Progress...small but steady

Lately, I have had to be more Executive than Knitter... long work days just means I work on smaller, less complex items that are portable, I can pick up and knit quickly.  This usually means accessories and benefits hubby and daughter who love hats.

Felted Shetland Beret

I loved this Churchmouse Yarn and Tea beret pattern and knew my daughter would love it, but to my surprise, hubby grabbed it and wearing it duffer style, he loved it.  It is light as a feather and so classy on him.  Big hit.

I used Lion Brand 1878 Wool in Charcoal, it felted beautifully.  Guess I need to repeat for daughter.

Kathmandu Cowl

I had two odd balls of Berroco Blackstone Tweed from a sale bin - and it was perfect for Kathmandu Cowl.  This yarn is a next to your skin soft and elegant tweed.  This is a perfect compliment to my favorite winter jacket perfectly. This pattern is free,  Super quick and easy knit.  (Shown here unblocked/even better blocked)

A new yarn shop in my area opened (The Knitting Boutique)and I, of course, had to visit immediately.  To my delight, they carry one of my favorite yarns - Schulana Donegal-Tweed. One and half skeins later we have a cozy, yummy cabled hat for hubby.  The color has to be seen to be appreciated and with 5% cashmere, it is so nice to wear.  I have a sweater's worth of this yarn in silvery gray in my stash - too good for just any pattern - it has been there a while.

This Holden Shawlette has been rolling around my knitting bags for weeks waiting patiently for the last 30% to be done.  One afternoon of football later, I have a lovely colorful shawlette.  I was surprised at the small size and worried it would not be useful.  Turns out - I like it better than the larger shawls - acts more like a light accessory to add color and not a garment.  And at under 400 yards - these will knit quickly.  Queueing more shawlettes as we speak...

Hubby reminded me that the 45 still need attention.  He loves this plan and keeps me honest to it.  At his nagging prodding,  I picked up one of my most frustrating and long marinating projects....my Stoney Cabled Cardigan.  Long suffering with only 2/3 of sleeve #1 - I stalled and have successfully avoided since Nov 2009.  On Sunday, I finished sleeved #1 and cast one #2.  Love the yarn - hate the color (bought on sale online, couldn't return)...modded the pattern to death - can't find my notes, not sure about the sleeve construction changes I made...you feel my pain?  why not frog you ask?  I am too far into it ... just can't do it.  Plan is to finish and overdye it.  More to come....

The Perfect Marriage...

of yarn and pattern is an elusive pursuit.  As knitters we play matchmaker to yarn and pattern.  I have done my share of bad pairings (see photos).  I remember how perfect I just KNEW they would be together.  Every knitter has made a bad match,  it very common.  Have you considered how hard this process really is?  As I write this post - there are:

is there a lace pattern in all that?

178,711 patterns in Ravelry - countless more hidden away in books,  pamphelts and magazines that have never been openly posted.

AND

64,608 Different Yarns - and so many more that are in stash Purgatory from collected by our friends, grandmothers, and who know how many more are local purveyors who sell at local venues and events uncatalogued.

ugh...christmas daybreak shawl

MATCHMAKER MATCHMAKER, MAKE ME A MATCH...

With this many choices, it's no mystery so many projects go wrong.  How can you make the perfect match?

1) Get to know your yarn - how will it behave?  will it be warm? is it next to the skin soft? is it thick or thin or both, will it drape, will it pill?  is it workhorse or hot house flower? how long have you had it - has it seen its day? is it fuzzy-like or smooth operator?

2) Get to know your pattern - is it simple or complex? Does it flatter or flop? does it want your yarn choice? is it the right season to knit this?  does it need order and discipline of a smooth yarn or is it free and easy- perfect for fuzziness?

3) Is the color right for you and the project?  is it a next to your face color?Is it too busy, variegated, simple, or loud for the pattern? Will the color mask the pattern, will it get lost?  Is the pattern and yarn so simple that you will have to sleep knit to complete?

Clown collar....

3) Arrange the date - swatching!  The only way to know if they might get along is to swatch.  I know, I know - the  S word.  But swatch does not have to mean the 4" by 4" square of boredom.  Try casting on the smallest piece of the pattern - the sleeve or a front.  If they hit it off, you keep going, if it's flop you move on.  I can't tell you how many times I have been possessed by the idea of a pattern and certain yarn together only to try them out and know it's over before it began.  Sometimes its enough to just try it on the needles and know.  The fascination ends and I move on.

When you consider the odds...it is a wonder 50% of all projects don't end in divorce.

11.10.02 Progress needs Inspiration...

Here in my part of the world, it has been raining almost non-stop the whole month of September.  We have set all time records for rainfall and we should be set up for moisture for a very long time.  All this gloomy lighting makes for bad progress photos and inspiration wanes.

Thanks goodness Saturday one of my favorite online shops released new patterns and updated some classics.   Churchmouse Yarns and Teas in Bainbridge Island, WA (Seattle area - accessible by ferry) has a beautiful array of knitting and crochet patterns and yarns.  Simple, timeless designs that have been paired with exquisite yarn and color choices that transform ordinary to extraordinary.  The photography and styling are so well done it makes you want to live the life it implies.

To learn more about this lovely shop visit America's Knitting article here.  It's my dream to one day visit this store in person. Until then...won't you join me for an online look at their offerings?

Two pattern collections were updated with new designs and some favorites were revisited with new yarn and color suggestions.  Churchmouse AT HOME is a 8 piece collection of comforting items that invite you curl up with a good book on a rainy day...

Easy Folded Poncho

Churchmouse CLASSIC PATTERNS is a 21 piece collection of stylish and elegant garments, accessories and wraps For men and women, patterns are downloadable separately but in a stroke of pure genius - you can purchase  the entire box set for a mere $79 which includes a lovely binder.  This is on my Christmas list...just hope I can wait that long. (UPDATE - Pam informed me this has been discontinued because the collection is too large - bummer.  She removed the link yesterday)

I am really want to have the Easy Folder Poncho in my wardrobe...with cowl option, of course.  This would be a perfect knitting machine project!

Shoulder Cozy

This Shoulder Cozy in a neutral color looks perfect to take on business trips or have for that chilly office.  I often get caught with not enough to keep me warm (I seem to always under pack)  One of these should stay in my travel bag for emergencies....

Pressed Rib Cap and Muffler

Bias 'Before and After' scarf

The items for men are also wonderful.  My husband immediately place an order with me for this set.  Done in Berroco Ultra Alpaca - there are unlimited color options.

Wee Ones Set

Baby Wrap Sweater

Not to leave out the little ones in your life, they have a collection of baby items.  Too precious for words....each would be a charming and welcome item to any mom.  Churchmouse Wee Ones Patterns




Churchmouse has a elegant line of yarns available for online ordering so you can purchase pattern and the perfect materials alone or in kits all in one place.   Churchmouse Kits  

Sign up for their newsletter here.
Try an free pattern here.

Being a coffee girl myself, I have not tried the teas but would bet they are of the finest quality-   beautifully packaged and seasonal. Churchmouse Teas

The list goes on and on.  There is nothing on their site I would not love to have in my home, closet or give.  Go see for yourself, you won't need a month of rain to fall in love and be inspired....