Monday, October 15, 2007
Half Way Home
Pair 26 of 52 and one more Holiday Pair of Socks. These are knit in Hill Country Yarn Candycane color way on size 3 KP Harmony Needles. I made them extra long for cold winter nights. Two of my fellow plungers have completed all 52 pairs of their socks - amazing.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Extremely Educational!!
Knit and Crochet Fall 2007 TKGA National Conference/CGOA Regional Conference Courses
Well I have gone through all of my class materials and I can say that I learned something in each and every one of the classes I took. I took away lots of excellent handouts and some nice free patterns.
******************************
Design 1A Just Rectangles Paper Doll
Design Series for Knit and Crochet
Instructor: Nancy Nehring
Nancy Nehring is amazing. She has researched and written about the history of lace and she uses authentic vintage threads; and her lace buttons are beautiful. But this class is the first in a series of knit and crochet design classes. The design series starts with the basics of making garments with 1 -3 rectangles and ends with the final design stage of shaping the rectangles for fitted garments. This class was so much fun. The design elements are presented as clothing for a paper doll - remember those? As you go through each sample pattern you learn where and how to join the rectangles, as well as the importance of color and texture of the rectangles. Nancy passes around samples that are actual clothes knitted for an 18" doll. Those alone were worth the price of admission, we are talking about a museum quality wardrobe for a doll. It was great. I would have loved to have the fleece jacket in royal blue with the embroidered seams and pockets!! Wow. The techniques I learned in this class will enable me to make a basic vest, jacket, sweater, coat, or skirt. I will definitely be signing up for the next design class in the series at the next conference. My only regret, I did not take my Knitting Lace with Mary Schiffman book for Nancy to sign. She very graciously signed books for my classmates. Free pattern we received: Dreamy Ripple Crochet Afghan LT1528 designed by Nancy Nehring in TLC Essentials and Moda Dea Dream. It is really pretty, I will probably make one of these, it is my favorite kind of crochet pattern.
*******************************
Crochet Lite
Instructor: Karen Klemp
Crochet Lite was all about the fabric. Our homework was to crochet a gauge swatch in the suggested yarn getting the suggested gauge. Then to crochet a second gauge swatch using the same crochet hook but with yarn at least two weights lighter than the yarn called for in the pattern. My swatches were almost the same size which means I could crochet my sweater without altering the pattern. Not so for many of my classmates. There were some huge differences in some of their swatches which meant major modifications to the pattern numbers. Karen walked us through the math and she also had us chart our patterns so we could see what the fabric should look like as we crocheted. Very handy tool. My fabric in the fingering weight yarn was so much drappier and light than the worsted weight the pattern called for. I will experiment with much lighter yarn for crochet garments from now on. I have made two crocheted sweaters which I never wear because they are so HEAVY. Post stitches are used to make the crochet look like knitting and that calls for a ton of yarn and results in a garment weighing a ton. I wish I had used fingering weight or even lace weight doubled for those sweaters. Live and learn. The sample sweaters Karen passed around the class were gorgeous. There was one she did in a silk blend that I have in a pattern book, and I did not even recognize it because it looks so different in something other than worsted weight. The stitch definition was amazing. I have chosen that as my first experiment in crocheting a sweater in a class 1 or class 2 yarn. Many of the other samples were knit in alpaca, and surprisingly the patterns were knit with about half the yardage called for in worsted weight. That was an eye opener. Finer yarn may be pricier, but if you need only half as much, it all balances out. Pretty cool. (Hence all the alpaca in my fiber finds post :P)
******************************
Crochet Illusions
Instructor: Darla J. Fanton
This class is all about magic. You crochet in a sport weight or a lighter weight yarn and magically you end up with two distinct results. A striped fabric and a pictorial fabric. There is a very simple trick to it, which I am so glad I learned. I will definitely be using this method in future projects. The heart we made in class will be making an appearance in the crochet square afghan project I am working on. We received a free pattern of a very cute potholder with the Apple Illusion. Darla has many published patterns and booklets, I grabbed one of her catalogs so I can order a couple. Darla was kind enough to pose for a picture for my blog (see below).
