Good Afternoon,
The first week of "EZ's" A-B-C-SJ, went quite well. Still have more sign ups to accommodate. The yarn choices were wonderful, colorful, and a host of other "ful ending words". There were 2 students last Wednesday and 4 on Saturday.
Now for the other exciting news! I just came back from the Post Office and mailed off my submission to Interweave Knits Sockupied 2013. I spent an hour or so getting together the paper work, filling out the form, and typing up the submission. I did knit a full size sock instead of just a swatch.
The sock design is a sport type sock (short) like you would wear with gym or running shoes. The sock features 2 X 2 ribs, a small short row section after the ribbing that elevates the back of the heel slightly which helps prevent that "slide down into your shoe syndrome". The heel shaping is short rows as well. Then, down the foot to the beginning of the toe box. I like to leave this a little wider than many socks allow for. The reason being, there is plenty of room to wiggle those piggies inside your shoe.
The best part is the yarn. I used Cascade "Fixation" which is 98.3% Cotton and 1.7% Elastic. This is a wonderful material to use especially for my targeted market for Interweave. The submission is for the Diabetic community as well as for those who have difficulty with edema in the lower extremities. The yarn having elastic, will stretch without cutting into the circulatory system of the lower legs. The wider toe box, as mentioned above, is roomy and will not pinch or irritate sensitive toes. And as all you knitters know, the toes are completed with Kitchener Stitch. No seams. When I was wearing commercial socks, I would have to turn them inside out to put the seam on the outside and away from my skin. This seaming technique does away with this problem.
I had to do a sketch. I do not sketch....very bad. So I did my best and then wrote all the dimensions for the finished sock. I wish that I could draw better, but one of my daughters has that talent, not me.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it isn't an automatic disqualify.
Sorry I didn't have a blog post yesterday, but was just to tired and I was afraid it would be gibberish. I only had an hour of sleep Sunday before going to work at 12:00 am Monday morning. I beg forgiveness.
I had to watch the boys this morning, and my daughter was telling me that they had their first "slap boxing episode" recently. They stood facing each other and in little boy aggression, they were open hand slapping at each other (32 months and 15 months). I had all I could do to not chuckle the visual in my mind's eye was so funny. Tis only the beginning.
Have a wonderful rest of the day and Happy Knitting!
P.S. My You And Me Knit Fan Page is up, though not completed. Take a moment to stop by and "Like" my page. Thanks!
Purls, ribbing and knit from a graph. Make ones, decreases, yarn overs galore. At youandmeknit.com, you will always find more.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
The Difference Between Natural and "Natural"
Good Morning,
I am going to back pedal for today because I received a newsletter in my email today that I believe is an important read. Not just for me, but for anyone who is looking for all natural products involving skin care. This came to me from Botanie Soap, http://botaniesoap.com, the company that I am using for my organic soap.
Maybe it is just me that is so un-informed, but there is information here that I wasn't aware of. I hope you find this as interesting as I do.
The problem with the term "natural" is that there are no official definitions for it. Believe it or not, the only standards for defining a product as natural are voluntary ones, and a company is free to make up its own. In other words, in the world of soap and skin care, companies can call their products "natural" regardless of what's in them. We know, it's crazy. But it's true. You can't just trust what it says on a product's packaging, and you can't assume a product is truly natural just because it is sold at a natural products store.
The highest and truest standard for "natural" is organic certification, and we'll address this concept in the next newsletter. For many soap and skin care companies, though, "natural" is a more attainable standard. Whole Foods has developed its own "Premium Body Care" standard to define "natural." Two organizations, the Natural Products Association and the Natural Ingredients Resource Council, also offer strong standards for "natural."
For example, the Whole Foods Premium Body Care standard forbids the use of synthetic fragrances in skin care products. However, the use of synthetic fragrances is common in "natural" soaps and skin care. How can you, the consumer, tell the difference? The following terms refer to synthetic fragrance: "fragrance", "fragrance oils", "perfume", "parfum". If you see any of these on a label - even on a label that says "all natural" - you know the product has synthetic fragrances in it. By contrast, pure essential oils are the only truly natural scent ingredients. Also, be sure to read the ingredients panel on so called "fragrance free" or "unscented" soaps found in grocery stores. Some products, with names like "Unscented", "Fragrance Free", or "Sensitive Skin," have fragrance listed among their ingredients. Worse, some have clever ways to hide this, such as using ingredients like "Malto" as a "fragrance mask." Whole Foods has a helpful brochure that discusses this: PREMIUM BODY CARE
Fortunately, "natural" soaps are easy to understand. In our Newsletter coming in a few months, we'll be discussing the actual chemistry behind soap formulation and the technical names for ingredients you sometimes see on soap labels. Always, the highest standard for Natural is organic certification. For all the rest, here are four basic rules of thumb for determining whether a soap is natural:
A soap is either truly natural or it is not...."mostly" and "sort of" don't count!
I hope you have enjoyed this and found the information helpful. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Knitting!
I am going to back pedal for today because I received a newsletter in my email today that I believe is an important read. Not just for me, but for anyone who is looking for all natural products involving skin care. This came to me from Botanie Soap, http://botaniesoap.com, the company that I am using for my organic soap.
Maybe it is just me that is so un-informed, but there is information here that I wasn't aware of. I hope you find this as interesting as I do.
The problem with the term "natural" is that there are no official definitions for it. Believe it or not, the only standards for defining a product as natural are voluntary ones, and a company is free to make up its own. In other words, in the world of soap and skin care, companies can call their products "natural" regardless of what's in them. We know, it's crazy. But it's true. You can't just trust what it says on a product's packaging, and you can't assume a product is truly natural just because it is sold at a natural products store.
The highest and truest standard for "natural" is organic certification, and we'll address this concept in the next newsletter. For many soap and skin care companies, though, "natural" is a more attainable standard. Whole Foods has developed its own "Premium Body Care" standard to define "natural." Two organizations, the Natural Products Association and the Natural Ingredients Resource Council, also offer strong standards for "natural."
For example, the Whole Foods Premium Body Care standard forbids the use of synthetic fragrances in skin care products. However, the use of synthetic fragrances is common in "natural" soaps and skin care. How can you, the consumer, tell the difference? The following terms refer to synthetic fragrance: "fragrance", "fragrance oils", "perfume", "parfum". If you see any of these on a label - even on a label that says "all natural" - you know the product has synthetic fragrances in it. By contrast, pure essential oils are the only truly natural scent ingredients. Also, be sure to read the ingredients panel on so called "fragrance free" or "unscented" soaps found in grocery stores. Some products, with names like "Unscented", "Fragrance Free", or "Sensitive Skin," have fragrance listed among their ingredients. Worse, some have clever ways to hide this, such as using ingredients like "Malto" as a "fragrance mask." Whole Foods has a helpful brochure that discusses this: PREMIUM BODY CARE
Fortunately, "natural" soaps are easy to understand. In our Newsletter coming in a few months, we'll be discussing the actual chemistry behind soap formulation and the technical names for ingredients you sometimes see on soap labels. Always, the highest standard for Natural is organic certification. For all the rest, here are four basic rules of thumb for determining whether a soap is natural:
- It is made from vegetable oils (if you see "tallow" or "tallowate" in the ingredients, this refers to animal fats)
- It is scented with essential oils only, or, if unscented, is truly unscented
- It contains no synthetic pigments, dyes, or preservatives
- SUMMARY: The ingredients sound like plant names!
A soap is either truly natural or it is not...."mostly" and "sort of" don't count!
I hope you have enjoyed this and found the information helpful. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Knitting!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Lesson Learned
Good Afternoon,
During knitting class yesterday, someone said there are two seasons in New York. Winter and Construction. Which, brings me to my topic today.
