Tina « Peacefully Knitting

Update on my 2012 Resolutions ….

11 05 2012

The last day of 2011, I made a list of goals for knitting projects for the new year. Sometimes I get a bit carried away with goals, and this is one of those times. After going back and reviewing my goals, I now realize I won’t be able to keep the majority of them, but that’s ok, goals are good for me!

So, here’s what I planned for 2012:

Knit at least 4 pairs of socks
Knit at least 8 shawls – I joined Romi’s lovely Pins & Lace Club, this will ensure I do this!
Knit at least 4 lace scarves
Knit 2 sweaters – one for me and one for my Mom
Create at least 6 new designs to include, hats, scarves and wraps
Learn new techniques such as two a time socks, Fair Isle/Colorwork, toe up socks
Development an understanding of lace knitting and hone my skills
When I join KALs (knit along) or SALs (spin along), I will be dedicated and I will finish what I start
Spin more fiber to create gorgeous handspun for knitting projects – I now have 3 wheels and they need to be put to use! I joined the Raverly Group, 12 in 2012 , which has a goal to spin 12 pounds of fiber over the year and I belong to the Spin a Shawl group. I think both will help with this goal.

I haven’t done too bad, but I have to admit, I’m way behind on my knitting. So, here’s what I’ve managed so far:

One pair of socks - Nutkins the very first of the year. I still have two sock projects on the needles, Tanis Vorticity and Cabled Lagoons. So I really should get these two projects of the needles so I can at least be close to my goal!
One shawl completed – A Second 198 yards of Heaven and one shawl on the needles, my Oaklet. Hmmm… way behind on this goal. I received two club kits from Romi’s Pins & Lace Club and lovely skein of fingering weight from a dear friend, but still behind on my shawl goal.
For scarves, I’ve managed to knit one that turned into a design. My Los Verdes, a textured lacy scarf. I also did a test knit for Meghan of Meghan Knits, a great lacy cowl called Wanted. I will add this to my goal of scarves, so I only need 2 more for the year.
I’m excited to finish one cardigan, my Cotton Raglan and I have Vodka Lemonade on the needles. I still want to knit a sweater or cardigan this year for my Mom, so I might be able to do this!
I’m way behind on my goal for new designs this year, but as mentioned above, I did release a new scarf pattern.

As far as the remainder of my goals, I’m enjoying learning new techniques when it comes to knitting, especially garment construction and fit, as well as toe up socks. I decided not to stay in the 12 in 2012 group on Ravelry as I will not be able to spin 12 pounds of fiber this year. My spinning has been taking a back seat as I’m very much into my knitting, but a friend from England just sent me the most beautiful fiber that has enticed me to finish up my Romney that is currently on my wheel and start spinning the luscious yummy blend of Shetland and Silk.

Did you set goals this year? If so, how are you doing?

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

Comments : 10 Comments »
Tags: goals, knitting, spinning
Categories : All Knitting, spinning

Yarn Along ~ Knitting with a bit of reading !

9 05 2012

Two of my favourite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny from Small Things

I’m currently working on two knitting projects, Vodka Lemonade by Thea Colman of Baby Cocktails and Oaklet by Megan Goodacre, a.k.a. the Tricksy Knitter. I’ve been working on the cardi at night and the shawl in the morning, which is really working at nicely. Now that I’ve finished the collar and have started the sleeves, I really love how my Vodka Lemonade is starting to look. My Oaklet is coming along nicely too and I really like the deep dark browns in the yarn.

As far as reading, well that’s been going slow as I’ve been outside enjoying the weather and working in the yard. So, I’m still reading the Poyson Garden by Karen Harper. I really have been enjoying this book and hope to be able to finish it by the weekend so I can dive into Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon .

Happy knitting!

Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: book, cardi, knitting, reading, sweater, Yarn Along
Categories : All Knitting, Yarn Along

Creating a family recipe corner!

8 05 2012

Do you love to cook and have family recipes that have been handed down? Or do you have a few handwritten recipes that you treasure that are from a Grandparent, Mom or someone dear to your heart?

I have the good fortune to have quite a few of my maternal Grandma’s hand-written recipes, as well as my Moms, which I treasure. I asked my Mother-n-law if she had any recipes from her Mom or her Mother-n-law that I could have or make copies of. I was so excited to get three recipes that were her Moms and a couple of hers, which I copied. She is still looking for my husband’s paternal Grandmothers recipes, which I hope she can find.