www.darlafanton.com
**********************
Crochet to Fit and Flatter the Queen Sized
Instructor: Joan A. Davis
This was a thinking class. Joan focuses on the planning and practicality of your plus sized designs and garments. Of course measurements and gauge are key elements, but we also learned what has been making commercial patterns look so awful on queen sized women. How commercial pattern discrepancies can be corrected and can be easily converted to beautiful queen sized clothes. Yes - there is math involved, and metrics no less. But there are several knitting software programs available to help with that. Joan gave us the pluses and minuses of three different software products. One was available in the market place and was very impressive, Knitware. We each drew schematics for our first sweater designs. Very interesting.
******************************
The Savvy Single Crochet
Instructor: Karen Ratto-Whooley
Oh my goodness, I never knew crochet could produce such stunning fabric. Karen taught us some very simple single crochet stitches that turn out very unique and lovely crocheted fabric. I plan on making entire garments with these stitches. The stitches work up very quickly - provided you are working with a crochet hook with a pointed head. Our course materials include some really nice patterns for a Handbag, and Ripple Afghan. There are more pattern booklets available on her site. www.KRWKnitwear.com formerly www.crochetlegacy.com
*******************************
An Introduction to Tunisian Crochet
Instructor: Darla J. Fanton
Another great fabric find. I did not even know there was a knit or crochet stitch in Tunisian Crochet. About 400 years ago I bought the Easy Tunisian Crochet set from Annie's Attic and tried to teach myself Tunisian Crochet. The first thing I learned in Darla's class was that I was putting my hook in the wrong bar. That is why my fabric never looked like the picture in the booklet. I also learned how to cross stitch on the fabric - fabulous. I love cross stitching, I have a cross stitched afghan in my future for sure!! Next conference I must take Darla's double hook crochet class. I have that set too from Annie's, but have not mastered the technique.
****************************
Tips & Techniques for The Perfectionist Knitter
Instructor: Sarah Peasley
This was one of those classes crammed so full of good ideas I could not take notes fast enough. You know how when you get a bunch of knitters together and we are all talking at once? It was like that, all someone had to do was throw out a problem they are having and we were all on it like sharks on chum - with our helpful advice. The cast ons and cast offs I learned were worth the price of admission. Because Sarah did not just teach us how to do it she explained why each behaves the way it does and why one is better for one garment over another. Sure there are books that have some of these "purls" of wisdom, but getting hands on instruction while it is being explained was great. Yes - you should wash and block, and even hang your gauge swatch. If I had only known - my Mom's cotton ribbed cardigan would not be a full size too big for her now!!!! I won't tell any more, but I will try to give Sarah credit in future blog posts when I am making garments that her advice has made easier for me.
****************************
Introduction to Hairpin Lace
Instructor: Jennifer Hansen
Last but surely not least. First I must say that the hairpin lace wood and copper loom that is available from the Stitch Diva Studios is far superior to my Susan Bates plastic and metal loom. That said, I probably won't ever really get into hairpin lace as a crochet technique. It is a little too fussy for my taste. Also, it is awkward for traveling projects because of the loom flipping that is required. The finished garments are so pretty which is why I took this class. But I am afraid I will have to be a consumer and buy mine. Joining hairpin lace strips is not my idea of a good time. My classmate sitting next to me made four strips and joined them and had what could have been the back of a tank top, sweater or vest during a three hour class. So obviously the class was serving her purposes, for me - not so much. I am glad I learned how though in case I ever get bored with knitting and crocheting in the multitude of techniques learned above.
