Sunday, May 30, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Linen Stitch

I love the texture this stitch creates.  It has the appearance of a hand woven fabric and makes me think of the days when women would make their own fabric. It is a very simple combination of stitches and only two repeating rows.

It can be changed up to give different effects by using different type yarns. The photo demonstrates 3 different effects using solid wool, tweed and verigated yarns.   I personally like the tweed look the best, but I must say that the verigated look is interesting.  I'm not a big fan of verigated yarn and you will rarely see my work using it, but I do like the the effect it has with the linen stitch.

The linen stitch is worked in multiples of 2 +1 (example: 18 + 1 for a total of 19 stitches) and with 2 repeating rows.  It's easy to see where you are and where you left off, so this is an easy project to put down and pick up again.


I'm in the process of making a scarf with this pattern that I think will look fantastic with my charcoal grey wool pea-coat style winter jacket next winter using a deep red wool tweed.

For this pattern I cast on 21 stitches and repeat the following 2 rows:

Row 1: K1, *(Sl 1 wyif, K1) rep to end  (wyif = with yarn in front)
Row 2: K1, P1, *(Sl 1 wyib, P1) rep to end (wyib = with yarn in back)

I'm going to finish it off with a short 1 1/2 inch fringe.

Last week I asked people to answer a poll regarding the type of knitting needles they prefered. The results show that bamboo needles are the favorite at 75% and alumimun coming in second at 25%. 
I was taught using alumimun needles and used them exclusively for over 25 years. It wasn't until a few years ago that I tried bamboo and I absolutely love them.  It was a bit hard on my budget to replace all the needle sizes with bamboo but I simply would get a new set as I needed new ones.  I tried going back to alumimun and I felt very uncoordinated and my stitches were so uneven that I will only use bamboo now. 

This week's poll ~  Which yarn do you like for the linen stitch - Plain, Tweed, Verigated?
 
Thanks for stopping by and Happy Knitting!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Flowers!





I spent the day planting my vegetable garden -  4 varieties of tomatoes, green beans, bell peppers, lettuce, cuccumbers, yellow and green squash and 3 varieties of sunflowers.  I can't wait for them to start growing!

I have some iris that are doing very well this year ~  lovely pale yellow and a violet/yellow blend. 




And my very generous neighbor gave me some lupin plants last year - the are doing sooo well!  I had tried several years to plant seeds, but nothing ever took.  Now I have big beautiful plants.  Thanks so much, Joyce!
  


I love the colors that summer brings!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Fiber Friday ~ Felted Wool Bowl

Happy Friday in front of a Holiday Weekend ~ 

Today's fiberific feature is this new felted wool what not bowl in rust, yellow and green.  The earthy color combination  just makes me smile! 

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to get your recommended dose of fiber.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Wooly Wednesday

I've become obsessed with making felted wool poseable flowers lately.  Maybe that is because spring is here and I'm inspired by all the lovely flowers that are blooming. Maybe it is because I just love a challenge.  Either way, I believe that I've finally gotten the formula down pat after making several (and I mean several) failed attempts.

Show here is the first batch (or first pickings!) of my newest crop of felted wool flowers - available on etsy for $18.50 each ~




Let me know what colors, species and shapes you would like to see in future work by leaving a comment below.  Thanks so much!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Monday Quote of the Week


"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense."

-- Harold S. Kushner

This week's quote of the week is hosted by crearting who has some of the most incredible hand bound journals and guest books ~  Just incredible!   This is a MUST SEE shop on etsy!

Enjoy your week ~~

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Rice Stitch

Good Morning!


This week's stitch of the week is Rice Stitch - I love the texture of this stitch!  It is simple but looks intricate and it is very thick to give warmth.  

Here is the pattern - Just 2 repeating rows!

Row 1: (right side) P1, *(KB1, P1) Rep to end
Row 2: Knit

Repeat these 2 rows

I made a 8 inch square that will be sewn into a blanket for the Linus Project in our local area with this pattern. It took only a half hour to knit up and it is very rewarding knowing that it will be part of a blanket that will provide comfort to a child that is ill. 

I had been looking for a knitting group to join for quite some time and I finally found one close to home and one that has the most amazing women!  If you are local, just check out Woolhaven Yarn and Fiber Shop in Remsen NY.  Every Thursday evening from 6 - 9 pm, the world stops and the gals get together to knit but most importantly to discuss every topic imaginable in those few hours.  I've only been going for a few short weeks, but I have already learned great knitting tips and most importantly gathered some wonderful new friends!  Our Linus Project donation is part of this group and I can't wait to see the finished blanket!



 
Last weeks poll  Do You Knit European Style or American Style? only had 4 responses, so the results may not be to accurate - but here goes:  75% knit American Style and 25% European Style.  I'm in the European group - I always knew I was the odd-ball. 
 
