Felted Treasures

Audrey ~ Handknit Red Lace Shawl

2012-01-17T03:32:00.000-08:00

My lastest shawl is named Audrey, after Audrey Hepburn.

There are many different shades of red and last fall, I went searching for just the right shade of red yarn for a shawl project. I finally found this amazing hand-dyed yarn with a bit of sparkle from The Periwinkle Sheep. I absoultely fell in love with this yarn that she had named Audrey Hepburn. I didn't know that Audrey's favorite color was red, but I am glad that it was!

I didn't have a pattern in mind, I just new that I wanted to knit a red shawl.

Everyday since October, I had glanced at my cherished yarn, knowing that one day it would become a shawl and last week, I finally cast on and knitted a shawl that I feel keeps the classic simplicity of Audrey in mind.

I chose a simple, yet classic design to allow the beauty of the yarn to be the main attraction.

Simple, but gorgeous, as was Audrey.

Classic Cable Unisex Wool Scarf in Forest Green

2012-01-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

I've been knitting up a storm here lately and have had so much fun knitting holiday gifts and shawls. But I thought I would take a moment to knit something simple that didn't require alot of thinking or counting.

So I resorted to my favorite original pattern with classic cable design and pulled out my forest green tweed wool stash. This scarf is just a classic and perfect for all types of outings. It is knit with 2 strands of yarn for the chunky look, but is very soft and has a very nice drape.

This scarf is available in my etsy shop as well as the pattern for those of you who like to make their own.

Finished Shawl

2012-01-08T05:23:00.000-08:00

I finally had time to finish up the shawl I started in October and it came out so nice!

This is Anna Dalvi's pattern Tital Waves from her book "Shaping Shawls". I was lucky enough to meet her in person at the Rhienbeck Fiber Festival this year and I can't wait to try another of her patterns. I did modify her design a bit by using smaller yarn with more pattern repeats and adding a crocheted scalloped edging around the bottom. But what really makes this project special is that I used hand dyed yarn from The Periwinkle Sheep's Wink collection. This yarn is hand dyed merino/nylon which has a bit of sparkle through out the yarn.

It is hard to tell from the photos, but it is sparkly and oh so nice!

This shawl is available on etsy for a one of a kind treasure!

Happy Knitting ~ Val

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-04T04:50:00.000-08:00

I have seriously neglected my blog during December 2011 as I was busy with my holiday preparations. I basically had a knitting project going in every spare moment for gifts to all my loved ones. I gave away 2 afghans, 6 pairs of socks, a hat and scarf set and several knit book marks.

I love the way this chunky afghan turned out that I gave to my daughter Sara. It is very soft, thick and warm. I loved working the cables and although there are a couple mistakes in it, they are very hard to find and not noticable at all.

Daughter Erin received this one, which is just as soft:

For Daryl, I found a pattern for Soldier Socks from WWI, distributed by the Red Cross. I thought these would be interesting as Daryl loves watching the old war clips on TV. They knit up quickly and brought me back in time. All the while I was knitting them, I was thinking about the soldiers off to war nearly 100 years ago.

For Alehk (daughter Erin's boyfriend) I was most proud of this pair of socks. Even though I used a self striping yarn, I was thrilled that I actually got them to come out to match perfectly:

Erin's socks didn't match stripes as well, but still a fun pair of socks anyway:

Daughters Katie and Sara and son-in-law Kris went with the plain jane styles:

Now that my holiday knitting is over, I am looking forward to a productive 2012. I've joined a knit along on Raveley for a Dozen Shawls in 20Dozen.. That is a shawl a month and I hope I can keep up with it. I plan to cast on January's shawl this weekend and knit it up in a couple weeks.

I hope you all have a great 2012 and keep on knitting!

Knit Socks

2011-12-03T05:05:00.000-08:00

This simple pattern for knit socks really becomes special when knit with this deep plum hand dyed yarn.

I bought the yarn at the Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival back in September and finally finished knitting them. One more Christmas gift completed!

What is on your knit list for the holidays?

Felted Wool Christmas Ornaments

2011-11-27T06:47:00.000-08:00

These lovely ornaments have just finished drying from the felting process and will be boxed up for my co-worker and friend, Amy.

They are crocheted with lovely red wool with a strand of gold shimmery thread, stuffed with polyfil and felted for a solid closure. They hang with a white satin ribbon.

Amy asked me to make these for her as her very active toddler is getting ready for his first 'I'm mobile now!" Christmas. With no shattering glass globes or metal hooks to cause him any harm, these ornaments are just the ticket for a safe and happy holiday!

Thanks for asking me to make these for you, Amy! I had a 'ball'....

Knitted Socks

2011-11-09T03:45:00.000-08:00

I just finished this lovely lacy pair of socks in gorgeous teal. The yarn is hand dyed from The Periwinkle Sheep and is a dream to knit with! You can check out her other hand dyed yarn here

Now, off to knit another pair!

Knit Afghan - "Stroll Through an Irish Wood"

2011-10-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

I have finished my lastest project that I've named "Stroll Through an Irish Wood".

The design is orginal and I've combined cables and lace work for the first time. The edges are knit with cables that give the image of tree trunks and branches complete with dangling leaves. Through the center is a Celtic Knot pattern, which is the path for your stroll.

I used over 2,400 yards of worsted weight yarn and it got pretty heavy while working it near the end, but I kept snuggly and warm! I knit with 2 strands of slightly different shades of yarn that give just a hint of highlights through out the afghan.

One of my luck children will get this for Christmas this year... now which one has been really, really good?

Weekend at Rhinebeck Fiber Festival

2011-10-17T03:07:00.000-07:00

My friend and I spent the weekend at a 2 day fiber festival snuggled in the Catskill Mountains with all the fall foliage surrounding us. But better yet, we were also surrounded by sheep, alpaca, llamas, bunnies and other animals that provide us with amazing fiber.

Barns and barns of fiber artists, spinners, weavers, dyers, knitters were the main attraction and can I say that it can be overwhelming at times.

The highlight of my weekend was meeting Anna Dabri and getting a signed copy of her newest book, Shaping Shawls.

I immediately needed to cast on with some of Periwinkle Sheeps gorgeous wink yarn when I got home. So far, the one I chose is coming out lovely:

Here is the stash I bought for spinning and knitting:

Now, I am anxiously awaiting the weekend to really get going on some of this stuff!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Ella is now available as a pattern

2011-10-09T05:16:00.000-07:00

The testing process is complete and I'm excited to have Ella available as a PDF knitting pattern.

You can purchase your copy through etsy or Ravelry for $5.00.

This is a great beginner lace design as the pattern is worked only on the front (every back row is just purl) and has only 12 repeating rows. To complete this project you will need 250 - 270 yards of fingering weight yarn, size 8 US knitting needles and a tapestry needle to weave in the ends.

It is knit flat and each row has the same number of stitches so it is easy to keep track of while working the pattern. The finished product using fingering yarn is 11 inches wide and 65 inches long. However, you can modify this by using heavier yarn and larger needles to create a warmer, thicker shawl.

The PDF pattern includes both written instructions as well as a chart that includes the symbols meanings.

And as with most of my patterns, I have included a check off grid so you will always know where you left off when you set it down for awhile.

Introducing Ella

2011-10-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to introduce my latest scarf design that I've name Ella. Ella is soft, stylish and comforting and she will certainly make you feel like a million bucks when you have her on your shoulders.

The the pattern will soon be available for purchase in both my etsy shop and on Ravelry. I just need to get the ok back from my tester and we will be good to go, and just in time for holiday knitting projects.

This finished version of Ella is knit with my very own handspun yarn which is a merino wool / mohair blend that gives this scarf a nice feel and a great drape. It is light, airy and a perfect accessory that can be worn as a scarf or a shoulder wrap and would look great at the office or with a pair of jeans on the weekend.

I plan to have more versions of Ella in my shop soon in various colors and fiber content. So stop by valeriesgallery on etsy often to see what's new.

Sunday Morning Knit Wit Leaf Shawls

2011-09-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so technically it is Monday and Labor Day has come. Summer is winding down and it's time to get down to business. Whether you are headed back to school, getting ready for winter or just need to get started on some knitting projects, the season has come. Get your knitting needles out and cuddle up with some yarn.

Today I am featuring 2 more lacy shawls. Both are the same falling leaf pattern, but each one came out quite differently.

Early Fall Leaves is knit with soft shades of oranges, blues, greens, and lavenders. I love the way the colors worked out and it is perfect for those sunny but cool autumn days.

Using the exact same pattern, I knit Adirondack Fall Leaves in deep, rich rust and added tiny glass beads to each leaf with a 3 bead cluster at each scallop point. This shawl is for the serious leaf peeper!

Today is a dark rainy day, so I've started knitting an afgahn with cables and leaves. With each row I get more excited to start the next row just to see the design come to life.

I hope you are all getting your knitting projects planned and started.

Keep you needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Chunky Knits by Biscuit Scout

2011-08-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

While searching through etsy this week, I came across a truly remarkable shop and just needed to share with you today.

Cables and Bobbles make a statement in beautiful knit sweaters, mitts and hats. But when you find these gorgeous designs on ottomons, chairs and lampshades the designs pop and I, for one, am in awe!

I'm hoping you will visit BiscuitScout's etsy shop and see her fabulous work. Here is some information from her profile:
"I am a graphic designer who left the big city in search of my fortune. (Actually I just really wanted to live in the countryside.)

I have recently settled in Napier in the Overberg (near the bottom, most Southern tip of Africa) and apart from discovering the joys of no traffic and growing your own vegetables, I have had time to indulge my passion for knitting.

"It all started a long time ago when I decided to knit a cover for my ageing washing machine. I loved the result so much, that I experimented with various patterns and wools and shapes and sizes; using knitting as a functional art form. It opened up a whole world of possibilities, but back then I still had a day job and knitting took a back seat.

So when I found myself sitting on my porch staring at the cows in the valley, I decided it was time to knit in earnest. I now knit in a thoroughly contemporary way using a chunky Aran style and do winter “jerseys” for ottomans and armchairs, funky cross-shaped scatter cushions and pretty much anything that takes my fancy".

