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Archive for the ‘knitting’ Category

Humble Learnings

Posted in Knitted Gifts, knitting, knitting techniques, tagged , , , , on November 2, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Well, well! Even a seasoned knitter can blow it. I love this new cowl I am knitting…even though I do not love doing the cluster stitch which makes the Wildcat Canyon Cowl so appealing.  But the real issue issue is…..after completing the 8 rows of the edging I discovered the infamous not-wanted mobius. How could this have happened?? I have started this beauty now going to be the 4th time. Two of the times have been the mobius issue and one was ….oh who remembers? But I think this is a blessing as I kept thinking the fabric that my size 7 needle (called for in pattern) and my fingers was producing was too tight. Here’s a snapshot of what not to do…..now I start again. Glad I love the vision of this cowl and Rios Malabrigo yarn. At least I am getting my money’s worth in knitting this wool.

Rippppppppppppp! Hey! I think I will change color now. I love the teal but I am ready to try a color (in Rios) that will show the beauty of the stitch better. Oh, yes I can dream of another pattern for the teal. I think I just renamed this cowl….”The Never Ending Cowl”!

Note: the cluster stitch – P3tog, K3tog, P3tog into the same stitch before dropping them off the left needle and onto the right needle (designer’s instructions). I would change this to read…..P3tog, K3tog, P3tog into the same stitch before dropping them off the left needle. There will be 3 new stitches on the right needle when you drop the 3 being purled tog 3 times.

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The Rebozo Shawl Revisited

Posted in knitting, Shawls, Textiles, tagged , , , , on October 7, 2017| Leave a Comment »

diane-and-carolyn-rebozoSeveral years ago Diane and I knit the Rebozo Shawl. Since our original showing/sharing mine was lost a few years ago at a fashion show where I was modeling my shawl. I have hated the loss of that shawl which I knit in memory of knitting friend Sandy. I knew that I wanted to knit it again but knew it would make me too sad to knit in the same color but I did knit it again in a different colorway…. in the memory of Sandy and the original shawl.

 

The beginnings of my replacement Rebozo inspired fellow knitter Susan from Saturday knitting workshop to knit one. We both used Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool. Today we modeled the old and the new……Diane’s two renditions (modeled by Diane and Jan) and the latest from Susan and me. Susan is so happy with hers that she has already embarked on her second one. Note that each shawl has its own unique creativity…..besides colorway and yarn differences each shawl striping pattern is slightly different.

Summer shot of Carolyn, Diane, Susan and Jan

Even though there is/was a lot of knitting in these shawls…..each row on mine was 400 stitches on size 6 needle it is a pleasure to knit and so fun to have the finished results. I know you will see us about town in our shawls.

Below you can see from needles through blocking to finished garment. I generally do a wet block which means I wash (soak) on gentle cycle on my old washing machine in a non-detergent soap. I do not rinse but do spin it dry. Then the damp garment is taken to the studio table to be hand blocked….I literally use my hands to press the garment out. It is laid on towel(s) and covered with towel(s). Once dry….it’s done and looks so gently blocked. I love the results.

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More About Cotton Fleece and Stuff

Posted in knitting on July 14, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Wow! The last couple months have flown right bye with a variety of activities.

The first quick announcement is that a wonderful customer pointed out a color of Cotton Fleece that was not on my online store…..CW382 Spring Sage Green. It is now listed and I think both the customer and I will be adding it to our personal stashes. I always have a vision or two of what I want to knit with this lovely cotton.

I have recently returned from a whirlwind trip with my sister and niece to Eastern Colorado….the land of my youth. Seven days (actually five once you knock out days dedicated to getting there and back) included dinner (known as supper in Eastern Colorado) with cousins the night of arrival; a dinner reunion with old classmates and friends; a family reunion of cousins (of which I have many – there were 60 or so in attendance), and my two aunts (the remaining siblings of 10 children who grew up on the homestead 13 miles northeast of town); one of our cousins brought old family photos which I always love; a trip to the old homestead; a trip to neighboring town to visit our school teacher Dorothy who is now 104, Old Town Museum and the Kit Carson County historical carousel;  my youngest sister’s country wedding on July 4; and a couple nights in Limon with some favorite cousins. It was a great trip.

