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Posts Tagged ‘knitting’

My version of the Honey Cowl

Posted in knitting, tagged , , , on March 18, 2014| 1 Comment »

It was a few weeks ago that I began talking about the Honey Cowl. Kimberly and PJ recently finished theirs….Laurel started hers and I started mine just a few weeks ago….a few days after a major finger injury (kind of like being pregnant with which child to remember dates). I decided to  knit my Honey Cowl version in Gold Dust yarn from Greenwood Fiberworks. As so often happens I make modifications to the patterns I choose to knit. In this case, I knew that I did not want a tight wrap around my neck (thank you PJ for reminding me that I don’t like anything close up on my neck…can’t believe I almost forgot). I also knew that I wanted a double wrap cowl. With that in mind, I cast on 320 stitches of that wonderful Gold Dust fingering weight yarn….think PJ cast on in the high 200’s…maybe 280 for her fingering weight yarn. I also knew that I wanted to use the Long Tail Cast-On as it has a ridge edge that most closely matches the P2tog Cast-Off that I wanted to use for  its greater flexibility of ease…..not taut a Cast-Off or chain look for me (or anyone) by golly! My other modification was the width….the pattern called for 11 inches before Cast-Off and I worked 7 inches.

I am very happy with the results!

Knitting Tip: For the Long Tail Cast-On,  I did not want to estimate/guess how much yarn to have for the long tail….320 stitches is a lot to cast on knowing you might just run short. Even with the rule of 3x’s the expected length of the cast on, it would be risky at best. So….my long tail came from the center of the ball and my working stitch yarn came from the outer side of the ball of yarn. Join the two yarns with a slip knot and then begin the long-tail cast on….one yarn over the thumb and one over the index finger.

Another Knitting Tip: In order for the  ridge of the P2tog cast off to blend into finished edge properly, I turned my work around and cast off going back from I just knit. It created the need for a little extra tidy work at the last couple stitche…but worth the effort.

Almost done!
It’s done!
The length of the Cowl
I know..it was a wild hair day!

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Jan’s Latest Creativity

Posted in Crafting, tagged , , , , on March 16, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Last night I sent a message to Jan saying…..”I was a beat off and missed taking photo of your lovely work. Could you send me a photo?” She did and it is stunning. Thought I would include some of her previous knitting creativity.

To quote Jan from Facebook today……”Uh oh,  I have two new hobbies.   If only cooking and cleaning were as fascinating to me as glass and beading and wirework…” You can see her Facebook post here.

Jan – a sweater for her grandniece
Jan – One of her versions of Summer Flies
Another view of Jan and her beautiful shawl
Jan – Baby Afghan

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We knit, we craft, we celebrate!!!

Posted in Birthday Celebrations, knitting, tagged , , , , , on March 11, 2014| Leave a Comment »

It’s been more than a week since we celebrated yet another birthday in FMKG – our  Friday Morning Knitting Group.This time it was Karen K…we also celebrated new craft ideas as well as sharing our Stitches West experiences. Several of us swore, including me, that we would simply window shop…but I believe but all but one of the Stitches attendees came home with at least one more project to knit. I felt really successful because I only came home with one of the four projects that I coveted. How many would I have really coveted if I wasn’t working in MaggiKnits booth? I only spent about an hour on the market floor over 3 1/2 days. Ohhhh…..I did come home with another knit book – “The Knit Stitch Pattern Handbook” by Melissa Leapman. One can never have enough books….right? I will share more about my projects and this wonderful knit book in another post. Now it’s back to FMKG.

Karen…the birthday girl!
Cameron – the “universal” bag
Jan in her new woven jacket
Another view of Jan’s Jacket
We celebrate…we knit!!
Kimberly is all knitted up!
Bonnie has been crafting
Oh…so sweet!