During "Construction" season it's a good idea to keep small projects handy when traveling. You don't even have to go far. On my way to class yesterday, the main route into Saugerties is being prepared for paving. As you can imagine, moving at a snails pace, and then.....stopped. It felt like 30 minutes when in reality was only 10 minutes.
My reality is that the knitting was packed up and unreachable. So annoying. I have always thought of moments such as these as free knitting time. You don't have to budget your time, write it in your planner, wait til whenever, it's just plain and simple free knitting time.
About ten years ago, the routes that I was traveling to and from work caused me to cross the railroad tracks every day. This line is notorious for back ups, stops and two trains, one in either direction. and of course, on train is usually one stopped while the other continues. I knit a 60" chenille scarf complete with fringe, in a 2 X 2 rib, on size US 1 needles. It took me months of train stops, but the point is, any small uncomplicated project can be set aside for just those occasions.
When I go for a walk, if it isn't too hot, I will bring my knitting along. Today was OK to do that except when the sun came out, then it was too hot and my hands started to sweat. But living near the Hudson River, it only takes a few minutes of that incoming tidal breeze to cool off again.
I knit in the grocery store. At some point, I have to stand in a long slow moving or non moving line. Mittens, socks or some such small thing can be thrown in your bag to be pulled out to save the sanity. Not only that, if you are Knit Shop owner, or Knitting Teacher, such as I, it is a great way to advertise with out paying for the ads. It's just your regular trip to the food store, bank, or wherever.
Have a great rest of your day and take your knitting along!
P.S. Most of those free knitting places are air conditioned too, so being hot outside doesn't count except if you are walking!
During knitting class yesterday, someone said there are two seasons in New York. Winter and Construction. Which, brings me to my topic today.
During "Construction" season it's a good idea to keep small projects handy when traveling. You don't even have to go far. On my way to class yesterday, the main route into Saugerties is being prepared for paving. As you can imagine, moving at a snails pace, and then.....stopped. It felt like 30 minutes when in reality was only 10 minutes.
My reality is that the knitting was packed up and unreachable. So annoying. I have always thought of moments such as these as free knitting time. You don't have to budget your time, write it in your planner, wait til whenever, it's just plain and simple free knitting time.
About ten years ago, the routes that I was traveling to and from work caused me to cross the railroad tracks every day. This line is notorious for back ups, stops and two trains, one in either direction. and of course, on train is usually one stopped while the other continues. I knit a 60" chenille scarf complete with fringe, in a 2 X 2 rib, on size US 1 needles. It took me months of train stops, but the point is, any small uncomplicated project can be set aside for just those occasions.
When I go for a walk, if it isn't too hot, I will bring my knitting along. Today was OK to do that except when the sun came out, then it was too hot and my hands started to sweat. But living near the Hudson River, it only takes a few minutes of that incoming tidal breeze to cool off again.
I knit in the grocery store. At some point, I have to stand in a long slow moving or non moving line. Mittens, socks or some such small thing can be thrown in your bag to be pulled out to save the sanity. Not only that, if you are Knit Shop owner, or Knitting Teacher, such as I, it is a great way to advertise with out paying for the ads. It's just your regular trip to the food store, bank, or wherever.
Have a great rest of your day and take your knitting along!
P.S. Most of those free knitting places are air conditioned too, so being hot outside doesn't count except if you are walking!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
"EZ's" A-B-C-SJ Class Begins
Good Afternoon,
What a fantastic day so far today. First I watched the boys, JT and Mason this morning. JT had "his" knitting box, but was lamenting about how few markers he had and so in no uncertain terms, said, "Nanny, you need to give me more markers....please." He was totally serious. So, I gave him four more markers for his collection.
Next, JT proceeds to take my knitting, holding up the end of the CN, and begins sliding his markers on to the needle and claimed he was knitting. Too cute!
The first class of "EZ's" A-B-C-SJ began today at The Perfect Blend Yarn Shop in Saugerties, NY., http://yarnandteashop.com. There were two students this afternoon, and so began the task of a gauge swatch, both were doing the baby version. Then came the explanation of How? What? Really?
What a fantastic day so far today. First I watched the boys, JT and Mason this morning. JT had "his" knitting box, but was lamenting about how few markers he had and so in no uncertain terms, said, "Nanny, you need to give me more markers....please." He was totally serious. So, I gave him four more markers for his collection.
Next, JT proceeds to take my knitting, holding up the end of the CN, and begins sliding his markers on to the needle and claimed he was knitting. Too cute!
The first class of "EZ's" A-B-C-SJ began today at The Perfect Blend Yarn Shop in Saugerties, NY., http://yarnandteashop.com. There were two students this afternoon, and so began the task of a gauge swatch, both were doing the baby version. Then came the explanation of How? What? Really?
Photo above courtesy of Schoolhouse Press Pattern #5
It really is confusing if you don't know how this sweater goes together. So in terms of choosing yarn and placing color, as in the above sweater, how did the lavender stripe do that? I want a solid at the cuff. Do I knit some stitches in solid and some stitches in the color mix? After a few simple explanations as to how the knitting process goes, it became much clearer to them.
Then began the casting on and the marking of the stitches, not just sliding the markers on the needle. The next question was about slipping the first stitch, which was a new technique, and then came the decreases. Explaining there are four decreases in one row, it was thought directional decreases on either side of the marked stitch. However, since this is an "upright" decrease, hence, the Sl 1, K2 toge, PSSO, or slip the first stitch, knit the next two together, then pass the slipped stitch over the stitch formed by knitting two stitches together. Phew!
Quite a handful to chew on and execute. I think that they were clear on what direction they were working in and how the progress looks in terms of the pattern vs. the completed garment. Always a good thing to remind students not to panic, follow the rows along carefully, and you should be OK.
There will be another class on Saturday this week as well, so that was a plus. No need to wait a full week. Also, the Perfect Blend shop owner, Mary, will coach them if they can't wait until Saturday.
What a Perfect day at The Perfect Blend Yarn and Tea Shop. Happy Knitting!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
New Soap Descriptions and New Face Cloth Design
Good Afternoon,
I have finished the first
Face Cloth with the new Hemp Yarn. I
threw it in the washer with a load of laundry, and then placed it flat and
pinned it out. I am so pleased with how
it came out. I am so
pleased with how it came out. I have a few more face clothes to design for the collection and they will be done fairly soon as they really don’t take much time to make.
| The other piece of
information that I would like to share is the Organic Soap Descriptions:
OATMEAL
SPICE
Gentle oatmeal, ground and whole, provides skin-healing exfoliation. Organic ground cloves give this soap a rich, spicy scent. Feel the
difference in your skin with this gentle complexion bar good for the whole
body.
LAVENDER
Treat
yourself. This bar’s fragrance is pure lavender essential oil – a natural
relaxant. We’ve added organic comfrey root to our proven base recipe for a bar
that will soothe and hydrate your skin.
LEMONGRASS
TEA
This bar’s fragrance is a complex blend of six essential oils, including citrus and herbs, and organic rosemary leaf. A very popular bar among both men and women.
THYME
GARDEN
A gardener's and herb lover’s bar! Full of scents of thyme, rosemary, sage, and others. This bar makes any gardener or cook happy. Natural chlorophyll and organic cloves create a deep green color.
PINK
GRAPEFRUIT
This soap is a true pleasure. Pink grapefruit essential oil is at once brilliant, deep, and refreshing, perfect for a shower or bath at any time of day or any season. Our favorite.
PATCHOULI
Patchouli
lovers, here is your bar. We’ve scented this bar with deep, earthy patchouli
essential oil while keeping the scent level mild. Organic orange peel provides a
bold color and a hint of citrus fragrance. If you haven’t tried our patchouli
bar, then it’s time to take the plunge.
PEPPERMINT
LEAF
A blend of pure mint essential oils combines with organic peppermint leaf to create this invigorating soap. We added menthol for an extra zing of peppermint. Great for the morning shower.
