door for several years so the little wrapped packages and fake berries are starting to look a little ragged. I think several of these on the wreath with a knitted bow will say "A knitter lives here!"
I keep an empty box in the guest room, ready to toss in things going to Goodwill. Yesterday, the box was full so it was time to make an "exchange." I drop off a box full and try my best not to bring home an equal amount of stuff. I always check the book shelves (I've bought several old craft and knitting books there) and the men's sweaters (for ones that can be recycled into yarn). Here's part of the bounty:
Those skeins on the bottom are from a man's XXL Aran that I bought last year to recycle; the tag said 100% wool, hand knit in Ireland. It was obviously worn because it was filthy dirty, but no felting and no pilling. After raveling and a nice long soak, it's much softer than it was before; I'm not sure it had ever been washed. On top there is my real score; a man's XL in 100% cashmere, hand knit in China. There's a little pull on the bottom ribbing, but otherwise in great shape. This one, I'll wear through the cold spell then ravel in the spring. I'll get tons of lace weight out of this and it'll make a beautiful shawl for spring. The best part? It was $7!
This was the other find of the day; a man's XXL Woolrich sweater in green heather. No felting, no pills, no stains, and just over a pound of lambswool - all for $7. The inside of the hems are in navy blue, which will make a nice headband or accent on some mittens or a hat.
ToolMan wore his new driving cap to Westside Wednesday; we both got lots of compliments on it! Our son wants one like it, so I've decided to write a new pattern with my modifications. I had several people at Westside Wednesday try it on and volunteer to be test knitters for me because they want one for themselves. This is a hat that looks as good on women as it does men; just ask Duffy, she tried to keep it after she tried it on for a picture! I want to do another one to write the pattern for commercial yarn, then send it out to the test knitters, and make up a final to enter in the Washington County Fair in July. After that, I think I'll publish the pattern for sale.
I've also gotten some spinning done this week. I finished one bobbin of Romney Cross that Kathleen brought me from New Zealand. The fiber is a lovely natural reddish brown; I think it might become the driving cap for our son, or maybe the one for the county fair.
Someone on Ravelry asked if I'd start posting pictures of some of my hedgies, so here are a couple to start. There are two up there behind the scale holding the sweater. Here are two of my favorites, both Royal Doulton. First, Mrs. Tiggywinkle:
And her partner, Old Mr. Pricklepin:
Any wonder why I picked these for the first ones?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
And so we begin . . .
With the first of my plans for the new year done and dusted. As promised, I finished the driving cap for ToolMan.
I had thought that I'd enter this in the Washington County Fair, but after finishing it today, I think I'll do another one to enter. I want to completely re-write this pattern, to include a deeper back, the larger brim, adding the interfacing for body, and lining.
In an effort not to drive myself completely nuts doing gift knitting for next year, I joined the Christmas 2009 Monthly Make Ahead Group on Ravelry. The group will be knitting different items every month so that, hopefully, by next December all our gift knitting will be done and we can cross "Christmas Shopping" off our lists. The projects for January are "Ornaments and Miniatures". Perfect oddball knitting and perfect train-commuter knitting! I've done these since New Year's:
These are from some very small balls of leftover Lion Brand sock yarns.
I had bought a ball of Fortissima at Dublin Bay on last year's Seattle to Portland Yarn Shop Crawl. I used it for a shawl which was donated to a charity auction last year, but had a little ball left over. I knit up the sweater and still had over half of it left, so I added a skirt and scarf. This little trio will be gifted to a co-worker's daughter, who has just discovered the allure of Barbie dolls. These take no time at all to knit, so she may be acquiring quite the wardrobe for her dolls.
I just finished row 149 of 160. I had 4 balls of Paton's Beehive Baby; that's the last ball there in the picture. I began to worry that I might not have enough to finish, so I went out shopping for another ball. I couldn't find Beehive Baby, but I did find Beehive Sport. The weight difference is very slight and it'll be only on the last few rounds and the bind off, so I think it'll be OK if I have to use it. But these rounds now take about a hour each, so it's doubtful that I'll finish it this week. It on my Boye Needlemaster set; I'm using the 3 longest cables, but it looks like I might have to add the last one before I finish. This thing is going to be huge; it's supposed to be 5 - 6 feet across. The next problem will be: Just where am I going to block this thing?
I used the Mikey Cap pattern which I found on Ravelry but I made some modifications to the pattern. The pattern called for Mountain Colors Bearfoot but ToolMan has specifically requested a hat from my hand spun. I had originally thought I'd use some brown alpaca from my fiber stash to spin yarn for this project. Turns out alpaca, or at least that alpaca, and I don't exactly get along well yet. I spun samples of it every way I could think of: woollen, worsted, high twist, low twist, singles, two ply, three ply, ad nauseum. None of it was what I had envisioned for this project. So, I went back to the stash and pulled out a two-ply I had spun last year during Official All-Pajama Weekend.
Because I didn't use the required yarn, I had to modify the pattern to fit my gauge, rather than the one called for in the pattern. I also modified the brim to make it deeper and wider, added interfacing, a sturdy hidden band for structure, and silk lining. It still needs a band of grosgrain on the inside, so I'll have to take it with me to shop for the right color. After several try-ons, modifications, adjustments, steaming, folding, and fussing, we have at last the final finished object, modeled by a grateful, if reluctantly photographed, recipient:
Because I didn't use the required yarn, I had to modify the pattern to fit my gauge, rather than the one called for in the pattern. I also modified the brim to make it deeper and wider, added interfacing, a sturdy hidden band for structure, and silk lining. It still needs a band of grosgrain on the inside, so I'll have to take it with me to shop for the right color. After several try-ons, modifications, adjustments, steaming, folding, and fussing, we have at last the final finished object, modeled by a grateful, if reluctantly photographed, recipient:
I had thought that I'd enter this in the Washington County Fair, but after finishing it today, I think I'll do another one to enter. I want to completely re-write this pattern, to include a deeper back, the larger brim, adding the interfacing for body, and lining.
In an effort not to drive myself completely nuts doing gift knitting for next year, I joined the Christmas 2009 Monthly Make Ahead Group on Ravelry. The group will be knitting different items every month so that, hopefully, by next December all our gift knitting will be done and we can cross "Christmas Shopping" off our lists. The projects for January are "Ornaments and Miniatures". Perfect oddball knitting and perfect train-commuter knitting! I've done these since New Year's:
These are from some very small balls of leftover Lion Brand sock yarns.
I had bought a ball of Fortissima at Dublin Bay on last year's Seattle to Portland Yarn Shop Crawl. I used it for a shawl which was donated to a charity auction last year, but had a little ball left over. I knit up the sweater and still had over half of it left, so I added a skirt and scarf. This little trio will be gifted to a co-worker's daughter, who has just discovered the allure of Barbie dolls. These take no time at all to knit, so she may be acquiring quite the wardrobe for her dolls.
And I made some progress on my other resolution: the Queen Anne's Lace Shawl. Behold, a big lump of white lace:
I just finished row 149 of 160. I had 4 balls of Paton's Beehive Baby; that's the last ball there in the picture. I began to worry that I might not have enough to finish, so I went out shopping for another ball. I couldn't find Beehive Baby, but I did find Beehive Sport. The weight difference is very slight and it'll be only on the last few rounds and the bind off, so I think it'll be OK if I have to use it. But these rounds now take about a hour each, so it's doubtful that I'll finish it this week. It on my Boye Needlemaster set; I'm using the 3 longest cables, but it looks like I might have to add the last one before I finish. This thing is going to be huge; it's supposed to be 5 - 6 feet across. The next problem will be: Just where am I going to block this thing?
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