Happy Trails

FO: Lichen Honey Cowl

Wow. It's April! And I have only one FO to show for 2011, thus far. The Honey Cowl.

I was in love with this pattern while knitting it. I mean, it really is comfort knitting at its best. Interesting enough to stick with, mindless enough to have a good conversation or watch a movie. And it kept going, and going, and going....I used two full skeins of Madelinetosh DK--colorway Lichen, on #8 needles.

I thought it was going to be a bit longer when draped as a single wrap, so next time I might just got up a needle size. The colors are fun, but the next one (yes, already planning a second!) will not be variegated. I don't have much to pair this with. But that's ok, we all need a "signature" piece every so often, don't we?

My "no new yarn" in 2011 resolution has remained in full force and effect, a fact of which I am immensely proud (and honestly, a little surprised). That being said, I haven't been knitting at all. We all go in and out of our knitting mojo, though, right? I always get worried when it happens for this long, though (it's been roundabout two months). Will it come back? What if it doesn't? What the hell am I going to do with all this yarn and these needles and this spinning wheel and this FIBER?!?!?! *sigh*

With spring around the corner (and I say that because it's been in the FORTIES this week) I think I'll be casting on (even though I shouldn't, with so many WIP's on the needles) for a two-tone shawl out of skeins I have been eyeing for months. Maybe some knitting eye candy will thrust me back into my knitting mojo. 

Time will tell. 

A Glance Back and the Journey Forward

I've been avoiding writing this post for a while, even though I have been thinking about it since before Christmas. Christmas, by the way, was really great. A few shots from our week that we took off:

Handmade swift--a great present that I've been enjoying immensely!

Lobster Pot Pie....Mmmmmm, soooooo goood.

Oysters, eggs and grits--breakfast of champions!

Every New Year I like to look back at all of my finished knitting projects and achieved goals and make a plan for completion of some more. Glancing back at 2010, I really didn't KNIT much. Which in the end, was a surprise to me, and something of a disappointment. I suppose the default notion that I always have needles in my hand isn't quite as accurate as I thought. The projects that I did complete, however, have already gotten a lot of use, and the windowed wardrobe in our bedroom where I store handknit objects is happily becoming a bit fuller.

 

I did learn to spin in 2010, and that was a very happy accomplishment.

 

(Thanks to Mick for leading me to the mosaic maker!)

Spinning is amazing. I can't believe that it had never occurred to me before to engage in this most fantastic craft. Salmaan gifted me with a gorgeous wheel for my birthday, and it has taken off from there. Few things are more relaxing than sitting at the wheel. The mind wanders in a manner that for me is such a mental and emotional release. I joined a couple of fiber clubs, and now have more fiber than I can expect to knit even in this coming year. I love it when you have a braid of something beautiful, and you have no idea what it's going to look like all plied up. It's an exciting thing.

 

A couple of resolutions important to me last year were not realized. I did not learn to sew, I only cleaned my car once, and there are numerous patterns that I never cast on for. However, I think the big stuff...the important stuff that I wanted to address and change, did in fact happen.

 

As for what's important now, there are quite a few things. I've started a rigorous workout routine, and have started to eat better. Losing weight is a goal that both of us have, and getting active has been so worthwhile, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. I think our financial motto as a couple this year is to eat out less, and save more. I want to concentrate on cooking more seasonally. As an individual, I'm just trying to take care of myself in general, and that has meant sticking up for myself more, and so far, I feel great about it.  I need to curb my yarn/fiber spending habits and knit out of the stash this year. A recent cleaning/organizing of my yarn study has yielded quite a bit of beautiful yarn and fiber that I had forgotten about. And until I get some projects off the needles, there's no need to add to the stash.

About the study--I'd like to share some pictures with you of how it has evolved from this, to this:

First there came the paint--we switched it up from the purpley-blue grey (which actually ended up feeling pretty cold to me) to a warm almond color.

I'm pretty proud of the paint job. I even did the ceiling, and ALL of the moulding, which was quite a task. In the end it turned out to look so crisp and fresh--definitely worth it!

The next task was filling the room with things that would inspire me, and make it a warm, personal space. Both the Hay bale and House Mountain paintings were huge purchases for us, involving a lot of disciplined saving. Both of us adore them, and make a point to enjoy them every day. The window boxes were on sale purchases from a couple of years ago, and I had no idea what I should do with them. Then one day, it occurred to me that they were meant to be filled with yarn.