BLOOD
ORANGE BERGAMOT
A unique twist on citrus! Blood orange essential oil blends with the complexity of bergamot for a smooth, light, and citrusy bar.
MONTANA
PRAIRIE
This soap is best described as open and fresh. A blend of sage, lemongrass, and spearmint essential oils resembles the open spaces here in Montana, and calendula petals provide homegrown beauty. This soap is popular with both men and women.
CITRUS
LAVENDER
Orange essential oil, with hints of tangerine and lemon, provides a perfect citrusy blend. Lavender essential oil rounds it out. This soap will surprise you with its fragrance that is both bright and mellow.
FOREST
TONIC
The elusive and slightly sweet scent of juniper berries
enhances this woodsy bar, fresh as the outdoors. Ground juniper berries provide
exfoliants.
SENSITIVE
SKIN / UNSCENTED
Pure soap, plain and simple. This bar has no fragrance and no color. A perfect soap for people who prefer a gentle soap with a good lather in a fragrance-free alternative. Especially helpful for sensitive skin.
Gardener's
Hand Soap
Gardener's Hand Soap is full of exfoliants - ground
apricot kernels and coffee - to help clean the dirtiest hands. We've given this
bar a bright, fresh lemon scent. We keep a bar at every sink all summer as well
as in the gardening shed!
Shea
Honey Oatmeal
This is a rich, moisturizing bar. We’ve loaded it with a perfect balance of shea butter, honey, and finely ground oatmeal to fit all skin types. As an unscented bar, it will sell very well with your sensitive skin customers.
I hope you enjoy reading about the new Soap and Face Clothes at http://youandmeknit.com. As of yet, they have not been added to the website, but will be soon. If there is interest in ordering, please contact me at: dee@youandmeknit.com
Hope the rest of your day is wonderful, and whatever you need it to be and Happy Knitting. |
Monday, July 23, 2012
Organic Soap and a Hemp Face Cloth
Good Afternoon,
I am preparing for a new adventure, Gift Baskets. I have found a wonderful source for organic herbal soaps and I received my sample order last Friday afternoon. As I opened the box, I thought I had just stepped into one of those organic, herbal, essential oil, heavenly scented shops that makes you want to drop your troubles at the door before entering. You can find these wonderful soaps soon at http://youandmeknit.com, Salon DKS in Bradford MA, and at Hudson Valley Body Works in Kingston, NY, as well as Etsy, Craftsy, and Ravelry and Pinterest.
Each bar of soap that was opened was better than the last. Now, I thought, what am I going to do to market these wonderful pieces of heaven. I had written in my 7/13 blog about my road trip to Mass to visit my brother. I had knit a washcloth on my way in the car. Better than cotton, I have ordered a cone of hemp knitting yarn, arriving any time now, to pair with these lovely soaps. The hemp yarn will be knit into lovey face clothes soon as well and available at the above locations. As soon as these are ready to go, I will post the links of the locations, but wanted to give everyone the heads up.
This past Friday evening, I began designing a face cloth to accompany the soap. I can market the face cloth alone, paired with a soap, or a gift basket with several soaps and face clothes. I have been searching for venues so when everything is packaged neat, tidy and beautiful, then it is a matter of hitting the pavement.
The possibilities are endless. Collecting the names of spas, upscale hotels, salons, etc, will take some time, and then to knit for all will be another challenge to over come. This is so exciting finally finding something so wonderful to share. Now this can be added to the teaching, coaching, mentoring, contract knitting, etc., etc.
Time for me to get this out, but a bit of family news, my son and his girlfriend announced their engagement this afternoon. The wedding is planned for June of 2014! Another happy occasion to look forward to.
Have a great rest of the day and Happy Knitting
I am preparing for a new adventure, Gift Baskets. I have found a wonderful source for organic herbal soaps and I received my sample order last Friday afternoon. As I opened the box, I thought I had just stepped into one of those organic, herbal, essential oil, heavenly scented shops that makes you want to drop your troubles at the door before entering. You can find these wonderful soaps soon at http://youandmeknit.com, Salon DKS in Bradford MA, and at Hudson Valley Body Works in Kingston, NY, as well as Etsy, Craftsy, and Ravelry and Pinterest.
Each bar of soap that was opened was better than the last. Now, I thought, what am I going to do to market these wonderful pieces of heaven. I had written in my 7/13 blog about my road trip to Mass to visit my brother. I had knit a washcloth on my way in the car. Better than cotton, I have ordered a cone of hemp knitting yarn, arriving any time now, to pair with these lovely soaps. The hemp yarn will be knit into lovey face clothes soon as well and available at the above locations. As soon as these are ready to go, I will post the links of the locations, but wanted to give everyone the heads up.
This past Friday evening, I began designing a face cloth to accompany the soap. I can market the face cloth alone, paired with a soap, or a gift basket with several soaps and face clothes. I have been searching for venues so when everything is packaged neat, tidy and beautiful, then it is a matter of hitting the pavement.
The possibilities are endless. Collecting the names of spas, upscale hotels, salons, etc, will take some time, and then to knit for all will be another challenge to over come. This is so exciting finally finding something so wonderful to share. Now this can be added to the teaching, coaching, mentoring, contract knitting, etc., etc.
Time for me to get this out, but a bit of family news, my son and his girlfriend announced their engagement this afternoon. The wedding is planned for June of 2014! Another happy occasion to look forward to.
Have a great rest of the day and Happy Knitting
Friday, July 20, 2012
Sock Pattern Submission
Good Morning,
While catching up on a couple of blogs that I subscribe to, I came across yesterday's Knitting Daily Blog. My mail is usually in such huge quantities, that I scan quickly through to see if it is content that I need to re - read later. Well, this issue really caught my eye during the quick scan mode. It seems that Interweave's eMag, Sockupied, is looking for submissions for issues in 2013.
Well, as you can imagine, I had to stop, back up, and read this more closely. Once I had digested the information, my mind is just buzzing. Can I make a submission? Of course you can. Oh, I don't know if I can do that. Why not, you very nearly have your sport sock pattern complete. Oh, I don't know.....
Back and forth, this conversation is going on, do I or don't I. Reason and good sense has won. I sent the email to receive the submission form. What on earth do I have to lose anyway. Here is an opportunity to have a pattern published!
Just this morning early, I was reading about pattern submissions in my Knitting for Profit eBook by Liz Raad. The eBook outlined the steps and some links to accomplish this very thing, and here it is again in my Google Reader. Twice in one day this information has been presented, so I'd best not ignore it. Experience has taught me that these prompts are limited and are only offered for a short time.
So, the next step on my to do list today, pull the sock pattern out of my documents list, and edit it. The photography work has been done already. Then it's just a matter of sending the PDF pattern to my photographer/web designer, Matt for the final insertion of the photo.
It is a cool, rainy day and we really need it. It has been raining like this all night and supposed to continue throughout the day. I wish I could share this with other parts of the country that are so parched right now.
Have a great weekend everyone and Happy Knitting!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The Knitting Madness Begins Soon
Good Morning,
How is it that I have so many projects going on at one time? No matter how well I try to plan, there always seem to be more and more that get added to the list. They are now in varying stages of completion.
It is near the end of July and and steam rolling into August, typically when I remind myself that Christmas is only four months away! Oh my, no wonder the knit list is so long, then there area classes to prepare for to teach at yarnandteashop.com, my pieces on Etsy, Craftsy, and Ravelry. It's a good thing that knitting is good for arthritis in the hands.
While talking with my daughter yesterday, she is a knitter as well, I told her that she may get some simple things to knit for me that she can do while she is reading for school. She is my Braniac Math Major, who, by the way, received an A in her accelerated Calc Course!
I would like to share with you a couple of pictures that were shared on FB and brings to my mind the frantic, crazy knitting moments that seize me every once in a while.