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RIP Barbara Scott

Posted in Friendship, knitting, tagged , , , , , on February 27, 2014| Leave a Comment »

BarbaraScottAward[1]It is with great sadness that I share that our knitting friend Jean let me know that her dear life-long friend Barbara, master knitter, passed away this past Monday. Her bright, enthusiastic spirit stayed strong  during the last few months of major illness. You may recall that I’ve mentioned Barbara a few times here on this blog. You can read more about her on this blog post celebrating her years with Knitters Guild of America (TKGA).

Jean shared this from Barbara’s husband, Bob.  He  said, ” I am pretty sure there are a large number of knitters in heaven who needed help and will be greeting her with open arms.”  He could be right!

Barbara will be missed by many. She touched many lives.

Debby from TKGA has graciously shared these lovely photos of Barbara as well as some lovely thoughts and news about a Memoriam.

“It is sad to think that she is gone. She was an invaluable supporter of The Knitting Guild Association, one of our first members and always involved in ways to help other knitters perfect their skills. TKGA recognized Barbara at our Conference in 2007 and awarded her an Honorary Lifetime membership at that time. That is what you see in one of the photos I’ve attached. The other photo is from the TKGA 25th Anniversary in 2010 when she was introduced again for her long-time involvement in the organization. Cast On magazine is carrying a Memoriam in our upcoming Summer issue. Her name has also been added to the TKGA Memorial Remembrance Page online where contributions are already being made in her name to benefit knitting education – something that was dear to her heart.

I have known Barbara for a long time, having worked with her on many projects for TKGA, and I will miss her!”

TKGADinnerBScott_Jul_06_077[1]

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Stitches West 2014

Posted in knitting, tagged , , , , on February 19, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Me (Carolyn) modeling new MaggiKnits shawl

Me (Carolyn) modeling new MaggiKnits shawl

Oh….I am so excited…it’s Stitches West time again. Many knitters and retailers will be descending upon the grounds of Santa Clara’s Convention Center Feb 20 – 23. In fact, the retailers and teachers are there today setting up to be ready for all of us possessed knitters who start arriving tomorrow. My excitement is heightened by the fact that I will be retailing with MaggiKnits again. It was so much fun last year (and previous years)….delighted that Maggie asked me to work with her again. I will get to have my “fix” with retailing in the knitting community as well as see so many old friends. I felt a lift in my spirits when I left my “day job” today knowing I was heading to the larger knitting world in the morning. Hurray!!!

You can find Maggie, Heather and me in Booth 613 at Stitches West. Come see us!

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Finished!

Posted in knitting, tagged , , , on February 13, 2014| Leave a Comment »

News flash in from PJ this week…..”Just in case you thought I don’t ever finish something!” Now that did bring a smile. PJ finishes much and I am delighted that she shared her photos (added a couple of mine) to enjoy!  PJ knit her version of the Honey Cowl using 100% merino “Sock” yarn by Malabrigo. The sweater and cap were knit in Bel Canto….now a discontinued yarn.

You can see more of PJ’s work and comments on Ravelry at PJKnitsUFOs .

PJ
View 1 – Honeycomb Cowl
View 2 – Honeycomb Cowl
Matching Sweater and Cap

The Honeycomb Cowl found on ravelry.com is a big hit with several in this knitting community. You’ve now seen a couple on this blog….there will be a couple more showing within the month. I’ve knit 3 inches of 320 stitches on sock weight yarn….only 8 inches to go. Click, click!!

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Another Birthday Celebration

Posted in Birthday Celebrations, Friendship, knitting, tagged , , , , on February 9, 2014| Leave a Comment »

This week we celebrated Bonnie’s birthday with gifts, cheer, champagne, rain and more knitting. I am sure some of us got at least a couple of rows knit. My Honeycomb Cowl has 320 stitches so I was quite happy to get two rows knit, particularly with all the celebration. Happy, happy birthday to Bonnie!

The Birthday Girl!

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It’s “Thumbs Up”!

