Just Catching Up!

5 02 2012

Since it’s been a week since my last post, I thought it would be good to catch up and get back on track.   This week was a little tough on me as my Grandmother went home to God, so I wasn’t feeling up to the task of writing my blog or staying in touch with everyone as much as I typically do.   Basically, I was in what I call a slight “funk” but I’m much better now and have refreshed feeling, yes, life is good!

With that being said, let’s see what has happened ….

Back in January I showed you a progress photo of my 198 Yards of Heaven,  which I started January 7th and  finished January 25th.   I used almost a full skein of my stash of  The Sanguine Gryphon Little Traveller Uljin (Yardage: 1 skein = 560 yds and I used all but .40oz of this skein)  and it blocked out to a nice size of   26” x 54”.

 

In the Springtree Road Groupon Raverly, we’ve started a KAL for the month of February to about the second week of March.  I still haven’t casted on my socks for this KAL, but plan to knit a pair of Spring Forward  socks by Linda Welch in my yummy stash of Springtree Road Muscandine Sock Yarn in Tanis.

 

 

I’ve started a crochet vest creating a slight modified version of the Birch Vest  by Kristin Omdahl.  Instead of crocheting the same stitch pattern for the body of the vest, I’ve opted to use a pineapple stitch, which turning out really nice and I will post a photo soon.  I’m very happy to finally be using up my stash of Queensland Collection Rustic Wool DK and look forward to wearing this vest before the summer heat kicks in.

So, speaking of stash.  As many of you may know from a recent post on my FaceBook page, one of my local yarn stores closed their doors the end of January.  I was blessed to pick up quite a few new skeins of yarn, as well as a new collections of books, at a very low price.  Since the stash grew so large, my husband insisted that we turn our unused spare bedroom into my new studio.  After moving everything, re-organizing, etc… I’m so happy to have a great space that is quiet and very peaceful.

Looking in from the hall.

Looking from the desk

Craftsy has officially launched the ability to purchase patterns directly from their site and I’ve actually already sold a few.  If you’re a designer who reads my blog,  I encouraging you to post your patterns online with Craftsy.  It’s free and truly easy to set-up!  If you’re a crafter, you now have another venue for purchasing patterns which includes:

I know there must be lots more I’m forgetting but I feel much better to have caught up.  I have a couple of reviews to post soon and I’m thinking it would be fun to post something for Valentine’s Day!

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!


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TNNA Part 4, Saving the Best for Last

29 01 2012

It has been exactly a week since I attended the TNNA convention and I’m still can’t believe that I had the good fortune to go.  On a late Thursday evening, I received a message from someone asking if I was attending as she wanted to meet me in person.  That someone was Cornelia Hamilton.

Cornelia has been such an inspiration to me, not to mention encouraging, generous, giving and so very kind.  I was trilled that we were going to finally meet and that I could show her in person the scarf I designed using her beautiful Heaven’s Hand in Wool Classic !

Even after a week has gone by, I’m still so very excited that I got to meet this remarkable and talented woman.  Even if she doesn’t realize it, she has made a huge impact on my life and has been such a huge motivating factor for me to try to succeed in the knitting world.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you Cornelia!!!

Cornelia Hamilton

About:  Cornelia Hamilton’s career started in New York where she developed her talent during the early 80’s. There she designed for the better knitting magazines and to a private clientele. The high point of her time in NY was a handknit collection under her own label that was sold to select boutiques in 20 states from Florida to Alaska.  A move over the Altantic to Mariefred, Sweden has given her the peace and harmony to live with her family and develop her artistic creativity even further. Here she has a small boutique, runs her business Hamilton Design and writes articles on knitting for American and Scandinavian publications.

 

For those who would like to know more about Cornelia’s Heaven’s Hand Classic Wool, please visit Clara Parkes, Knitter’s Review, where Clara did an in-depth review of Cornelia’s yarn.  You can find Cornelia online at Raverly, FaceBook and online at her website, Hamilton Designs.  I personally can attest that this yarn is quite lovely to knit with, holds it’s shape and is soft to the touch!

______________________________________________________________________

The scarf I was designed based upon the sand paintings created by many of our Native American Indians, especially those in Arizona.   Unique in design, this scarf is completely reversible. One side gives the appearance of cables with a touch of lace, while the other side echoes a raised textured design mimicking designs of the southwest.   This scarf is created in two panels and then grafted together using the Kitchener Stitch.