How cool it would be if we could navigate our many projects like this.....maybe not, for me it is about touching and feeling the yarn and it's about the process.
Superman the Super Knitter? This again, make me think how can I knit faster?
But, then I would not be a part of my knitting. It would fly so fast through my hands that I would barely bond with them.
The reason I felt compelled to share these with you, is that first, they are cute and funny. But on a more serious note, why do we do this to ourselves. I dare say, probably every year, there are projects rushed because we are frantically knitting away, I know I do.
I was thinking this morning, that a FaceTime or Skype KAL, might be fun. We as knitters always have so much to share with each other, and I always have a great time knitting with others. It doesn't have to be in a LYS, but could be in a cafe, church group, library or some one's home. If this is something that might be of interest, please email me: dee@youandmeknit.com, or drop a comment in the box below.
This can be a really fun way to get to know others who share a passion, learn how others execute a particular knitting technique, because there are many ways to do things.
Have to mention that it is much cooler today since the storms went through. It is so much more pleasant outside.
Have a great day and Happy Knitting!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Knitting Photos Extraordinaire!
Good Afternoon,
Ugh! Hot! Hot! Hot! But I'm still smiling because sitting right in front of me is the biggest vase of sunflowers. My sweetheart brought them home from work yesterday.
This picture was edited in a new iPad App that my photographer suggested. I have just started working with it this morning and absolutely love it. The App is called Diptic, and this week it is the free App of the week.
The photo above is a class that I taught, Gauntlet Fingerless Gloves. I had not used my student's photos before, guess I was waiting for this to come along.
There are so many layouts, colors, etc, etc, etc, I just can't stop playing with it. I am thinking this is a great way to create photo albums of all your great projects. If you sell your things on your website or somewhere else, this could change for sure what your online shop would look like.
I put together photos of the boys this morning and emailed them off. Without a doubt, they were well received.
Here come the T-Storms, so want to get this out before I lose my Internet connection.
Have a great afternoon and Happy Knitting!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
A Student's Thank You
Good Afternoon,
Another hot and humid day in the Hudson Valley, New York. There is a possibility of T-Storms, if so, hopefully not too severe.
Busy day today, so this will be written in short segments throughout the day. Breakfast with daughter, lunch with a good friend I haven't visited with in about six weeks, and also back to work tonight after a few nights off.
I'm back once again, and today I would like to share with you a conversation that I had a few days ago with someone on one of the knitting blogs that I read. She stated that she had picked up a pattern and was totally confused by some terms and also that double point needles were to be used during the knitting, but the pattern didn't seem like it started out that way.
Her question had been sitting there for a day or so, and not wanting a knitter to be frustrated, I made the attempt to help her out. I mentioned that the key words to beginning knitting after the cast on, was to look for terms such as "in the round" or "join without twisting". I also de - mystified the knitting terms by explaining what they meant and how to execute them.
The return comment included the first few rows of the pattern, where I determined that she was to begin knitting flat on the double points and then pick up stitches at said areas then to join into a round.
There are so many times that just some simple direction from a listener, and most of us are good at that aren't we, can get "that stuck in the pattern" person over the hump and on their way. I think it is that way in life too. I can remember being reminded to listen harder and louder than I spoke or sang. It is so very true. What I have found in the knitting community, most knitters are extremely compassionate and helpful of others with less experience and knowledge.
On that note, let me share some of our ending conversation with my new knitting friend:
I am so happy to be able to mentor and coach students, helping them along their knitting way.Thank you so very much Diana, no as yet I haven't started my slippers I am just about finished a shawl I took the Sweetheart Shawl (Jasmine Shawl) internet class with Kristin Omdahi, its been an easy shawl to knit but seeing I haven't knitted for such a long time I have had some problems but there all sorted now.I saw the Pemberley Slippers (Jane Austen) it was apart of the 2011 Jane Austen knitting book but you could purchase the pattern on its own so I did so will start my knitting of them when I finish the shawl.I really appreciate your explanation on the pattern so I will keep it safe for when I start my slippers.......Thank you againAndrea
Have a great rest of your day and Happy Knitting!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Layering Shrug
Good Morning,
We had a little rain last night, but not enough to give good relief to the ground. Gratefully, there are no draught conditions like other parts of the country.
I have started a new project yesterday, and knitting it is simple, clear and so far, error free. It is a free down loadable pattern called Layering Shrug by Juju Vail for Loopknitting.com. I am knitting it in Malabrigo lace weight yarn color 148, Holly Hock. The yarn is a tone on tone 100% Baby Merino spun single. I wish that you could feel this it against your skin....yummy!
Here is the link for the Layering Shrug: http://www.loopknitlounge.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Layering-Shrug-1.2.pdf
Here is the link for Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino: http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/
Back to the Shrug. The pattern begins some rows up the sleeve with a provisional cast on. Then you knit down to the "cuff" area and bind off. Those first 12 rows, I did change the pattern just a smidge, just because I do stuff like that. I did not knit the purl rows, instead continually worked the yarn over rows for the 12 rows.
The very bottom of the picture is the bind of and just above that is the 12 rows I altered. Then you move on up the sleeve. I also realize that the pattern is not written for lace weight yarn, but the person who will receive this is a small size, so with the gauge that I am getting, 7.5 stitches to the inch on a size US 4 circular needle, this should be OK.
I am so anxious to see how this design comes together. I friend of mine had knit it awhile ago, and I loved it...so now can't wait to experience the complete project for myself.
Have a great afternoon everyone, Happy Knitting!
We had a little rain last night, but not enough to give good relief to the ground. Gratefully, there are no draught conditions like other parts of the country.
I have started a new project yesterday, and knitting it is simple, clear and so far, error free. It is a free down loadable pattern called Layering Shrug by Juju Vail for Loopknitting.com. I am knitting it in Malabrigo lace weight yarn color 148, Holly Hock. The yarn is a tone on tone 100% Baby Merino spun single. I wish that you could feel this it against your skin....yummy!
Here is the link for the Layering Shrug: http://www.loopknitlounge.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Layering-Shrug-1.2.pdf
Here is the link for Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino: http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/
Back to the Shrug. The pattern begins some rows up the sleeve with a provisional cast on. Then you knit down to the "cuff" area and bind off. Those first 12 rows, I did change the pattern just a smidge, just because I do stuff like that. I did not knit the purl rows, instead continually worked the yarn over rows for the 12 rows.
The very bottom of the picture is the bind of and just above that is the 12 rows I altered. Then you move on up the sleeve. I also realize that the pattern is not written for lace weight yarn, but the person who will receive this is a small size, so with the gauge that I am getting, 7.5 stitches to the inch on a size US 4 circular needle, this should be OK.
I am so anxious to see how this design comes together. I friend of mine had knit it awhile ago, and I loved it...so now can't wait to experience the complete project for myself.
Have a great afternoon everyone, Happy Knitting!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Road Trip
Good Afternoon,
Hot once again, but as I
write this, I am traveling to Massachusetts with my Mom and my Sister. We are going to my Brother’s for a hair
day. He has a salon in his house, Salon DKS, and I don’t mind the travel when the result is a visit and a hair day. I am not driving, so it is a productive day
for me.
I finished a washcloth
minutes ago, that I hope that he will want to carry a line of in his shop. Fingers are crossed. I also ordered a two pound cone of unbleached
and undyed Hemp yarn to use as well.
Hemp is a perfect fiber as it is organic, antimicrobial, biodegradable,
and exfoliates your skin. The more it is
washed the softer it gets.
I can think of dozens of
ways to use this fiber besides a washcloth due to it’s wonderful properties.
Having a dish cloth or pair of socks would be a good start. I will have to make a pair of socks to see
how they feel on my sensitive tootsies.