Posted in knitting, tagged , , on January 30, 2014| 4 Comments »

Carolyn’s Hitchhiker

I’m so excited that this lovely “fussy” Hitchhiker scarf designed by Martina Behm is done. (You can find this pattern at Ravelry.com). I love the yarn and the results….so why fussy?? It was an 8-row pattern with 4 increases during those 8 rows. Now how tough is that I ask? For me it was a challenge. When I knit garter, which I like to do, I often drift off to another land…..in this case it often meant that I forgot one of my increase stitches. How did I resolve this? I put markers on the needles to count stitches every 8 rows and I knew that each 8 rows must increase by 4 stitches. If I failed that simple test…..one could hear “frogging”!

As I mentioned in a previous post I love this yarn gifted to me by Maurie….many thanks! The colors are perfect and I will enjoy this for many seasons. One day my internal thermometer might cool off and then I will wear lovely garments like this closer up on my neck. So…..in the meantime I put my vanity aside and just enjoy the knitting designs!!

Oh….that reminds again of PJ’s thoughtful advice to me re: cowls. I want to knit the Honeycomb Cowl that is another popular design that you can find at Ravelry.com. I loved PJ’s rendition….a double wrap cowl. She suggested that I consider more stitches for this double wrap. She used a sock yarn and 280 stitches….I am using a sock yarn and 320 stitches. The sock/fingering weight yarn is that lovely choice my “personal” shoppers made at Interweave-Lab last fall. The stitches are cast on and I am on row 4 of 320 stitches. Stay tuned!

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The Vintage Poncho

Posted in knitting, tagged , , on January 25, 2014| 1 Comment »

Poncho Pattern
My nieces 1972

In a recent post I mentioned the marathon poncho knitting that I did in the mid-1970’s. It wasn’t a Vogue pattern after all….it was Columbia Minerva Leaflet #2520 “In Ponchos”.

My friend Nan wore her “Aran Isle” poncho to church a few weeks ago and I recognized the pattern immediately. It was the same poncho design that I knit about 40 years ago for my sister , her daughters and myself.

I love our neighborhood/church grapevine…..CJ loaned me a copy of the same pattern !

Nan
The details

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Auld Lang Syne

Posted in Christmas, Crafting, Friendship, knitting, Wheat weavings, tagged , , , , on December 31, 2013| 1 Comment »

At the midnight hour around the world we will be hearing the familiar Scottish tune Auld Lang Syne. For me it always evokes memories of those who are near and dear to me…..and who may be near and far. Grateful for the memories and the friendships. Some of those memories……..

