Tall Tales from Kansas

unless of course, I talk him into something I think sounds better than what he picks

There is apparently a new family moving onto the front porch at Tall Tales Headquarters.

While I am not thrilled about a nest right there, on the wreath, which is not all that stable in my opinion, I can not bring myself to take it down. It's a beauty. 

The vinca vine out back has started to bloom, and there is blue sky and sun today. 

On the knitting front, this botanical cowl got finished. Botanical Cowl free pattern

Modeling photos to follow once I unpin it from the bedroom floor upstairs. 

Or I may just leave it here. I love how projects look when they are blocked. 

I also joined the shoulder seams of a sweater and hope to sew up the sides, then pick up and knit a garter stitch border all around the bottom and along the front and collar area. This pattern calls for the sides to be seamed and then the sleeves to be eased in. Hmmm will some of you knitters tell me if you wouldn't put the sleeves in first and then sew the side seams and the sleeve seams at the same time. 

Last item in the knitting news portion of this post - I am getting ready to wind some yarn into a ball for another cowl. Winding a skein is akin to walking a labyrinth. Very meditative. The exception being if you drop the ball multiple times and it rolls down a flight of stairs. 

On the movie front, we watched Late Night last night. If you love Emma Thompson, and are in need of something a little bit predictable, with a good ending (who isn't right now?), this is your movie. I enjoyed it very much, Chris tolerated it. Which means he gets to select what we watch tonight. Unless of course I talk him into something I think sounds better than what he picks.  

sweater perfection

Tonight I am sharing Mary's masterpiece sweater, which totally bowled me over. First of all with the colors. I marvel at her ability to put these colors together in such a pleasing manner. The right combinations of dark and light and bright and subtle.

In addition to all that, the shaping is flawless, the neckline and placket where the buttons go perfectly coordinate with the rest of the striping.

Not too baggy and not too fitted.  Just right to go over a turtleneck or blouse. 

Sweater perfection. That's what this is.  

Bravo Mary!

the perfect weight for spring walks

It is with great delight that I tell you my Boardwalk vest has been completed.  

The neck detail ended up being much easier than I thought it would be.  Brooklyn Tweed patterns have challenged my skills.  In a GOOD way. These designers pay attention to the small details that make a garment lay right and thus fit well.  

The ends practically worked themselves in, and it was blocked on Saturday night.  

Sunday we went out for a walk and took some photos.  

This vest is the perfect weight for spring walks as well as for wearing to work.  It is extremely lightweight so will not feel too hot indoors.  

I selected the size I thought would fit best with about 2 inches of positive ease as suggested.  

The underarm holes accommodate my shirt perfectly without it getting bunched up, as has happened with other vests I have knitted. 

Thanks Chris for taking the photos.  To be fair, I did offer to have him model the vest, while I took pictures but he wasn't going for that.  

The geese were at the arboretum today too.  They were not one bit interested in the photo shoot, or the vest.  

It has taken me 6-7 years of knitting to finally figure out what will work for me in a garment, and what won't.  Maybe it's that way for all knitters?  Right now I am enjoying letting my mind run over the possibilities for my next larger project. Anything is possible.  Another sweater versus the Find Your Fade wrap.  I love wallowing in these sorts of decisions.  

Helpful links:  

Pattern:  Brooklyn Tweed Boardwalk by Heidi Kirrmaier
Yarn:  Brooklyn Tweed Loft - Plume
My favorite local yarn store where you can get everything you need for knitting: Yarn Barn

blowing on my fingers in an attempt to thaw them out

Left front shoulder joined today. Correctly. The first time.

And now, it's time to do what I haven't dared to read ahead about. For fear it will frustrate me before starting.  

The mitered neckline detail.  Which is of course why one knits this vest to begin with.  Such beautiful detail.  

The last skein of yarn was wound into a ball while listening to an Irish jig.  I mentioned to Chris we should sign up for dance lessons while this was all happening.  I think he said "not a chance in hell" or something like that.  

In other news, snow continues, and the driveway was cleared.  

It's a good way to get some exercise, but care must be taken that the fingers don't freeze off.  

Which accounts for those 2 red lines to the left of the black circle. That's me ducking into the garage and blowing on my fingers, in an attempt to thaw them out long enough to blow my nose and head back out to finish.  

All in all a most excellent Sunday.  

less is not better than more

Up from the basement.  Out from the cabinet under the mirror.  Things are emerging from their storage spaces.  

The pygmy forest and the wee elves, together again.  Balancing on the candle sticks collected through the years.

I plan to make time to do another elf this year.  I think my ability to pick up and knit the wrapped stitches on short rows has improved and I can craft a better face on these guys.  Maybe.  That does not mean I will love the first ones any less.

At this point I asked Chris if he thought I was going overboard.  He said definitely not.  So I am now in the process of placing the Christmas mouse collection strategically among the knitted pieces.  Always mindful of the motto that less is not better than more when it comes to stuff like this.  

they would have fallen asleep under the spell of the magic of the season

This was one of those impulse grabs off a display shelf the last time I was at the library.  I am pretty sure there is no way I could ever knit all the characters in the story, but I can absolutely appreciate a clever idea.  

Because seriously, how sweet would it be to be in a double bed with a feather mattress and tons of pillows

and a pile of quilts, with 5 of your favorite great neices and nephews

who could each pretend to be a character as you read the story to them by the light of the Christmas tree and maybe a candle or two

and at the very end they would have fallen asleep, under the spell of the magic of the season

and when you all woke up the next morning the knitted reindeer would have disappeared with Santa and his sleigh.  If only.  

"supplies and space for people who turn yarn into art"

Even though I live in the town in Kansas that has the BEST local yarn store in the entire state (the Yarn Barn), it is important when I hear about a new spot, I check it out.  Word on the street should never be ignored.  What follows is my report on Yarn Social KC.

First of all it's in a great location.  Scratch that.  It's a terrible location.  Way to close to where I work.  

The store itself has a really nice feel to it.  Not too crowded, but with a nice selection of yarns.  

The owner, Trish Fitzsimmons, was really friendly.  Even after I asked her way too many questions.  AND she was happy to have me take some pictures.  

They had great gift ideas for the yarn lover in your life, plus all the notions that you didn't know you needed.

There was a hangout spot (with amazing lighting!) for sitting and knitting in community with your friends.