I am truley amazed at her fabulous work. I would love to cozy up in a chair covered with cables wrapped in one of her blankets, with my feet up on an ottomon while reading a good book using lighting from her light cover on a cold winters day. My idea of true bliss!

Lynn ~ Thank you so much for sharing your creative work with us today!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Knitting with Beads

2011-08-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! When we last left off, I was working on a pair of Two at at Time Toe Up socks. After working on them for 2 weeks, I finally decided to rip them out and move on to another project. Maybe if I try again from scratch I will have better luck with them.

So for now, I have redirected my efforts on learning how to knit with beads. I have several shawl patterns lined up in which I want to add beads, so I thought I would practice on a scarf before I tried the shawls.

I'm using a method that my close friend, April has described during our knitting group and I think it is much easier than stringing the beads on the yarn. You will need a very small crochet hook (I'm using size 2. I can't tell what alpha size it is, but you will get the idea from the photos... it is very, very small).

After charting out the pattern and determining where bead placement, have a small bowl filled with the beads and the crochet hook handy.

When you are ready to place the bead follow the steps below:
1) Put the bead on the crochet hook

2) Pull the working stitch off the left hand needle with the crochet hook:

3) Slip the bead off the hook and onto the working stitch:

4) Place the working stitch back on to the left hand needle:

5) Knit the stitch and continue with pattern.

So far, I am really enjoying knitting with beads in this method. For this project I am using a very delicate lace weight mohair yarn and size 3 knitting needles. Because the mohair is so extremely light and almost weight-less, the beads are adding some weight which I think will make the scarf more practicle for daily use.

I hope you will give this a try and let me know what you think! April - thanks so much for sharing your technique with me! Once this scarf is done, I'm going to cast on the "Dog Gone Lifeline Shawl" and add some beads to it!

I also finished spinning 4 oz of this wonderful mohair wool blend this week. The colors are amazing when looked at closely with shades of blues and bits of lavenders and purples. It is about a fingering weight yarn and I think will make a lovely wrap. ... another project on my to do list!

Enjoy your week and Happy Knitting!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Summertime Knitting

2011-07-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

I found a new favorite place to knit this summer. I seem to have migrated to my back yard under our old apple tree. It is so cool in the shade and I am enjoying the sounds of summer as I knit away! The birds are chirping, the crickets are cricketing, bees are humming and sometimes, if I listen very very carefully, I can almost hear my garden grow.

Sitting in the shade with a cool breeze and a tall cold drink knitting a small project is my idea of summertime bliss. I wouldn't suggest working on an afghan or blanket this time of year. But working on a pair of socks, lacy scarf or pair of mittens are the perfect summertime project. I'm usually don't use aluminum needles, but I tend to switch to aluminum when the temps go up. I may be imagining it, but they seem to be alot cooler as well.

Here are a few of my current projects, all very good summertime projects :

Lavender lacy shawl:

Knit Vases for a baby shower:

And a pair of 2 at a time toe up socks:

And a side note on the socks - this is my very first pair of toe up and working 2 at a time. I'm not sure if I really like this method yet or not. I seem to be struggling with smooth edges, which I hope will be resolved after blocking. But, I may just go back to the tried and true method working one at at time on double pointed needles cuff down. We will see!

What is on your needles this week and what are your ways to keep cool during the summer while knitting?

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ A perfect match (Socks and Housework)

2011-07-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

I knit socks the 'old fashioned' way - one at a time on double pointed needles. And I have Second Sock Syndrome... The first sock flies as I can't wait to see how it comes out. But the second one goes much slower. The excitement is gone. Sometimes the second sock will can take 4 to 5 times as long to finish as the first one.

But yesterday, I challenged myself to finish the second sock for one of my daughters and get my house work done. So I broke it down by sock part and here is how it evolved:

I got up bright and early and set myself up in a comfortable chair in the shade under the apple tree.

Cast on and completed the ribbing - then watered the garden (not a tough chore, but a chore nontheless)
Worked half the leg - came inside and started a load of laundry and cleaned 1 bathroom
Worked 2nd half of the leg - came inside and cleaned the refridgerator (oh boy, did that fridge need cleaning!)
Worked heel flap and decreased for heel - came inside and made mac salad (I had to put something in that nice clean fridge!) and did another load of laundry
Worked gusset - came inside and cleaned second bathroom
Worked half the foot - came inside and vacuumed and did another load of laundry
Worked 2nd half of the foot - finished up the laundry
By 4 PM I had finished the toe and my house work!

It actually worked out very well and I think I actually finished the second sock faster than the first one!

Now, last week I took advantage of KnitPick's 40% off sale on their books and bought "Toe-Up 2-at a Time Socks " by Melissa Morgan Oakes.

I am hoping that this method will cure me of the Second Sock Syndrome. Early this morning I cast on the toes for another pair of socks for another daughter. It took some time to adjust to different methods as I am a creature of habit, but so far so good. I have the toes completed and now I am off to weed the garden. I am hoping to finish the foot ahd after that I will mow the lawn.

I hope to have this pair done by next week and will let you know how they come out.

Do you have Second Sock Syndrome? If so, tell me about how you challenge yourself to 'get them done'.

Until next week - Happy Knitting!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Vacation Knitting

2011-07-17T05:04:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and keeping us especially busy! Lawn care, gardening, going for ice cream and vacations can keep us on the go, leaving little time to knit.

But summer is one of my favorite times to knit and I try to find every opportunity to get my sticks out when ever I can. Nothing beats sitting on the porch with a tall cool drink in the evening working on a project.

This past week, Daryl and I were on vacation and we drove up the coast of Maine, stopping at flea markets and beaches along the way. The trip to Acadia National Park was amazing and I recommend making the trip if you can. It is a good thing that D does all the driving because I knit up this pair of socks while in the car. One of my daughters will get these for Christmas (but I can't tell you which one right now... just incase they actually do read my blog!)

This shawl was done partly on the porch and partly in the car driving to Vermont to pick up our grandson.
Go to my etsy shop to see more pictures of this handknit shawl.

And I was able to finish my spinning project - 1,658 yards of heavenly merino/silk blend. My friend, April and I are each going to make a shawl with this fabulous fiber that we are calling Fairy Dust. I'm still looking for a pattern, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know. I was thinking of incorporating some type of bead work with this project as well.

So, don't let summer shove your knitting and spinning projects aside... it's not just for winter. What's on your needles? I would love to hear from you. I have another shawl with some surprising color work on mine and hope to have it ready by next week.

Enjoy your summer!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Lace Shawl in Handspun Merino

2011-06-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

Today I am featuring another hand knit lace shawl.

After gaining some experience and confidence in knitting these lacey wonders, I used my handspun fingering weight merino wool. And I must say, that I am extremely pleased with the result.

I found this pattern in The Knitter's Book of Wool. The pattern is called Prairie Rose Lace Shaw by Evelyn A. Clark. It is light and breezy and just way too much fun to make. If you are going to give it a try, I would suggest you get some graph paper and write the chart out larger as the one in the book is printed very small.

I love the way this delicate lace drapes.

Now that I have completed a couple lace projects I am pretty much stuck on them. I already started another one in a beautiful rich burgandy.

Next week I will be a the first Annual Central NY Fiber Festival on Route 20 near Bouchville, NY. If you are local, please stop by and say hello. I can't wait to see all the great fiber artists there and stock up on some more roving for spinning. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates.

Until next time ~ Keep your needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Fairy Dust Lace Weight Yarn

2011-05-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

With summer approaching, my weekends have been busy with spring cleaning and yard work, so there has been little time left over for knitting. I have been knitting some summer projects (mainly lace weight shawls and wraps), but as I mentioned last week, it seems that I have been spending more time ripping them out than knitting them together!

One stitch forward, Three back ...

So, I have been focusing on spinning project. There is nothing more relaxing than spinning ~ especially when you are working with some dream merino and silk blend. This stuff just seems to spin itself!

My friend, April purchased an entire pound of the is lucious fiber. Yes, that is 16 oz of pure softness. My job is to spin it into a lace weight two ply yarn. We are then going to split it and each knit a shawl. I think it will be so interesting to see how different each of our knit projects will turn out using the exact same yarn.

So far, I have 317 yards ready for the needles, which is just under 3 oz. So if my math doesn't fail me, we should get about 1,600 yards of this dreamy fairy dust yarn!

Hoping to have my green shawl completed for next week..
Until then, keep your needles clicking and HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Burgandy Lace Wrap

2011-05-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

I've spent the past two months knitting and ripping out lace shawls. Mostly ripping if truth be told. In fact, I have another triangle shawl that I put aside because I need to rip back 8 rows and I just don't want to look at it for awhile. But, even though these patterns are challenging me mathmatically, I really like the look of lace.

So I decided to try doing a simple rectangle wrap design with the KISS (Keep it Simple, Stupid) mentality. With the rectangle wraps, there are no changes in the number of stitches each row and it is easy to keep track of. The result is this ZigZag Lacy Wrap.

What makes this simple design special is the yarn that I used to knit it ~ my own handspun alpaca, merino, silk blend in a gorgeous burgandy with subtle shade changes. This wrap is soft, flowing and drapes beautifully.

This photo shows the gradiant changes in shades:

The yarn is in between fingering and sport weight and I used 10.5 US needles to make the zigzags pop.

I think it is perfect for cool summer evenings as a wrap to keep the chill off. Or it can be worn as a scarf in the fall too ~

I really had fun making this easy lace and knitting with some of my handspun. Sometimes doing something simple will help build confidence for the more complex designs!

Now, off to rip and finish my triangle shawl that awaits me ~~

Keep you needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Lacy Shawls, Nupps and Frogs

2011-05-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my first lacy shawl for the past 2 months and I must say that I nearly gave up, concluding that I was not able to knit one of these lovely items. But with some encouragement from my knitting group, several false starts and plenty of ripping out, I managed to complete one!

I call this Summer Breeze, both because of the wonderfully light weight and the aqua marine colorway that reminds me of a coral reef.

But it was not completed without frustrations....

I started with a simple pattern using Evelyn Clark's Knitting Lace Triangles book, which is a great knitting 'recipe' book. It explains the construction and you choose the stitches and pretty much design your own shawl. It really is a fool-proof book.. unless you are me, who can mess up anything!

