Friday, December 12, 2014

A Stitcher's Wardrobe: Cabled Cap


This cap went lickity-split, worked in the round with Green Mountain Spinnery's Weekend Wool, in the color "Pine Warbler". This is an honest wool, one where I can imagine what the sheep might have looked like, felt like.


I am dreaming of many sweaters in this stuff, unheavy and hard-wearing, warm and moldable, favorite pieces that lend a feeling of security.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

A Stitcher's Wardrobe: Another Triangle Scarf


If it were not for a long list of other projects that need completion, I would be hiding someplace with needles and yarn and empty coffee cups and various shiny wrappers, binge hooking triangles.


The appeal of the triangle shape for me is its flexibility. I can use up one skein of precious yarn, and if the triangle is too small then I can add another yarn as trim in a different stitch. If the triangle is medium sized I can stitch it into a 22 inch ring and wear it as a kerchief, or a cowl with a point. If the triangle is huge, perfect!


This scarf is crocheted in an offset cluster stitch, adding one pattern repeat at the end of each row.


The yarn is from Jan Marek Raczkowski Studio, a 60 merino/40 silk blend, worsted weight. It comes in an eight ounce skein (500yds), and when wound by hand the resulting ball is the size of a honeydew melon. The color is D-YsPi (I'm sure Jan knows what that means). You can find Jan's yarns at many New England Fiber Festivals, as well as Rhinebeck. I am a big fan. Big big fan.


Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Stitcher's Wardrobe: Pompom Hat



This is a quick cap worked in Jill Draper Makes Stuff Rockwell yarn in the color 'Lapis' [click here for her etsy store!].  I have another skein of Rockwell in 'Toe Shoes' that I am coveting. 
It is lovely stuff. 


The giant pompom is made out of Lopi from my college years. 
Knitting accessories has been an awful lot of fun this year.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

A Stitcher's Wardrobe: Long Sleeved Tee



This week, a first draft of a long sleeved raglan tee, cut from woven paisley cotton.  


The fit is almost there -- I will raise the back neck next time for a little more coverage.  There are small darts at the shoulder for a proper fit, and bust darts as well. 


The back hemline is two inches longer than the front, a handy feature when sitting.


The sleeves are just as I like them, roomy in the underarm and girth, and perfect for rolling up.

This basic tee beckons decorative stitch-work or printing or color-blocking. My wheels are turning ... and yours?

Monday, December 8, 2014

A Stitcher's Wardrobe: Wingfeathers Kerchief



At the expense of many important details in my life, I have been crocheting. I have completed five triangular scarves since late October, and that includes time on the wagon. It's embarrassing.


This little warmer is another Wingfeathers Shawl, pattern by Cal Patch of Hodgepodge Farm. The yarn was a gift and was missing its label -- I want to give kudos to the maker so I will chase that down. *update: it is merino from Knitted Wit.


The gauge is much bulkier than what the pattern calls for.  I simply hooked away until I had about a yard of yarn left, and then I fastened the triangle into a 22 inch circumference ring.



I love the word 'kerchief'. It goes with 'jersey' and 'dungarees' and 'congealed salad'. And I have decided crochet goes with everything.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Suncook Scarf

My husband gave me a long multicolored rib-knit scarf ten years ago. It has been my go-to accessory ever since: I adore its graphic use of squares and friendly colors. I have always wanted to replicate it, but never wanted to deal with the myriad ends that would need to be hidden.


Inspired by that favorite scarf and my love of magic loop knitting, I have resolved a method for a double thick cozy buttoned scarf. With no ends to weave in.


Shout out to Cousin Patty for Grandmother Oda's buttons!


It's a dickey!

On Sunday morning, January 18, I will be teaching this method of quilted patchwork at the Trad Arts Studio, located at the Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI.

By working in the round, we can cruise along with good ole stockinette stitch and produce double thick fabric. We will learn a transition from a single thickness fabric to double thickness, and back again. We can consume all those bits and bobs of left over yarn, you know the kind: Too short for another project, too long to throw away.

Check out the offerings for the weekend -- I am delighted to be a part of a gathering of stellar knitters.

If you're interested in joining me, click here for a link to the registration page.


Stay Warm!