I already mentioned the hand dyed yarn right?  Like this basket of skeins that started calling to me the minute I walked in.  

I love coffee enough to support multiple coffee shops.  I feel the same way about yarn.  

The prairie makers will have to take a field trip here.  Soon.

The motto on Trish's business card reads "supplies and space for people who turn yarn into art".  Check it out.  You will be delighted. I know I was.   

storyteller

Even though I have plenty of skeins of yarn awaiting their turn on the needles, it is very important, when traveling, to make local yarn store visits. Which is what led us to Knits and Knots in South Lake Tahoe this past weekend.

Where we discovered some lovely hand-dyed yard from a local artist.  Who was also lovely by the way.  

I have a Find Your Fade shawl monkey on my back.  And it's not letting go.  No matter how hard I try to shake it.  I wanted a very unique yarn as a base to build my color scheme out from.  

This shop, was a makers paradise.  Full of unique hand made art of every type.  

But it was the wall of hand dyed yarn that stopped Ann and I in our tracks.      

Here is what I picked.  I have a few things in my stash that will work perfectly with it.  I have no idea how it is going to work in terms of striping or fading or what.  I don't know how long the color changes are.   And I am ok with that.  

Boy am I ever looking forward to starting it.  Thanks Heidi for the inspiration and sending me those photos of you modeling your Find Your Fade which is what started the whole thing.  

If you haven't seen Heidi's "Love Letters to Crafting" you can click on them from her instagram feed.  Be prepared to fall in love yourself.  

Helpful Links:

Find Your Fade Shawl Pattern

that hardly ever happens more than once on a flight

 I hope when you see I am knitting these very fall looking socks, you will say to yourself "boy that Carol is on top of things, knitting those just in time for the upcoming season".  

Those of you with a good memory will recall that I started these several years ago.  The first one was too big so I ripped it out and started over and then set it aside for awhile.  I took it to Bavaria because socks are the perfect travel knitting project.  Unless you drop one of your double points on the plane and it rolls back several rows and you have to ask half the passengers to look under their feet for your needle.  But that hardly ever happens more than once on a flight.  

Working with sock yarn is just plain darn satisfying.  Watching to see how the colors will work themselves out as you go.  

I do not like my socks to match, and so instead of finding the spot in the yarn where they would come out the same, I just start the second one where I left off with the first one.  

There are many sock patterns out there.  This one is my favorite.  I always come back to it.  It has a nice formula so you can be sure they fit properly.  (Which I did not pay attention to when I started these the first time).  It's really always best to do a swatch to check your gauge with something that you will want to fit correctly.  

Here is a link if you are interested. Knit to Fit Socks.  Or better yet, make a field trip to Lawrence and do yourself the favor of going into the Yarn Barn. They have the pattern there.  

eating cake for breakfast

Knitting a sock.  Resting.  Absorbing.

Sleeping in.  Eating cake for breakfast if we want to.  

check things in advance rather than rushing in the finishing

About 6 weeks ago, in the middle of a cold snap, my knitting friends and I decided that come April we should go out to Unity Village.  "We can check out the roses, walk the labyrinth, and knit in the bookstore/coffee shop". 

So today we did one out of three, which we all decided was perfectly acceptable.   And means that, a return visit in 6-8 weeks to check the progress of the roses will be required.   Cause there were darn sure no roses today. 

Joan, the newest knitter of the group, is putting all of us to shame by finishing her sweater before the rest of us are even close.  Not only is this her first sweater, it's a complicated pattern, that fits perfectly, and looks amazing!   You might notice that she has started another one. 

Pam had me wanting to try a stranded knitting project.   So amazing to watch the design come to life before our eyes.  I will take more photos as she progresses. It's a Brooklyn Tweed pattern with the colorwork around the wrists as well as the neck/shoulders. 

Meanwhile Ann is speeding along on a lovely cotton sweater to take on her trip to Australia this summer. 

Just so you won't think I did nothing but drink chai tea lattes, take photos, and gab... here is my progress. 

I thought I had only about an inch to go until I reach the underarm where things start to change. 

However, when I pulled out a vest, which fits properly, I see I may need to do another 2 inches in order for it to be a length that I will be happy with.   I have finally learned it pays off in the end when I check things in advance rather than rushing in the finishing.  

best if consumed by February 21st

In case you hadn't noticed, it seems Tall Tales from Kansas has turned into more of a knitting blog than anything else lately. 

When it's cold and icy though, the yarn calls and I am content to answer.  And even engage in conversation with it as I sit. And knit.

Both the front and the back edges of this vest have been completed. 

The edging is nice and clean and straight and pretty.  On the wrong side as well as the right side.  I can tell this is a garment that is going to lay flat and not be twisting and turning and flapping around messily while I am wearing it. Which can be important in the overall enjoyment.  For a picky person.  Which I am not.  But I still can appreciate an excellent design element.

The front and the back have now been joined and I am on one set of needles working my way around and around and around. 

This is the perfect kind of knitting for Olympic viewing.  Which is great since I see an evening of  figure skating viewing laid out before me.  Maybe I will finish eating the chocolate candies in the heart shaped box.  While they are still nice and fresh.  I am pretty sure it said on the bottom of the box "best if consumed by February 21st". 

to go along with my pink and blue theme

Last week my fingers flew as I finished the collar of my Stonepoint poncho.

I also worked in some ends and got it blocked.

I needed to wear it on Friday to knit with friends.   We agreed it would be important to dress alike, because you can do that when you are women of a certain age. 

They all piled out of the car without complaining so I could snap a photo at the "wishing bench". 

Pam did hers with a shorter neck - perfect for wearing a collared shirt with. 

Joan chose a lovely golden hue that is perfect with her coloring. 

Ann selected a cool gray which will go with any color she wants to put with it. 

Happily, my new kicks and mitts go perfect with this shade of blue. 

I also dug out a pink t-shirt to further go along with my pink and blue theme. 

In case you want to see the back, photo provided below.  This will be getting a lot of wear in the months to come.  It's just the right weight for this time of year and it's not too hot to also wear indoors. 

If you want to do this project - details can be found here.  It's a very enjoyable knit.   

on the light switch of a lamp

 This weekend's activities included pulling out all the pink/red yarn in the house and looking at it. 

Then after careful consideration, selecting the brightest pink available to make a heart. 