This pattern will require approximately 300 yards of Cornelia Hamilton’s Heaven’s Hand Wool Classic ( or any worsted weight to match a gauge of  22 stitches = 2 inches in stockinette), a pair of  US  size 8 (5.0 mm) and a tapestry needle.

Finished size: 6”/15.2 cm x 70” /177.77 cm (fully blocked)

This pattern is available for $4.50 USD


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Wednesday Pattern Spotlight: TNNA Part 3, The Fickle Knitter

25 01 2012

Michelle Miller and Me

 

I had the sincere pleasure of meeting a very talented designer at the TNNA convention this past Saturday, Michelle Miller, a.k.a  Fickle Knitter.

Michelle’s designs are even more fantastic in person and I’m simply in love with her shawl designs.  The one particular thing I truly love about this designer, she creates designs that only require one skein of yarn.  That is a big plus and it a great way for knitters to stash bust.

Courtesy of Michelle Miller

Did you know that Michelle just launched her very first book?

Leaves, features eight projects using only 395 yards of luxury yarn or less.  Each pattern is very well written, provides charts, offers tips, abbreviations and includes gorgeous photos of each design.

Inside you will find projects for  four small accessories that are perfect for newer knitters and four shawls for more advanced knitters.   The great thing about Michelle’s designs, each pattern has been tech edited and test knit for accuracy as well as clarity

Patterns include:

You can purchase a signed hard copy of Michelle’s book or purchase a PDF version.  Either way you will not be disappointed!  You can find all of Michelle’s design online at her Website and online at Raverly. Be sure to stay informed and join her Raverly group,  Fickle Knitter Design and follow her on FaceBook.

About:  Michelle Miller graduated from West Virginia University in 2003 with her first degree in Physics with an emphasis in Astrophysics.  She then attended California State University at Long Beach while studying Physics and doing Materials Science Laboratory research, graduating with her Masters Degree in 2010.

Michelle has been writing knitting patterns professionally since 2008.  She combines her love of mathematics and knitting and takes joy in her knitting (almost) every day.  Michelle has been published regularly with articles and knitting patterns appearing in magazines and books since 2009.  Michelle specializes in writing knitting patterns that only requires one skein of luxury yarns.


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Categories : Patterns, Wednesday Patterns

TNNA Comes to Phoenix, Part 2

23 01 2012

I was so excited to meet so many people at this convention that I have had the pleasure of visiting online with over the last two years.

I got to meet Anne Kuo Lukito of Crafty Diversions , who had a booth displaying her wonderful designs.  I can say that Anne’s designs are even more beautiful in person and it was loads of fun being able to try on her beautiful Weekend Shawl.  I also got to see one of her latest designs, Lakedale, a gorgeous jacket that features small two-color brioche cable columns along the front and a two-color brioche edging.  I must try knitting this soon!

Left to Right: Karen, Tina and Anne

I also got to meet the fabulous Stefanie Japel, Manager of Marketing and Community and Knitting Instructor for Craftsy.    I’m very excited about the new Indie Design program that Craftsy is launching in February, which allows designers to list their patterns free.  This is huge kudos in my book and I encourage designers to sign up for this wonderful opportunity.  This new venue is a great way to further your ability to market your designs to a community dedicated to crafting.

Did you know that over 470,000  crafters (and growing!) visit Craftsy.com each month? Build your design business and offer patterns on Craftsy!

Tina and Stefanie

Roxanne Yeun of Zen Yarn Garden was there too!   I got to finally meet this talented Indy dyer in person and was so excited to see Roxanne’s new Crystal Colorways, as well as many of her other colorways, and was able to touch this incredibly soft yummy yarn.  It was awesome!  Roxanne also had a few of her lovely designs on display, which was lots of fun to see.

Crystal Colorways

Darn, my eyes were closed but I'm sharing anyway!

I also got to see fellow Arizona designer,  Yumiko Alexander of DanDoh Designs.  Yumiko’s line of designs keep growing.  This talented designer creates beautiful garments for both knitting and crocheting, as well as a combination of both techniques.

Yumiko Alexander

It was fun to meet Kate Oates of Tottoppers, who corraled Ysolda Teague and the young lady for Deep South Fibers  into my photo.   Kate is busy working on a book and as you can see, is also expecting a new baby that is due in May.

Julie on the left, Kate in the Middle and Ysolda on the Right

I also received a hand-autographed copy of Lisa Bogart‘s book, Knit with Love.  I can’t wait to sit down and read this book!