This week's Poll: What type of knitting needles do you prefer? Alumnum, Bamboo, Plastic, Other


Next week's stitch is the Linen Stitch and I'm making a simple scarf that will look as if it were hand woven with a very homespun look and feel.
 
Until then~  Keep your needles clicking!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Fiber Friday ~ Handknit Neckwarmer

TGIF! 

This is one of my favorite wool neckwarmers in my etsy shop.  It is incredibly warm and the colors are a wonderful blend of blues and greens.



Enjoy your Friday!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Wooly Wednesday

Happy Hump Day!

My Wooly Wednesday Feature today is this beautiful wool vase cozy in a deep rich red with soft yellow flowers.  It is made to fit snugly around a clear glass vase that is included.


Wednesday Knitting Joke of the Day:

How did the knitter feel when she lost her wool?




Answer: Sheepish

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Garter Slip Stitch

Good Morning ~ 

Today's stitch is Garter Slip Stitch and I have to say that this is one of the easiest stitch combination that really gives alot of texture to your project.   I'm gearing up for the summer craft fair season and have made several little wallets with this stitch.   It's easy to memorize and because 2 rows of the pattern you slip every other stitch it is worked quite quickly.

The pattern is worked in multiples of 2 + 1 over 4 rows.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: K1, *(Sl 1pw, K1) rep to end
Row 4: K1, *(yf, Sl 1 pw, yb, K1) rep to end

Repeat these 4 rows

I have several wallets or card holders such as this one in my etsy shop.  I think they are perfect to hold ATM cards, Credit Cards, Student ID's, Drivers Licence and Business Cards.


Or even better yet -  Put a gift card in one of these, tie a ribbon around it and you will have the perfect gift for grads or for any event. 

If you would like to make your own, I have the knitting pattern availabe as well, complete with a check off grid to keep track of every row.  And here is what my tester says about this pattern:  " What a quick, fun project this was! This is one that I am going to make again very soon. "




 
Results of last week's Poll "Who Taught You to Knit?
50% Mother
25% Self Taught (Books)
12% Knitting Group
12% Neighbor

My mother taught me to knit and interestingly, she taught me 'the European' way of holding incoming yarn using my left hand.  Many Americans knit by holding the incoming yarn with their right hand. My mother-in-law was one of those.  Mary Claire (MIL) used to say I drove her nuts when I would sit and knit with her as I did it backwards.  (I'm sure I drove her nuts in other ways, but that is the only thing she ever told me about!)

Anyway, I thought it would be interesting to see how many knitters that visit my blog are "European" knitters or "American" knitters.. so this week's poll is ready for you to check in:  Do You Knit European Style or American Style?  Results to be shared next week

Keep your knitting needles clicking until next week when I will feature the Rice Stitch!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Fiber Friday ~ RoseBud Felted Wool Vase

TGIF!  It's been a long week and I'm happy that Friday has arrived! 

Hope you enjoy your dose of Fiber today ~

This felted wool vase is so sweet and comes complete with a glass insert. 





Visit valeriesgallery.etsy.com for more fiberific goodies.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Color!


I just love color ~

I just finished this wholesale order for bangles and I love how they stack up! 

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Wooly Wednesday

Wooly Wednesday Highlight ~  Set of 3  Felted Wool Bowls in Earth Tone Colors


Just enough splash of color!


Knitting Joke ~ 

-How do knitters travel?





Answer: By cable car!


Happy Hump Day!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Monday Quote of the Week



"May I never miss a sunset or a rainbow because I am looking down."
-- Sara June Parker

This beautiful photo titled Illinois Twilight along with other beautiful photos are available at Pleyades (C. Wade Photography) on etsy.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Double Cable

Good Morning and Happy Mother's Day!

Who taught you to knit?  Was it your mother, grandmother, aunt or a friendly neighbor?  Did you teach yourself from a book or join a knitting group?  Take a minute to let me know in the survey on the right >>. 

Mom at 16 - Wasn't she a beauty!

It was my mother that taught me and I am so very glad she did.  Mom is the ultimate do-it-yourselfer and can make just about anything.  More so when we were children ~ from making our clothes to curtains to knitting our mittens and sweaters.  To this day, at 81, she still always has something on her needles.   She taught me the 'European' way, which is holding the incoming yarn with your left hand.  I've recently joined a knitting group and it makes me cross-eyed to watch all the gals knitting right handed, but ultimately, the result is the same.  Anyway - Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there.

Today's stitch is the Double Cable.  Don't be intimated - this is so much easier than it looks.  Basically, you do a cable in the back and immediately do another cable in the front.  Or vise-versa, which will determine if the cable goes up or down.

This pattern has 6 repeating rows and is worked over 8 stitches. 