I am using the hearts pattern one of you pointed out to me.  It's by Amanda Berry.

I could not puzzle out exactly how it was going to possibly turn into a heart, so I did what I normally do in these situations. 

I stopped for breakfast.   To be sure my brain was properly fueled.   Steel cut oats, blueberries, apples, toasted almonds, and a little bit of greek yogurt.  Plus a touch of strawberry preserves from the farmers market for extra sweetness. 

And I just kept going. 

Knowing that people who write knitting patterns are pretty smart and it's best not to question their methods.

It's not the neatest thing I have ever knit up.  But it's darn cute and I will probably need to make another.

I also finished reading Long Way Down today.  Oh.  Poetry in the form of a story.  About how a young man decides what the right response is after his brother is murdered.  Jason Reynolds is seriously gifted.  You haven't ready anything like this before.  Trust me. 

After all that I hung up my heart.  On the light switch of a lamp.  Because that's where it wanted to live.   

a great valentine gift idea

Today I made some sweetheart finger-less mitts.  Because I had this lovely yarn.

And it was snowing and blowing.

Which meant I was not about to go to the store to get flowers to put in this vase even though that had been my plan. 

Details on the yarn:  Malabrigo Rasta,  colorway 886 - Diana. 

Pattern:  Navy Yard Mitts.  You start out on size 11 needles and then switch to size 13's. 

Which means they go super fast.  

When mitt #1 was completed I went outside to shovel snow.

Chris played photographer and put a big pot of chili on to simmer. He also spotted this chickadee taking refuge in the wall behind our house.  I love having a bird hotel that is always open for business. 

Two hours after beginning, I was ready to work in the ends. 

The sun had also come out by this time. 

In case you are wondering what they fit like.

I added one extra row of the twisted rib at the finger end because I prefer a teeny bit more coverage of the knuckles.  These are the small size.  There are also instructions for a medium/large in the pattern.  I am a huge fan of finger-less mitts.  I am blocking them as we speak and looking forward to wearing them soon.   This is a great idea valentine gift idea.  Super fast and very fun to knit.   

if I were going, which I am not

This coming weekend is knitting retreat.  Which I can not attend this year.  Sob.  Sometimes that happens. 

That does not mean however, that I don't have knitting on my mind.  Nor does it mean knitting needs will go unmet.  I have selected the above pattern as something I am pretending I would be knitting at the retreat.  If I were going.  Which I am not.

This is the yarn I am making it with.  Pattern and yarn by Brooklyn Tweed.  There was a sample of this knit up at my local yarn store and it is just right up my alley.  A vest is generally not too warm to wear to work, and this one seemed very lightweight to me. 

Speaking of lightweight, these are my new Hoka Clifton 4's which make me feel like I am walking around on miniature clouds.  In my mind, I will be wearing them when I walk the labyrinth at knitting retreat this weekend, when I am actually walking around my neighborhood.  I also intend to drink at least one chai tea latte and carry on a long imaginary conversation with Joan, Ann, Pam, and Lauren about color and fiber and patterns and how knitting with friends makes the world a better place to live.  

The one thing I will not get to see is all the things that people are knitting.  I will be depending on you all to provide that part of the retreat for me by telling me what you are making. 

I will be wearing my most supportive foundation garment

This is going to be my first completed project of 2018.  Not counting wee elves and trees because they are bonus projects.  Small things slipped in between the big stuff to keep life interesting.  It's like reading a magazine article when you put your book down for a minute. 

The color of this yarn is more accurate in the photo below.   You can also see that it is a lace pattern.

Here is the pattern.  I am adding a link to the Yarn Barn, our local yarn store in Lawrence if you want to get the materials to make your own - Yarn Barn, Lawrence Kansas.  You can also get it on Ravelry if you just google Stone Point Poncho. 

I am adding an extra repeat to the pattern as have most of the people in my knitting group who have made it.  I wanted it just a bit longer.  I feel certain it will NOT look like it does in the photo above on me.  However I will be wearing my most supportive foundation garment in an effort to try and replicate the look to the best of my ability. 

Each right side row is a bit different so it keeps you on your toes.  But that is also what makes it interesting. 

I have completed the back and am zipping along on the front.  The border and one repeat of the lace pattern is finished.  This is a great first "lace" project if you are new to knitting.  My friend Joan, who is relatively new to knitting has already made two of these.  They are great over a turtleneck for winter and also perfect for spring and fall.  

P.S.  Joyce and Leslie I predict you will both be interested in this project.  Who wants to make the reservation for the cabin in the woods with a fireplace?  I will bring supplies and meet you there.   

the gold elf with the pink scarf

Elf #2 was completed last night while we were watching the “I Love Lucy” and “Dick Van Dyke” Christmas specials.   

Elf #1 was very clear about the need for a companion. 

Once you get the hang of it, they are ridiculously fun to make.  

Just so you know, they are as cute from the back as they are from the front.

So you can get a better sense of the size, they fit together in the palm of my hand.

They are residing on the table in the living room where I can look at them while I sit by the fire and think about getting to work on a pumpkin pie.  

And yes, I will be starting on the gold elf with the pink scarf the minute I finish this post.  But not before I start the pie.  Or maybe I should look up one more “old fashioned” drink recipe.  I know nothing about bitters.  If one of you is an expert, please advise me

I had the Rudolph

This week yarns were wound into wee balls.

Hardware stores were visited.  Washers were purchased.

Kits were assembled.

Friends gathered.

Coffee shops were visited.  And a new knitting project was undertaken.

Things were a little fiddley to start.  Totally normal when you are knitting with toothpicks.

Collards greens and spaghetti squash salads with dried cherries and feta kept our energy levels up and the knitting continued.   Progress was made.

After lunch holiday lattes were tried.  Something sweet to balance out all those greens.  I had the Rudolph. A cherry chocolate concoction that was everything I needed and more.  

It was a lovely day.  Alas, I do NOT have a completed elf to show you yet.  But soon.  Very soon.  Then it will be on to wee elf #2.  Jolly elves need friends to make merry with.  

Details here if you want to start your collection of wee jolly elves. 

P.S.  if you EVER find yourself within driving distance of Churchmouse Yarns, you gotta go.   

with the help of Abraham Lincoln and a hot glue gun

 I love setting up the Pygmy forest every year at Christmas.