The last few weekends have been spent organizing the closet and armoire with all things fibery. As that isn't completed yet, the doors are closed in this view, but it's a beautiful piece.

Perhaps my favorite wall--that's an antique spinning wheel, a last minute bid on ebay landed that on the wall. The cubbies are full of all my favorite skeins--reminders of all the projects in store.

I have to say something about this, as it's one of my favorite things in the study at the moment. Like a lot of you, I really enjoy trolling around etsy when I'm looking for inspiration, or just want to kill 5-10 minutes. A few months ago, I stumbled upon this shop, and fell in love with her work. Not only that, but when it arrived, everything was packaged with such care and creativity, I felt like I hadn't even paid for it--it was like receiving a gift! Check her out, for yourself or others--you won't be disappointed!

Work is going well, albeit busily. I am going to be taking on some new responsibilities this year, and am excited about that. Salmaan and I are going to take some weekends away, and try not to let ourselves get worn out with work. On that note, by the end of the summer, I'm hoping to share with you some very exciting news regarding Salmaan's career, but more on that later.

As for right now, it's time for some veggie soup, and a little bit of housecleaning. Happy Sunday!

FO: Fireside

This is my favorite thing I have ever knit for hubby. 

And maybe, if I'm actually being honest with myself, that isn't really saying something. And by that, I just mean to acknowledge that he isn't often the recipient of handknits. It isn't because he doesn't want them, and it isn't because I don't desire to knit for him--I do. He just isn't really a hat guy, or a scarf guy, or a mitten guy, and basically when you're married to someone who has a standing internal temperature of Hell Fire...well...they don't really need keeping warm.

But then, every so often, you find the perfect pattern, which is then followed by the perfect yarn, with JUST the right amount of soft cozy warmth that also breathes, and voila! A match made in heaven.

He's happy in it. And that thrills me.

I picked up the pattern (Hat on a Mission) when we stopped at Knitting Addiction in Kill Devil Hills on our way home from Manteo back in October. I picked up quite a few things while there--mostly gifted to me by Salmaan. He loved the sample hat of the pattern, and we picked up the recommended yarn. Well, I knit that for him, but it turned out too big, so that will be gifted to someone else here soon. 

I used the same pattern for this hat, but on smaller needles--#5's for the brim, #6's for the body. Two skeins of Koigu Kersti Crepe Merino that we picked up in Purl Soho--a last minute grab before I had to hop in line or lose my place. Sometimes impulse buys are the best!

FO: Wine Stain Cowl

 
 A wine stain is not normally something anyone would be happy about. This is the exception. 

Back in August I took the plunge and joined a few fiber clubs. At the end of last month I got my first shipment from Hedgehog Fibres--a braid of silk/merino (that I'm still a little too intimidated to try), and a braid of this beautiful purple merino.

 

I've been quite drawn to purple lately--I think it has definitely become my favorite color. I immediately put this on the wheel, and was surprised by how different it was from anything else I've spun before. Her fiber is very, very soft. I mean, almost indescribably soft--the fibers draft past one another with buttery smoothness like nothing else I have experienced. That being said, I found it a bit difficult to spin. I had many breaks spinning this fiber, and it has been a while since that has happened to me with any consistency. I was going for a heavy worsted, and pleasantly, that's exactly what I achieved. After a few more goes, I think I might be able to get the hang of this ratio/gauge game.

A couple of neat tools that Salmaan put into my stocking for Christmas should help with that.

When I first sat down to begin plying this yarn, I actually caught myself smiling because of how good the two strands felt as they slipped through my fingers. After a good long soak, I hung it to dry, and even when damp it felt different from other merino I've spun. Weird, yeah? In any event, the result was this skein of 99 yards of heavy worsted two-ply.

A little disappointed with the yardage, I dug through the stash to see if it contained anything in a similar gauge that might work well as a contrast color. Enter: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Velvet Grapes. Honestly, this yarn has been hiding in the stash probably since Christmas 2007. Next to one another, I saw a match made in heaven.