For my first attempt, I used size 5 needles, which is way too small for lace work. Although the leaf pattern I chose came out nicely, it was too close together and the lace was not visable. I also was reluctant to use the charts and felt I was better off using the written pattern. This would cause me to make slight mistakes that would throw the entire pattern off in the next row. I also used some of my own handspun yarn and the slight variances in thick and thin was not working to my advantage. All things considered, I was bound to fail and my first attempt was a totally frogged project.

I then bought some fabulous blue and purple wool and attempted a different stitch from Evelyn's book, size 7 needles and forced myself to read the charts. This was coming out ok until I stretched it out too far to get a peek at the pattern and half of it fell off the needles! I couldn't pick up where I left off, so again I frogged it.

I was ready to give up with my piles of frogged yarn, until I was browsing Ravelry one day and came across the Swallotail Shawl pattern by Evelyn Clark. I was already familiar with how she constructed shawls from my previous attempts, so I told myself I would give it one more go at it. I bought different color yarn (just so I wouldn't be jinxed by using the same yarn that did me in previously) and I went to town.
Correct needle size - check.
Reading the charts - check.
Putting in life lines- check.
So far so good....
Until... (do you hear the sound track of Jaws here?) ..

Nupps!

What the heck are nupps? It is a simple stitch in which you knit in front and back of one stitch 5 times and then on the purl row, you purl them all into one stitch. It makes a nice little bump and adds texture... Kind of like a tiny little bobble. It sounds alot easier than it is.
Let me tell you how hard it is to purl 5 stitches together and making sure you don't include the YO before and after each one. It is hard!

So here I am, struggling to do these nupps and with only 2 more rows of nupps left, I get the brilliant idea of searching the Ravelry formus to see if anyone else struggles with these or if I am the only dummy. And what do I find? An actual You Tube instructions for the EASY way to do them! So I went on my merry way, finished the shawl and blocked it to perfection:

I am so very happy that I didn't just give up!

If you are going to attempt your first shawl, I would recommend that you absolutely do the following to avoid any re-dos like I did:
1) Learn to read the charts. I found that by putting them on my own graph paper and color coding the different stitiches helped me keep on track. Because even one stitch out of place will ruin the entire outcome.
2) Use the right size needles
3) Put in lifelines every 10 rows. If you do need to rip out, it is much, much easier to pick up with a life line.
4) Search Ravelry or You Tube for help in techniques that are new to you. Learning something new can be a huge timesaver!
5) Don't give up... no matter how much really really want to!

This has opened my horizon with working with lace. I have started a lovely summer wrap with a zig-zag pattern with some of my hand spun yarn. It is coming out lovely and I hope to share that with you next week.

Until then, keep your needles clicking ♥

Sunday Morning Kit Wit ~ My Studio is Finally Done!

2011-05-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

It has been 2 months in the making, but my studio if finally completed. I can't say how much I love having a space that is organized and is pleasant to be in while I work. And.. may I say that by doing this, the rest of the house has become less cluttered and organized as well!

The only things I actually bought for this room is a new rug and a computer desk and chair. (My friend gave me a hand me down table perfect for my sewing machine!). The rest are things I've had around the house.

Daryl painted the walls a nice antique white as there are only 2 small windows and the room needed to be lighter. (My daughter has selected a dark blue for this room when it was hers and it was almost cave-like). He also refinished the wood floor to perfection. Once that was done, it took me a few weeks to get totally moved in. Boy ... do I have alot of stuff!

So here is the tour....

This room is at the top of the stairs that I have to give more kudos to Daryl for building this fabulous stair way. The original stairs were the steep and narrow back stairway that he tore completly out and rebuilt a couple years ago. Enter....

Going around the room, I have a shipping station in the corner. Here is where I package my orders, make my tags and I have my summer craft fair schedule. This work table was an artist desk that my parents bought for me when I was still in highschool and an art major. I love this table and it has been with me for many years!

Next I have all my finish products, ready to ship or to pack up for the festivals. And along side that, my yarn stash. And I'm still finding more yarn stashed here and there through out the house. Just yesterday I came across yet another basket of yarn tucked away in the front room and said, "Oh look, more yarn!".

In the corner is my knitting and spinning center. It is next to one of the windows, so I have great light during the day time hours. And I just love spinning up here! It is so enjoyable and relaxing to do what you love in a space that you love! I am spinning some natural brown Romney-Perindale right now that is spinning very nicely. Next in the line up is some soft multicolor Merino Silk blend.

The long wall has my computer, printer and file cabinet. A bit boring, but a necessity. In the center of the room, I have a round table and 2 chairs for a work table. And if you are noticing the rocking horse, this was made by my father for my children about 25 years ago. I love the color and whimsey that it adds to the room. Not to mention that I think of Dad every time I see it!

The next corner is my sewing station. My sewing machine has pretty much been in storage for the last 7 years while we have been redoing this house. It is so nice to finally get it out and working again. I have a new project ready to go and am taking tomorrow off from my day job just to try it out! After sorting my fabric, I find that I didn't have as much as I thought. I feel a shopping trip coming on!

I have a sitting corner and I have to point out the wonderful quilted wall hanging my dear friend April made just for my studio! Daryl is still working on the closet and there will be doors eventually. I'm excited to have so much storage space.

Next we come to the dormer window area. This is a space that is limited, but has another light sourse. I put one of my antique peddle singers here along with my quilting books, buttons and all my old wooden thread spools. Can I say I love it!?

Well, there is the tour. I still need to put curtains up on the windows and Daryl needs to make the doors for the closets. But I absolutely love my new space. And I think my family is happy that our living room has turned back into a living room.

I'm currently knitting a lace shawl and hope to have that ready to show you next week. It is the first shawl I've ever knit and I had to start over a few times already. I'm also making nupps for the first time ever. If you have ever knit nupps, you will know that they are very time consuming and fussy! But more about that next week. Until then, I am enjoying my new space and a huge THANK YOU to Daryl for all the help you've given me. You are incredible!

Until next week, keep you needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Branched Cables

2011-04-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

I found a lovely cable variance while looking through some of my knitting books recently.

I really like the way this branched cable design looks and flows and especially like the results when it is on an object ~ such as this wine bottle cozy.

The texture is interesting and fun at the same time.

The pattern for making this branched cable is worked over 10 stitches with reverse stockinette stitches on either side. Note that I worked the bottle cozy in the round, so the actual pattern is reversed on the even rows as the front is always being worked.

Row 1: P3, CF4, P3
Row 2: K4 P4, K3
Row 3: P2, 3B, C3F, P2
Row 4: K2, P6, K2
Row 5: P1, C3B, K2, C3F, P1
Row 6: K1, P8, K1
Row 7: C3B, K4, C3F
Row 8: P8

** C3B = slip next stitch onto a cable needle and hold at back of work, then knit next 2 stitches from left-hand needle, then kint stitch from cable needle
** CBF = slipe next 2 stitches onto a cabe needle and hold in front of work, knit next titche from left-hand needle, then knit stitches from cable needle.

You can also modify the direction the cables branch by switchin the first cable from front to back in the first row.

I also knit a cute little vase cozy with the same pattern. I guess these are just too much fun to make!

What is your current knitting project?

Sunday Morning Knit With - Old Faithful

2011-04-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

This morning I finished one of my 'old faithful' projects while the rest of the family slept.

I call this project my 'old faithful' project because it is one of those projects that:
1) I don't want to think about the design as it is one that can be done mindlessly and I always can tell where I left off
2) There is no tracking a pattern as it is easily memorized
3) The result is a classic accessory that is easily worn and coordinated with my outfit of the day
4) A project that is always in my knitting bag, ready to take with me where ever I go

Basically, these projects are worked on while I am riding in the car, talking on the phone, waiting at an appointment or at knitting group when the conversations are so much fun that I can't concentrate on a difficult pattern. (Know what I mean, April?)

The thing is with my 'old faithful' project is this - they seem to take forever to complete. Because they are left waiting for a convenient time, I'm not in a hurry to get them done. Although this one should have only taken a few days to complete, it has been with me where ever I go for the past month.

So, here it is, a classic red cranberry scarf with cables. I used large size 11 needles and double worsted weight yarn. The yarn is two very very slightly different shades of red/cranberry that gives just enough highlight to the colors to make it more interesting.

I think it is a classic - after all, everyone needs a red wool scarf. And this one is knit with Mission Falls Washable Wool for an ever so soft next to skin comfort.

What are some of your 'old faithful' projects?

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Knitting for Spring

2011-03-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

The calander says it is spring but someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that spring is here in Central NY. Although it is sunny and I do hear some birds chirping here and there, we woke up to a cold 5 degrees again today.

But I know that it will begin to feel like spring soon and I already have spring fever. And that doesn't mean my knitting needles are put away for the season. In fact, I love knitting on the porch during the summer months, especially in the early morning.

I'm also looking forward to seeing the daffidols, tulilps and other fabulous flowers. And what better way to show these great flowers than in a unique vase?

My newest item available on etsy is a hand knit cabled vase cozy in soft pink. This item comes with the vase and is ready to show your spring flowers. (A perfect Mother's Day gift as well!)

I'm already working on a lovely lavender alpaca version with 'claw' cable design which is sure to be just as pretty.

So don't put away your knitting needles and wool just because spring is here. Keep knitting and make something wonderful for the season.

What are some of your favorite spring projects? I would love to hear and see what you are working on, so please leave a comment and link to a photo!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Cowls

2011-03-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

Cowls are so cool. Well, warm and toasty actually. They seem to be in fashion lately and I can understand why. They are easy to wear and easy to bring with you to use when you need extra warmth.

My newest cowl combines a lattice ribbed stitch with drapes of leaves to surround the neck. Knit with washable wool that is next to skin soft in a lovely colonial blue.

I used double yarn and large 10.5 (US) needles to give it a chunky look. I'm already working on a sister pattern that uses single strands for a softer, more delicate look.

Be on the look out for the pattern to be released in the near future if your interested in knitting this one yourself!

This finished Lattice and Leaves Cowl is now available for sale in my etsy shop.