However, I dislike how the trees wobble on their cork trunks, and regularly fall off the table and tins and candlesticks I stand them on.

This weekend we solved that problem with the help of Abraham Lincoln and a hot glue gun.

Oh I love a stable foundation.

Chris prepared 4 extra trunks for me.  Reforestation must be undertaken on an annual basis.  This is a great way to use up scrap yarn, and the perfect meditation while sipping on hot cocoa on Christmas morning.  

 If you want to start your own forest, a link to the free pattern is below.  

Pint Sized Pines

dreaming and relaxing

Over the long weekend, I had the pleasure of sitting on the couch flipping through Making and Taproot magazines. 

Here are the projects that have made my list for further consideration.  

The perfect yarn for this project is already living in my stash.

I can not explain my fascination with crochet covered stones.  These make me jump up and down and clap.  All at the same time.

Finally, who doesn’t need one of these?

This, is what long weekends are made for.  Dreaming and relaxing.  With your feet up.  If you haven’t flipped through Taproot or Making, I can highly recommend both.  

 

it's good to know you could wear it to a party if you needed to

At long last, time to block my SHINE scarf/shawl. 

It was a pleasure to knit and I was obviously in no hurry to get it done. 

The blocking wires were used for this one.  I wanted it to have nice straight edges and really wanted to open up the design. 

Actually, it seems fortuitous that I just got it done in time for my upcoming summer adventure. 

This scarf + July in the Pacific Northwest with my sister, on an island = perfection.  Wrapped around my shoulders and over my knees while drinking coffee and watching the sun come up/go down. 

I think it will go well with pajamas, jeans, t-shirts, and evening wear.  Which we won't need but it's good to know you could wear it to a party if you needed to. 

Swirled around my neck a few times while Mary Ann pilots our boat will also be an option.

 Link to details on the pattern and designer are here.  It is knit from 100% superwash merino wool.  Rivulet, from Island Yarn company.  Colorway is Arctic. 

 

my hands do not like to be cold

Because it snowed on Saturday, and because this yarn is pretty, and because everyone needs another pair of fingerless mitts, I made these over the weekend.

The "lightening fast mittens" are indeed a quick knit.  I just adapted the pattern slightly to make mitts instead of mittens.  

They are knit on size 13 needles, which is the reason they go so fast. 

Before you know it you will be doing the thumb and after that it's just working in the ends. 

Colorway of my mitts is "piedras" and I got it and the free pattern at The Yarn Barn in downtown Lawrence.   This pattern actually calls for malabrigo Rasta yarn and boy are they pretty with that too. 

You don't need to block mitts, but I think everything looks better after blocking. 

These are the kind of mitts that I will wear a lot - they are a loose enough knit not to be too hot, go great with a couple of my coats/jackets, and when I don't need a jacket will be perfect with a scarf.  My hands do not like to be cold.  At all.  

another story, for another time

Progress has been slow on the Shine scarf by Janina Kallio.  Frequent interruptions tend to do that.  You may recall that this was the scarf I was going to take with me to Stockholm last summer. 

Another scarf (by the same designer) for a friend who was going to Denmark, cut in front of this one in line.  That was interruption #1.   Below is what it's going to look like once completed, for those having trouble trying to visualize exactly what that pile is going to turn in to. 

I also took a wrong turn about halfway in and had to rip out a lot.   That was interruption #2.  When I laid it out on the table the other day, and took stock of the situation, I knew I was in trouble. 

With only a little yarn left, no matter how hard I tied to fool myself into thinking otherwise, there was not going to be enough.

So I did what any self-respecting knitter would do, and ordered another skein of yarn. 

Then took it off the needles, went back to the place where I had started to skip rows because I knew it was going to be close, and picked up from there.  

Now I am happily knitting away again, as I wait for my yarn, because as Angie would say "anything worth doing is worth doing right".   That's what she used to tell my sister anyway.  But that's another story, for another time. 

P.S.  My favorite knitting teacher, Mary, is the one who first told me about Janina Kallio.  Prepare to be delighted by her designs. 

hand dyed, hand spun, yarn created by Lauren

 This is what my unpacked knitting retreat bag looked like. 

Before I left, I made a list of things I would like to accomplish while I was there.  Stuff like "finish gray Janina Kallio Shine scarf" - which I did not accomplish though I did get a lot of work done on it.   Then there was that black Jo Sharp, Aran Tweed wool/silk/cashmere blend that has been going to be a vest or a sweater for 8 years - I was supposed to start something with it.  Which I did.  Check. 

I had started that green sock yarn a few months back, but it felt like they were going to be too big, so after consultation with my pals I ripped them out and started over on smaller needles.  They now feel like the proper size.  That skein of brown/blue/purple/fuchsia has been in my stash forever.  It was spotted at a local yarn store in Iowa City 7 years ago and bought for a specific purpose.  That someone may recall, but not me.  At retreat it started to become a triangle cowl thing.  Sure to be a fashion sensation. 

That blue (Harmony Brook colorway) is Mountain Colors fingering weight that is going to become a summer/spring weight scarf.  The brown (Harmony Softrock colorway) was purchased by Mary Joan.  She have me half and we are each going to make a pair of fingerless mitts with it and see what we come up with. 

These mini skeins above (also Mountain Colors handpainted yarn) are a kit I bought to make a scarf that was shown in a trunk show at the retreat.  I knew it would be bought the minute that scarf walked by my table.  I would like to report I did not push anyone down in order to be first in line to buy it. 

This last photo is something extra special.  It is hand dyed, hand spun, yarn created by my friend Lauren.  Oh, oh, and OH!  I thought I might cry when she gave it to me.  I held it to my chest and tried to think of how to convey how honored I felt to receive it.  I stammered a lot.  It's a treasure and much thought will go into what it's going to be.   

More to come on all these projects.  As always, don't hold your breath.  

people we can learn from and people we can teach

This past weekend I attended the annual knitting retreat put on by The Studio in Kansas City.   January is the perfect time for a knitting retreat.  Cozy fires.  Bulky sweaters.  Cowls.  Mitts.  You get the idea.  It's also time to see familiar faces, old friends from the past 7 (or is it 8?) knitting retreats. 

Time to see what everyone is wearing that they made in the last year.   Then we reach out to touch, get the name of the pattern, and ooh and ahh over how beautiful it is.  That's what knitters do at retreats. 