With these treasured family recipes, I decided that it would be neat to use shadow boxes to create a family recipe corner. So, I purchased four shadow boxes, scrapbook paper and cooking tidbits for scrap-booking. Since this is May is National Scrapbooking Month, I was able to hit great sales at Michaels and Joanns for the items I needed and sent approximately $40.00.

I’m so excited about how they turned out and now I have five yummy recipes hanging on my kitchen wall as follows …..

Tennessee Jam Cake and Cornflakes Chews from my maternal Grandmother
Brown Sugar Pound Cake from my Mom
Sour Cream Enchiladas from my Mother-n-Law
Beef Stew from my husband’s maternal Grandmother

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

Comments : 8 Comments »
Tags: family, recipes, scrapbooking
Categories : Tips & Techniques

Pattern Spotlight: Skipperdee !

7 05 2012

As you can tell, I’m madly in love with cardigans, especially when they are knitted all in one piece. I was so excited to see a lovely new bottom-up design hit the Ravelry pages this past week and had to share.

Skipperdee designed by Julia Farwell-Clay of Moth Heaven has created a gorgeous cardigan that has a lovely cabled design edging the top and the cuffs.

This cardigan was inspired by a long standing interest of mine in all those beautiful sideways cable sweaters, and my frustration with the way they fit me. This cable will not bind at the shoulders, and the sweater fits and feels great on the body, whether buttoned up or not. ~ Julia Farwell-Clay

Photo ©Caro Sheridan – Used by permission by Julia Farwell-Clay

The Facts: I truly love that this project is seamless, worked flat and then joined at the yoke with the arms worked in the round and then completed all in one piece. I also love that Julia has provided finished bust sizes that range from 33 3/4″ to 54 3/4″, making this cardigan perfect for just about all shapes and sizes.

Knitters will enjoy very well written easy to follow instructions that includes a chart for the cable stitch design found on the cuffs and the yoke. Julia has also included detailed notes on special stitches used for her design, as well as excellent finishing techniques, abbreviations and a sweater schematic showing all measurements. This project is perfect for an intermediate to an advanced knitter.

Materials: For this project you will need 6 to 11 skeins of Spirit Trail Verdande ( 75% Superwash Merino, 15% Cashmere and 10% Bombyx Silk) or approximately 1,320 to 2,420 yards of any worsted weight that will match the gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rows to equal 4″ over stockinette, a size US 5 and a size US 7 needle, 8 buttons that are 3/4″, stitch markers and a darning needle for weaving in the ends.

You can find more of Julia’s designs online at Ravelry and on her website, Moth Heaven. You can also find her online at Twitter.

___________________________________________________________

Today is Julia’s birthday, so she is celebrating by offering one free PDF Download of her new design, Skipperdee to one lucky blog reader.

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment, and do be sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, for example your Ravelry ID or Twitter ID.

This giveaway is open to all ~ meaning, it’s open to international blog readers too !

The deadline to enter is Saturday, May 12th at 4:00pm Arizona Time. The winner will be selected by a random number generator and will be announced on Sunday, May 13th . Please note that the winner will receive their PDF download of this pattern directly from Julia via Ravelry or via email.

So who wouldn’t want to win a free copy of this wonderful new design!

Thank you for entering ~ this giveaway is now closed!

Comments : 20 Comments »
Tags: Cardigan, Julia Farwell Clay, knitting, Moth Heaven, sweater
Categories : All Knitting, Pattern Spotlight

Casting On and Casting Off: Two new projects on the needles!

6 05 2012

I’ve decided to participate in two KALs (knit alongs) for May, which I’m very excited about. I’m using my stash yarn, which is a huge goal for me this year, and I’m knitting projects for myself.

I’m in love with cardigans, especially top-down raglans, and fell in love with one pattern on first sight, Vodka Lemonade by Thea Colman of of Baby Cocktails. I love Thea’s designs and have purchased Cassis, as well as Dark and Stormy. I hope to be able to knit these up this year as well, but first I must finish this one!

I was tickled to find out that in the MadelineTosh Group, there was a KAL for this sweater, so I casted on and have joined in the Mad May fun!

For this project I’m using my stash of Madeline Tosh 80/10/10 Sport Weight in the colorway of Badlands and a size US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle. I love the way this yarn is knitting up and can’t wait to see what the body of my cardigan will look like.

The color is complete and now on to the sleeves!

I typically have two project going so I can go back and forth to keep my interest going, so I’ve also casted on Oaklet by Megan Goodacre, a.k.a. the Tricksy Knitter. This simple top down triangular shawl will be a soothing knit and compliment my cardigan quite nicely ~ yes, I’m thinking about wearing them together when all done!