We are no on the last leg
of the trip, getting closer to our exit and then I have to stop writing. Time to pick up my other project, a sweater
that I am knitting from left over yarn from a baby blanket I finished in June.
I am now in my brothers shop waiting my turn. My sister is in the chair first.
My turn next...that's cause Mom is relaxing in the pool. Time to pull the sweater out of it's bag and get a move on. Projects are lined up and have to get moving.
Have a great weekend everyone and Happy Knitting!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Elizabeth Zimmermann's A-B-C-SJ Completed
Good Afternoon,
Sooo hot and humid here in the Hudson Valley aaggaaiinn. We are having the "Dog Days" now. What in the world will be in store for August? OK, enough whining. On to better topics.
We are going to revisit EZ's Surprise Jacket. It has been washed and blocked and I took it to The Perfect Blend this morning, it was still a little damp. Anyway, it came out so beautiful, I hope that it gets some attention and that there are a few knitters that will want to sign up for the class.
When I put it on the table it looked like this:
Sooo hot and humid here in the Hudson Valley aaggaaiinn. We are having the "Dog Days" now. What in the world will be in store for August? OK, enough whining. On to better topics.
We are going to revisit EZ's Surprise Jacket. It has been washed and blocked and I took it to The Perfect Blend this morning, it was still a little damp. Anyway, it came out so beautiful, I hope that it gets some attention and that there are a few knitters that will want to sign up for the class.
When I put it on the table it looked like this:
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Zimmermann's
A-B-C-SJ Pattern by Schoolhouse Press
If you notice, both the sweater and the diagram are placed on the table in a similar fashion. If you look at the diagram you can pick out where "A" and "B" are. By rotating the lower "B", which is the front neckline, up to the Back or Neck "B", the piece looks more sweater - like. Now there are just the sleeves to match. Those are the "A's" By putting them together, you now have:
Another interesting point, is that when the sweater was designed, there are button holes in both of the front bands. It works out well for two obvious reasons:
1. When this sweater was designed, there were no sonograms to know the newborn gender. So,
there was a double set of button holes to place buttons on the correct side on a neutral color
sweater.
2. Today, and this is my favorite part, with holes on both sides, you simply sew the buttons over the
holes you don't need. You now have perfectly lined up buttons to button holes.
I'm sorry I don't have the Mattress Stitch ready for you. I wanted to keep the shoulders open so everyone would be able to see what a genius EZ was. I can't imagine how her brain worked so that she was able to design, what looks like above, as an unidentifiable piece of knitting. There are probably as many guesses as to what it is as there are knitters who have never seen this before.
I will keep you updated on how the class goes and also will post the Mattress Stitch Video.
Happy Knitting! And, stay cool.
P.S. I took a set of hand knit washclothes to a local gift shop this morning. The Manager seemed quite pleased with them. They may be added as part of a new spa collection. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Yes, You Can Knit This
Good Afternoon,
Late start today, watched the boys this morning, and it was fun just lazing around on the porch and cuddling.
I was doing some browsing through one of the forums that I read and came upon one today that I posted a reply to. The question was regarding DPs, a set of five. "Do you begin with the DP's or only work on two needles to start." The second question was, "Since you are using a set of five, do you work the two slippers together?"
These are certainly legitimate questions, especially if this knitter is fairly new to her craft. But sometimes, even those of us who have been knitting for many years, can get caught up on a word or phrase that we might have to read more than once, or just cast on and get to it.
I am not familiar with the pattern she was referring to, but I was able, I believe, to ascertain that these slippers would be knit one at a time. By the way, it is a Jane Austen design. Since she likes to work with more period garments and accessories, so, I don't think that this technique, two at a time, would be included. There was no mention by the knitter of using two circular needles or one very long circular needle that would lead one to believe that they would be knit two at a time either.
This knitter's other question being "When starting, use two needles or all five." I explained to her that the magic words here might be, cast on X # of stitches and divide between four double point needles and join without twisting. If there was no mention of dividing or joining, they would most probably be started flat and then worked circularly later on.
Some of these terms and directions can be very confusing to knitters of varying expertise. One of my new favorite things to do is to introduce a new knitting pattern to my class for test knitting. No charge for the pattern, they just have to buy the materials for the item. During a conversation with two other designers and teachers this past Saturday, we decided that this might be a great way to test a pattern. We have probably knit it hundreds of times and from memory, but once it goes on paper, somehow something seems to get omitted or lost along the way. What we do is just so automatic.
We also do not work for major publications or have a well known name. And, of course, no trove of test knitters at their disposal to make sure every thing works. Now, here is a "hoot" that I have to share. Having been a test knitter for a couple of local designers, the trickiest thing was when I found an error, my head and hands do an auto correct and keep on going, forgetting to write it down, of course. That is no help at all. You almost need someone of lesser experience to do this test knitting for you, because they are more likely to fire away with questions regarding wording and technique.
The next time you knit from a pattern and encounter an error, please do not get angry or impatient with us. Sometimes things just slip through the cracks unintentionally. In most cases there is some contact information to reach someone about an errata update. Please do not feel that your questions are inappropriate or "dumb" because I do not consider any questions inappropriate or "dumb".
In closing, when starting a new pattern, check for unfamiliar terms, do a gauge swatch, adjust needle size if necessary, cast on and dive in. Don't try to digest the pattern or gain an understanding by combing every word. The key things to look for are:
Armed with this information, you should be able to tackle many things that you might otherwise choose not to do. Knitters tend to underestimate their abilities with the familiar phrase, "I could never do that!" Yes, you can and I can help.
Happy Knitting! Get your challenge on!
Late start today, watched the boys this morning, and it was fun just lazing around on the porch and cuddling.
I was doing some browsing through one of the forums that I read and came upon one today that I posted a reply to. The question was regarding DPs, a set of five. "Do you begin with the DP's or only work on two needles to start." The second question was, "Since you are using a set of five, do you work the two slippers together?"
These are certainly legitimate questions, especially if this knitter is fairly new to her craft. But sometimes, even those of us who have been knitting for many years, can get caught up on a word or phrase that we might have to read more than once, or just cast on and get to it.
I am not familiar with the pattern she was referring to, but I was able, I believe, to ascertain that these slippers would be knit one at a time. By the way, it is a Jane Austen design. Since she likes to work with more period garments and accessories, so, I don't think that this technique, two at a time, would be included. There was no mention by the knitter of using two circular needles or one very long circular needle that would lead one to believe that they would be knit two at a time either.
This knitter's other question being "When starting, use two needles or all five." I explained to her that the magic words here might be, cast on X # of stitches and divide between four double point needles and join without twisting. If there was no mention of dividing or joining, they would most probably be started flat and then worked circularly later on.
Some of these terms and directions can be very confusing to knitters of varying expertise. One of my new favorite things to do is to introduce a new knitting pattern to my class for test knitting. No charge for the pattern, they just have to buy the materials for the item. During a conversation with two other designers and teachers this past Saturday, we decided that this might be a great way to test a pattern. We have probably knit it hundreds of times and from memory, but once it goes on paper, somehow something seems to get omitted or lost along the way. What we do is just so automatic.
We also do not work for major publications or have a well known name. And, of course, no trove of test knitters at their disposal to make sure every thing works. Now, here is a "hoot" that I have to share. Having been a test knitter for a couple of local designers, the trickiest thing was when I found an error, my head and hands do an auto correct and keep on going, forgetting to write it down, of course. That is no help at all. You almost need someone of lesser experience to do this test knitting for you, because they are more likely to fire away with questions regarding wording and technique.
The next time you knit from a pattern and encounter an error, please do not get angry or impatient with us. Sometimes things just slip through the cracks unintentionally. In most cases there is some contact information to reach someone about an errata update. Please do not feel that your questions are inappropriate or "dumb" because I do not consider any questions inappropriate or "dumb".