Normally I have a difficult time deciding what my handspun wants to be. This skein, however, spoke loud and proud (and maybe even a little attitudenally)--"Um, hellooooo?!?! A cowl, yeah? I ain't askin'....I'm tellin'." So I cast on for a Gloria Cowl--revised. I cast on 97 stitches on #8's, and just knit knit knit (sometimes isn't that just EXACTLY what we need?), fading the Malabrigo in and then out. I decreased evenly along the cowl (I think) five times, ending with a bind off of 87 stiches. It's huge. And incredibly snuggly. And warmer than any cowl that's ever been knit. Yes, I said EVER!

In an homage to the theme of the cowl, while I was knitting we watched a movie about vino on our Netflix instant queu; Bottleshock. And of course, we enjoyed some vino ourselves in the process. Hmmm, toasty.

A note on the movie--if you enjoy wine, and want to learn a little about the history of winemaking in the Napa Valley, give it a gander. It was really good, and while based on a true story, is definitely a drama. And if nothing else, Alan Rickman is in it. that's reason enough to watch it.

Btw, that pin that I'm wearing? LOVE. I purchased it on Etsy, from this shop. It's just the right size, and here's the key--it's LIGHTWEIGHT. Most of the shawl pins I've come across, while really nice to look at, are way too heavy. They weigh down the fabric, and end up distorting the drape you've normally worked so hard to achieve. I gave one to my Mom for her birthday present this year--every knitter needs a shawl pin!

Christmas in NYC: Purl Soho

As mentioned previously, last weekend I took Salmaan to NYC as his big Christmas present. We both needed a change of scenery, and a friend suggested this as the perfect holiday getaway--and he was right.

It was a quick but jam-packed trip. We left on Saturday morning (and met a very nice ER doc who was on our same flight, and he recommended some Flonase for my incessant 4-week long cough. I've been using it now for 5 days, and it's working! Thanks, Rob!) and flew into JFK around noon. By 2:00 we were checked into our absolutely beautiful hotel room (who gets to say those words when referencing accommodations in NYC that often?) and were starving. One of the staff at the front desk recommended Sarge's, just a few blocks away, for an authentic NYC delicatessen experience. 

It was a good suggestion. It was packed, and there were lots of things on the menu that we had heard of in movies, but had never tasted. We were in a hurry to get down to Purl Soho before it closed, and knew we wanted something quick and satisfying, so we didn't venture far away from our comfort zones. The sandwiches at Sarge's are....well, monstrous. We couldn't believe the sammies coming out of the kitchen were just ONE ORDER, but they were! After noshing on the pickles and coleslaw they had brought out upon seating us, we decided on a combo of turkey and roast beef. It came with slaw and russian dressing, and was friggin' fantastic.

It was the first time I had tasted rye bread in at least 10 years...and dang...we've been missing out! With the roast beast being so rare, Salmaan felt like he had died and gone to heaven. Definitely a fork and knife deal--definitely good.

From there we hopped on the subway down to Soho (I LOVE it down there--the foot traffic was twice was it was on Park Avenue, and everyone had bags from numerous shops--you really felt the Christmas spirit down there!)

We both enjoyed the way the evening light was glinting off the cobblestone streets. Managed to nab this shot in between traffic lights.

And then, it happened. We finally made it to 459 Broome Street, and I heard angels singing!

Purl Soho. The mecca of all things beautifully handknit and handcrafted. I love their blog--can you tell? Salmaan was wonderful, knowing that I wanted two hands free he took the camera and melted into the (sizeable) crowd inside.

I love the way the store was put together, most of the yarns were arranged first by weight, and then by color. Of course, I did come with certain things in mind--mostly Shelter by Jared Flood, as Purl is the only NYC retailer of this yarn at the moment. I found some (though not as much as I had hoped) and Salmaan very kindly purchased it for me for a Christmas gift, along with a few choice needles and a couple of skeins of Koigu.

It was only fitting to wear my Turn a Square hat on this most momentous adventure. Probably one of the neatest parts of visiting this famous shop was people-watching, and just generally listening to the conversations of other patrons. I wasn't eavesdropping, promise. You're smooshed so close with other people it's hard not to become a PART of their conversations!