This year I have promised myself that everyone close to me will get a hand knit item for Christmas and that I will start early. So far, I have one gift completed! I'm very, very excited about that and plan to start the second one this week. Has anyone else started knitting for Christmas? If so, what are you working on?

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Ascot Cable Neckwarmer

2011-03-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Today I a featuring a knit neckwarmer using a diamond cable design. This lavender beauty is knit with Sandnes brand Alpakka yarn and is super soft. I used 2 strands of yarn and the project took just over 2 skiens of yarn to complete.

This stitch is easy to memorize and is the same stitch used in some of my other work, including a hat and headband. I'm working on perfecting the pattern for this ascot neckwarmer which will be available after testing has been completed.

I found that I definately needed to block this item as it rolled in the worst way. This is just the right length to fit in the bottom of my bathtub - so I layed a towel down and blocked it right there in the tub for 2 days.

My slow season is approaching so I've started to use this time to knit some Christmas gifts for my family. So I won't be able to show what I'm working on here because I never know if my family checks in here or not. All I can say is this - my goal for 2011 Christmas season is for everyone close to me to receive a hand knit gift of some sort.

What's on your needles today?

Fresh from the Wheel - Midnight Purple Merino Yarn

2011-03-09T03:27:00.000-08:00

This week's spin is 3.5 oz of beautiful midnight merino.

I love this color combination with purples and blues!

What's on your wheel?

Cocktail Party

2011-03-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

Last year I was commissioned to make several felted planters for the Earth Day cocktail party at The Atrium, one of Lincoln Center's newest spaces in the David Rubenstien Atrium in NYC. The space was sustainably designed (LEED Certified) “green” building on the Lincoln Center campus.

Today, I received the pictures of my work as they were set out for the party. I am so thrilled to have a little piece of me in this amazing building - even if it was for just an evening.

This photo is of the atrium with a live garden wall.

A sample of my little bit of the party

Tables with my contribution, but check out the wall with the yellow and grey circles all made of wool! Incredible

I just had to share ~ I'm grinning from ear to ear today.

Sunday Morning Kit Wit ~ Grey Cable Scarf and Olive Green Leaf Design Neckwarmer

2011-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I couldn't decide which project to feature this week, so I have included two this week.

While I was browsing through my knitting stitch book this week looking for some fun edgings to try, I came across this fun leaf design. I felt that it would make a great edge on a cowl or neckwarmer, so I got to work on it right away. I used Mission Falls Washable 1845 washable yarn in deep olive green. This yarn is wonderful to knit with! The cables in the neck area give the illusion of branches swirling down to the leaves and the wooden toggle button to keep it together adds a bit of woodland feel to the design.

Already, I am thinking of other ways to incorporate this edging in my designs, so be on the look out for some new patterns using this edge in the future.

Olive Green Leaf Neckwarmer

My lastest creation is knit with super soft silver alpaca (my own hand spun) and grey wool (Paton's Classic).
Because it is knit on larger needles and the yarn is held double throughout, this scarf is airy, light and super soft.

I took the basic cable design a step further and incorporated a design that flows and swirls through the entire scarf. I also made cables on each edge for the scalloped look.

Grey Alpaca Wool Blend Cable Scarf

Both are available in my etsy shop and make perfect gifts. Just beware: If you are purchasing them for someone else, you just may keep them for yourself once you feel them!

What is on your needles? I'd love to hear what your current projects you are working on. Leave a message here or stop over to my FaceBook page and leave a photo too!

Fresh From the Wheel - Merino in Lovely Teals

2011-03-02T03:22:00.000-08:00

My lastest spinning project is a beautiful teal combination in merino. I purchased this roving from slimchicken on etsy and I have to say that slimchicken is becoming one of my favorite shops! This roving spun smoothly and was a pleasure to work with.

I put these two colors together during the plying process.

And the result: 250 yards of beautiful handspun wool in teal blend:

I'm very pleased with the way this one turned out. I see a neckwarmer here....

What's on your wheel?

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Reversible Cable Scarf

2011-02-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

It is almost the end of February and we woke up to yet more snow today. I was kinda hoping that spring would be showing her face soon, but here we are covered in white.

Today I can't help but show off my newest scarf. I combined some of my own hand spun alpaca yarn that has a bold colorway that goes from yellow to orange to reds with a commercial solid orange alpaca, merino, silk blend. The alpaca gives it softness and the merino gives it memory while the silk provides just a tad bit of sheen.

The cables are on both sides, making this one totally reversible and there is absolutely no curling in on the sides. It drapes perfectly and if I do say so myself, is just about the best one I've ever made. Now - I could be a bit too attached as I've spun the yarn and knit the scarf. Almost like a mother being proud of her babies.

In any event, here it is ~ Orange Colorway Cable Handknit Scarf in Alpaca Merino Silk Blend

The front has 3 rows of cables while the back has 2 rows. I worked the cables on the back while purling, which is something I have never done before. It isn't much different that working them on knit stitches. The only difference is I held the cable needle in the back rather than front when purling.

What are you working on this weekend? I would love to hear from you!

Recent Reads - Stormy Weather

2011-02-24T04:13:00.000-08:00

I throroughly enjoyed this book and found myself thinking about what will happen next during the day, awaiting the time I could read some more.

Stormy Weather by Paulette Jiles takes place in Texas during the Dust Bowl/Depression and it is not aa depressing story as you may think. It is rather up beat for the times and although the family in the story experience some really tough times, they always seem to keep it together as best as they can.

I think I will carry this story with me for a long time as a reminder that no matter how many challenges life throws at me, I will never have experienced extreme hard times.

I rate this one a 4.5! Give it a try ♥

Fresh From the Wheel ~ Alpaca Merino Silk Blend

2011-02-23T03:57:00.000-08:00

I had such a fun time spinning this alpaca merino silk blend. It was exceptional during the spinning process and just flowed through my fingers.

The roving was purchased from Corgi Hill Farm on etsy and was one of my most pleasant spinnings yet!

Here is a little about my process:

After spinning 2 spools, I respun them together in the opposite direction. (Called plying)

Once that was done, the yarn is wound on a Niddy Noddy to keep it all straight and managable

I then soak it in conditioner for about 20 minutes and let it hang dry for 2 days.

The end result ~ 3.5 oz of gorgeous soft yarn, just waiting to be made into something special

This is yarn is listed for sale in my etsy shop, but if it isn't sold by the time I finish my current projects, I may just pull it out of the shop and use it myself. It's just lucious!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Honeycomb Scarf

2011-02-20T06:08:00.000-08:00

I couldn't be more proud of this honeycomb scarf that I knit with my very own handspun wool. This yarn was just screaming to be be knit into a textured item, and the honeycomb design was a perfect solution.

The honeycomb design is nothing more than alternating directions of cable work and although it looks difficult, if you can cable, you can make honeycomb. In fact, this knit up surprisingly quickly.

Honeycomb is worked in multiples of 8 stitches with whatevery you want on either side. For this scarf, I just added 3 stitches that are knit (both front and back) to give it a solid edge. I have 8 rows of garter sitch on each end as well. To keep the garter stitch edges from 'rolling', I needed to cast on a few less stitches at the beginning and decrease a few stitches at the end.

This is a a fun pattern and once your stitches are established, you can easily memorize the the work so it is a great project to work on if you have several intruptions as you can always figure out where you left off.

The cables are worked with either holding the cable needle in front or in back of your work. This will determine which way the cable will slant. So pay attention to F or B on the cable rows.

You can make this scarf any size you like and gauge does not matter. I used size 7 needles and the yarn would be equivalent to a heavy worsted weight yarn. My scarf measures 5.5 inches wide and 48 inches long, but you can make it any length you would like.

Key:
Garter Stitch (Knit ever row - front and back)
C4F – Cable 4 stitches - Slip first 2 knit stitches onto double pointed needle and hold in front of work. Knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle then knit the 2 stitches directly from the double pointed needle.
C4B – Cable 4 stitches - Slip first 2 knit stitches onto double pointed needle and hold in back of work. Knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle then knit the 2 stitches directly from the double pointed needle.

Cast on 26 (the math does not make sense at this point, but you will increase 4 stitches at the last row of garter stitch)

Garter stitch for 7 rows. On the last garter stitch row increase 4 stitches evenly. You now have 30 stitches - 24 for the honeycomb work and 3 on each edge.

Row 1 - Knit
Row 2 - K3, P 24, K3
Row 3 - K3, (C4B, C4F) * 3 times, K3
Row 4 - K3, P 24, K3
Row 5 - Knit
Row 6 - K3, P 24, K3
Row 7 - K3, (C4F, C4B) * 3times, K3
Row 8 - K3, P 24, K3

Repeat these rows to desired length.

Knit 8 rows of garter stitch and remember to evenly decrease 4 stitches on the first row of garter work.

Bind off and weave in loose ends.

I hope you enjoy this scarf pattern ~ Happy Knitting ♥

Until next week, keep the needles clicking

Fresh From the Wheel ~ Samoyed Dog

2011-02-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

Yes - you read that right! I have spun some fabulous yarn from dog hair.

When my co-worker, Don, showed me a picture of his dog Blue, my first questions were, Does he shed? How soft is his hair? Can I have some? When he brought me a small bag of it I was elated!

Blue is a breed known as a Samoyed that originated in Russia. Taken from the web: Samoyeds have a dense, double layer coat. The topcoat contains long, coarse, and straight guard hairs, which appear white but have a hint of silver coloring. This top layer keeps the undercoat relatively clean and free of debris. The under layer, or undercoat, consists of a dense, soft, and short fur that keeps the dog warm. The undercoat is typically shed heavily once or twice a year, and this seasonal process is sometimes referred to as "blowing coat". This does not mean the Samoyed will only shed during that time however; fine hairs (versus the dense clumps shed during seasonal shedding) will be shed all year round, and have a tendency to stick to cloth and float in the air. The standard Samoyed may come in a mixture of biscuit and white coloring, although pure white and all biscuit dogs are common. Males typically have larger ruffs than females.

Because I don't have a drum carder, I spun the yarn straight from the wads of hair from the bag, so mine came out a bit 'lumpy bumpy', but I actually love the texture. I did not separate the outer coat from the under coat, so it is mixed with softness and some wirey hair.