There is also time for walking the labyrinth, taking a nature hike in the woods, sitting in the comfortable chairs at the coffee shop, and discovering that Paula, the barista, is as big of a Carole King fan as you are when you spontaneously break into a loud and rousing rendition of "You've Got a Friend" and she joins in at just the right time.

Knitting retreat is a time for deep discussions about yarns and why some are clearly better for certain types of knits because of the inherent nature of the fiber.  You can also make unexpected discoveries. This year, for example, I learned that I prefer to drink Irish Cream Liqueur straight up rather than in coffee which I thought was my favorite way.   Only on it's own, can the creamy, smooth, consistency be fully appreciated.  How did I not know this before? 

Lastly, these retreats are the perfect time to sit around and knit with friends.  You can take classes, work on projects in process, or start something new.  Just because I can not knit as skillfully as Lauren, is no reason I can not fully appreciate how beautiful her work is and continue to dream that maybe one day I will.  Just as with any creative endeavor, a group is best when it has people we can learn from and people we can teach.

therefore he did not eat any

The draft stopper got finished this week. 

This is a great knitting project for several (plus 2) reasons:
1.  You can use up left over yarn
2.  Almost everyone has a spot in their house with a draft
3.  This is good TV watching knitting
4.  It looks way better than a towel in front of the door (I submit evidence below)

In other news, it was pie day this week.  We didn't know it, but subconsciously we must have sensed it.  We both wanted coconut cream pie so Chris made one.  The easy kind.  Using box pudding and canned whipped cream.  The Lorna Doone cookie crust elevated it tremendously. 

To balance out the creamy sweet buttery deliciousness, I made Brussels sprouts.

Chris said this was complete nonsense and there was no scientific basis for my balancing out premise.  Therefore he did not eat any.  Which was fine because that meant more for me. 

He also said they stunk up the kitchen, to which I made no reply. 

 

the creation of the blue spruce

 After sewing, washing, folding, and finally reveling in my new set of holiday napkins, I have rededicated myself to decorating.

I set out some stuff on the mantle and then got out some of the collection of trees we have somehow amassed over the years.  These bottle-brush flocked numbers will forever make me think of Angie. 

Next up was the teeny tiny forest of wee trees.  I made my first one in 2014 and added a few more to the collection last year.   I started to think I was going overboard and the forest was too big last year.

Then when I set them out this year I realized that was a complete miscalculation.  It looks like this forest has had some lumberjacks loose in it.  Which can mean only one thing.  More TREES!

And this is how the decorating got stalled out in favor of the creation of the blue spruce.  

P.S.  there is a link to the pattern in the 2014 post I provided above.  Don't click on it unless you are prepared to create your own forest. 

a big fat crazy mess or an incredible work of art

It was poinsettia buying time in Lawrence today.  For the last several years I've gotten ours from Pendleton's Country Market.  Usually I get them at the Holiday Farmers Market, but wised up this year and went directly to the farm while I had Chris with me to help carry.  This will leave my arms free next Saturday for other stuff.  Presents.  For others. 

I am always tempted by the more exotic looking varieties, but find it very hard not to get the deepest most beautiful pure red plant I can find.   This year was no different. 

I am also in the middle of sorting this bag of scraps from Pam.  I have convinced myself that I can make a quilt out of them if I put my mind to it.  I told Mary Ann the other day that it is going to be a big fat crazy mess or an incredible work of art when I get done with it.  

I am using a process that I saw on crazy mom quilts using scraps.  It was helpful to have an idea for just how to get started. 

I am pairing like sizes and sewing them together.  Once I get all that done I will lay them out and try to figure out a plan for assembly.   There will be neutrals added in somehow as well.

This group of already pieced bits will be used exactly as they are with just a bit of trimming.  They are going on the back of the quilt in some kind of arrangement.   

On the cooking front, I made a pot of baked pumpkin oatmeal this morning to fuel me through the day.  Its a great recipe and the perfect way to use up the rest of a can of pumpkin.  If you happen to have a half of a can hanging around waiting to be used, that is. 

In between sorting fabrics and waiting for the oatmeal, I got a bit of cable knitting in.   I wish I could make myself only do one thing at a time but that's not how my mind works.  It stutters and stalls and likes to jump around. 

This fabric might have gotten washed in preparation for holiday napkins too. 

Because if two projects are great, three are spectacular.  Don't ask me what four is.  

when you got a poncho making monkey on your back

You remember this poncho?  The one I was going to have done in time for the trip to Arkansas, that I didn't finish in time, but it turned out ok because it wasn't cold enough to need it?

I got it blocked and seamed just in time for Thanksgiving. 

Last February when I posted about this poncho I recieved many questions about it.  I know lots of you have since knit one up yourselves.  Lets face it, a poncho looks good on everyone, is easy to throw on, is not too hot to wear indoors, and is a snap to make.   Previously I blogged about the pattern here.  I predict many of you will want to make one for yourselves.  Thanks Mary Joan, for telling me about it in the first place.  

Here is a view from the side and the back too.

I used malabrigo rios yarn for this.  4 skeins.  I took the time to order 4 of the same dye lot.  Totally unnecessary.  If you pull down 4 skeins and they look close enough I would go with them.  It took about 3 weeks for the yarn to come in and if you are like me, when you got a poncho making monkey on your back, you ain't got time for that nonsense. 

stay tuned for all the ways you can wear this

On a gray November day, there is nothing better than knitting.

Knitting by the fire, with a hot cup of coffee is a very worthy way to spend a morning.

Especially with size 17 needles and super bulky yarn. 

I went from casting on to blocking in about 2 hours.  Pattern is Steven Be's Jet Setter Cowl.  Yarn is Ombre Super Bulky in South Beach colorway.  I bought mine on line from Hill Country Weavers.  Wow - super fast service from them.  

This is what it looked like when I blocked it to open up the pattern a bit.   My mind is spinning with all kinds of possibilities of other things I could do with this pattern and those needles.  Modeling photo shoot to follow on unsuspecting Thanksgiving day guests.  Stay tuned for all the ways you can wear this.  

13 days and counting

This is Malabrigo "Rios" yarn - colorway is Volcan.  It is just screaming fall poncho at me.  My friend Joan made one and as soon as I saw it, I knew I needed one too. 