******************************
And now a few pictures, click to enlarge photos. The first one is Darla Fanton from our Crochet Illusion Class. My heart came out great. Darla is followed by some fashion show photos. All of the (few) fashion show photos can be viewed in my Flickr gallery in the side bar. Some of the more famous models include Carol Ventura (Tapestry Crochet), the Editor of Vogue Knitting Magazine, Doris Chan (Crocheted Lace & Everyday Crochet), the fourth model in is wearing a Fair Isle Sweater which earned her the Master Knitter Level 3 pin at this year's conference. The MCs for the fashion show were Laura Bryant and Nancie Wiseman. It always amazes me to be among such well established and talented Instructors, Authors, Designers, Publishers and Editors. These are the people driving the yarn, knitting and crochet industry. They meet us, teach us and listen to us. If you are not a member, consider joining TKGA and or CGOA . You can influence future fashion and get your desires heard and possibly met for your knitting and crochet passions. If you are already a member and you are on Ravelry please join the groups I started for TKGA and CGOA and see what other members thought of the conferences and what projects and designs they are working on.
Cheers!!
Well I have gone through all of my class materials and I can say that I learned something in each and every one of the classes I took. I took away lots of excellent handouts and some nice free patterns.
******************************
Design 1A Just Rectangles Paper Doll
Design Series for Knit and Crochet
Instructor: Nancy Nehring
Nancy Nehring is amazing. She has researched and written about the history of lace and she uses authentic vintage threads; and her lace buttons are beautiful. But this class is the first in a series of knit and crochet design classes. The design series starts with the basics of making garments with 1 -3 rectangles and ends with the final design stage of shaping the rectangles for fitted garments. This class was so much fun. The design elements are presented as clothing for a paper doll - remember those? As you go through each sample pattern you learn where and how to join the rectangles, as well as the importance of color and texture of the rectangles. Nancy passes around samples that are actual clothes knitted for an 18" doll. Those alone were worth the price of admission, we are talking about a museum quality wardrobe for a doll. It was great. I would have loved to have the fleece jacket in royal blue with the embroidered seams and pockets!! Wow. The techniques I learned in this class will enable me to make a basic vest, jacket, sweater, coat, or skirt. I will definitely be signing up for the next design class in the series at the next conference. My only regret, I did not take my Knitting Lace with Mary Schiffman book for Nancy to sign. She very graciously signed books for my classmates. Free pattern we received: Dreamy Ripple Crochet Afghan LT1528 designed by Nancy Nehring in TLC Essentials and Moda Dea Dream. It is really pretty, I will probably make one of these, it is my favorite kind of crochet pattern.
*******************************
Crochet Lite
Instructor: Karen Klemp
Crochet Lite was all about the fabric. Our homework was to crochet a gauge swatch in the suggested yarn getting the suggested gauge. Then to crochet a second gauge swatch using the same crochet hook but with yarn at least two weights lighter than the yarn called for in the pattern. My swatches were almost the same size which means I could crochet my sweater without altering the pattern. Not so for many of my classmates. There were some huge differences in some of their swatches which meant major modifications to the pattern numbers. Karen walked us through the math and she also had us chart our patterns so we could see what the fabric should look like as we crocheted. Very handy tool. My fabric in the fingering weight yarn was so much drappier and light than the worsted weight the pattern called for. I will experiment with much lighter yarn for crochet garments from now on. I have made two crocheted sweaters which I never wear because they are so HEAVY. Post stitches are used to make the crochet look like knitting and that calls for a ton of yarn and results in a garment weighing a ton. I wish I had used fingering weight or even lace weight doubled for those sweaters. Live and learn. The sample sweaters Karen passed around the class were gorgeous. There was one she did in a silk blend that I have in a pattern book, and I did not even recognize it because it looks so different in something other than worsted weight. The stitch definition was amazing. I have chosen that as my first experiment in crocheting a sweater in a class 1 or class 2 yarn. Many of the other samples were knit in alpaca, and surprisingly the patterns were knit with about half the yardage called for in worsted weight. That was an eye opener. Finer yarn may be pricier, but if you need only half as much, it all balances out. Pretty cool. (Hence all the alpaca in my fiber finds post :P)
******************************
Crochet Illusions
Instructor: Darla J. Fanton
This class is all about magic. You crochet in a sport weight or a lighter weight yarn and magically you end up with two distinct results. A striped fabric and a pictorial fabric. There is a very simple trick to it, which I am so glad I learned. I will definitely be using this method in future projects. The heart we made in class will be making an appearance in the crochet square afghan project I am working on. We received a free pattern of a very cute potholder with the Apple Illusion. Darla has many published patterns and booklets, I grabbed one of her catalogs so I can order a couple. Darla was kind enough to pose for a picture for my blog (see below).