Knit with Love, Stories to Warm a Knitter’s Heart -  shares amazing anecdotes of more than 40 knitters, from a Staff Sergeant in Iraq who started a group of knitting soldiers, to a high school guidance counselor who recruited athletic and academic students alike for knitting during the lunch hour. It also includes a fascinating look at knitting throughout history, the many ways knitting can contribute to the community, various tips and tricks for the knitter, even a step-by step plan for starting your own knitting group.

Lisa Bogart, author of Knit with Love

I will have two more posts about my adventures at TNNA, so do stay tuned.  Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!


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The National Needlearts Association (TNNA) comes to Phoenix ~ Part 1

22 01 2012

I had a very rare and unique opportunity to attend the TNNA convention here in Phoenix for one spectacular day.  A very warm and special thank you to Karen Sadow, owner of One Planet Yarn and Fiber, who generously offered to give me a badge so that I could attend this event.  I had a blast tagging along with Karen and Terri, owner of the Fiber Factory of Mesa, all day on Saturday.  I can honestly say I was in pure heaven and cannot believe that I as able to see so many gorgeous skeins of yarn, braids of fiber, needles and accessories all underneath one roof!  It was almost overwhelming.

Since I was there for only one day, but took so many photos and met so many wonderful people, I’m going to do a four-part series of my experience at TNNA.  This is for a couple of reasons, one, there is some much to tell you about and two, there are a few folks that just need a post dedicated to them.

It was very exciting to be able to finally see and even touch a few of the fibers I have heard about and that have received great reviews.  There were also fabulous hand-knits that had been knitted up for samples to show case these wonderful fibers, and many were simply amazing.

Each photo that follow will have the company name and simply click the photo to be taken directly to their website.

Are you ready for a fiber adventure?  If so, here we go!!!

Hand Painted Knitting Yarns

Mountain Colors Hand Painted Yarn - By the way, that's Cat Bordhi wearing the shawl

Be Sweet Yarns - Karen of One Planet Yarn & Fiber and Terri of the Fiber Factory

Jade Sapphire Yarns - Gorgeous Knitted Samples

The Fibre Company - In the back is Hannah Fettig co-author of Coastal Knits

Anzula Luxury Fibers - Yarn and Fiber for spinning

Imperial Yarn - American Grown Wool Yarn Company

Alchemy Yarn - Alchemy Tweedy ... this was stunning!

Beautiful display by Kollage Yarns

Lorna's Laces Hand Dyed Yarns

Red Barn Yarn

A beautiful shawl display by Manos del Uruguay Yarn

Aurora Yarns

Berroco Yarn - A yarn bar hosted by designer Norah Gaughan

Norah Gaughan was hosting a fun event, a knitting bar where you could sample the new lines by Berroco Yarn.  After you knitted a bit, you could take one of the containers that contained samples.  Norah was a lot of fun and was enjoying all the knitters that were gathering around.  She was also a good sport when I asked her if I could take a photo.

There are many more photos to share but I will save those for another day.  Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!


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Categories : Casting On and Casting Off, Review, Yarn & Fiber

On the Bookshelf: Introducing Apps for your iPad by Interweave

19 01 2012

For those of you who own iPad, did you know that Interweave has launched a few new Apps that are ready for download at your finger tips?

I recently was given an opportunity to download a great new App from Interweave,  The Knitter’s Companion, which is based on the best-selling book by Vicki Square.

This App is perfect for quick reference, provides navigation with  ease and  allows  you to explore many variations of seams, borders, bind-offs, stitches and learn how to use embellishments for your knitting projects and much more.   Each technique has detailed illustrations that make it easier to follow and understand what you are learning.

This App gives knitters more portability and for me, this is a great tool to have on your iPad and I give it a huge “thumbs up”.

More Knitting iPad Apps by Interweave:

Colorways

Colorways

ColorKnits
There are many new Apps appearing every day on iTunes, so be sure to check them out!

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There’s nothing like lace!

17 01 2012

So one of my goals this year is to knit at least 8 shawls, which as I mentioned earlier, I joined Romi’s lovely Pins & Lace Club that will truly help me on this adventure but I didn’t mention that I ordered the January Illuminati Kit from WoolGirl , which is part of her Embrace the Lace Club.

I got my kit today and I’m super excited to get my very first skein of Miss Babs yarn and my very first pattern designed by Renee Leverington, a.k.a.  Goddess Knits !