In closing, when starting a new pattern, check for unfamiliar terms, do a gauge swatch, adjust needle size if necessary, cast on and dive in. Don't try to digest the pattern or gain an understanding by combing every word. The key things to look for are:
- Is this knit in the round?
- If so, do I need DPs as well as CNs?
- If knit flat, how many pieces are there.
- How is this put together if knit flat?
Armed with this information, you should be able to tackle many things that you might otherwise choose not to do. Knitters tend to underestimate their abilities with the familiar phrase, "I could never do that!" Yes, you can and I can help.
Happy Knitting! Get your challenge on!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sweater Pattern in Bite Sized Pieces
Good Morning,
Another great day! Hope where you are you are enjoying this slightly cooler weather.
Spent some time with my photographer, Matt, this morning. He was taking some pictures of a sweater I knit in late winter for one of my students and the Scribble Lace Cowl. The Scribble Lace Cowl will be ready in a few days if anyone is would like to try it. I had mentioned in an earlier blog that I will share it with any who are interested.
Back to the sweater. This design was in Interweave Knits Fall 2009 issue. It is called Farmer's Market Cardigan by Connie Chang Chinchio. Sandy, my student, had put the sweater on her "to knit" list soon after purchasing the magazine. I think it remained on her "to knit" list due to the fact that she wasn't sure about knitting the pattern.
Anyway, months later, she was shopping at one of her LYSs and found a great sale on a couple of bags of yarn. When she came to the next knitting class, Sandy brought the magazine and a ball of the yarn with her. I told her that she would most likely get a good result with this yarn, but a gauge swatch was a must. She was still quite nervous about knitting this sweater, not feeling quite up to the task.
The following week, she came back to class with a gauge swatch, and a perfectly matching gauge, but still very nervous. I'm sure it had to do with the fact that there was a great deal of shaping in the form of vertical darts both front and back plus the usual shaping that a fitted cardigan has. There were several "at the same times" in the pattern and it was that, I felt, that made her hesitate, as well as a more intricate collar and top of pocket.
I offered to rewrite the pattern out for her to follow easily. The pattern was broken down into manageable bite sized pieces with all of the shaping mapped out, numbered and bulleted for repeats and rows. All Sandy had to do was just check off the rows and repeats as she knit them.
Some weeks later, she brought the sweater back to class and asked me to finish it for her. I felt badly that she didn't want to finish it herself, but knowing her as I do, it would just sit there, unfinished and doomed to the eternal closet. On closer inspection, I noticed some gauge changes, probably due to her anxiety levels at the time, and I was fearful of being unable to match her gauge.
Without telling her right away, I began the sweater from scratch. Fortunately, she had plenty of yarn to do this with. Within a month, I had finished and blocked her new sweater. I had done a little tweaking, as I do with all patterns that I knit, just can't help myself, and the sweater looked as if it might have been designed for her. The fit was beautiful, and she has received many compliments. Connie's sweater design was a hit with all of Sandy's friends.
The point of my story is, don't be afraid of what looks to be a complicated pattern. Take the time to pull it apart. Rewrite by hand, or copy the page and pull it apart, enlarge it, do whatever it takes to work through whatever areas in a pattern are causing you stress. The first step is just to check your gauge and then cast on. So many times it is just getting started that is so daunting. I'm sure Sandy might have been able to finish, if she was able to sit with me the whole time, but she does a fair amount of traveling preventing that.
So, take a deep breath, a little attention to details, and cast on those stitches. Take your time. You have no race to win. If it takes you a month, two months, no matter, just whittle away at those stitches and rows. I will share the photo with you as soon as Matt does the editing. Since it is an Interweave Pattern, I will also submit it to Knitting Daily. I will let you know if it is accepted and posted on their website.
Happy Knitting!
Another great day! Hope where you are you are enjoying this slightly cooler weather.
Spent some time with my photographer, Matt, this morning. He was taking some pictures of a sweater I knit in late winter for one of my students and the Scribble Lace Cowl. The Scribble Lace Cowl will be ready in a few days if anyone is would like to try it. I had mentioned in an earlier blog that I will share it with any who are interested.
Back to the sweater. This design was in Interweave Knits Fall 2009 issue. It is called Farmer's Market Cardigan by Connie Chang Chinchio. Sandy, my student, had put the sweater on her "to knit" list soon after purchasing the magazine. I think it remained on her "to knit" list due to the fact that she wasn't sure about knitting the pattern.
Anyway, months later, she was shopping at one of her LYSs and found a great sale on a couple of bags of yarn. When she came to the next knitting class, Sandy brought the magazine and a ball of the yarn with her. I told her that she would most likely get a good result with this yarn, but a gauge swatch was a must. She was still quite nervous about knitting this sweater, not feeling quite up to the task.
The following week, she came back to class with a gauge swatch, and a perfectly matching gauge, but still very nervous. I'm sure it had to do with the fact that there was a great deal of shaping in the form of vertical darts both front and back plus the usual shaping that a fitted cardigan has. There were several "at the same times" in the pattern and it was that, I felt, that made her hesitate, as well as a more intricate collar and top of pocket.
I offered to rewrite the pattern out for her to follow easily. The pattern was broken down into manageable bite sized pieces with all of the shaping mapped out, numbered and bulleted for repeats and rows. All Sandy had to do was just check off the rows and repeats as she knit them.
Some weeks later, she brought the sweater back to class and asked me to finish it for her. I felt badly that she didn't want to finish it herself, but knowing her as I do, it would just sit there, unfinished and doomed to the eternal closet. On closer inspection, I noticed some gauge changes, probably due to her anxiety levels at the time, and I was fearful of being unable to match her gauge.
Without telling her right away, I began the sweater from scratch. Fortunately, she had plenty of yarn to do this with. Within a month, I had finished and blocked her new sweater. I had done a little tweaking, as I do with all patterns that I knit, just can't help myself, and the sweater looked as if it might have been designed for her. The fit was beautiful, and she has received many compliments. Connie's sweater design was a hit with all of Sandy's friends.
The point of my story is, don't be afraid of what looks to be a complicated pattern. Take the time to pull it apart. Rewrite by hand, or copy the page and pull it apart, enlarge it, do whatever it takes to work through whatever areas in a pattern are causing you stress. The first step is just to check your gauge and then cast on. So many times it is just getting started that is so daunting. I'm sure Sandy might have been able to finish, if she was able to sit with me the whole time, but she does a fair amount of traveling preventing that.
So, take a deep breath, a little attention to details, and cast on those stitches. Take your time. You have no race to win. If it takes you a month, two months, no matter, just whittle away at those stitches and rows. I will share the photo with you as soon as Matt does the editing. Since it is an Interweave Pattern, I will also submit it to Knitting Daily. I will let you know if it is accepted and posted on their website.
Happy Knitting!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Surprise Jacket Update
Good Afternoon,
Glorious weather today, not too hot and low humidity. Ahhhhh.
Just wanted to share with you an update for the Surprise Jacket Class that begins on 7/25 and 7/28 at The Perfect Blend, yarnandteashop.com. Mary and I have tweaked the class description again, always something more to add. Under the "Things you will need section" a row/stitch counterwill be helpful. We have also been working with a couple of apps for iPad and iPhone that track rows and stitches for multiple projects.
I have been using one for the Surprise Jacket that I am knitting for the shop. It is so incredibly handy, no note pad or pen to lose or leave home. If you have never knit one of these delightful sweaters, you know there is a lot of required counting, both stitches and rows. I am using my iPad and loving every minute of it.
I am near completion of the sample jacket, and thought you might like to see it.
I know that it probably doesn't look like much, but what you see here, if you have never knit one before, is the sleeves and the beginning of the neckline. I have just bound off 5 stitches on each side where the needle points are visible. At the point where the stitches are contained on the cable part of the needle, that is the body.