www.darlafanton.com
**********************
Crochet to Fit and Flatter the Queen Sized
Instructor: Joan A. Davis
This was a thinking class. Joan focuses on the planning and practicality of your plus sized designs and garments. Of course measurements and gauge are key elements, but we also learned what has been making commercial patterns look so awful on queen sized women. How commercial pattern discrepancies can be corrected and can be easily converted to beautiful queen sized clothes. Yes - there is math involved, and metrics no less. But there are several knitting software programs available to help with that. Joan gave us the pluses and minuses of three different software products. One was available in the market place and was very impressive, Knitware. We each drew schematics for our first sweater designs. Very interesting.
******************************
The Savvy Single CrochetInstructor: Karen Ratto-Whooley
Oh my goodness, I never knew crochet could produce such stunning fabric. Karen taught us some very simple single crochet stitches that turn out very unique and lovely crocheted fabric. I plan on making entire garments with these stitches. The stitches work up very quickly - provided you are working with a crochet hook with a pointed head. Our course materials include some really nice patterns for a Handbag, and Ripple Afghan. There are more pattern booklets available on her site. www.KRWKnitwear.com formerly www.crochetlegacy.com
*******************************
An Introduction to Tunisian CrochetInstructor: Darla J. Fanton
Another great fabric find. I did not even know there was a knit or crochet stitch in Tunisian Crochet. About 400 years ago I bought the Easy Tunisian Crochet set from Annie's Attic and tried to teach myself Tunisian Crochet. The first thing I learned in Darla's class was that I was putting my hook in the wrong bar. That is why my fabric never looked like the picture in the booklet. I also learned how to cross stitch on the fabric - fabulous. I love cross stitching, I have a cross stitched afghan in my future for sure!! Next conference I must take Darla's double hook crochet class. I have that set too from Annie's, but have not mastered the technique.
****************************
Tips & Techniques for The Perfectionist KnitterInstructor: Sarah Peasley
This was one of those classes crammed so full of good ideas I could not take notes fast enough. You know how when you get a bunch of knitters together and we are all talking at once? It was like that, all someone had to do was throw out a problem they are having and we were all on it like sharks on chum - with our helpful advice. The cast ons and cast offs I learned were worth the price of admission. Because Sarah did not just teach us how to do it she explained why each behaves the way it does and why one is better for one garment over another. Sure there are books that have some of these "purls" of wisdom, but getting hands on instruction while it is being explained was great. Yes - you should wash and block, and even hang your gauge swatch. If I had only known - my Mom's cotton ribbed cardigan would not be a full size too big for her now!!!! I won't tell any more, but I will try to give Sarah credit in future blog posts when I am making garments that her advice has made easier for me.
****************************
Introduction to Hairpin LaceInstructor: Jennifer Hansen
Last but surely not least. First I must say that the hairpin lace wood and copper loom that is available from the Stitch Diva Studios is far superior to my Susan Bates plastic and metal loom. That said, I probably won't ever really get into hairpin lace as a crochet technique. It is a little too fussy for my taste. Also, it is awkward for traveling projects because of the loom flipping that is required. The finished garments are so pretty which is why I took this class. But I am afraid I will have to be a consumer and buy mine. Joining hairpin lace strips is not my idea of a good time. My classmate sitting next to me made four strips and joined them and had what could have been the back of a tank top, sweater or vest during a three hour class. So obviously the class was serving her purposes, for me - not so much. I am glad I learned how though in case I ever get bored with knitting and crocheting in the multitude of techniques learned above.