I cast on Saturday morning around 10:30am.  I am having a race with myself.  To see if I can get it done by Sunday, October 30th.  When the Moss clan convenes down in Harrison Arkansas to celebrate Ray and Angie's birthdays.  Thirteen days and counting.  I think I can, I think I can. 

It's a simple pattern.  Size 9 needles - 24 inches.  Cast on 85 and knit in a K5 P5 rib (knit the knits and purl the purls) until you get to 53 inches.  Seam the shoulder to 11 inches.  Block.  Wear.  Takes 4 skeins of Rios.  They have lots of pretty colors. 

The combination of the Malabrigo yarn and my Addi Turbo needles is a dream to knit with. 

In case you are wondering, all of the skeins above are the same dye lot.  Even though they absolutely do not look like it to me.  What I am doing is alternating them every 10 to 12 rows or so.  It means working in a few extra ends, but I think I will be happier with it this way.  

 

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I get ideas and I just take off

a witch hat really looks better with a sweater

Yes.  I read The Witches out loud to Birgitta and Einor.   Yes, I made Einor a witch hat to wear while I was reading. 

Ummm.  Yes, I also made one for Birgitta.

And finally, yes, I am now attempting to modify a pattern for a wine cozy sweater into something that will fit Birgitta.  

Because a witch hat really looks better with a sweater than it does with a yellow and white striped tee shirt. 

the end. 

P.S.  Thanks for the pattern and the idea Ann.

 

 

ready for corduroy and Birkenstock weather to begin

This pair of socks, which has been on the needles forever, got finished Friday night.  I bought the yarn when we were in Norway.  When I look at it I think of icy blue water and fjords.  I close my eyes and see the abandoned farms high up on the cliffs.  Farms where they used to raise apricots and goats and had to tether the children so they would not fall from the cliffs. 

Some people like their socks to match perfectly.  Not me.  In fact, I generally try to make sure that I am starting at a different spot in a striping pattern yarn, just so they won't be the same. 

I am also a fan of using reinforcing yarn on the heel areas.  That is the spot that tends to wear out first on my socks.  Likely these will last long enough that I can wear them when sister and I set sail again on the Hurtigruten when I am seventy.    We will travel above the Arctic circle to see the northern lights.

The completion of this pair means  I am officially ready for corduroy and Birkenstock weather to begin.   The season of sitting in front of the fireplace on Saturday morning instead of going to the farmers market.  Looking out the windows at the cold and being glad for the warm cup between my hands. 

Finishing a project always feels good.  The only thing better, is casting on another pair.   Letting the needles fly so you can see just exactly what kind of striping you are going to get out of the yarn.  The simple satisfaction of making.     

unique in their own individual ways

Here is contestant #3 in the Knitted Pumpkin competition.
 

He was a breeze to knit up and stuff.  I dug out my set of double points made from really smooth wood.  Wow.  Using them made all the difference.  The yarn just slides so much easier on them as compared to bamboo.  The pattern for pumpkin #3 is free by the way, and can be found on Ravelry.

Gosh he's cute.  It's really hard not to like him best. 

I think they are all charming.  Unique in their own individual ways.  Do I sound like a mother trying to be diplomatic when talking about her kids? 

Since I said I was going to declare a winner though, I guess it's #3.  Meanwhile, it seems that just pumpkins isn't enough.  I am on to leaves now.  In a big way. 

I posted a link to the pattern a few weeks back when I did the first knitted pumpkin. 

The fun thing about these mini projects is they go so darn fast.  Who knows how many I will end up with.  Somewhere between 8 and 12 will be needed for sure.  Maybe even 14.   I am going to add them to the fall/winter garland that is getting ready to go up over my table ASAP.  

those of you who are perhaps a bit less enamored with fall

Today, on the autumnal equinox, it seemed right to try out another knitted pumpkin pattern.  And so I did.  I used leftover bits of yarn.

The pattern was a bit fussier than the extremely simple one I did previously.  Lots more stitches and increasing and decreasing and the like, but it does add an element of realism to the finished product.  Even though my stem looks a thimble.  

And now there are two.  Until I try the next one.  I have one more pattern to go.  There are 3 contenders on the shortlist of the "best knitted pumpkin pattern".  I intend to declare a winner. 

For those of you who are perhaps a bit less enamored with fall and all things pumpkin, I give you this perspective on the season.  I do so enjoy a clever read.  I intend to go back to the archives at McSweeney's (which I added to my Feedly) and read every other article ever written by Sarah Hutto.  

after I ate a goodly amount of cake

Ok - here is my first knitted pumpkin for the 2016 season.  Thank you so much Joan Clark for calling them to my attention!  I used a much bulkier yarn than called for in the pattern, cast on the same number of stitches, and knit for 4 inches instead of 3.  Dang if it isn't cute.  I combined some left over green and gray yarns and knit them together into an I-cord for the stem.  Very fast and very fun project. 

As soon as I finished this, being in an extreme fall frame of mind, I made the Steen Syrup cake this weekend.  I actually sifted the dry ingredients twice like the recipe says to do this time.  Unfortunately, I used a whole cup of hot water instead of 3/4 cup because I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing BUT, happily for me, it came out better this way.   Even more moist. 

Oh I do love the look of a freshly sifted mound of flour.  I sure wish Aunts Ola, Mabel, Lois, Bea, and Pauline were in the kitchen right now to discuss their thoughts on the merits of sifting.  Then we could eat cake and have a "swaller" of coffee to go with. 

Heck if I am going to wish I'll take his older brothers Elmer and Lee too.  They are those two cute boys in overalls in the bottom right corner. I think they would like their cake with a big old dollop of whipped cream.  I take mine any way I can get it.  Warm right out of the pan is my favorite.  One little sliver at a time.  I just put this piece on a plate to take a picture and appear civilized.  If you like the moist, dense, dark flavor of gingerbread, this recipe is for you. 

After I ate a goodly amount of cake I felt fortified for more knitting.  I tried my hand at some knitted leaves.  I have lots of ideas for these.  I think they look so pretty in that malabrigo yarn.

There will of course be solids too.  And maybe other shapes.   The possibilities are endless.  

front and center in the "oh me, oh my" category

Sometimes you knit a project that takes as much time to figure out exactly how to wear it as it does to knit it. 

