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June 30, 2006
I Sit Here
The latest Amazing Lace challenge is The Poetry Challenge. Trellis, having very little to do these days, set out to write a poem about her feelings on life in general.
I sit here
wound into a ball
hope in my soul
yet no needle in sight
I sit here
soft and fine
cashmere and light
a dream come true
I sit here
a piece of the puzzle
waiting for use
waiting for love
I'm sensing some depression and lonliness. I haven't forgotten about my pretty Trellis, but I have to finish the Noni bag before I can give her the attention she deserves. The carpet bag is about half done (I've used 4 of the 8 balls of Cascade) and I have a nice long weekend ahead. I want to work on Butterfly and spinning as much as possible, but I'm meeting a friend for some knitting tomorrow and the carpet bag will come along. Trellis may be seeing some love before too long.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:44 AM | Comments (16)June 28, 2006
Rather Huge
A few weeks ago (or maybe a month ago now) my mom decided she wanted to try another knitting project and she really liked the felted bag my mother-in-law made. I asked you all for your input, and Yahaira thoughtfully recommended the Noni bags. Well, as soon as I looked at the patterns, I knew I was going to have to knit one too - yeah, I'm weak like that, but come on - they're sooo cute. I ordered the felted carpet bags and the sculpture garden patterns. My mom decided she wanted to knit the small carpet bag and I decided on the large (a great work bag, don't you think?). And then I ordered some Cascade 220 from Purl (they had by far the best color selection and really quick shipping!). My mom ended up with a really fun coral color (the small size only uses 2 hanks) and I got a walnut color (Purl seems to be out of that color now) and red for the flower (because really, I think the flower makes the bag) . My mom is already finished with her bag and is ready to felt, but me? Not so much. My excuse is that I finished Hourglass and the Oak Ribbed Socks before I started, plus they aren't kidding when they call this the "Rather Huge Carpet Bag."
Here's what I have so far.
See the ruler? I know it isn't felted yet, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to carry this once I get it full. I tend to put a lot of stuff in my work bag - knitting, work stuff, purse stuff, random stuff - you know, everything but the kitchen sink. It's just boring stockinette stitch in the round and I'm only a little more than a quarter of the way up the sides (row 30 out of 80), but once I get it felted then I get to figure out some handles and some lining, which could be fun. Oh, and I think knitting the flower will be fun - mostly because of the shaping and I can't imagine knitting a flower for a sweater, so this will be something new. I can't imagine you all will want to see more pictures of this until it's felted because, let's face it, it makes for pretty boring photos.
In sewing news: The Enabler and I have joined Sew Retro (yeah, I know, like I don't have enough to do) and we're going to sew this supposedly super simple dress. Now I just need to find some fabric that isn't ungodly expensive because the pattern calls for almost 5 yards!
Posted by Stephanie at 10:33 AM | Comments (16)June 27, 2006
The Process
Last night was karate and I have the bruises on my arms and legs to prove it, but that means no knitting. On Saturday I plyed the corriedale singles from last weekend with the merino I spun at Estes and it turned out ok. The merino wasn't as even as I remembered, but the good news is that the corriedale was quite even. So, I guess that shows progress. After I plyed those singles, I spun 2 ounces of wool blend roving from Spunky Eclectic and I am really happy with how it turned out.
I used a long draw on most of this, but played around with the results using different drafting methods, but I settled on a woolen yarn and I think it works. I only have 2 ounces of each color, but I'm going to spin the other samples I have in the red/pink color range and try a 3-ply next weekend. I hope the result is a subtle, tweedy kind of yarn. I won't have a lot, but at this point it's all about the learning and trying.
Butterfly saw a little action over the weekend, but progress is incredibly slow. Fun, but slow.
And Riley is just amazed that anyone cares about all this fiber stuff
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:43 AM | Comments (21)June 26, 2006
Cowboy Socks
The University of Wyoming Cowboys Socks are finished.
Project Details:
Pattern: Oak Ribbed Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks
Yarn: WY Cowboy from Sunshine Yarns - 80% superwash wool, 20% nylon.