Its Bonnie’s birthday!
Cameron
Jim and Betty – when their daughter Honara married April 1990.
Terry
Susanne and Diane
Kimberly
Nephew modeling his college bound scarf
Debbie
Larua
Bonnie
Marsha
A knitterly morning!
Jean and Karen in background
Jean looks charming in her new sweater!
Katie…the scarf is almost done! It’s going to be long enough for a double wrap!
Ellen and her version of the Shaelyn Shawl
Carole’s top down cardigan with zipper.
A gift of love
Baby Surprise “folded/molded” into sweater!
Grandma’s knitting book
Kimberly (acting silly) Steven and Bonnie
My grandma and me (Jr in High School)
Silky Wool Scarf – a “heart felt” for friend with cancer
Ellen with a gift of love for Baby
Jean loving her mittens!
Jean “loving” my pup Lucy March 2009
Merle’s gift of love!
Cathy with her gift of love!
Natasha’s mother with new grandson! A blessing!
Jean and Sarah with their gifts of love!
Nina and her granddaughter!
Susanne – a gift of love for her grandchild Zoe!
Terry and her Heart Design Afghan
Jan’s Summer Flies Shawl
Janie and her Summer Flies Shaw
Sheri – The fingerless gloves – Pluviose
Janie in her jeweled mini poncho
Some of our Saturday Knitters
Some of our Friday knitters…sending their cheer!
Sarah in her knit Santa hat!
Me and Lucy and the “Fan” Bolero
Beth is reading next steps for her hat
The Three Twirly Skirts
Terry and her Feather and Fan Afghan
Maurie and the Rose Heart Afghan
The Shawl
Helen – in her Round Shawl knit with Noro Silk Garden
It’s done!
Katie – The model!
Betsy graduate – her cloche
Five Wounds Cross Web
The children!
The back of the “Pinstripe” Sweater Jacket
Kimberly and Jan “modeling” the blanket and hat!
Shari and her first sweater!
More showing of the jewels!
Showing the jewels!
Heleb
The group sans Karen
Carol and Peg
Afternoon knitting
PJ
Terry’s needles are really clicking…it seems that she just requested yarns from her fellow knitters stash…and magically she appears with an almost finished afghan. She has a lot of fun putting the color and fiber combinations together. Check out the link below – Afghans for Afghans.
It’s finished! And it’s stunning!
Margaret and her afghan
Debbie and her lovely green sweater
Karen – Alaca Stole
Susanne
eek!!!!
Another Mason-Dixon inspiration
Natasha so enjoyed the booties from Susanne!
Ellen and Lucy
Peg’s Log Cabin: Joseph’s Blankie of Many Colors
Jean with scarf in the making!
Natasha: the soon-to-be mom in her soon-to-be Annie Scarf Stole
Some of the Friday Group
Terry’s Stole – Annie’s Scarf Stole
Sarah – The Truck Sweater – It’s Done
Modular Garter Stitch Vest
Grandpa, Johnny and me
Lap Afghan
Debbie – Tunisian Crochet Afghan
Kimberly and Jan knitting!
MaggiKnits – Stitches 2011
Noro Silver Thaw Prayer Shawl
Natasha: the happy mom-to-be!
Sarah – The Model
Nina and another lovely design
A knitting afternoon
Sheri with a close up!
It’s finished!
Connie, Karen, and Carolyn at Stitches West 2010
Jean and Patricia
The Four
Linda in her beautiful Irish knit sweater.
PJ – Happy Knitter!
Susanne was inspired….her cable scarf became a cowl
Great-great grandma Miles (1845 – 1929)
A proud giftee – Kevin’s son!
Mom 1945 – Martha aka Marty
Twirly Skirts
Shari and John
Bonnie
Nina
Gifted by Debra
Her latest hat…more details to follow!
Check out the buttons!
The trio
Karen – her pink sweater jacket
Margot – It’s done
Lily
Monticello tour
Reunion
We’ve begun to gather
Rachell showing her works!
Betty and Carolyn – February 1954
Diane – a cowl scarf present
Diane and Susanne
Claire “jeweled” her jacket
Dad – Navy 1941
Rosa learned to knit!
Iron chain sheep in Sonara
Betsy – Gauntlet
Enjoying Connie’s gift
Cameron’s gift
Ellen – Beautiful scarf
Christmas/Holiday 2013
Patricia and Rachell
Laurel – her first sweater
More food!!
The early Pugh cousins
Grandm and Grandpa
Jean and Debra
More love affair!
Some of our family!
Margarita Toasts
Ellen and Jean
Margot – It’s done!!
Phyllis – Cowl
A reunion
A wedding
It’s Hip to Knit
A young knitter in our midst
Janie and Kimberly
Some of the Sat group
Carolyn…me..modeling
Helen with knitted gifts of love!
Almost done!
Mary and her Tomten Jacket
Grethe’s Version
The Sock
Bathing Beauties from Fiber Trends #215X
3 – Merle’s w/Abel’s Piglet
Merle started the playful sweater!
First meal in Hawaii
Nephews
Carolyn and Dana
The girls were here
Don and Pat
Prayer Shawl in the works
Cousin Mick
Bill and Carolyn – July 2011
Mary, Peg, Carolyn
Peg, Carolyn, Mary
Friday Morning KW Memories
Cousins – 2013
Gathering with the Aussies -1990
Ice Skating – 2009
Shelby Graduation – 2012

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