******************************
And now a few pictures, click to enlarge photos. The first one is Darla Fanton from our Crochet Illusion Class. My heart came out great. Darla is followed by some fashion show photos. All of the (few) fashion show photos can be viewed in my Flickr gallery in the side bar. Some of the more famous models include Carol Ventura (Tapestry Crochet), the Editor of Vogue Knitting Magazine, Doris Chan (Crocheted Lace & Everyday Crochet), the fourth model in is wearing a Fair Isle Sweater which earned her the Master Knitter Level 3 pin at this year's conference. The MCs for the fashion show were Laura Bryant and Nancie Wiseman. It always amazes me to be among such well established and talented Instructors, Authors, Designers, Publishers and Editors. These are the people driving the yarn, knitting and crochet industry. They meet us, teach us and listen to us. If you are not a member, consider joining TKGA and or CGOA . You can influence future fashion and get your desires heard and possibly met for your knitting and crochet passions. If you are already a member and you are on Ravelry please join the groups I started for TKGA and CGOA and see what other members thought of the conferences and what projects and designs they are working on.
Cheers!!
Friday, October 05, 2007
A Gift From Amy
Amy surprised me at lunch with this wonderful felted bowl and two skeins of Knit Picks Felici Arugula. The card is the cutest thing ever!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
OMG
I was planning to blog tonight about the conference and post some fashion show pictures, but I could not wait to post this. THE Doris Chan just sent me a message in Ravelry. I am floored, because I am such a huge fan of hers. Sqquuuuueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! [Note: the book cover is her avatar.] I tell you, going to these conferences is a huge networking opportunity and you get to meet some truly amazing and inspiring folks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
dorisjchan1 post
posted 19 minutes ago
reply to paletpc's post #25 26
Hey paletpc,
I am not sure if "sassiest" is the word I would have used! I might have had the most fun out of all the models, tho. :D
There were two fashion shows. The one on Friday in the market was for vendors' samples, so we had to be on our best professional behavior. Not a lot of crochet. All the things I modeled were knitted! I loved the denim-y "Route 66" jacket and Lisa Gentry's berry-colored wrapped top in Moda Dea yarn. The show on Saturday night was more fun because it included attendee fashions. That's when I got to twirl around in my hemp skirt and goof around.
I totally understand that Oakland was a regional event for CGOA and did not expect as many crocheters as there are at the summer national Chain Link event. But many of us were there and made ourselves heard, particularly at the bar. But that's why we insist "what happens in Oakland, stays in Oakland"!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Fiber Finds
THE ONE MARKET FOR KNIT AND CROCHET
I won't give specific prices but suffice it to say the vendors offered these luscious fibers for up to 25% off the regular prices. Which really adds up when you shop like I do.
Pacific Meadows Alpacas
100% Alpaca 150 yards/33 grams
Colorways:
- Teal - 4 hank
- Navy - 4 hanks
- Periwinkle - 4 hanks
Argosy
Hand Painted Luxury Yarns
Haiku 2 Ply
55% Silk ~ 25% Cashmere
Colorway: Robin's Egg Blue - 5 hanks
Fleece Artist
Basic Merino Socks
- Stone - 1 Hank
- Pinata - 1 Hank
- Angel Fish - 1 Hank
- Mahogany - 1 Hank
Catalina Handpaints Sol Joy
100% Superwash Merino Wool
#805 Blue-Greens
Royal Hare Hand-Painted Yarn
100% Superwash Merino Wool
Colorways:
- Napa Nutmeg - 2 hanks
- Navy - 2 hanks
- Calistoga Calypso - 2 hanks
Terilyn Needleart
Zephyr Wool-Silk Lace Weight
50% Fine Grade Merino Wool
50% Chinese Tussah Silk
Colorway: Admiral - 2 hanks
JaggerSpun Superfine Merino
100% Australian Merino Wool Lace Weight 2/18
Mothproofed
Colorway: Graphite - 2 hanks
JaggerSpun Heather
100% Wool Fingering Weight 2/8
Colorways:
Cobalt - 2 hanks
Sylvan Green - 2 hanks
The Village Spinning & Weaving Shop
712 Spun Silk
100% premium silk
Hand Dyed - no colorways
2 big hanks
..........................................