For me, this has been the case with the mezquita-shawl.

The subtle color changes in this Mad Hatter yarn by Wonderland made me want to knit something that would be simple enough to showcase the color, but with enough variety in the pattern to keep things interesting.   Which it was.      

Other things that have occupied me of late include making a new shaved brussel sprouts salad with a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and Dijon mustard along with the requisite salt and pepper.  In addition to the brussel sprouts there was a small chopped shallot, toasted pine nuts, and grated pecorino romano cheese. 

I used to think roasting was the only way to go with brussel sprouts.  I was wrong.  This is what you should do with them in the spring and summer.  At least once every few weeks.  They are the perfect thing for lunch.  Especially accompanied by a side of hard boiled easter egg. 

In the garden the lilacs are about to take over front and center in the "oh me, oh my" category. 

Let me not neglect to mention that I also turned the page of my calendar today.

Hope your weekend has been filled with equally exciting events. 

I am not yet convinced that this is the way to go with the scarf.  I will require a consultation with Ann, Mary Joan, and Lauren first.  In the meantime, the Harvey boys tell me it's marvy.  And I always trust their judgement. 

 

it is strictly coincidental

How I spent my Sunday.  A book report in 4 photos and 145 words. 

It involved coffee in an aqua cup with just the right amount of sugar and half & half and some new knitting projects.   

This is a new scarf.  361 stitches cast on.  Each row takes me a loooooong time.  Lots of markers so I don't lose my place. 

Above is the smallest gauge swatch I could get away with and still ensure that my new cardigan is going to fit me when I am done with it.  This is my first time using Brooklyn Tweed yarn.   So far I LIKE it. 

It is strictly coincidental that the two new projects on my needles are blue.   I don't know why I can't ever just have just one thing going at a time.  That just seems too logical to me.   Why have one when two is better?  

with a collared shirt underneath

 

Last weekend I finished knitting, blocking and seaming up my poncho.  

 Just in time for my self imposed deadline.  Today. 

I love this pattern.  It is easy enough for a beginner and can be made with many types of yarn.  All you do is knit and purl, make a long rectangle, fold it in half, and seam up part of one edge for the neckline.

I almost added the cowl neckline, but in the end decided I might want to wear scarves with it instead.  I also like the way it looks with a collared shirt underneath and thought the cowl would get in the way of that. 

Perfect along with the wristlets.  The fact that the scarf kind of goes with them is totally coincidental.

As was the arrival of the Harvey boys at the end of the photo shoot.  It's a good thing Chris had gotten all the shots I wanted.  Once cats are on the scene I only have eyes for them.   

just in time for the high of 70 degrees we are expecting on Thursday

Here is my progress on the fingerless mitts that are to be completed in 2 days time.

For the record, I would like to point out the amount of yarn I was left with (M&M's included for perspective).  It doesn't get much better than that.

All ready for that knitting rendezvous with my pals on Thursday.  Poncho and wristlets completed. 

Just in time for the high of 70 degrees we are expecting on Thursday, by the way.  Well, it will still be chilly in the morning when I leave the house.   Perfect weather for wristlets and a poncho. 

This pattern is a free download from Vogue Knitting.  I made a few adjustments and did the first and last 6 rows with a contrasting yarn in a stockinette stitch because I wanted that rolled up look.  I had 2 oz of that hand spun yarn and just hoped it would be enough - along with that bit of brown.  Super easy pattern.  Great for using up bits of stash yarn.

 

just as good as I remember

It's been way too long since I made this.   When I first got the recipe from Dottie and made it, I thought it was dreamy delicious.   I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to make it again.  Oh wait, that's right, my love affair with cauliflower in soup, butternut squash bisque, and tomato, zucchini, and mushroom soups.   I didn't have an opening in the soup rotation in other words.   But today I pushed things out of the way.  I made room. 

After rinsing the peas and throwing them in a pot along with most of the other stuff and cooking for awhile, I ended up with this.  A rich, thick, creamy, savory soup that still has some texture.  Just as good as I remember.  Maybe better.    

In other Saturday business, with 2 inches left to go on the poncho, I took a knitting detour and dove into this ball of yarn that I have been wondering what to do with.  Such a lovely conundrum to have. 

I only have 2 ounces so decided to "expand it" with a little bit of this left over brown.

I am casting on with the brown, knitting with the colored stuff until I have one ounce left and hoping that will be enough to make a little pair of wristlets.

So far, so good. 

 

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the perfect summer soup

portion sized options available at the ready

he could talk to me, but only for 5 minutes every 2 hours

It was impossible to walk past the hand dyed Rivulet from Island Yarn, without stopping last weekend.  The "arctic" color with it's subtle bits of gray and silver have me thinking of polar bears frolicking in the snow.  I want to make some kind of a slightly askew rectangular shaped wrap with dropped stitches to give it an open look that will be perfect for walking around in a northern European country in the summer.  Do let us know the pattern name if you have made something that would fit the bill. 

There was also this "sandcastle" Glenhaven Cashmerino worsted from Three Irish Girls.   After petting the sample pair of fingerless mitts with a very simple cabled cuff that were made from it, I foolishly told someone I would also be wearing them on February 18th along with the finished poncho.  This was likely uttered as I completed my third cup of coffee for the morning.   

Personally, I think adding only 3 skeins to my collection was an impressive display of restraint.  Those sweet little scissors don't really count as a purchase because they are just so tiny.  And cute.  And birdlike. 

On the poncho front I have 10 inches to knit before I begin to seam it up.  Then there is just picking up stitches around the neck and knitting a few inches to give it a "polished" look.  I have already informed Chris that he is to pretend like I am at another knitting retreat this coming weekend.  I told him he could talk to me, but only for 5 minutes every 2 hours, and he should not expect that I will really be listening to him.

I think I can, I think I can...

It's hard to explain to a non-knitter the pure joy that is a long weekend of being surrounded by all the things you love about your craft.  The yarn and what you can make from it is certainly a big part of it, but even more than that are the ideas, the possibilities, the creativity that is generated from being around other people who get just as excited as you do by the process of knitting.  

Did I mention they feed you 3 square meals a day and you don't have to wash any dishes?   Oh and there is a bookstore on the premises with comfy chairs and hazelnut lattes? 

Each year we all wait to see what clever thing Lauren has made that she will wear and look absolutely amazing in.  She never lets us down. 