I just love hanging things in my Magnolia Tree to photograph them. Oh, by the way, I should mention for those that have not knit this, across the top of the shoulders in the upper edge of the photo, is the only place that you will have to seam. My favorite is the Mattress Stitch. I will make a video of the process when I get to that point. I have encountered so many knitters who are not familiar or who have trouble executing the maneuver. I have done a considerable amount of seaming of sweaters for many and for some on a regular basis.
I must add a note about the boys. They are having a wonderful time now that their Mom is home with them. Their older brother goes to day camp and after dropping him off, they go to the park to visit the animals in the children's zoo. Mom makes popcorn for them to feed the Peetock, JT's word for Peacock. After feeding the animals, the boys share a muffin and then home. After lunch and naps, it is pool time. Both of them love being in the water, however, JT must have his "noodle"!
Remember, if you would like to learn how to knit the Surprise Jacket and you do not live near by, please leave a comment in the box below or email me at dee@youandmeknit.com to set up an appointment to Skype or FaceTime the class.
Happy Knitting!
Glorious weather today, not too hot and low humidity. Ahhhhh.
Just wanted to share with you an update for the Surprise Jacket Class that begins on 7/25 and 7/28 at The Perfect Blend, yarnandteashop.com. Mary and I have tweaked the class description again, always something more to add. Under the "Things you will need section" a row/stitch counterwill be helpful. We have also been working with a couple of apps for iPad and iPhone that track rows and stitches for multiple projects.
I have been using one for the Surprise Jacket that I am knitting for the shop. It is so incredibly handy, no note pad or pen to lose or leave home. If you have never knit one of these delightful sweaters, you know there is a lot of required counting, both stitches and rows. I am using my iPad and loving every minute of it.
I am near completion of the sample jacket, and thought you might like to see it.
I know that it probably doesn't look like much, but what you see here, if you have never knit one before, is the sleeves and the beginning of the neckline. I have just bound off 5 stitches on each side where the needle points are visible. At the point where the stitches are contained on the cable part of the needle, that is the body.
I just love hanging things in my Magnolia Tree to photograph them. Oh, by the way, I should mention for those that have not knit this, across the top of the shoulders in the upper edge of the photo, is the only place that you will have to seam. My favorite is the Mattress Stitch. I will make a video of the process when I get to that point. I have encountered so many knitters who are not familiar or who have trouble executing the maneuver. I have done a considerable amount of seaming of sweaters for many and for some on a regular basis.
I must add a note about the boys. They are having a wonderful time now that their Mom is home with them. Their older brother goes to day camp and after dropping him off, they go to the park to visit the animals in the children's zoo. Mom makes popcorn for them to feed the Peetock, JT's word for Peacock. After feeding the animals, the boys share a muffin and then home. After lunch and naps, it is pool time. Both of them love being in the water, however, JT must have his "noodle"!
Remember, if you would like to learn how to knit the Surprise Jacket and you do not live near by, please leave a comment in the box below or email me at dee@youandmeknit.com to set up an appointment to Skype or FaceTime the class.
Happy Knitting!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Good Afternoon,
So behind today. I was with the boys this morning for a few hours, so I hope you will excuse me. We were out on the porch while it was still cool. I have such fun with them.
For a few more hours I was at yarnandteashop.com with Mary, the shop owner, and we were putting together a sweater class. It is very interesting that this discussion happened to be today. I told Mary that my blog yesterday had mentioned Elizabeth Zimmermann, EZ as she liked to be called, and one of her sweater designs. Today's meeting will feature another of EZ's designs....the A - B - C - SJ or for those not in the know, that translates to the Adult Baby and Child's Surprise Jacket.
I will be teaching this class starting on Wednesday 7/25/12 and then again on Saturday 7/28/12. That way we will be able to accommodate those who can come both during the week and on weekends. It will be an on going class that anyone can hop into at any time. I just love teaching like that because no one feels that they missed anything.
The class description that we used for the shop website is mostly EZ's own words taken from the book The Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swanson. As quoted from EZ (Elizabeth Zimmermann) the opinionated knitter: "Dear knitter, I call it the "surprise jacket" because it looks like nothing on earth when you have finished knitting it. Sew up two seams, and you find you have the nicest little garter-stitch baby (or adult) sweater you could wish to see, reversible, and with no side, or armhole seams to look ill-fitting or feel uncomfortable. And there is no breaking-off or joining-in of yarn."
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Zimmermann's A-B-C-SJ Pattern
by Schoolhouse Press
The knitting of this sweater, as many of you know, is knit in one piece. It looks rather odd when knit and one doesn't quite know what to do with it. But follow the directions in the pattern and it is a simple matter of folding the sweater, stitching the shoulder seams and voila! the "Surprise Jacket" so suitably named.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Zimmermann's A-B-C-SJ Pattern
by Schoolhouse Press
I have knit this sweater before, most recently for JT when he was born. I love the design and so many ways to make it yours just by color alone. Each and every one looks slightly different, solids, stripes or color blocks, you get to choose. Get crazy or stay subtle.
Want to take the class and you don't live nearby? Let's make a date to Skype or FaceTime the class.
Drop a comment in the box below or email me at dee@youandmeknit.com.
Happy Knitting and stay cool.
So behind today. I was with the boys this morning for a few hours, so I hope you will excuse me. We were out on the porch while it was still cool. I have such fun with them.
For a few more hours I was at yarnandteashop.com with Mary, the shop owner, and we were putting together a sweater class. It is very interesting that this discussion happened to be today. I told Mary that my blog yesterday had mentioned Elizabeth Zimmermann, EZ as she liked to be called, and one of her sweater designs. Today's meeting will feature another of EZ's designs....the A - B - C - SJ or for those not in the know, that translates to the Adult Baby and Child's Surprise Jacket.
I will be teaching this class starting on Wednesday 7/25/12 and then again on Saturday 7/28/12. That way we will be able to accommodate those who can come both during the week and on weekends. It will be an on going class that anyone can hop into at any time. I just love teaching like that because no one feels that they missed anything.
The class description that we used for the shop website is mostly EZ's own words taken from the book The Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swanson. As quoted from EZ (Elizabeth Zimmermann) the opinionated knitter: "Dear knitter, I call it the "surprise jacket" because it looks like nothing on earth when you have finished knitting it. Sew up two seams, and you find you have the nicest little garter-stitch baby (or adult) sweater you could wish to see, reversible, and with no side, or armhole seams to look ill-fitting or feel uncomfortable. And there is no breaking-off or joining-in of yarn."
by Schoolhouse Press
The knitting of this sweater, as many of you know, is knit in one piece. It looks rather odd when knit and one doesn't quite know what to do with it. But follow the directions in the pattern and it is a simple matter of folding the sweater, stitching the shoulder seams and voila! the "Surprise Jacket" so suitably named.
by Schoolhouse Press
I have knit this sweater before, most recently for JT when he was born. I love the design and so many ways to make it yours just by color alone. Each and every one looks slightly different, solids, stripes or color blocks, you get to choose. Get crazy or stay subtle.
Want to take the class and you don't live nearby? Let's make a date to Skype or FaceTime the class.
Drop a comment in the box below or email me at dee@youandmeknit.com.
Happy Knitting and stay cool.
New Book to be Released
Good Morning!
Hot again! Makes me wonder what the Dog Days of August will bring?
Yesterday in my email I received a wonderful surprise from Knitting Daily, knittingdaily.com. There is a new book out that will be released for sale in August. It is one of a collection of works that I have already pre-ordered.
OK, that said, let me ask you this. Do you like to do sweater finishing? Maybe those are the UFOs lurking in the back of the closet or under the bed. Well, the solution has arrived. Well, two solutions really.
I am sure you are all familiar with Elizabeth Zimmermann and her "EPS" system. If you are not, well read up, here is a link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Zimmermann that will give you some information on this "Grandmother" of knitting. It was in EZ's books that I learned seamless knitting using her "EPS" system and the seamless yoke style.