I wasn't sure how dog hair would stand up in a traditional knitted garment, so I decided to make a keepsake felted bowl for Don and his family. This yarn actually felted nicely and has a softness that does not even compare to merino wool. I had a bit left over and made Mrs. Don a crocheted flower pin as well.

Don says that in the spring, Blue will shed an entire garbage bag full of hair. I'm hoping he will share that with me and at that time I will pick through it and just spin the under coat, which is almost as soft as my Angora bunny's hair! And, it will be a nice summer time project (spinning on the porch so my house isn't full of dog hair!)

I guess you can say that I've joined the hopelessly addicted group of people known as spinners. I no longer look at a dog and say, "What a cute dog".... I know say, "Humm.... could I give that hair a spin?"

Fresh From the Wheel ~ 3 Ply Natural Romney and Shetland Blend

2011-02-09T03:20:00.000-08:00

I just finished spinning a fantastic natural blend of Romney and Shetland wool. This roving was purchased from smokeymountainfibers on etsy and it was a joy to work with!

I found that it drafted so easily and I was able to keep it pretty consistent, although almost thread-like. Because it was so fine, I decided to try doing 3 ply for the first time. And even with 3 ply, it is closest to a fingering weight that worsted.

It is a bit coarse so I'm sure this will make a great outer scarf filled with cables that pop. I'm thinking something along the line of an Irish design for this!

What's on your wheel?

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - New Ascot Cable Pattern

2011-02-06T04:40:00.000-08:00

Cables are my thing.. I can't seem to knit something that doesn't have a cable or two. I really love the way they add texture and and movement to a knitted item. I find knitting plain stockinette stitch really boring and will loose interest almost immediately if there isn't some type of cable work within the project.

I've been working on the design for this cable neckwarmer for quite some time and my cable ascot neckwarmer pattern is finally perfected and available for sale on etsy. This was one that was a long time in the making, but well worth the modifications.

Although it looks like it is pretty difficult, if you can make cables, it is pretty easy (I knit the entire neckwarmer in a total of 4 hours). I worked closely with my tester and together, we streamlined the instructions to make it easy to follow and have a really cool check off grid to make sure you stay on track!

What I like most about this pattern is by simply changing directions of the cables mid-way, a beautiful diamond is formed in the center of the neck in the back. And, of course my signature cables on each edge make scalloped edges stand out.

This is available in pattern form on etsy and ravelry for the DIYers, or I have a few fininshed versions on etsy and artfire.

I have a few more ascot style patterns being worked on, so stay tuned for some fun new patterns coming soon!

Until next week - keep your needles clicking and stay warm!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Felted Wool Hat

2011-01-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

One of my goals this year is to introduce a line of felted wool hats, and I'm right on track!

Because you never know how something will turn out with the felting process, working out the right formula for number of stitches and increases can be a trial and error situation. My first try came up a bit short and wasn't quite right, but my good friend, April, was pleased when I gave it to her.

My second try came out perfect and I am excited to present this Ivory Wool Cloche with a Pink Rose to you this snowy Sunday morning.

I am amazed at how much yarn and knitting it takes to make this hat. I can't resist sharing a before picture so you can see just how big these start out!

I already have a second one drying. I made this one in brown and orange and will accessorize it with a large button.

What colors would you like to see this hat in? I was thinking reds, greys and perhaps a black.

Until next week ~ Stay Warm and keep you needles clicking!

Recent Reads

2011-01-27T04:02:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading Jennifer Donnelly's lastest book Revolution and I loved it. It is one of those reads that you can't put down and are sad that you finished it because you want more.

This is the second Jennifer Donnelly book that I have read and I loved them both. She has a way of putting fictional characters smack in the middle of a historical event and makes the story totally believeable.

I definately recommend giving this one a try!

Click here to go to Jennifer Donnelly's Web Site

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Diamond Cable Rim Hat

2011-01-23T05:33:00.000-08:00

Winter is here! And here in Booville NY, that means snow, cold and more snow.

It has recently been noted on the Weather Channel that right here in our little town we are ranked as #2 city in the country with the most snowfall - second only to Valdez Alaska.

Although, I must say that this year we seem to be falling short of the average 220.5 inches they refer to in the article. But we sure are having our share of the cold right now with a current temperature of 4 degrees F and expected -1 tomorrow.

So how do we Boonvillians fight this snow and cold? We bundle up ~ Preferably in soft warm handknit woolies!

My newest hat design features extra warmth covering the ears where it is needed the most. This Diamond Cable Knit Hat is a perfect way to enjoy the winter activities - whether you love to ski, ice skate, snowshoe or just walk.

No matter what the weather throws at you - get out and enjoy it! And Stay Warm!

Until next week ~ Keep on clicking

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Alpaca

2011-01-16T04:36:00.000-08:00

I really love working with alpaca fiber. And I really like the results of a knit alpaca scarf even more. Alpaca is one of the softest and warmest natural fiber.

My newest etsy listing is a handknit 50% alpaca 50% merino wool scarf with 3 rows of subtle cables. It is knit on smaller needles that I usually use and is very delicate and drapes perfectly. I loved knitting with this yarn due to the softness.

Again, I used the cable pattern that doesn't use a cable needle, so it knit up quickly.

I'm also spinning some of my own 100% alpaca. I'm not sure about the colors quite yet, but looking forward to seeing them combined when plyed together. I think I'll call this Arizona Sun Rise.....

What is your favorite yarn to knit with? One of my goals is to try everything available at some point in my life. I guess I'd better get knitting!

Until next week ~ Keep you needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Hooded Scarf

2011-01-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

I spent the day yesterday putting finishing touches on a new hooded scarf design that I was working on. I'm pleased with the end result, but still need to tweak a few things.

This one is so soft, warm and fluffy and reminds me being in a mid-evil forest with Robin Hood coming to save the day. Ok - a little too much imagination going on this morning.

So here it is:

For the scarf I used a cable stitch that doesn't require using a cable needle (see previous post for the stitch pattern). The top of the hood uses the kitchner stitch and I'm proud of the way this one came out... you can barely see where it connects.

I'm calling this the woodland hooded scarf and it is available in by etsy shop.

I'm working on getting the pattern up and ready, so stay tuned for that soon!

Until next week - Happy Knitting and Stay Warm!

Central NY Etsy Treasury

2010-12-20T17:35:00.001-08:00

This grouping is just too beautiful not to share with you. I am thrilled to be included!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Ribbed Cable Stitch

2010-12-19T05:10:00.000-08:00

For those of you following my blog, you know that cable work is my favorite. For those who are new, you just have to check out this ribbed cable stitch that I found.

It is worked without using a cable needle and it is an amazing quick knit! I've only tried it with 2 stitch ribbing, but will try some modifications soon.

The cable working pattern goes like this:

K2, P2, * (as many repeats as you like)
P2, K2
K2 tog without taking them off the left needle, then K 1st stich of the 2 on the needle and slip off both, P2
P2, K2

Repeat these 4 rows

I used this stitch to knit this super soft scarf in 100% alpaca wool with 6 cable rows surrounded by seed stitch boarders.

I hope you will give it a try.

As the holidays are approaching soon, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and thank those who have supported me through out the year in 2010. I appreciate every single comment and click on my little blog so very much!

Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ ♫ ♫ ♪ ♪

Sunday Morning Knit With ~ Festive Wine Bottle Accessory

2010-12-12T06:49:00.000-08:00

Are you going to give a bottle of cheer to someone this holiday season?

I plan to give several and wanted to do something a bit different to spice it up a bit. So yesterday I sat down and knit this fun Santa Hat and Scarf to adorn the bottles. I think this is so festive and the best thing is that it just takes a bit of scrap yarns and a few minutes (ok... maybe an hour or so) to knit up quick.

I used DK weight yarn and size 6 double pointed needles and worked in the round for the hat.

Cast on 6 stitches on 3 needles and work 5-6 rounds of white (just knit stitches)
Change to red and knit another 6-8 rounds (depending on how long you want the hat)
Next Round: K 3, K2tog, K1 on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)
Knit 2 Rounds
Next Round: K3, K2tog on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)
Knit 2 Rounds
Next Round: K2, K2tog on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)

Knit 1 Round
Next Round: K1, K2tog on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)

It is at this point that I moved all stitches to one needle and did a few rounds of I-cord.

Make a tiny white pompom for the end or sew on a small jingle bell for even more fun!
Let the white rim roll to give it the appearance of fluf.

For the scarf, I just did a 5 stitch I cord in red about 20 inches long and added a white tossel to each end.

I hope you have fun making some of these wine bottle toppers!

Until next week ~ Keep your needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Fringed!

2010-12-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

I've noticed that this years fashion scarves have fringes sideways. And when they are wrapped they look incredible!

My most recent scarf project is a basic cable scarf with sideways fringes.

I love the way it drapes. And the warmth of wool is unbeatable!

This pattern is a simple seed stitch on each side of a 6 stitch cable. I have found out that if you put one purl stitch right before the cable it will help the cable 'pop'. So for this one I did the following:

Seed 4, P1, Cable Knit 6, P1, Seed 4

It doesn't need to be too long as when it wraps it really has alot to wrap with the fringes.

Until next week - Happy Knitting!

Stocking my etsy shop with handspun yarns

2010-12-03T04:08:00.000-08:00

I am now offerning handspun yarns for sale in my etsy shop. I have the first two of many more to come listed and couldn't be more excited!

This deep vibrant green corridale is lucious and this natural merino wool is so lofty it's almost dreamy!

Keep checking back in my shop as I add more colors and fibers!

Sunday Morning Knit With - Mixing it up

2010-11-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

I am hopelessly addicted to spinning right now. I know - I really don't need another distraction, but this distraction is one of the most relaxing and soothing additions ever.

One of my latest projects is a wool/mohair mix in a gorgeous purple, blue and green color way. It spun very nicely (although I am still trying to perfect my tension to achieve consistency). I actually like the bumps and ilregularities though.

I knit a basic ribbed scarf combining the hand spun with commercial fingering weight wool. The results: a lofty warm and unique classic scarf. The color combination is perfect and the feel is luxurious!