From the friendly greeting as you sign in, to the lovely grounds, hiking paths, crazy-talented knitting designers teaching classes, and sharing it all with dear friends, it's pretty hard to beat.

I am working on a poncho just like this right now.  I have a date on February 18th that I have committed to wearing it to.  I think I can, I think I can....

The weather was perfect for exploring the ground of Unity Village.  So much to see and appreciate there. 

Thank you once again to Cindy and all the folks at The Studio for making this such a wonderful event... and especially to my friends Ann, Joan, and Lauren for the fellowship AND the help untangling our balls of yarn. 

a slightly off center tie is my favorite

 Here is the scarf I finished in time to wear at the knitting retreat this weekend.   Just to prove that I can finish a project on time.  If I am properly motivated. 

For those of you who might be interested, this is the wakefield scarf and the pattern is free on Ravelry.   I like that you can wrap it around all sorts of ways.  A slightly off center tie is my favorite, but there is also the fold it in half - loop it through then twist and loop again look, as well as the ever popular just let it lay there style, and last of all just put it on and tie it in front and let it be. 

This yarn is a cotton, rayon, silk blend that is not even one teeny weeny bit itchy.  Perfect for Spring.

2 bottles of wine, a nice mug, a cozy hoodie, and my tennis shoes

This morning I am gathering things to load in the car to take to the knitting retreat.

Over the years I have learned that in addition to taking completed projects to show, it is a good idea to bring yarn for projects that I have yet to begin.  This is to remind me that I though I can buy new yarn, I should be thoughtful about it.  I also like to go through my stash and bring yarn with me that I am not likely to use and give it away to someone else who may have the perfect project to use it on.

I did finish this scarf and get it blocked.  Will be taking photos at the retreat of all the ways it can be worn. 

Lastly, I have packed 2 bottles of wine, a nice mug, a cozy hoodie, and my tennis shoes for walking the labyrinth.   Not sure if I will be able to do a blog post from the retreat, but I will be posting pictures on Instagram. 

Happy weekend everyone!

one ridiculous fox and his snowman friend who would not take no for an answer

This week I combined  a red I-cord and a crocheted chain of green and taupe yarn to form the support for the mini mitten Christmas banner. 

Knitting mini mittens is very, very, very, fun!  I think the red and taupe is my favorite... until I look at them all, and then I can't decide. 

In addition to the knitted mittens, I added some hand made mitten ornaments I bought at Bizarre Bazaar and one ridiculous fox and his snowman friend who would not take no for an answer when I tried to explain this was a mini mitten garland. 

In retrospect, it seems to me the big tailed fox and frosty do add an extra element of fun to the banner.   I may yet add a few more mittens.  For now I am enjoying it just as it is.  Enjoying it a whole lot. 

 

I knew no good would come of it

While it is true that I currently have 3 knitting projects in the works, it is also true that there is always room/time/desire to start something else.  Which I did.  This week.  Because I saw this pattern for an advent calendar garland made of teeny tiny knitted mittens.  Teeny tiny knitted mittens are extremely cute.

I also happen to have this bowl of Julia Yarn sitting around waiting for me to do little projects with.  I am not intending to make an advent calendar.  I am however planning to make a garland of mittens to hang on the mantel.  This yarn is a dream to work with and you know when it's by Kristin Nicholas the colors are to die for.

I was going to make all solid colors but then had to go and mix things up a bit.  It's fun to see how they come out.  Each mitten takes a little over an hour to do.

I am going to stop when I have the right amount of mittens for my mantle.  Or I get tired of making teeny tiny mittens.  Whichever comes first.

I might have to mix in a few mitten ornaments I bought at Bizarre Bazaar.  Or not.  There could be a few buttons attached as well.  Maybe.       

This is what that Halloween Banner has led to.   I knew no good would come of it. 

brownish gray with bits of blue thrown in for good measure

Remember that yarn I showed you eleven days ago?  Here is what I am doing with it.  Exhibit A was that complete and total impulse buy yarn.  It's turning into a Wakefield Diagonal lace scarf.  I think I got the pattern on Ravelry.  It's striping up just perfectly.   

I don't know what's come over me.  In the last week all I want to do is knit.  It could be directly related to the fact that I always want to goof off when I have things to get done.  Things like cleaning the house before Thanksgiving and such. 

Exhibit B is the sock yarn I bought in Norway that was made in Italy.  Gulp.  No matter, the colors will always remind me of Norway. 

I have added some reinforcing yarn and am planning to turn the heel tonight. 

Maybe it's the drop in temperatures that has me wanting to knit.  Knitting by the fireplace is one of my favorite things to do. 

Exhibit C is turning into the "Easy Folded Poncho" from Churchmouse Yarns.  This Rowan felted tweed is very pleasurable to work with.  It's a brownish gray with bits of blue thrown in for good measure.  It's the perfect thing to knit when you want to be knitting but don't want to have to concentrate too hard. 

Truth be told I am not really examining my reasons for wanting to knit so much too carefully.  I am mostly just enjoying it.  But only after I wipe down the chairs and tables, vacuum the living room, and get the tablecloths/napkin situation settled out.  

 

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the art of knitting at it's finest

I did leave the store and wait 18 whole hours until I figured out what I was going to do with it before I went back and bought just the right amount

This week I finished working in all the ends of the Wingspan scarf.  These colors are better for spring, but that will not stop me from wearing it at least once this fall.  It is made from Cottonation yarn (100% cotton) in colorway 791.   Just right for warmer fall or cooler spring evenings.

I also finished a dishcloth.  Ever since I received my first handmade dishcloth from Louise Berndt in 2011 I have been sold on them.  There is something extremely satisfying about making an item that is so useful.  The pattern is the almost lost washcloth and is a free download.  

And so... having no (zero!) projects on the needles, I had to start something.  Or maybe I should say some things.  This yarn was purchased on a little street in Bergen 3 years ago and has been patiently waiting to be turned into socks.

The yarn below hasn't even been in the house a year, but I really want to wear it.  Soon.

And this.  This is an inexcusable, unnecessary purchase that I blame totally on the colors.  In my defense, it was on the sale table.  And I did leave the store and wait 18 whole hours until I figured out what I was going to do with it before I went back and bought just the right amount for the project I have in mind.  

Progress reports to follow!