To my right there was a husband almost as sweet as Salmaan. He kept urging his wife to take her time, and to just find something that made her feel creative, and express herself! Too cute. Then there was the lady with absolute ARM FULLS of cascade yarn, in every gauge, but each bunch was in sweater quantities. One of the employees patiently explained to a customer why knitting in the round created stockinette stitch, and when the girl kept looking at her blankly, promptly took a pair of dpns and cast on to demonstrate.

My happiest finds were of course the Shelter (for which I am still pattern-surfing), and some absolutely beautiful koigu kersti crepe merino, which I had seen Kirsten Kapur use a few times on Through the Loops, but had never tried. It is really gorgeous stuff--a joy to knit with.

It was a great visit, and I'm so happy to be able to say I've been there! More on Day #1 (an amazing dinner and Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall) later. For now, it's snowing outside, my tummy is full of Lobster Pot Pie, and my knitting is calling.

 

FO: Monster Under the Bed (aka Geoffrey)

Hello, Geoffrey.

My first knitted stuffed animal. Woohoo! Knit this out of some Schaeffer yarns Lola (superwash sock yarn that I purchased ages ago when I thought I could be a sock knitter *scoff*), and Unplanned Peacock Studios superwash sport (I believe the colorway was parrot). Might not look like I striped the yarn, but there's proof!

Just wanted something fun and handmade for Little Niece this Christmas. We exchanged gifts early this year--yesterday, on Thanksgiving day. She seemed to like it once she figured out it was a toy--when she first looked at it she said, "What's inside?". Then she started to spin it around by the arms, and I was worried that Geoffrey would be making a trip to the monster ER for some arm re-connective surgery, but my sewing held. (whew!)

Specs: Pattern is Daphne and Delilah by DangerCrafts. I really like Rebecca's pattern sense. The pattern is very clear, and she adds photos of the different parts of the process, so if you're having issues visualizing some of the steps--they're right there. I knit G. on #5 dpns. Added plastic heart buttons for the eyes.

I've had the body finished for some time now, but didn't finish the arms until the day before Thanksgiving. With all the preparation necessary for company, I wasn't able to get any daylight photos before wrapping up this gift. The colors look a little harsh in the flash, but it was the best I could do.

Geoffrey has found a happy new home. What more could a monster want?

FO: Gifted

It was down to the wire, but I finished my sister's Christmas present the day before Thanksgiving (when we decided to exchange gifts this year). 

This is the Dolores Park Cowl, a great standard chunky yarn cowl pattern. I modified it just a tad, because I couldn't find my #13 circs. Cast on 75 on #11 16 inch circs, and only did the first set of increases, as I was worried about it being too large. Worked out well, and the recipient liked it a lot!

FO: Winter Sunrise

My second Ulmus is off the needles at last. Ravelry notes my cast-on date as 7.10.09--eek! Well, I reckon if I can finish a shawl in 15 months, anyone can. ;-)

This is the Ulmus shawl by Kristen Kapur of Through the Loops--a lovely pattern, to be sure. Simple and well written, I can easily say I very much enjoyed this second knit, given how pleased I was with the first. This go round I knit the medium size, on #5 addi turbos.

The dark blue yarn is Malabrigo Sock in the Cotedazure colorway--leftover from my first Ulmus. I still have a decent amount of it left--certainly enough to contribute to my growing pile of sock yarn scraps, one day (optimistically) destined to become a barn raising quilt. The lighter blue is Araucania Ranco Multi in some unknown colorway--I just know it was on sale, and therefore landed in my shopping cart many moons ago.

The edging is definitely what makes this shawl. I adore the leaf motif, and found it much easier to knit the second time around. Probably a result of finally being able to read my knitting with some consistency, as well as an understanding of why a certain stitch is used to create this or that effect. With Salmaan's encouragement, I nearly finished this on our Manteo weekend getaway, and powered through the last few rows last week after we got back. As he watched me cast off the very last stitch, he excitedly asked, "Is it time to blot it now?!?!?!" Love that man.

After having had an incredibly productive Sunday morning at home, we headed out to Bleheim Winery this afternoon to pick up our wine club order, and enjoy a free tasting. The weather was incredible today--perfect for a leisurely drive, and a fun little photo shoot. After soaking up the sun we headed into downtown C'ville for dinner at the Continental Divide for the first time, a restaurant that has had a cult following for years. We both left stuffed and happy. Not a bad end to the weekend, and certainly a hopeful start to another work week.