The pattern for this classic scarf is simple:

Cast on 26 (holding 2 stands of yarn together throughout)
Row 1: (K2, P2)* Repeat to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 2: (P2, K2)* Repeat to last 2 stitches, P2

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 to desired length
Bind off and weave in loose ends

This hand knit handspun classic scarf has been added to my etsy shop this morning. And for those of you who like to have their holiday shopping done early - I am offering 15% all purchases in my etsy shop today only - Just use Promo Code : SundayShopper at check out to get your discount.

Until next week - Keep your needles clicking and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Classic Cable Collar

2010-11-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

It is a balmy 55 degrees here this morning, which is very unusual for mid-November in upstate NY. I'll be outside planting some flower bulbs for next spring's enjoyment today and enjoying the mild weather.

I'm so happy to highlight my newest creation today, which is my own design as well as my first knit project using my own handspun 2 ply yarn! This classic neckwarmer was a dream to make - from beginning to end. I started by spinning the gorgeous Corriedale roving (purchased on KnitPicks.com) and then reverse-spinning it into a lucious 2 ply yarn.

I then knit it up into this lovely collar/neckwarmer/mini-shawl with rows and rows of cables. It just shouts classic romantic to me, with 7 rose buttons.

I'm working out the pattern, so look for the PDF for this one in the near future if you are interested in knitting one up yourself. The finished one is available in my etsy shop right now if you can't resist~

Until next week, keep your needles clicking!

Fiber Friday ~ Fuzzy Wool Bowl

2010-11-12T03:58:00.000-08:00

This fun what-not-bowl was made with handspun wool. Beautiful shades of aquas, blues, greens and yellows make this a one of a kind treasure!

Fuzzy and warm... this is a very unique gift! Available on etsy!

Meet Raven an Angora Bunny

2010-11-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

What is softer than Angora? My daughter Katie has a pet bunny.... not just any bunny, but an Angora bunny named Raven. My other daughter Sara breeds angora bunnies and gave Raven to Katie. Although I was originally against having a bunny here, I have found that this bunny has its advantages!

Raven is a mixed Angora bunny who has the life of leisure. Basically, all she does is eat, sleep and grow hair. Beautiful, luxurious, softer than soft, light as a feather hair.

Last weekend Katie groomed Raven and brought me a basket full of her wool, which I immediately started to spin. It came out a bit lumpy bumpy, but I am very happy with the result. I plan to knit this up with some commercial merino as a neck warmer. We all need a soft touch around our necks!

From bunny to yarn - totally home-grown, hand harvested, hand spun and purely natural!

New Handknit Hats Arriving in my Etsy Shop

2010-11-09T03:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've been a busy gal... knitting away getting ready for the cold weather. This morning it is a balmy 37 degrees... but it feels alot colder with the wind blowing.

Some great hand knit hats have found their way in my shops with more to come! So keep checking back as more get listed. And stay warm!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Fingerless Gloves

2010-11-07T05:48:00.000-08:00

With summer coming to a close I'm getting ready for cold weather in my etsy shop. I've been adding handknit hats and scarves as quickly as I can knit them up, but really focusing on fingerless gloves.

I am excited to let you know that I now have 3 fingerless glove patterns for sale, and my most recent pattern knits up quickly and has a classic - never out of style - design. They are worked in the round with double pointed needles with two strands of worsted weight yarn and an easy thumb gussett makes the fit dreamy!

Here is what my tester said when she sent the final pattern back to me: "These are really quick to make and so comfy to wear".

So, if you are looking to make some fun handknit gifts for Christmas this year, consider making these fingerless gloves. Your friends and family will love them. The pattern is available in my etsy or artfire shops and now available as a down load for those of you on Ravelry!

And if you are not up to knitting them yourself, I have a variety of colors available on etsy/ artfire for $26 a pair. ....Easy-peasy Christmas Gifts!

So, get ahead of the Christmas rush this year by making these fun gloves ~

Keep you needles clicking and Stay Warm!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Spinning

2010-10-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am so new to this spinning thing and I must admit that I have gotten a bit frustrated at times.

But so far, I've found that I have taken a wrong approach about learning to do this right. First of all, I was looking for sub-standard roving to practice with. I found out now, that that is a big mistake!

I've been struggling to spin a consistent yarn with some really bad roving. This morning I bit the bullet and told myself to try the super soft alpaca. OMG ~ What a difference!

I'm not spinning a perfect yarn yet, but boy-oh-boy... this is so much easier to work with!

Take a peek at what I've spun this morning:

Not bad, if I do say so myself!

So now it is starting to make sense to me and I'm getting into the groove and rhythym.

My first advise to a new spinner - don't work with low grade roving... it will only mess you up!

Happy Knitting! (or spinning!)

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Getting Organized

2010-10-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day trying to get organized. The key word is trying, but I do feel I've made some progress.

Let me first say that we are in year 7 of a total home make over. We are slowly putting the house back together after spending the first few years tearing it apart, but the living room is not one of the rooms that has been put back together yet.

And the living room is where I spend most of my time knitting. I found myself putting yarn here and there in baskets and being unable to find the colors I needed. I put my needles in a tupperware container and would find only one of the size I was looking for.

So, yesterday, I put together a cubie, made a needle organizer and claimed a corner of the living room as my territory. I'm sure it will look better once we get some spackle and paint on the walls!

I also set up a packing/mailing station in the garage. I had one upstairs in the spare bedroom, but guess what?... We are finally starting to work up there, so I had to move it. Horray for starting another room!

Flower Power

2010-10-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

Brand new and one of my favorites!

This sweet felted wool bowl is super fun!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ It's here!

2010-10-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me!! I got my spinning wheel!

Now I need to practice, practice, practice.......

Let the spinning begin!

Blue Heather Bobble Neckwarmer

2010-10-14T03:35:00.000-07:00

I woke up to 33 degrees this morning. Winter is going to come fast and summer is behind us already. Last weekend I cleaned out what was left of the garden and I hope to plant some more bulbs for spring flowers this week.

So, it is time to start thinking about keeping warm this winter. And what better way to stay snuggly than with this soft blue heather handknit neckwarmer. Kind of classic, kind of hip... a great accessory either way!

Visit valeriesgallery.etsy.com for more fun neckwarmers.

Autumn Leaves

2010-10-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to share my newest felted wool bowl with autumn leaves needlefelted in the center.

I hope you like it as well!

Fall is one of my most favorite time of year. I think it may be because of the gorgeous colors!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Red Triple Cabled Scarf

2010-10-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a classic red scarf. It just isn't winter without one!

I finally finished knitting up this super soft triple cabled scarf in 50% alpaca / 50% merino wool. I will admit that it took awhile. It was one of the projects that gets set aside and picked up again, over and over again.
But I made myself sit down and finish it yesterday and I'm so very glad I did.

It is a long flowing scarf with a great drape and is just so cuddly and warm.

Happy Knitting!

Till next week.....

My Very First HandSpun

2010-10-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Last night I spent the evening with Chris who patiently showed me how to spin.

I'm definately spinning too tight and need to practice more, but I think I have found a new obsession! I love the soothing rhythm of the wheel and the fiber flowing through my fingers.

I've ordered a wheel and hope that it comes soon as I can't wait to get practicing!

I am in shock and just need to shout out!

2010-10-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my little booth won the Judge's Choice at the Harvest of the Arts Festival in Lowville this weekend! I was in total shock when they presented the blue ribbon to me. I am grinning ear to ear tonight!

I am speachless... which is quite rare!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Cables and Knots

2010-10-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

Last week I bought Viking Patterns For Knitting by Elsebeth Lavold and I have been intrigued ever since. This has got to be the most intricate cable pattern collection ever. So I'm off to challenge myself and hopefully make some incredible scarves and hats!

I have been wanting to learn to make horizontal cables for quite some time and I finally found a couple in this book. They are more like curlyques than cables, but I love them!

I made a swatch that I am super excited about. Perhaps a bit more excited than I should be (based on Daryl's eyeroll when I excitedly showed him this):

I'm off to the second day of the Harvest Festival of the Arts in Lowville today, but I have a full weekend coming up that is just knitting! (well, perhaps a bit of cleaning too, but mostly knitting only!)

Until next week, keep you needles clicking!

Festival of the Arts - Lowville NY

2010-10-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Day one of the Festival of the Arts was fantastic! I am thrilled to be one of the artists at this event. The weather is cooperating after a week of rain and the turn out on Saturday has been great.

The kids have their own art barn to create masterpieces and make kites. The lawn was filled with young avaitors flying their kites.

The artists are in barn that I consider the Hilton Hotel for Horses. It is absolutely beautiful. Each artist has a stall to themselves and although we joke about being in jail, it is a very, very cool spot.

I'm having the time of my life demonstrating my work and talking to all the great folks stopping in my stall. Although it was a bit chilly, I can't wait to go back tomorrow.

New Dining Room!

2010-09-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

While I was busy at the fiber festival, Daryl was busy painting our new dining room. He put in the light fixture, finished the wood work on the windows and put the electric covers on. Now I'm just waiting for the new dining room table and chairs to be delivered! I can't wait!

I still need to pick out a rug for under the table, a clock for the wall and put up some pictures. But I'm just too excited that it is clean and finished!

2010-09-27T03:28:00.000-07:00

Wow.... all I can say is Wow!

Fiber, fiber everywhere at the Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival this past weekend. This was the second year and the vendors more than doubled and went from 3 barns to 5. Roving, yarns, fleece, spinners, weavers, knitters, felters.......... Wow!

I had a grand time and truth be told, I spent more money than I made but who can resist all the fiberific goods?

My booth was next to two wonderful spinners who kept great company with us all weekend. Ann and Diane gave us spinning tips as well as kept the day fun. Sara spun an entire ball of super cool yarn with a drop spindle from wool that Ann had died and carded. I'll make a something from the yarn in the next few weeks and I just think it is incredibly cool that I personally knew the people who made the product from beginning to end!

I couldn't resist this fall colored hand painted wool:

And I fell in love with this fiber painting and matching pillow:

Here are some photos from my booth area:

Sara's Angora Bunny Roving:

I met up with my BFF that I haven't seen in over 25 years~!

And men knit too!!!

It was just a fantastic, wonderful, fiberific weekend!