Foxyknits Exclusively Koigu
KPPM 100% Merino Wool
Colorways: 1 hank each
#P624X 
#P523
#P339
#P336
#P118L
MORE FROM MY FAVORITE ONLINE STORE
HERRSCHNERS
Regia Silk
55% Merino ~ 20% Silk ~ 25% Polyamid
Colorways:
Jeans - 2 balls
Med Blue - 2 balls
White - 6 balls
Linen - 2 balls
Plymouth Yarn - Dream Baby DK
50% Nylon ~ 50% Microfiber
White - 1 ball
Mint - 1 ball
Regia Bamboo Color
45% Bamboo ~ 40% Superwash Wool ~ 15 % Polyamid
White and Blue
Gift from Amy
Knit Picks Felici
75% Superwash Merino ~ 25% Nylon
Arugula
Handout From Crochet for the Queen Size Class
Bernat Softee Chunky Twists
100% Acrylic
Colorway: Taupe - 3 Balls
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
B&N Booklist Sale
Barnes and Noble had a really nice sale. Books 50% off for non-members and 60% off for members. I bought the four books on my wishlist and several more. I looked at all of these books in the store. I did not feel the amount of content that interested me was worth the price. For instance there were just one or two patterns I would knit or crochet. Or the information repeated another source I already had, adding just a few new techniques. But at 60% off they all became a good value. If any of them turn out to be something I will never read or use I will sell them on Half.com. Without further ado ~ my latest library additions:
VOGUE KNITTING:
Socks Two on the go!
Crocheted Shawls on the go!
Very Easy Knits
The Best of Vogue Knitting 25 Years
The Big Book if Knitting by Katherina Buss
From Knit to Crochet by The Needlecraft Shop
Knitting in The Round by Jeanne Stauffer
Never Too Old to Knit by Karin Strom
The Knitter's Handbook by Eleanor Van Zandt
Drunk, Divorced & Covered in Cat Hair by Crazy Aunt Purl aka Laurie Perry
Knitspiration: an inspirational journal for knitters by ME as I work my projects from now on
Books from other sources that have joined my collection.
Mosaic Knitting by Barbara Walker
The Gossamer Webs Design Collection by Galina Khmeleva
Next Two Steps: Create Your Own Pullover by Patons
Next Three Steps: Create Your Own Cardigan by Patons
The Crocheter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements by Ann Budd
The Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements by Ann Budd
Freebie Reading Materials and Patterns from the Conference:
Crochet! Magazine November 2007, my subscription issue came yesterday so now I have two. I can tear one up now instead of photocopying patterns and/or articles.
Crochet Today! Sept/Oct '07
Cast On May - July 2007 extra copy for tearing apart
Crochet Today! July/Aug '07
Moda Dea
Easy Knit & Crochet Scarves - and one ball of Washable Wool in True Red
Knit Shoulder Wrap - and one ball of Fashionista in Cornsilk
Crochet Belted Jacket - and one ball of Tweedle Dee in Surf & Turf
Red Heart
Crochet Ripple Scarf - and one ball of Easy Tweed in Persimmon
Crochet Tie Front Top - and one ball of Hula in Limeade
Crochet Baby Jacket - and one skein of TLC Sparkle Soft in Yellow
Lion Brand Yarn Spring/Summer 2007 - and three balls of Wool Ease in Fucshia; Susan Bates size 11 14" knitting needles; extra tall tote bag
Sol Joy Basic Sock - with purchase of Sol Joy yarn
Two Purchased Patterns
Koigu Charlotte's Web Shawl with a Picot Edge
Fiber Trends Spring Blossoms Shawl by Eugen K. Beugler
There were also some patterns given by the instructors in the booklets and handouts in the conference classes - more on those later. I will comment on the books as I read and use them. I will also highlight any patterns I created. It's been two days since I knit, gotta go get my knit on. Tomorrow my yarn purchase list.