Pugh Reunion
Aunt Orilla and Aunt Grace….first time they had seen each other in 4 or 5 years
Nieces – Jade, Bella and Abby
The food line begins
Let’s Eat
Sisters – Who let us out? Carolyn, LaBerta, and Betty
Chris
Me with Grandma and Grandpa with their youngest daughter Jodell
Cousins on the homestead
The remains of the homestead
The bride and her son
Oldest and youngest sister
Cousin Lilly
Carolyn, Dorothy (104) and Betty
Carolyn, Dorothy, and Chris
Sunset Limon, Colorad

 

I barely knit while I was gone…..well, I probably didn’t….it was so hot and we were on the run for sure. But my needles are clicking again. I am working on the Rebozo Shawl – a design by Cheryl Oberle. More to follow about this.

img_1114I have a cute story which serves as a reminder to us all when we send knitted gifts. My 15-year old niece really loved the cowl that I sent for Christmas. After many wearings she  decided that she needed to wash it……I forgot to include washing instructions in the gift package. I bet you can guess the rest of the story. Yep, she threw it in the regular wash and it felted. She, of course, gets a new one and it will be in the mail on Monday. Her 13-yr old sister had another story to share. She loved the beanie cap that I knit her but the puppy got it….she was resourceful and turned it into a headband.

Back to the knitting needles!

 

 

 

 

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Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece and Lamb Pride’s Superwash Spring Sale

Posted in baby sweater, Crafting, Creativity, knitting, Textiles, Treasures, tagged , , , , , , , on May 22, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Enjoy Spring Savings this week…..May 22 – May 29…..40% off Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (must be in stock) and 30% off Brown Sheep’s Lamb Pride’s Superwash …sales price reflected in price @ Skeinlane.com

Many projects have been knitted with these two lovely yarns. I am thinking that I will start another Moderne Blanket.

Lamb’s Pride
For the twins
Kimberly’s Cotton Fleece Blanket
Wash Cloth Pattern to Shawl
Cotton Fleece
Cotton Fleece
Reiko’s Round Shawl
Tower Cap with Lamb’s Pride for cousin Louise
Cotton Fleece
Purl 3tog detail
Baby gifts
The Prayer Shawl – Fanned
Phyllis – Cowl
Carson – “A natural model”!
Susanne and her gift of love – Moderne Blanket for her son and wife!
Nina and her granddaughter!
“Ribboned” Twirly Skirt
Marsha showing another glimpse at her latest afghan
Susanne and her latest Moderne Blanket
Jade’s skirt
The Three Twirly Skirts
The Girls are Dancing!
Maurie and the Rose Heart Afghan
Betsy – the side view
Diane has finished the baby blanket – notice I-cord edge
Another version of the log cabin and Natasha
Marsha’s Baby Gift
Joseph’s Blankie of Many Colors
Peg’s Log Cabin – Joseph’s Blankie of Many Colors

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Carolyn’s Version of Jody’s Modern Shawl

Posted in knitting, Shawls, Textiles, Treasures, tagged , , , , , , on May 20, 2017| 3 Comments »

IMG_0778

Front Drape

I have been dreaming about knitting Jody’s Modern Shawl since I saw her wearing it while she was working at Avenue Yarns. It’s simple but elegant with a lovely lattice edging. I was possessed to use yarn from my stash and not go shopping….well I did both. In my stash were two skeins of Silky and Plied from Knitted Wit (225 yds each) which I am sure I bought more than four years ago. What to add for that third skein? There was nothing in my enormous stash that was a satisfactory complement to the lavendar and rose pink skeins. Off to Avenue Yarns I went….came away with a lovely purple and then decided that I didn’t like it with this project…so back to Avenue Yarns. This time I really loved my choice….Malabrigo Rios color Plomo. This comp0limentary color has subtle gray color changes with just a hint of pink. I am now dreaming of the next project for the purple yarn.

The shawl was finished this past Wednesday and wet blocked on Thursday. I love the results.

Blocking – Waiting for Drying to be complete
The Results
It’s Done
Poncho Look

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Spring Creativity

Posted in baby sweater, Creativity, Family, Friendship, Knitted Gifts, knitting, tagged , , on May 13, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Even though the wonder of spring calls many of us outdoors, the knitting continues. This is a quick post to share some of the latest. Knit on!