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival 2010

2010-09-22T03:06:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for the second annually Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival this Saturday and Sunday.

While working hard on details for my displays and trying to finish a couple outstanding projects, the excitement is building.

I can't wait to get there and see all the fabulous fiberific work by spinners, weavers, felters, knitters and absoulutely fantastic fiber artists.

If your are in the area, please stop in! It is such a good time and all the displays are inside so no need to worry about the weather!

Hope to see you there ~~

Another Stunning Autumn Treasury on Etsy

2010-09-15T03:12:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous collection by opendoorstudio! Thanks so much for including my bowl

Autumns Chill brings out the WOOL!

Deep Olive Army Issue Bla
monkeypuzzle$12.00 USD

Fall Shades- 6 Natural Ac
woolicious$12.00 USD

Orange Frilly Gloves
afra$24.00 USD

PUMPKIN summer fall harve
ourladyofthesnow$24.50 USD

Pumpkin Tray
GretchensCreatio$30.00 USD

Vintage Crocheted Afghan
TheVintageHorde$32.00 USD

Pumpkin Spice Crochet Cow
roundabout1$22.00 USD

The Doggie Wears Prada -
AcmeCouture$100.00 USD

Hand knitted socks size 9
Varm$32.00 USD

Felted Wool Bowl - Brown
valeriesgallery$60.00 USD

Vintage PUMPKIN Orange WO
NestEggVintage$68.00 USD

Rust Velvet. Vintage Side
rhapsodyattic$550.00 USD

Indian Summer Felted Soap
1846housesoaps$8.50 USD

Hemp Travel Coat
consciousclothin$175.00 USD

chair silhouette hair cli
SquirrelsNest$6.00 USD

Little Pumpkin... wool fe
woolcrazy$16.50 USD

Generated using Treasure Trove by packagery.com

Preview

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Winter Hats

2010-09-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

Good Moring ~

Sometimes we need to break out of our routine and try something new. I have spent the last couple years knitting neckwarmers, cowls and scarves (which I just love), but recently I've tried my hand at hats (thanks to a little encouragement from my friend Kris). As with anything else that is new, it takes awhile to figure out where to start, what patterns to try and what type of yarn to select.

I started with a few simple patterns worked in the round. I searched the web for free knitting patterns and found several basic styles to get the gauges and mechanics down pat. After trying a few following the patterns, I broke out and designed some of my own.

Although I'm not a hat person, they seem to be very popular. I've sold more hats than neckwarmers at my last two shows and people have asked for more. So today, I am going to sit down and create a new hat using the trinity stitch. I think I even dreamed of how the pattern will work out last night - or if I didn't, it certainly was the first thing I thought of this morning.

So, it's off to to knitting a new hat today and hoping that it turns out as planned.

Here are a few photos of some hats that I've made so far -

Sold to a woman taking a trip to Alaska ~~

Sold to a motorcycle chick that needs to keep the wind out of her ears ~~

Currently for sale on etsy

Next weekend I will be at the Lowville Cream Cheese Festival in Lowville NY. It's a great time for young and old with many activities and of course.... Cream Cheese!

Keep your needles clicking!

Etsy's Front Page

2010-09-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled that I was featured on etsy's front page this morning in this lovely treasury:

Hot Pink!!! Stunning Violet:)

Red Violet Scarf
branda$35.00 USD

Knit Wool Vase Cozy - Cla
valeriesgallery$25.00 USD

Hot Pink Chalcedony Briol
GlitzGlitter$25.00 USD

purple pink summer beaut
nikacollection$27.50 USD

Crochet Newsboy Hat, Summ
natalya1905$34.00 USD

Personalized Wood Tree Sl
braggingbags$16.99 USD

Flying To My Garden - Dou
rafya$34.00 USD

Purple-Pink Chrysanthemum
mycolorfuldreams$12.00 USD

Orange Pink Flowers Summe
seragun$50.00 USD

Pretty Pink Rosebuds Bobb
NuevaEspana$9.99 USD

colorful shawl, necklace
yasemin67$70.00 USD

Hairy Felted Magenta Rose
TeaPartyHats$5.50 USD

BEAUTIFUL EVERYDAY Triang
femaleknitter$78.00 USD

Cocoa Mugs, set of 4, Yel
RoundroofDesigns$48.00 USD

Bubblegum - Eight Felted
Fairyfolk$16.00 USD

Pretty Pink Afghan
mamawjan$115.00 USD

Generated using Treasure Trove by packagery.com

Preview

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Socks

2010-09-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

My current project is making my very first pair of socks.

I don't know how this ever happened, but although I have been knitting for over 30 years, I have been avoiding knitting socks. I think it was the 'turning a heel' area that scared me enough to avoid even thinking about socks. Oh, I made baby booties before and actually did a modified heel, but they really don't count.

And my mother-in-law was the Sock Queen. She could whip up the most perfect pair of socks from the basic to the most complex, including color work. So, perhaps there was an underlying fear that I knew anything I made just couldn't compare to her work.

Up until last Thursday I would just smile and stay silent when knitters talked about their sock projects. But during my knitting group, I announced that I was a sock virgin. Gasps could be heard all the way to Alaska - "You've never knit a pair of socks!?!?!?!!?" was said in unision. As I turned completely red and acknowledge that this was true, I knew that I had to make at least one pair. And as our knitting group meets at one of the most well stocked yarn shop, I came home with a book, size 1 double pointed needles and a skein of sock yarn.

The book: Sensational Knitted Socks - by Charlene Schurch

I like this book because she has charted out sizes and walks you through different methods - toe up, top down and even has a short-row heel method.

The needles: Clover Double Pointed Size 1 in bamboo

The yarn: Trekking Brand - 75% wool 25% Nylon

I selected a simple top down pattern and worked through my first sock with the bamboo needles. I was mainly focused on the mechanics and although the sock came out a bit "wobbly", I did knit all the important parts correctly, but the tension was just not consistant. Once on my foot, the imperfections don't show, but I wasn't happy.

I am lucky enough to have gotten my mother-in-laws knitting needle collection when she passed away and while I was kntting this wobbly sock, I kept thinking how perfect her socks turned out. So for the second sock I switched to her aluminum needles and I believe the tension is much better so far.

Today is a cold rainy day - perfect for a knit-a-thon. I plan to finish the second sock and I already have ideas for my second pair of socks. I have learned that although I love bamboo needles for the most part, aluminum needles seem to work the best for me with socks... or is it just that Mary Claire's needles have a bit of magic? I will never know for sure, but I will keep those needles safe and use them for all my future sock projects. (thank you MC, I love and miss you)

Until next week - keep your needles clicking!

Good Morning~~

2010-09-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to a close as September begins here in Central New York. It is always a bit sad to say good bye to summer, but fall can bring out the best in me.

The colors, smells and yes - even the crisp cool mornings give me a thrill. It's still a bit hot and balmy here, but a do look forward to autumn.

These two little fellows said good morning to me today and put a smile on my face. With that, I say good morning and hoping that you have a great day too!

Fall Treasury

2010-08-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be featured in this lovely fall treasury.

Welcome Fall

In autumn when the trees are brown
The little leaves come tumbling down
They do not make the slightest sound
But lie so quietly on the ground
Until the wind comes puffing by
And blows them off towards the sky.

-Unknown Author

Like The Little Leaves That Tumble Down

Autumnfire Real Maple Lea
CircesHouse$45.00 USD

Stoneware Small Canister
PrometheanPotter$42.00 USD

Lodge Chestnut Burgundy
sandypaws$12.50 USD

Moss Forest
AnikaEaster$95.00 USD

Sylvara- Signature Leathe
viridian$15.00 USD

Autumn Foliage Cubic Zirc
ShySiren$72.00 USD

Rust Yellow and Lime Gree
valeriesgallery$22.00 USD

HOT SMALL AND SEXY BAG
daphnenen$65.00 USD

Rustic Countryside
AngelloftCreatio$60.00 USD

Waves of Color Hand Knitt
ArtsandAccents$27.95 USD

Rustic Orange Ring Bearer
StudioWedbyMirel$46.00 USD

rusted iron and wool - fe
lilfishstudios$9.00 USD

Pincushion - Felted Wool,
madeinlowell$30.00 USD

vintage PAISLEY n PLEATS
iloveswift$39.00 USD

Reclaimed Lumber Display
IndianSummerGard$48.00 USD

Copper Green Felt Flower
Brigite$23.00 USD

Generated using Treasure Trove by packagery.com

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ The Next Generation

2010-08-22T04:21:00.000-07:00

Our small town is hopping this weekend with the Annual Woodsmen's Field Days. People come from all over the country to show off their lumberjack skills and it is a huge event - including fire works, competitions, bands and all-round fun!

I am happy to be a vendor in Dodge Pratt Northrop Art Center's Craft Fair on the lawn and I am always excited to meet people and talk about my craft when people stop to chat. I actually met one of the professors wife at a college I went to 30 years ago! What a small world this is!

But my absolutley best conversation was with an eleven year old girl who stayed in my booth for quite some time. I could see in her eyes that she really appreciated everything in my booth as she bounced from one thing to another. When I found out that she was a knitter we just connected right then and there! As it turns out her babysitter has been teaching her to knit, crochet and all sorts of craft work.

I was happy to show her a new project that I was working on (a super cool design that can be found in Knitting New Scarves: 27 Distinctly Modern Designs).

This is definately not your grandmother's knitting! And I am so excited to see more and more young people learning how to knit and work with fibers.

To my new found friend Jordan - you absolulely made my day yesterday. I hope you will keep on knitting and one day you will be the knitting designer of the future.

Until next time - keep your needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit

2010-08-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

I don't have a stitch for you today and probably won't until October.

Sometimes life gets in the way of what you love to do and I do believe it is my turn for awhile. Daryl is on the mends from a foot injury that required surgery and for the next 4 weeks he is totally non-weight bearing. Those of you know that he is a man who rarely sits still, so this is absolutely killing him, but we are looking forward to the future when it will be completely healed and life gets back to normal.

I have been able to squeeze in a few projects here and there and I've expanded my work to include hats. I've knit hats before, but I was never all that much into them. I typically don't wear one so hats were not on my top knit list. But I've been playing around and I think I've found my newest craze! The are super fun to knit and really don't take all that long to make and you don't need all that much yarn.