Knitting Pure and Simple patterns by Diane Soucy is a great source for top down knitting, seamlessly. The patterns are most notably raglan shaped and so uncomplicated that I have taught beginning knitters to use these patterns.
The style of sweater in Ann Budd's new book that I am most interested is the set-in sleeve design. The sleeve caps are shaped using short rows and the sweater is begun from the neck down at the shoulders. "The set-in style is particularly well suited for close-fitting variations, which can be enhanced through hourglass waist shaping."
My book is ordered and now the wait begins. In the mean time, we can work on finishing those garments that need to be completed. Pull them out, pass the word, it's time to get the finishing work completed. First the mattress stitched seams, then the collars, hoods, and then the button bands. I can teach you how to do this, or I can finish it for you. My rates are very reasonable.
Put a comment in the box below if you like what you are reading, request a knitting topic, or would like to discuss a particular technique. Or, you may email me at dee@youandmeknit.com to set up an appointment for me to help you with a knitting dilemma.
Have a great day and Happy Knitting!
Hot again! Makes me wonder what the Dog Days of August will bring?
Yesterday in my email I received a wonderful surprise from Knitting Daily, knittingdaily.com. There is a new book out that will be released for sale in August. It is one of a collection of works that I have already pre-ordered.
OK, that said, let me ask you this. Do you like to do sweater finishing? Maybe those are the UFOs lurking in the back of the closet or under the bed. Well, the solution has arrived. Well, two solutions really.
- New Book: The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters by Ann Budd!
- I do sweater finishing, and quite well. I will provide a list of very satisfied knitters upon request.
I am sure you are all familiar with Elizabeth Zimmermann and her "EPS" system. If you are not, well read up, here is a link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Zimmermann that will give you some information on this "Grandmother" of knitting. It was in EZ's books that I learned seamless knitting using her "EPS" system and the seamless yoke style.
Knitting Pure and Simple patterns by Diane Soucy is a great source for top down knitting, seamlessly. The patterns are most notably raglan shaped and so uncomplicated that I have taught beginning knitters to use these patterns.
The style of sweater in Ann Budd's new book that I am most interested is the set-in sleeve design. The sleeve caps are shaped using short rows and the sweater is begun from the neck down at the shoulders. "The set-in style is particularly well suited for close-fitting variations, which can be enhanced through hourglass waist shaping."
My book is ordered and now the wait begins. In the mean time, we can work on finishing those garments that need to be completed. Pull them out, pass the word, it's time to get the finishing work completed. First the mattress stitched seams, then the collars, hoods, and then the button bands. I can teach you how to do this, or I can finish it for you. My rates are very reasonable.
Put a comment in the box below if you like what you are reading, request a knitting topic, or would like to discuss a particular technique. Or, you may email me at dee@youandmeknit.com to set up an appointment for me to help you with a knitting dilemma.
Have a great day and Happy Knitting!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Student on My Mind
Good Morning,
Sunny and warm today and near 90 again. But, there is a nice breeze right now, so only have windows open and no A/C on yet.
As I was taking my walk after work this morning, I work 12am to 8am shift, I was thinking about a topic for today. My thoughts centered on one of my students. She stopped by yesterday to pick up some socks that she was working on. She knitting from one of my patterns for a sport type sock with a short row heel.
My student was having difficulty with the concept and we had discussed it this past Saturday when she came to class. I know knitting on size US 2 Double Point needles are definitely not her needles of choice to begin with. Maybe that combined with the sight learning curve is what stumped her.
In any case, this is a rush project for her Dad, so I agreed to knit the heels so she could continue knitting the foot and the toe decreases, which she will have no problem with. I had to un - knit what she had already knit and begin again. I also do not work short rows with the wrap and turn method. I use yarn overs to execute the short rows.
Teaching, mentoring, and problem solving, is some of my favorite things to do. I love it when I can see the sparkle in their eyes and the smiles that say "I got it!" I try to encourage them to do as much as they can on their own, but in a case such as this, we will get another chance to work short row heels this time with worsted weight yarn and larger needles.
I would love to help you with a knitting problem or learning a new technique. Even if you live too far away to attend a "live" class, we can certainly meet up on Skype or FaceTime. Send me an email at dee@youandmeknit.com or drop me a line in the comment box at the bottom of the page.
I wish you all a wonderful July 4th. I hope it is restful, stress - less, and give a thought to why we celebrate July 4th. See you on Thursday, God Bless.
Monday, July 2, 2012
The New Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012
Good Morning!
Hope you all had a a great weekend, and was able to keep cool. It's supposed to be a tad cooler today but I will wait and see for myself.
When I got home from teaching on Saturday at yarnandteashop.com, on the kitchen table was my new issue of Vogue Knitting, Early Fall 2012. I was so excited by the cover, that I had to first thumb through and look at all the new knitwear designs. Each one is beautiful and innovative.
Shorts! Can you believe shorts? on page 69, a pair of hand knit blue shorts paired with a green belted sweater. On the preceding page, 68, a green double moss stitch skirt paired with a blue boucle' mohair sweater. All four pieces by Deborah Newton.
On page 42, one of my favorite subjects....gauge. The article titled The Finishers' Best Friend: The Swatch Tells the Story of a Sweater, by Deborah Newton. There are many swatches featured and the content of the article hopefully will soothe the hackles of those that just hate swatching.
I have tried over the years to educate knitters as to the benefits of the swatch, but this article gives even more reasons than I in favor of spending time swatching. Enough said...read on.
A few other designs really caught my eye, and I have already made some notes as to the fiber that I wish to create them in. Alas, they end up in a long line of "to do's". They are the Lace Coat by Brooke Nico, page 51, and the Lace Poncho by Lisa Daehlin, page 55. I thought my eyes would pop out of my head when I saw these, already making mental notes on that same "to do" list who might be the lucky recipients of these pieces.
In closing, I have rarely seen so many want and need to knit pieces in one magazine. Kudos to Vogue for such a great issue!
Have great day everyone and please leave a comment in the box below if you are enjoying my blog. If you have a question, or would like more information on a subject, or some knitting help, again, leave a comment.
Hope you all had a a great weekend, and was able to keep cool. It's supposed to be a tad cooler today but I will wait and see for myself.
When I got home from teaching on Saturday at yarnandteashop.com, on the kitchen table was my new issue of Vogue Knitting, Early Fall 2012. I was so excited by the cover, that I had to first thumb through and look at all the new knitwear designs. Each one is beautiful and innovative.
Shorts! Can you believe shorts? on page 69, a pair of hand knit blue shorts paired with a green belted sweater. On the preceding page, 68, a green double moss stitch skirt paired with a blue boucle' mohair sweater. All four pieces by Deborah Newton.
On page 42, one of my favorite subjects....gauge. The article titled The Finishers' Best Friend: The Swatch Tells the Story of a Sweater, by Deborah Newton. There are many swatches featured and the content of the article hopefully will soothe the hackles of those that just hate swatching.
I have tried over the years to educate knitters as to the benefits of the swatch, but this article gives even more reasons than I in favor of spending time swatching. Enough said...read on.
A few other designs really caught my eye, and I have already made some notes as to the fiber that I wish to create them in. Alas, they end up in a long line of "to do's". They are the Lace Coat by Brooke Nico, page 51, and the Lace Poncho by Lisa Daehlin, page 55. I thought my eyes would pop out of my head when I saw these, already making mental notes on that same "to do" list who might be the lucky recipients of these pieces.
In closing, I have rarely seen so many want and need to knit pieces in one magazine. Kudos to Vogue for such a great issue!
Have great day everyone and please leave a comment in the box below if you are enjoying my blog. If you have a question, or would like more information on a subject, or some knitting help, again, leave a comment.
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