VOGUE KNITTING:
Socks Two on the go!
Crocheted Shawls on the go!
Very Easy Knits
The Best of Vogue Knitting 25 Years
The Big Book if Knitting by Katherina Buss
From Knit to Crochet by The Needlecraft Shop
Knitting in The Round by Jeanne Stauffer
Never Too Old to Knit by Karin Strom
The Knitter's Handbook by Eleanor Van Zandt
Drunk, Divorced & Covered in Cat Hair by Crazy Aunt Purl aka Laurie Perry
Knitspiration: an inspirational journal for knitters by ME as I work my projects from now on
Books from other sources that have joined my collection.
Mosaic Knitting by Barbara Walker
The Gossamer Webs Design Collection by Galina Khmeleva
Next Two Steps: Create Your Own Pullover by Patons
Next Three Steps: Create Your Own Cardigan by Patons
The Crocheter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements by Ann Budd
The Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements by Ann Budd
Freebie Reading Materials and Patterns from the Conference:
Crochet! Magazine November 2007, my subscription issue came yesterday so now I have two. I can tear one up now instead of photocopying patterns and/or articles.
Crochet Today! Sept/Oct '07
Cast On May - July 2007 extra copy for tearing apart
Crochet Today! July/Aug '07
Moda Dea
Easy Knit & Crochet Scarves - and one ball of Washable Wool in True Red
Knit Shoulder Wrap - and one ball of Fashionista in Cornsilk
Crochet Belted Jacket - and one ball of Tweedle Dee in Surf & Turf
Red Heart
Crochet Ripple Scarf - and one ball of Easy Tweed in Persimmon
Crochet Tie Front Top - and one ball of Hula in Limeade
Crochet Baby Jacket - and one skein of TLC Sparkle Soft in Yellow
Lion Brand Yarn Spring/Summer 2007 - and three balls of Wool Ease in Fucshia; Susan Bates size 11 14" knitting needles; extra tall tote bag
Sol Joy Basic Sock - with purchase of Sol Joy yarn
Two Purchased Patterns
Koigu Charlotte's Web Shawl with a Picot Edge
Fiber Trends Spring Blossoms Shawl by Eugen K. Beugler
There were also some patterns given by the instructors in the booklets and handouts in the conference classes - more on those later. I will comment on the books as I read and use them. I will also highlight any patterns I created. It's been two days since I knit, gotta go get my knit on. Tomorrow my yarn purchase list.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Oh My Goodness
There is so much going on. I finished my Six Sox KAL I Love Gansey Socks, they are lovely the pictures do not do the pattern justice.
The CGOA/TKGA Conference was a huge success, I learned so much I will never get to do it all. I met Amy for lunch Thursday and she brought me GIFTS - the felted bowl she made me is perfect for my new buttons I bought. Hilary Clinton came in just as I was leaving Sunday. I met several Ravelers that I am in Groups with, got some friending to do!!! Bought too much yarn, yep you heard it here first. I will be the first to admit that this time I bought too much yarn. Sunday the sellers mark down their stock so they have less to take home. That's when I scored the cashmere, silk and alpaca. I am not going to post pictures and I probably won't put pictures in Ravelry either - too much yarn. OK?!?! More on that later. Learned about some new design software. Met a few authors. Learned tons of tricks and short cuts. I received so many complements on my shawl that I am still blushing. I wanted to get my sock pic up, more on all the other fabulousness later. Some of my fashion show pics actually came out. I won a knitting machine at the banquet, but I traded Sydney for a pair of Lantern Moons needles. I cannot wait to get home and do a detailed post. I SO look forward to next year!