Downward Cable:


Row 1: (right side) Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: C4F, C4B
Row 6: Purl

Upward Cable:

Row 1: (right side) Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: C4B, C4F
Row 6: Purl

Repeat these 6 rows

I've used this stitich in a lovely new scarflette/neckwarmer that I call Flying Geese as it gives the illusion of geese in the V formation.  This one is knit with baby alpaca and is so incredibly soft!



I also offer the pattern for this neckwarmer on etsy.  Here is what my tester said when she was done: " What a great job you did on this pattern! It is easy to memorize and I am already thinking of other uses for this stitch pattern".  So check it out if you are looking for an easy pattern that really looks great.  I also provide a handy check-off grid so you won't miss a row!


 
Grab your needles and have some fun! 
 
Until next week ~  Keep your needles clicking.
 

Friday, May 7, 2010

Fiber Friday ~ Golden Wheat Felted Wool Bowl

TGIF ~  And don't forget to get your weekly dose of fiber!

This golden wheat felted wool bowl is new today ~



And here is a bit of knitty humor to keep you going through the day:

-How did the knitter knit a suit of armor?






Answer: She used steel wool!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Zumba ~ Way Too Much Fun!

About 2 months ago I started going to a weekly Zumba workout in Forestport, NY.  I really didn't know what to expect and believe me... I was never one for dancing.  But I really needed something to get me moving and so I went.  Who knew I would love it?  I mean, this workout has become the highlight of my week.

I've never sweat so much, laughed so much or just enjoyed being with other people as this bunch of gals.  We meet in the old school in a little bitty town with the windows wide open and the music so loud it can be heard in the next county and just let it all out. 

Jeanie and Annie

Our instructor, Anne, is the best!  She has so much energy that we can't help but get into the groove.  I asked her to talk a bit about herself and here is what she has to say:
I grew up the child 2 Cuban refugees that came over from Cuba in the late 1950's when the "Cuban Revolution" was starting to brew and Communism was starting to plant roots amongst the people. My mom and dad could see this, so they decided to immigrate over to the USA. We grew up in New York city and Miami, that is where our family was.

Later on in adulthood, I adopted the Fitness lifestyle. In my 20's it was Aerobics, both step and regular. I was also a runner. In my 30's it was other Fitness ventures, long distance biking and Spinning. Anything I did had to be propelled by music. Wether it was a "SONY WALKMAN" or an 'IPOD" or a Super pulsating dance club in New York City like "STUDIO 54" or "THE LIMELIGHT".

Annie
In the Latin culture, you dance at every and any gathering. It is just the way it is. Salsa, Merengue, all of it. From the minute a latin baby is born, it dances its way out of the Womb. Ha! Ha! I think that is because Salsa music is playing in the delivery room. Anyway, When ZUMBA started coming around, I looked into it and got my certifications. What was really amazing is that there really is no where in the NORTH COUNTRY that lends itself to a Disco or Dance Club.

For the most part, my observations have been that folks need to drink alcohol to really "let their hair down and DANCE" . So when I began the classes, I noticed how really fun it was and people were also getting a workout and leaving elated and happy. It's almost like a session with a therapist. Today life is so busy and full of pressure and commitment. How many people really go out and have fun? even if it is just for 1 hour. I have always loved the group fitness enviroment cause it is so infectious. With ZUMBA, you can move at your pace as if you would at a party. When we go to a party and dance, like a wedding for example, we don't check out how everyone else is dancing. We hear the music individually and interpret the rythym and it takes you over, before you know it, you are dancing.

Everyone can have fun and get fit regardless of your fitness level or dance background. I hoot and holler and I encourage everyone to do the same. As a matter of fact, in my childrens class which is called ZUMBATOMIC, I tell the kids to yell and scream to thier hearts desire when the music starts. Where else can a child do this? I think that is healthy. And they are getting exercise too. I am also starting a ZUMBA GOLD which is for Seniors and folks with physical limitations, even wheelchair. I am excited about it. What makes this most fulfilling for me though, is the JOY it brings to people. That I can be a catalyst for something so good, something that can bring happiness to so many, make my life so meaningful.

If you are local and want to book Annie for a wedding, party or just any occasion you can contact her at queenie13420@yahoo.com and join the party ~ the Zumba way!   Or if your in Forestport NY on a Monday evening between 6-7pm - join us for just $5.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Flower Wine Bottle Cozy

We had a long trip this past weekend to Vermont and I just couldn't waste all that time by not making something.  I grabbed some yarn and needles before we set out and this fun wine bottle cozy is the result.

Thanks for doing all the driving, Daryl!




Three flowers surround the cozy with stems/leaves. 

Monday, May 3, 2010

Monday Quote of the Week


"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

-- Charles M. Schulz

Today's quote is hosted by nikid  where you can get some of this chocolate overload!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Our Visit to Vermont

Just a couple pictures of our visit to Vermont this weekend.

Happy Birthday, Warren!