For this project I’m using fiber pal Wendy’s beautiful Dark Chocolate colorway in a 100% merino wool in fingering weight and a size US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle. To keep me motivated, I joined Wendy’s KAL for May and I’m having fun knitting along with the other gals that have a variety of projects going using yarn from Indieway Yarns. You can find Wendy’s hand-dyed yarn online at Indieway Yarns.

81 stitches done and 152 stitches to go!

So what projects do you have on the needles or hooks?

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

Comments : 8 Comments »
Tags: Cardigan, indieway yarns, knitting, madelinetosh, shawl
Categories : Casting On and Casting Off, KAL

And the winner is …..

5 05 2012

I want to thank all of you for entering my recent giveaway featuring Memoria, a light, airy piece designed by Deborah Glaser of Oblivious Knits.

Photo © ObliviousKnits – Used with permission

I planned to announce the winner on Sunday, May 6th, but Deborah wanted me to pass on a special thank you to all my blog readers and to those of you who entered to win a chance for a free copy of her pattern.

So, from now until the end of Sunday, May 6th, you can enjoy 20% off of any Oblivious Designs by simply using coupon code Memoria at checkout!

As you know, we can only have one lucky winner, and that winner is entry #10, Maddy of Knoxville, Tennessee. Congratulations Maddy, you’re going to love Deborah’s design!

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

Comments : 7 Comments »
Tags: knitting, memoria, shawl
Categories : All Knitting, Giveaway, Pattern Spotlight

Yarn Along ~ Knitting with a bit of reading!

2 05 2012

Two of my favourite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny from Small Things

I finished my top-down cardi this past week and I love it! It inspired me to try another top-down, so I’ve casted on Vodka Lemonade by Thea Colman of Baby Cocktails. I’m using my stash of Madelinetosh sport weight in the colorway Badlands and I love the look so far. I haven’t gotten very far on this project, but at least you can see a bit of what I’ve done so far.

Sunday I finished reading Heather Barbieri’s The Lace Makers of Glenmara . To me this book was very enjoyable and a relaxing book to read, refreshing maybe a good choice of words for what I thought of it too. I have started to read Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon , which I’ve read many years ago and wanted to re-read. I love this series and if you haven’t read any of Diana’s books, I do recommend reading them.

I like to read more than one book at a time and truly enjoy reading Elizabethan books (anything to do with Queen Elizabeth and the Tudors). I have chosen to also read the Poyson Garden by Karen Harper. This series is brand new to me and I happened upon book one in my local thrift shop and it looked interesting. Chapter one has hooked me and I think I’m going to enjoy this book immensely and I’ve had the fortune to find the other 8 books of this series that I’m looking forward to reading very soon!

Comments : 18 Comments »
Tags: cardi, knitting, Yarn Along
Categories : Casting On and Casting Off, Yarn Along

All done!

1 05 2012

A few of you may have already seen my photos on my FaceBook Page or on Ravelry, but for those of you who have not, here are my photos of my finished Cotton Raglan Cardigan, which I love!

The Front view

The Back View

The Button

The button I choose was perfect and I’m so happy with the way it looks on my cardigan. I timed it right at Joann’s and got this Dritz Button 1/2 off, which was better than paying $7.95, gulp!

This pattern was lots of fun and I truly have to say it’s quite versatile. If you have time, I truly suggest that you check out Myra Wood’s Craftsy’ class, The Perfect Fit Seamless Crazy Lace Cardigan. This is a wonderful online class that will really teach you how to knit the perfect fitting raglan style cardigan and how you can incorporate different elements to make it uniquely yours. Even though I used the Simple Raglan Cardi pattern from Lion Brand, I still used things I learned from Myra’s class.

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

Comments : 18 Comments »
Tags: cardi, craftsy, knitting, lion brand
Categories : All Knitting, Patterns

Pattern Spotlight: Memoria, a lovely lace shawl!

30 04 2012

Me`mo´ri`a
n. 1. Memory.
Memoria technica
technical memory; a contrivance for aiding the memory.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by C. & G. Merriam Co.

As you all know I deeply love lace shawls and the beauty that is created using intricate, delicate designs. These creations that inspire me have to be shared and one such design is Memoria, a light, airy piece designed by Deborah Glaser of Oblivious Knits.

This top down triangular shawl incorporates a simple knitted top portion and a border that has a unique design that transforms into tiny lace hearts before ending with the scalloped edge.