Needles: US #1 (2.5mm) Addi Natura 6" dpns
Thoughts: I really like the simple rib pattern. It worked well with the self-striping yarn and I think ribbing makes for a better fitting sock (especially when you're knitting for someone else). I'm quite pleased that the stripes matched - exactly!
And they fit!
The only modification I made was to change the sl1, k1, psso decrease in the gusset to a ssk, and I only did that because I like the ssk decrease better. This is the first pattern I've done with a round toe, and I really like how it looks and fits. I'll definitely use it again.
I'm still working on Butterfly and I've started a Noni bag (my first felting project). I'll have pictures for you tomorrow.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:54 AM | Comments (23)June 23, 2006
Practice Does Make You Better
Who knew? I guess all that stuff people tell you about practice is true. I really think I've gotten a lot better at the whole spindle thing. As you may recall, my first attempt didn't go so well. And the second attempt, well it was better, but not by much. But, this latest attempt ... it's going so much better!
I'm getting fairly even, well twisted yarn and I'm spinning from combed top! I am really enjoying the mid-whorl spindle. This thing spins like a dream (even though I've dropped it a few times! They don't call it a drop spindle for nothing.) I find that it's a lot easier to spin for 15 minutes on the spindle than to sit down at the wheel, which I suppose is the point of having one - instant gratification. This week has gotten away from me and I haven't sat down at my wheel since Sunday, but I am planning on plying those singles tonight. We'll see how it goes.
And, I think my tension on my fair isle is improving a bit with practice.
If you look above that checked garter stitch border hell, you'll see some kind of crappy tension, but when it moves into the green and orangey colors things are evening out a bit (the green and orange stuff is what I've done this week - not a lot, but...). I'm trying to remember to spread the stitches out and my right hand is maybe starting to get the hang of things. I hope I just continue to get better as this project progresses.
Tonight is the photo shoot for the Oak Ribbed Socks, so I'll have pictures for you in the next day or two. Have a great weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:54 AM | Comments (17)June 22, 2006
Animals
Aside from the shopping at Estes Park, there were tents full of animals (it being a wool show and all I suppose animals aren't really any surprise).
There were llamas - they were really happy to be getting a bath, let me tell you.
And alpacas
This little guy was from Laramie and it wasn't windy enough in the barn, so he was cooling himself off with the fan
This guy had his own knitwear - very stylish indeed
Here's a goat for you - he's just helping himself to the hay because darn it, he can.
A baby cashmere goat - isn't he the cutest thing!
An angora rabbit - doesn't he look thrilled with the finger in his cage?
And sheep!
There was a barn full of llamas, but for some reason we got sidetracked and didn't go in - I think it had something to do with the candied almonds, but I could be making that up. I can honestly say, Estes Park was great fun and if anyone's interested, I'm sure I'll be there next year.
Tomorrow, knitting content. I finished the Oak Ribbed socks and I'm waiting to get a picture of my mom modeling them. And (you'd better sit down), I've been working on Butterfly! I just finished the first chart (don't get too excited - that's only the garter stitch ribbing and 12 rows of pattern), but darn it, it's progress and I sure can't remember why I set it down and haven't worked on it for months. I've decided I'm not going to cast on for another sweater until I finish this vest. So, I imagine you'll be sick of hearing about it before it's all said and done.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:42 AM | Comments (11)June 21, 2006
More Estes Park
Hi Again. I'm sorry I didn't post the rest of my Estes Park stuff yesterday. Travis and I had to go to a funeral and we were in the car for 10 hours yesterday, which meant no time to blog. But, I'm back and I have the rest of the pictures - mostly of the loot, but a few of some of the bloggers I met (although I have to admit, I wasn't as good about taking pictures when I was there as I should have been).
Let's see, where was I? Oh, right...after the spinning class. The spinning class finished up at about 4:30 on Friday and I was packing up to go meet Margene and Carole and the rest of the gang. I told Maggie I'd stop by the Shuttles booth on Saturday and she said that I had to go Friday night (they open the vendor barn Friday at 5:00 for everyone who took a class) if I wanted a fleece from Clyde Vair. So, what else could I do? I had to go see, right? Well, when I got to the barn, Mr. Vair only had 2 fleeces left and of course I bought one. Don't look at me like that. You would have done the same thing. It's a great fleece (I asked someone, that's how I know) and the price was good too. The fleece is a Corriedale, CVM, Polypay cross and I'm going to wash it myself.