I received my sale books from Barnes and Noble. I have scanned them into Library Thing, hopefully some of them will upload to Ravelry. I have lots of yarn, books and patterns for my queue in Ravelry that need adding. I have some yarn dyers and knitters I need to find and friend. I actually met a lady from Stockton that had never heard of Lime & Violet - shocking!!
My Hogwart's Sock Swap Pal dumped me, no not really, she's with child and we agreed to shorten our package deadline and make a few modifications is all. So I have deleted her socks from my WIP, finished the Ganseys, I almost feel like I have nothing to work on.
Oh yeah, my Basics Basics Basics knitter's guild program came. I was even sitting with one of the Master Knitter recipients from Texas and the retiring Master Knitters program director at dinner. That was cool. I hope some of that expertise rubbed off.
The CGOA/TKGA Conference was a huge success, I learned so much I will never get to do it all. I met Amy for lunch Thursday and she brought me GIFTS - the felted bowl she made me is perfect for my new buttons I bought. Hilary Clinton came in just as I was leaving Sunday. I met several Ravelers that I am in Groups with, got some friending to do!!! Bought too much yarn, yep you heard it here first. I will be the first to admit that this time I bought too much yarn. Sunday the sellers mark down their stock so they have less to take home. That's when I scored the cashmere, silk and alpaca. I am not going to post pictures and I probably won't put pictures in Ravelry either - too much yarn. OK?!?! More on that later. Learned about some new design software. Met a few authors. Learned tons of tricks and short cuts. I received so many complements on my shawl that I am still blushing. I wanted to get my sock pic up, more on all the other fabulousness later. Some of my fashion show pics actually came out. I won a knitting machine at the banquet, but I traded Sydney for a pair of Lantern Moons needles. I cannot wait to get home and do a detailed post. I SO look forward to next year!
I received my sale books from Barnes and Noble. I have scanned them into Library Thing, hopefully some of them will upload to Ravelry. I have lots of yarn, books and patterns for my queue in Ravelry that need adding. I have some yarn dyers and knitters I need to find and friend. I actually met a lady from Stockton that had never heard of Lime & Violet - shocking!!
My Hogwart's Sock Swap Pal dumped me, no not really, she's with child and we agreed to shorten our package deadline and make a few modifications is all. So I have deleted her socks from my WIP, finished the Ganseys, I almost feel like I have nothing to work on.
Oh yeah, my Basics Basics Basics knitter's guild program came. I was even sitting with one of the Master Knitter recipients from Texas and the retiring Master Knitters program director at dinner. That was cool. I hope some of that expertise rubbed off.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
1st Blocking Experience
I recruited my Mom and laid out all of my tools and got all tense and nervous about blocking my finished Forest Canopy Shawl. Why? It was very simple. I like orderly steps and blocking is just that, simple and orderly. I soaked my shawl for 30 minutes, pressed it between two towels and then spread it out on my Blocking board. I used three different types of pins and two of my wires. The wires across the widest part on top. T-pins on the furthest edges and points. Daisy Top quilting pins for the points. Straight pins on the other areas that are more relaxed that I just did not want to crinkle or draw up as the fabric drys. Voila, it will be dry this time tomorrow.
BEFORE - Unblocked
Tools:
After - Blocked:
Mom did not get to play at all. I was able to rotate the board around and luckily did not have any pins to pop out.
Finishing Touch - The Shawl Pin from Ruby Vegas on etsy.
BEFORE - Unblocked
Tools:
After - Blocked:
Mom did not get to play at all. I was able to rotate the board around and luckily did not have any pins to pop out.
Finishing Touch - The Shawl Pin from Ruby Vegas on etsy.
The Daily Chum by Lime and Violet
I am thoroughly enjoying The Daily Chum newsletter. I found Robert Buchanan's book, The Garter Stitch and a new yarn seller that I love, WoolGirl. I bought a few items and they arrived in 2 days time. I am a sucker for presentation and Jen's presentation is exceptional.
and gifts
most importantly - quality products
and lastly, protection.
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