FO: Amazon Windschief

With so many larger projects on the needles (some over *ahem* a year old), I wanted a quickie project.

Love the yarn--Unplanned Peacock Studios super squishy superwash DK merino. Colorway Amazon. Have a little less than half a skein left, it'll be put to good use sometime.

The pattern is Windschief by Stephen West, and it was a pleasure to knit--very simple and well-written. I can see more of these in my knitting future. Used #7's for the body, #6's for the twisted rib brim.

Feeling a little overwhelmed this weekend. This past week the biggest case of my career to date came to conclusion, and I was pleased with the result. That being said, it feels strange for it to be over, as I've been working on it for about the last three months, and the last couple weekends have been spent either working on it at home or at the office. Emotionally, I'm kind of feeling like, "now what?".

River is sick, as well. Thursday we came home from work to an incredible amount of diarrhea in the living room (that we just furnished) and upstairs was dotted with piles of vomit (also in a newly furnished room). Making any sort of mess in the house is VERY unusual for her--it's been years since she's had a mistake, so of course we were concerned. We have been watching her closely, feeding her broth to keep her hydrated, and keeping her under quarantine of sorts in a fenced off area of the kitchen. Last night she was looking particularly glum, so we made an early morning vet appointment this morning, as it didn't seem to be resolving itself. She woke up with a swollen face, and Salmaan rushed her to the vet. The swelling seems to be a separate issue, she's gotten a steroid shot for that. Right now, meds for nausea and diarrhea, and no food until tonight (poor thing hasn't really eaten in 24 hours). They haven't completely ruled out a foreign body, so we're going to be keeping a close eye on her today and tomorrow. Cross your fingers she just ate something that disagreed with her?

We're not upset about the mess, of course. I'm only concerned because next weekend, my in-laws are coming to visit for the first time EVER, and the last thing I'd like for them to see are big poo stains in the rooms we were so excited to visit in. We are vigilantly treating the areas, but my prognosis at this point is guarded.

Stress over the last three months resulted in a fair amount of "retail therapy"--which, as you knitters know, means YARN, and you spinners know, means FIBER. I have sweater yarn (really, really beautiful sweater yarn) coming out the wazoo, and joined a few fiber clubs. Hoping to fill some of that emotional void with fibery things this weekend--working on my Treeline Cardigan a bit, and trying not to succumb to any more startitis. 

Off to get focused on getting back into the normal routine, nurse our baby back to health, and welcome in the first harbingers of fall (sweater knitting, and is there bouef bourguignon in our very near future?). Happy Fall!

FO: Destroyed Super Fine African Merino

A while ago I purchased this bunch of roving from Pigeonroof Studios. I love her color sense.

This was 3.8 oz. of super fine african merino, in the Destroyed colorway. It became 204 yards of DK-fingering weight 2-ply.  

I spun this yarn on a different ratio than the Lady Cluck, and found myself achieving a much finer gauge, which is pretty cool--it really does work! 

 

I split this roving down the middle again, to try to get a striping effect. I overdrafted in a few spots on the second batch, and so I think the colors didn't line up exactly in a few places, but for the most part, they did.

As soon as I hung up this skein to dry, I was searching through my stash to find something to pair with it. It seemed to be the perfect weight for a shawl, so I concentrated my search on sock yarn, and found a great skein of Dream in Color Classy that I had been gifted to me by Sangeeta in thanks for helping her organize her stash after she had surgery a while ago. The grey and brown tones work well with those transitions in the handspun. The only question left was, what pattern to knit?

Given the time of year, I am stuck on shawls. We just booked our vacation for the first week of August (details to come!) and I know I'm going to want some handknit items to cover my shoulders on cooler nights, and that will dress up a more casual outfit. 

Finally, I found the perfect pattern--Daybreak, by Stephen West. Normally, this pattern requires a MC and a CC--I would have enough yardage in the Dream In Color, but not the handspun. So, when we went to Sedalia, I kept my eye out for a yarn that could essentially "stretch" my handspun yardage, by being just similar enough to possibly trick the eye.....

I completely lucked out, and found it.

The one on the right is a skein of sock yarn by Crazy4Dyeing. The colorway is Seaworthy, and it's perfect. I just have to get a few more things off the needles, and then I'm diving into this project, hoping to complete it in time for our trip in August!