Here's a sample of the fiber that has been washed.
Look at that fluffiness! I hope I can wash this without screwing it up. But, we'll see how it goes. Maggie provided some information on washing, so I'm going to follow those to the letter and keep my fingers crossed the entire time. And assuming I manage to wash it without felting it, then I'm going to have to figure out how to dye it - another felting nightmare. Oh well, it's all about the learning.
After my whirlwind fleece shopping, I headed over to the condo to meet up with everyone and I am not kidding when I tell you that it was like we'd known each other forever. I was instantly comfortable. That is one of the most amazing things about bloggers. I'm not usually outgoing in groups of people I don't know, but it's different when you feel like you've known the people for a long time, even if you're "meeting" them for the first time. We went out to dinner Friday night and had a blast.
Saturday we shopped and shopped and ate and visited the animals and shopped....
Until we couldn't shop any more!
I left Saturday evening because I'd been there since Thursday, but that meant I missed out on Jen's fabulous dinner (there was pie!). I was sorry to leave all my friends, but quite relieved to be home and sleep in my own bed.
So, now for the loot. I really tried to be good and I only bought 1 skein of yarn. But there were a few fiber related purchases (no surprise there, I'm sure).
With the purchase of the fleece, I realized I needed some hand carders, so I headed off the Shuttles' booth and Maggie helped me pick out some lovely Schacht hand carders, and then I saw the drop spindles! I have a nice spindle, but I was intrigued by the mid-whorl, so I got one of those too.
And then there was In Sheep's Clothing and Spin-Off.
4 ounces of indigo dyed coopworth (I think - I can't remember for sure)
And finally, one skein of Brooks Farm's new sock yarn (they website appears to be down).
I was going to post pictures of all animals we met, but you're probably bored by now. So, I'll wait until tomorrow and see if you're still interested. Thanks for putting up with my rambling and my lack of knitting content. I do have a finished project to tell you about - maybe that can be tomorrow too.
June 19, 2006
Wow!
I had the absolute best time at Estes Park. The spinning class was beyond fabulous and I met so many wonderful people that it kind of boggles the mind. I think I'm going to have to take a couple of days to tell you all about the trip, so I thought I'd start at the beginning. The Spinning Class. Wow. I adore Maggie Cassey (does she have a fan club because I want to join). She is a fabulous teacher and I learned so, so much. There were 14 of us in the class and we talked about everything from selecting a fleece to washing and carding (we didn't touch on combing) and then we spun.
She brought a corriedale cross fleece (the whole thing - see that pile on the floor) that we carded and made into rolags. I learned how to do a long draw and learned how to draft with the twist between my hands. Very cool stuff. Afer we'd spun 2 bobbins worth of woolen yarn, we plied. Maggie taught me how to hold the two singles so that I can get a nicely plied yarn and it turns out it isn't too difficult. Who knew? I actually managed to spin and ply some relatively even, balanced yarn.
After the hand prepared fiber, we moved to some merino top and I learned all about worsted yarn and the different drafting methods. I even spun some over the fold! And I ended up with some fairly even singles. Finally, she let us play around with some merino/silk top.
I really feel like the class improved my spinning skills by 100%, but I'm really glad I went to the class with the basics. I think I got a lot more out of it than I would have if I'd never touched a wheel before. When I got home Saturday night I spun an ounce of one of my Spunky Eclectic sample rovings to go with the ounce that Carole spun on Lennie at Estes. And then I plied it. I realized I underspun my single because quite a bit of twist came out when I plied, but it's too pretty to care.
Yesterday I spun a bobbin of the corriedale top to ply with the merino top I spun in class and I am very pleased with how even it looks because I think the worsted draw is kind of hard, but I've gotten pretty good at keeping the twist out of the drafting zone. I probably won't have time to ply it until tomorrow or Wednesday night, but I'm anxious to see how it turns out. That's it for my spinning adventures. Tomorrow I'll tell you all about the great bloggers I met and the stuff I bought (including the, um, the fleece).