A new grandbaby in our midst
From Helen’s Needles
From Helen’s Needles
Karen’s 80-row Poncho Shawletee
Mayra’s latest
Karen’s Big City Knit
Kimberly’s baby blanket
Carolyn – Another hat knit in Rios
Carolyn – Linen Stitch Cowl
Terry – Gift for her grandchild
Carolyn – Rios Hat
Top of Rios Hat
Carolyn – Another Rios Hat
Carolyn – Hats for young cousins

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Mayra has been at it again

Posted in knitting, tagged , , , on April 2, 2017| Leave a Comment »

IMG_0191 2Mayra (of our Friday Morning Knit Workshop) has really been clicking her needles. Here is her latest beautiful knit…..the Parish Toujours shawl designed by Isabel Kramer. Mayra chose to knit this beauty with Madeline Tosh DK in Grasshopper and Plymouth’s Baby Alpaka DK in Grey.

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Mayra – Tool Box Cowl

Posted in Celebrations, Friendship, knitting, tagged , , on March 21, 2017| 3 Comments »

It’s time to spring back into blogging…..it has been a busy 3+ months since our knitting community celebrated the season in December. Part of the celebrations was a toast (with margaritas….my first drink in 6 months and just a sip at that) to friendship, knitting and my clear PETscan.

Now what better way to spring back but with Mayra’s latest creation. It is the Tool Box Cowl. As Mayra often does she stepped up the colors….of course, I want to copy cat her….but oh when? My list of to-dos is huge….I can say I have a knit a lot  but….more about that later. Now check out what Mayra’s creation!

 

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Saturday Morning Knit Group Celebration

Posted in Celebrations, Christmas, Creativity, Friendship, Holiday, knitting, tagged , , , , on December 18, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Yes…..it was time for another ’tis the season’ celebration. Yesterday it was the Saturday Morning Knit Group. Diane generously hosted this event at her home where 18 of this group of 20 gathered for this potluck celebration. We missed Alison and Susan. Maybe we need another “just because” event in the Spring. Well…we did talk about how fun the gathering was and how much everyone enjoyed the dishes. Here’s the menu.

cornish-hensCornish Game Hens prepared by Bridgette were accompanied with……
Roasted cauliflower salad, egg casserole, green salads, tossed fruit bowls, scones with lemon curd, baked oatmeal, a potato dish and a curry dish. The salt and pepper chips with clam dip are always a hit. There were nuts and treats. Desserts included Rum-Mocha Walnut Layer Cake, ginger cake, pumpkin pie and cookies. All of this was accompanied with coffee and tea. We are saving champagne for our next celebration. Alice tells us that Rum-Mocha Cake recipe is very close in flavor to a family Hungarian torte that she use to make. Thanks to the chefs who chose recipes or adjusted recipes for those in the group who are gluten-free (gf). I thought the gf scones prepared by PJ were a smash….I will be making this recipe soon. Susan (who had to work) wrote, “Wow. Sorry I missed it, but I did derive vicarious enjoyment just reading the menu.

Alice’s recent post message sums up the lovely friendships that have formed within this group of knitters. “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, whatever you celebrate! It’s my great joy to have shared this past year knitting with all of you, and to share in this morning’s feast!”

Many thanks to Rose for gifting us in a special way all in the spirit of thanks and friendship. And, of course, many thanks to Diane for hosting us all.

Looking forward to another year of knitting, creativity and friendship. Cheers!

 

 

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FMKG Annual Celebration 2016

Posted in Christmas, Events, Friendship, Holiday, Jewelry, knitting, tagged , , , , , on December 10, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Once again we, the Friday Morning Knitting Group, gathered to celebrate the season….we’ve been doing this for so many years that I can’t remember how many. For all of those years (except one) we have celebrated at SkatesOnTheBay on the Berkeley Marina. This year one of our beloved, Karen K, opened her home to our “catered” order from Picantes in Berkeley. Some of us brought desserts. And let’s not forget the margaritas…..how wonderful that Cameron and Sheri make the best.

There were fifteen of our group of eighteen who gathered to share the love and friendship that has grown from our initial love of knitting that brought us together. We missed three of our gang- one traveling  and two under the weather. We missed Connie, Patricia and Sandy but they were certainly in our thoughts.

The beauty of the setting in Karen’s home is that two tables were arranged so we could all see and hear each other…unlike restaurant settings where it has typically been a long table and we don’t get to visit easily with all. Well….we visited, ate, drank and had our “elephant” gift exchange. What a lovely time.

Round the table we go……

Desserts…

We toasted friendship and love…….and another toast for my news early this week that my PETscan was normal. Jewelry maker extraordinaire Mayra treated me with necklace like hers that I’ve been admiring….well coveting.

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