Inside my kit:

  • 1 skein of Yasmin lace weight (80% merino and 20% tussah silk) from Miss Babs in the colorway of Illuminati and 1250 yards in just one skein.
  • Soilsigh shawl pattern designed by Renee Leverington, a.k.a.  Goddess Knits
  • A handmade bag that holds beads for the shawl project
  • A stitch marker designed by Cathy and Emilee of MD Knits.
  • An extra-large boxy project bag.
  • A handmade Illuminati gift tag created by Jennifer of Woolgirl – perfect book mark.

I can’t wait to finish up my current shawl project so I can start this one!!


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Categories : All Knitting, Lace Knitting

Flowers for the garden.

16 01 2012

I love this time of year in Phoenix for the simple reason I can enjoy many of my favorite annuals until the heat of summer comes.  I have a major soft spot for old fashion garden flowers and love to mix them in with my miniature roses.

Yesterday evening I planted Stock, and oh they do smell so heavenly!  I may have to pick up a few pansies too just to add a finishing touch to my annual flower bed.  These old fashion varieties make me think of English Cottage gardens and are always a fun favorite to add this time of the year, especially to add a bit of wonderful fragrance to the back yard.

Have a wonderful day!


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Categories : Stuff

Display fun ….

15 01 2012

Yesterday my husband and I decided to take a trip over to East Mesa, which is about an hour drive for us, and go to a couple of antique shops we’ve never been to before. We had loads of fun and saw many things we really would have love to purchase and bring home, but we just don’t have the room for any more stuff.

I did pick up a few vintage crochet pieces, but I must say the highlight of my day was two hanging hat displays for the wall.  I’ve seen these on eBay many times, but was happy to seem them in person and needless to say they came home with us.

I ended up hanging them over my desk and got tickled when my husband told me they looked like wall sconces.  I guess in a way, they do!  I think they really look fun and it’s a great way for me to show off my hand knits.  I may have to move the dress form to the left of the desk as it almost makes it a bit cluttered looking, but I’ll decide on that later.

I finished spinning the last of my BFL this afternoon.  I haven’t quite decided if I want to leave my two bobbins as singles or if I want to ply them.  The goal for this particular fiber was for a spin to shawl KAL and I really think singles would be ok but I will decide tomorrow what will become of my spun fiber.

Happy Sunday!


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On the needles …. WIPs and more stash!

14 01 2012

Well I haven’t been totally true to my list of WIPs or to my knitting goals of the year …. sigh, what’s a girl suppose to do!

I decided that I need a quick knit project that was easy to memorize and just knit.  So, I casted on my second 198 yds. of Heaven by Christy Verity for the dozen shawls in 20dozengroup last weekend using my stash of Sanguine Gryphon Little Traveller in a gorgeous berry color, Uljin.    I’ve done about 6 repeats of the pattern and plan to continue.  With the amount of yardage in the Little Traveller, 560 yards, I plan to knit a decent size shawl vs. a shawlette.

Sanguine Gryphon Little Traveller in Uljin

Progress photo of my 198 Yds of Heaven

So I mentioned in an earlier post that I would be knitting the Cable Lagoon socks by Kris Carlson for the January KAL in the Year of Stash Socks Group and that I would be using my stash of Liberty’s Yarn Sockenstein in a soft lilac.

I was excited about learning how to knit toe-up, but honestly, I just didn’t like it and guess deep down I’m a cuff down kind of sock knitter.  After 4 attempts, I ripped it out and started cuff down and now I’m much happier.

Progress Photo - Cable Lagoons

After these two projects are completed I plan to start on my Cobble Shawl and I’m still spinning fiber too … right now on the wheel is a very soft 100% BFL by Spirit Trail Fiberworks.  I have already spun one full bobbin and I’m almost done with the second bobbin.  Plans are to ply by Monday, fingers crossed!  I do wish I could spin as fast as my fiber buddy Simone, who just finished spinning  1 lb of fiber this week!

Progress Photo: 100% BFL Fiber

I was also excited that I won a skein of lovely skein of Cascade Hertitage Sock yarn  in blue for the Finish Up Challenge in the Year of Stash Socks Group!  This was for finishing up my Nutkins!

Cascade Hertitage Sock Yarn

 

Too many project and not enough time!  Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!


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Categories : KAL, Knitting Patterns, Socks, spinning

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