Posted by Stephanie at 9:00 AM | Comments (32)June 14, 2006
A Baby Kimono
The Baby Kimono is on its way to its new home, set to arrive tomorrow.
I wrapped it and the burp cloth, some super cute little booties, and some onsies in a box and sent them off to the mom-to-be. Mom-to-be has been confined to bed rest for the remainder of her pregancy, and she doesn't knit! I don't know how she's going to keep from going crazy. But, I sent along some books - fiction and the puzzle variety and some lotion to cheer Mom-to-be up. Personally, I think a little bed rest would be pretty cool. I could catch up on my knitting, watch some serious tv and movies, and catch up on my sleep. Of course, I'd want to be able to decide when I'd had enough and I was ready to get up, but you know, I'm pretty sure I could swing it for a day or two (or week or two?).
Tomorrow morning at 6:00 (yes, a.m.) I'm off to Estes Park for my first spinning class. I Map Quested all of my destinations and hopefully I won't get lost. But tonight promises to be super busy. Why oh why do I always wait to do everything? I need to do some serious laundry, and pack when that's done, pack Lennie, get gas, go to the bank, help my Mom pick up stitches on her Noni bag, water all the flowers and make a list for Travis so everything doesn't die while I'm gone. I swear I do this on every trip I take! I'm driving myself crazy. But, the good news is that I got my big work project done, so I can be gone for a couple of days without feeling guilty or worrying about getting fired.
I doubt I'll have computer access while I'm in Estes Park, but if I do, I'll post all about my class. If not, I'll have lots of pictures and info to share when I get back. Oh, that reminds me. I need to charge my camera. Yipes.
Posted by Stephanie at 2:42 PM | Comments (18)June 13, 2006
Stripes 'R Us
Today's post is brought to you by Stripes 'R Us. It's an entirely stripey day here at Unwind. First up, we have the completed Mason-Dixon Knitting Burp Cloth.
In reality the colors aren't quite that neon. They're a nice medium blue and an apple green - Peaches & Cream cotton. This is a really simple stitch pattern - just garter stitch with a slipped stitch thrown in on the right side to keep things interesting.
And, as requested, here's the back:
In other stripey news, one Oak Rib Sock is done:
Best of all, it fits! I made my mom try it on because I wasn't sure about the length (luckily the rib provides lots of stretch for a good fit in the width department), and she reports that it is "perfect". So, I've cast on for the second one. I'm taking the sock with me to Estes Park this weekend. I imagine I'll be able to fit a couple of rows in over the lunch break or something and will hopefully have a bit of progress to show next week.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:31 AM | Comments (13)June 12, 2006
Plying
On Friday night I finally took the time to put the plying head and band on my spinning wheel and I sat down to try my hand at plying. It wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be, but I obviously have a long way to go.
I plyed using 2 colors so I could see how things looked, and as you can see, some of my singles were not very good. Interestingly, the gray was a lot more even than the white, but that could have been because I spun the white first or that the white is top and the gray is roving. At this point, it's really hard to tell. I think I over-plyed a bit, but I couldn't really tell you. I guess I'll have a better idea of how to do things "properly" after I spend two days with Maggie Casey at Estes Park. All in all, I was pretty pleased with my first attempt. There are some places where one strand wraps around the other and things just aren't right, but I suppose that's normal for a first try.
Other than my spinning attempt, I spent the rest of the weekend working on baby knits. I finished the kimono, but couldn't get motivated to seam it. I did buy some cute ribbon on Saturday. I have to mail everything on Wednesday, so I'm going to try to seam it tonight. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I started a burp cloth and think it's just adorable. It's so soft and squishy!
Last night on my way home from the grocery store, I saw this little fox hanging out taking in the scenery.
I think she's the mother fox that has a den in that pasture. Every summer I see her with her little babies and they are so sweet. Not that I think she's that sweet when she's hanging out close to our house - fox eat cats (if they can catch them) and I worry about Isabelle. Luckily, she doesn't get too close because of Riley, and Isabelle is a really smart cat.