Here is a hat that I just listed on etsy this morning. It is knit with lambswool and is super soft. The rim is a braided cable and the top is pixie-like beanie. I love how the cabled edge forms scallops to surround your face.

Next weekend I will have a booth at the Boonville Woodsman's Field Days both on Saturday and Sunday. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello! Our little town will be hopping and there is plenty to do!

So until next time - keep your needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Bobbles and UFO's

2010-07-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have projects that you start and put aside? They call them UFO's (Unfinished Objects) in the knitting circles and I have more than my share.

The one that continues to haunt me is an afghan that I started for my daughter when she was in college that is unfinished 10 years later. That has got to be my oldest UFO, and I have many more.

But, recently I picked up and complete a pillow cover that began last winter. I knit this with two strands of worsted weight wool and it was my very first project utilizing the bobble stitch. I admit, that I was hesitant to try bobbles, but I was amazed at how easy they really are. Although they take some practice with tension, bobbles can be used in so many different patterns to add texture.

I thought that making flowers with them would be unique and fun. I added a bit of creative cable work to make the stems to create a field of flowers. I used 5 stitch bobble for the center and worked 3 stitch bobbles for the surrounding petals.

Making Bobbles: (5 stitch) worked on a background of reverse stockinette stitch

Make 5 stitches from one stitch ( Knit in front and back of same stitch 2X and in front once more)
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the back) Knit 5 stitches
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the front) Purl 5 stitches
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the back) Knit 5 stitches
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the front) Sl 1, K2 tog, Pass slip stich over, K2 tog, Pass slip stich over.

Work the same for 3 stitch bobble only make 3 stitches from one stitch and only Knit 2 tog and passover once at the end.

There is a great feeling of accomplishment when picking up a forgotten project and I am so glad that I completed this one.

I took a break while writing this entry and went to find my daughter's afghan. Her major in college was International Relations and I had a vision to incorporate flags from several nations into the afghan. It looks like I only completed 3 nations and half of 3 more. Perhaps digging it out is one step closer to completion.....

Hopefully you will dig out some of your UFO's and get them completed this summer.

Until next time, keep your needles clicking!

Monday Quote of the Week

2010-07-12T02:58:00.000-07:00

"Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find his right road." -- Dag Hammarskjold

Today's quote is hosted by joystclaire and features Clouds on the Horizon, a fine art photograph taken in Northern Michigan.

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Small Zig Zag Cables

2010-07-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy summer so far and it is only the beginning of July! We are just coming out of a week of hot and humid weather and it seems rather odd that 80 degrees would feel cool. I guess after a week of temperatures in the high 90's that 80's would be a relief.

Even though it is hot now, it won't be long before we are turning on our furnaces and lighting our wood stoves. Fall will be here soon enough, so I keep knitting warm wooly goodness even in the heat.

This weeks featured stitch is a small zig zag cable stitch. I like how they look when worked in multiples as they really give a zing to the zig zag look.

I used this stitch to make another ascot style neckwarmer (yet another one of my recent obsessions). This handknit neckwarmer is made with the softest of soft merino wool in one of my most favorite shades of yellow.

This stitch is worked in multiples of 3 + 1

Row 1: (Wrong Side) K1, * P2, K1 repeat from * to end
Row 2: P1, *C2F, P1 repeat from * to end
Row 3: Same as Row 1
Row 4: P1, *C2B, P1 repeat from * to end

Repeat these 4 rows

This is a great stitch to add into an area that you need some filler stitches such as borders for a larger cable design. I already have another neckwarmer started using this as the edging.

Knitting Tip: If your stitches look uneven, aim to make stitches close to the tips of your needles so you are less likely to stretch them.

Until next week - keep your needles clicking and keep cool!

Christmas in July Sale Starts Today

2010-07-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

Are you an early holiday shopper? Come on in and save on several select Christmas Gifts at Valerie's Gallery

And free US Shipping too!

Monday Quote of the Week

2010-06-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Today's quote is hosted by WineRosesDrunknFrnds with

this beautiful original oil painting:

Jasper, Alberta

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Triple Cable Neckwarmer

2010-06-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today I'm going back to basic cables and am featuring a new knitting pattern available in my etsy shop.

I've been offering new stitches each week and I must say that cables are still my most favorite to work. This Triple Cable Neckwarmer pattern is a fast and easy knit using larger needles and 3 strands of yarn for a bulky look.

For all my patterns in my etsy shop click here

On another note: My knitting group has started a challenge for their members. The criteria is that it just has to be a challenge for the individual and we each have a year to complete it. I have chosen a pattern from Kristin Nichols - Color by Kristin book and this will be an intense challenge for me.

I wanted a project that would incorporate mixing colors and to learn new techniques, so I chose Southwest-Style Sleeved Wrap. Not only is this colorful, but it requires the use of steeking, which frankly scares me to death. But my knitting group friends assure me they will help me along and hold my hand while I do it. Thank goodness we have a year to get this done!

Steeking: Cutting an opening after you have knit. Click here for a tutorial from knitty.com

This pattern is worked in the round with 341 stitches on each round and it takes me about 45 minutes for each round. This will definately be a year long project. I'll keep you posted on my progress in future posts.

Here is where I am at so far:

Wish me luck!

Until next week - happy knitting!

Constableville Craft Fair

2010-06-22T03:21:00.000-07:00

I went to bed on Saturday night listening to the pouring rain beat down on the roof in between the thunder and lightening worrying about Sunday's craft fair. It seemed that it was doomed to be a complete wash out as there was no drying up in site. When I woke up and started loading my car it was still cloudy but it wasn't raining. At that point that was all I could hope for.

But as the morning progressed the day cleared up and turned out to be a beautiful day! I really enjoyed my day at Constableville Antique Car and Craft Show. The people were fantastic and the weather couldn't have been better. I met up with some of my vendor friends from last years shows and met some vendors I hadn't met before, including a sweet gal that raises alpacas.

Overall, I'd say it was a wonderful day!

Wooly Wednesday

2010-06-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

This felted wool bowl in forest green was just added to my shop today.

I hope you like it!

Monday Quote of the Week

2010-06-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

"The only job where you start at the top, is digging a hole." -- Anonymous

Today's quote is hosted by:

"Work Horse" by PistolesPress on etsy

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Slip Cable Cross or Cable Fabric

2010-06-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

Good Morning ~ Today's stitch is a bit of a challenge. You don't want to be multitasking or watching a heart-wrenching movie while working this one as you just need to pay attention to each row and make sure you are counting right. At first I found it a little awkward but once I got going on it, I just loved the resulting pattern.

I incorporated this into a knit pillow cover pattern that I just love. Basically it is two knit squares laced together, so it isn't a daunting project that will take forever, but it does show off your skills! This pillow would look great in the guest bedroom or on a couch or chair in the living room.

The center panel is worked in todays featured stitch surrounded by cables and other textured stitches.

How to work Slip Cable Cross Stitch:

(Multiples of 4 + 1)

Row 1: (right side): K1, *sl 1 pw, K3, repeat from * to end
Row 2: *P3, sl 1 pw, repeat from * to last stitch, P1
Row 3: K1, *C3L, K1, repeat from * to end
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: K5, *sl 1, K3, repeat from * to end
Row 6: *P3, sl 1, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, P5
Row 7: K3, *C3R, K1, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 8: Purl

Repeat these 8 rows

Additional Notes:
C3L = (cable 3 left) slip next st onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 2 sts from left-hand needle, then knit st from cable needle

C3R = (cable 3 right) slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next st from left-hand needle, then knit sts from cable needle

I really love the result of this stitch combination and think it would be fantastic on an afgahn or baby blanket.

I have the pillow knitting pattern available in my etsy shop. Included in this pattern is a handy check-off grid so you can keep track of each and every row for perfect results. This pattern has been tested by another knitter for accuracy.

Next week I will be at Father's Day Craft Fair and Car Show in Constableville NY and will not be featuring Sunday Morning Knit Wit. I hope that if you are in the area, you will stop by this historical place. Vendors as well as antique cars will be all over the lawn of this beautiful building.

This is a day filled with fun for everyone. Visit the beautiful gardens, tour the home, find something wonderful at the silent auction and enjoy the variety of food. It really is a fun day!

Until next time, keep your needles clicking!

Wooly Wednesday

2010-06-09T03:19:00.000-07:00

These colorful felted wool bangles are fun and funky! Light as a feather but bold and beautiful, the only thing missing is the bangle sound.

Soft Yellow Felted Wool Bangles:

Vibrant Pink Felted Wool Bangles:

Purple Felted Wool Bangles:

Wednesday Wooly Wit:
How many sheep does it take to knit a sweater?

Answer: I didn't even know they could knit

Enjoy your day!

Monday Quote of the Week

2010-06-07T03:39:00.000-07:00

Todays quote of the week:

"Some people grumble because roses have thorns; I am thankful that the thorns have roses."

-- Alphonse Karr

This beautiful Rose Painting is by ChatterBoxArt ~ A great find on etsy. com and a beautiful selection of original paintings. A definate must see shop on etsy!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Trinity Stitch

2010-06-06T04:34:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this stitch recently because of the fabulous texture and pattern.

It is worked in multiples of 4 +1 and 4 repeating rows.

Row 1: (Right Side) Purl

Row 2: K1, *(K1, P1, K1 all into next stitch, P3 Tog) Repeat to last stitch, K1
Row 3: Purl
Row 4: K1, *(P3 Tog, K1, P1, K1 all into next stitch) Repeat to last stitch, K1

Repeat these 4 Rows

I used this stitch in two new neckwarmers worked in the ascot style. I used this stitch in the pass-through loop on each one.

Ribbed Ascot Neckwarmer in LemonGrass Green:

Grey Cable Ascot Neckwarmer:

Both are availible at Valerie's Gallery on etsy.

Until next week - keep your needles clicking!

Fiber Friday ~ Yellow and Green Felted Wool Bowl

2010-06-04T03:10:00.000-07:00

Fiberific Friday!

Today's spotlight is this soft yellow and green felted wool bowl:

Enjoy your Friday ♥