This week is a short work week because my spinning class is Thursday and Friday. I'm excited to learn more about spinning and to meet all the wonderful people who are coming.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:15 AM | Comments (20)June 9, 2006
Lennie Gets Clothes
Lennie got a new suit for Estes Park. He'll be the most fashionably dressed wheel in town.
It's a spinning wheel bag from The Bag Lady. Cara has one, and I thought it looked like a great idea for taking my spinning wheel to a class (it has straps that allow you to carry it like a backpack or a bag). I looked around (and found some, but none that I loved enough to spend a good chunk of money on), but then I finally found the Bag Lady's website (thanks, Yahaira, for the google help!). Going to the source is always a good idea. Ellie is sooo nice. She sent me photos of her fabrics and we talked about linings (because the linings were my hang up on the other ones I found). She found a semi-solid color in her stash to use for mine rather than her normal florals.
I have to tell you, this is one of the best shopping experiences I've had in a long time. Ellie responded to my e-mail right away and sent me the fabric photos the same day. Two days after my initial inquiry, my bag was finished and on its way to me. I adore good customer service and getting something quickly (I'm really not patient, so I was soo happy). The bag looks great and came with detailed instructions on how to put the wheel, flyers, and lazy kate in so everything fit. The workmanship is guanteed for life, and it's pretty! Lennie will be so happy to be so nicely dressed for our first spinning class.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:44 AM | Comments (7)June 8, 2006
Riley And Isabelle
Hi to all of mom's friends. This is Riley and Isabelle - it's really Riley, but since I don't spell very well and since Isabelle is smarter than I am, she's helping me with the typing and the sentence structure (or that's what she tells me she's doing).
(Isabelle doesn't like her picture taken - she's shy).
Mom didn't knit at all last night. She went and roped with dad and they locked me in the house. For 3 hours! That really makes me mad when they do that. It's just mean. Isabelle gets to stay outside and I don't understand why they won't let me go to the arena with them. Chasing the steers is a lot of fun. I really like to bite them on the heels and help put them in the chute. I guess they just don't like me anymore.
Mom said to tell you that she's busy with work today and that she hopes she can finish the baby sweater today at lunch. If she does she said she'll tell you all about it tomorrow. I just hope she doesn't knit any dog sweaters. I hate sweaters and coats - they itch. And I know Isabelle wouldn't like a sweater either - she likes to roll in the dirt a lot and it would get really dirty.
We're tired so we're going to go take a nap in the sun. Have a good day and we hope we get to talk to you again soon.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:35 AM | Comments (9)June 6, 2006
Thank You!
Thank you all so very much for your wonderful comments on Hourglass. You guys really know how to make a girl feel good! And as it turned out, your generosity was the high point of the day. This was waiting for me when I got home last night.
The renters down the way started a grass fire that got a bit out of control - the fire department came and evacuated people from the houses (but Travis and I were both at work when it happened). The really scary thing is that it got close to our house.
The first picture was taken just down the hill from my house (a couple hundred yards maybe) and the second was taken just outside my yard. It's disturbing to think that something like that can happen when you aren't home to do anything about it. The horses were all locked in the corral and Riley and Isabelle were home alone (outside, but still). I just have to think that one of the neighbors would let the horses out and take care of the dog and cat if a fire got too close. So anyway. In the end a fire will be good for the grass in that particular pasture.
Sunday I cast-on for a baby sweater for my cousin's baby. She's due in August, but the shower is the same weekend as Estes Park. I'm trying to get a couple of things knit to send since I won't be there.
It's the baby kimono from Mason-Dixon Knitting in red peaches & cream cotton. It's knitting up quickly and I'm already considering other things to knit. What do first time moms want for shower gifts? I haven't a clue about such things. Any advice would be most appreciated.
Have a great day, and again, thank you for all your wonderful comments on Hourglass.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:20 AM | Comments (19)June 5, 2006
Hourglass
Hourglass is finished and I believe this might be my best sweater effort to date. I tried very hard to pay attention to all of the details and make modifications to fit my taste and body, and I think it turned out nicely.
Project Details:
Pattern: Hourglass from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Sundara Yarn Worsted Merino in Color No. 37
Needles: Addi Turbo US #7 in 24" and 47". I used the shorter needle for the body and the longer one to magic loop the sleeves and the neck after it got too small for the 24".
Gauge: 19 sts/28 rows to 4"
Modifications/Thoughts: I knit the 33" size and added an inch to the length and 2 1/2 inches to the sleeves. The finished sleeve length is about 22 inches after blocking (I gained an inch with blocking). They're a little long, but I like a longer sleeve with the bell-shaped sleeve style.
I knit the bottom hem facings (the body and the sleeves) with 10% fewer stitches than called for in the pattern and then increased to the specified number on the row before the purl turning row. For the neck facing I didn't increase like the pattern specified, but simply knit the facing with the same number of stitches I had when I purled the turning row. I really think this worked well because I don't notice any flaring at the hems. On the bottom hems I knit the hem facing together with the body of the sweater and on the neck I grafted the facing to the inside of the sweater (I thought that mimiced the look of the facings on the other hems). Grafting the neck hem was a huge pain in the ass, and it took me forever, but I think it was worth it in the end.
I added 5 decrease rounds to the neck shaping for a narrower, less flashdance-esque neckline. I initially tried 2 short-rows for the back of the neck, but I didn't like how it looked. I'm not entirely sure I did them right, and that could have been the problem, but in the end the slight boatneck works for me.
The negative ease of the sweater makes for a flattering (at least I think it is) yet comfortable sweater. However, taking pictures yesterday when it was 80 degrees points out that I probably won't be wearing it much this summer, but it still cools off in the evenings, so I may be able to wear it out to dinner before fall.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:15 AM | Comments (57)June 1, 2006
Welcome to The Amazing Lace
The Amazing Lace has officially begun, and as usual, I'm late getting started. But, as someone who generally works well under pressure, I'm hoping that personality trait will carry me through this competition. The first step of the competition is to introduce my team. There are somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 competitors, and while I can write in complete sentences and take pictures that don't totally suck (most days), there's just no way I'm funny or creative enough to win any of the prizes that are being dished out for this particular challenge (and if we're being honest here, probably not for any of them). But, lack of talent has rarely stopped me before (except for singing - no one better ask me to sing).
So, as I hope you all know by now, I'm Stephanie. I live in southern Wyoming, have a darling husband (he doesn't read this, so I can say that without worrying about the inflated head), a tri-colored corgi named Riley, a cat named Isabelle who I'm sure was a hit man in a previous life, and 4 horses who very well may have been comedians in their previous lives. A funny, ill-mannered bunch if you want to know the truth. Joining this somewhat disfunctional group is Trellis.
Photo Courtesy of Interweave Knits
Trellis most recently comes from Colorado via Interweave Knits Spring 2006 edition.
Joning the team is some gorgeous laceweight cashmere from across the pond. Kerry was kind enough to dye me some lovely pale gray in a small skein (I think something around 500 meters), which should be just perfect for this competition.
Trellis promises to be a challenging teammate and require some patience and special handling - there are those dreaded k7togs to deal with, plus the fact that this will be my first lace project with laceweight yarn - man that stuff is fine. And then there is the ever present problem of the best needles for lace work. Addis provide the benefit of smooth glide, flexible cords, and most excellent joins, but the tips.... Ah the tips are not nearly pointy enough for a k7tog. No way in hell that's gonna work. Bryspuns and I had a falling out after our last lace experience and they are not welcome in my knitting bag. So, I'm thinking my best bet will be my beloved ebony Holz & Steins. Hopefully I have one in the right size (that isn't currently enlisted into service on Butterfly). Speaking of needle size, I think I'm going to follow in the footsteps of greatness and copy Jared - downsize my needles for this project.
I imagine Trellis and I will be flying under the radar in this competition. We won't be outspoken and hopefully won't have any nasty fights along the way (drama queen personality aside, of course). And I really hope I didn't just jinx myself by saying that. You know how those knitting goddesses can be. The proper respect must be shown at all times. Before Trellis and I begin our trek to the finish line, Hourglass must be completed, and maybe a cute felted bag too. But, we'll see where the winds of motivation take us.