The Facts: There are many aspects of this project I truly love. One, it only requires one skein of light fingering weight yarn and second, Deborah has provided charts for each part of the lace design (perfect for those of you who prefer to follow charts) that are followed by detailed step-by-step written instructions. This project is perfect for intermediate to advanced knitters who understand lace knitting.

Materials: For this project you will need one skein of At Knits End Yarns BFL Sock or any light-fingering weight yarn in a skein of 440 yards to match the gauge of 12 stitches and 12 rows to equal 2 inches in Chart B after blocking, a size US 7(4.5 mm) 32″ to 40” circular needle, stitch markers, a cable needle, and a tapestry needle to weave in the ends.

Finished Measurements: Approximately 25” x 50” relaxed after blocking

I recently had the pleasure of asking Deborah what inspired her to create such a beautiful piece, and here’s what she had to say:

Memoria is inspired by a deep sense of loss, and how memories are altered to help cope with loss.

The diagonal straight lines represent time lines, things that are true, that really happened. Their edges have been straightened to make them more sharp and clear and clean. They stop abruptly and are lost inside the border, where it’s hard to make order of them. They keep moving forward, but joined with other lines, they echo and dissolve into a new arrangement, as loss brings with it the memory of every other loss. I see hearts when I follow the lines of the lace in the border.

The edging represents the “new normal” after adjusting to the loss. The lines have all shifted from their original configuration. I don’t want to talk about my specific losses, because that would put too fine a point on it. I will say that Memoria is the most beautiful, simple, painful thing I’ve ever made, and I’m glad it got to out of me and into the world.

I also asked when she starting to knit, here’s what she had to say:

I decided I would teach myself to knit by the age of 34, which was a random number I picked. I got a learn to knit kit that year (2004) and it was really easy, and garter stitch was really boring.

I started playing with knits and purls and was still bored. I started watching Knitty Gritty on DIY Network, so that was like my knitting group. I read lots of magazines and found I liked to read patterns and charts. Sweater amounts of yarns were getting way too expensive, and my weight was fluctuating wildly so nothing I made ever fit. I played with lace swatches from the charts in magazines. I made lots of beaded lace, and knit with silk thread and loved things like that.

My favorite things became small triangle lace shawls, because I could make them with one skein of yarn and it was a challenge to try to fit what I wanted to do into that shape and space. That’s the shape I’m obsessed with and keep coming back to. It turned out that knitting lace was a way to express myself and make pretty things, and it didn’t matter what size I was or what size I will become, because lace shawls fit every body. And blocking lace is magical!

If you love, or even adore, lace knitting and shawls, keep this beautiful design in mind, as well as Deborah’s other lovely shawl designs that can be found online at Raverly.

__________________________________________________________________________

I am so excited to announce that Deborah is generously offering one free PDF Download of her new design, Memoria, to one lucky blog reader.

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment, and do be sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, for example your Ravelry ID or Twitter ID. This giveaway is open to all ~ meaning, it’s open to international blog readers too !

The Deadline to enter is Saturday, May 5th at 4:00pm Arizona Time. The winner will be selected by a random number generator and will be announced on Sunday, May 6th . Please note that the winner will receive their PDF download of this pattern directly from Deborah.

So who wouldn’t want to win a free copy of this wonderful new design!

Thank you for entering, this giveaway is now closed!

Comments : 33 Comments »
Tags: Deborah Glaser, giveaway, knitting, Lace, shawl
Categories : Giveaway, Pattern Spotlight, Review

Interweave Releases New Free Copyright for Crafters and Artists eBook

29 04 2012

Interweave Releases New Free Copyright for Crafters and Artists eBook

Loveland, Colo., April 27, 2012: Yesterday was World Intellectual Property Day, and Interweave celebrated the day along with the U.S. Copyright Office, American Chamber of Commerce, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and others around the world to give credit to the talented writers, designers, artists, photographers, and innovators who work with us to share with readers and customers their products and ideas.

To mark the occasion, Interweave released a new eBook for artists and crafters, Know Your Rights: Copyright 101, to raise awareness for the issues surrounding copyright and the problems with copyright infringement that are currently impacting our industry.

The 10-page eBook is available here: http://www.interweave.com/free-ebooks-videos/

It is also available for free download in each of Interweave’s 10 online communities for artists and crafters:

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Artists

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Knitters

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Crocheters

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Spinners

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Weavers

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Beaders

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Jewelry Artists

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Sewists

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Art Quilters

· Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Mixed Media Artists

“Most people think of pirated movies or music when they hear about copyright violations,” says Eunny Jang, editor of Interweave Knits magazine. “But we answer questions about copyright for crafters, artists, designers, and authors every day—copyright and other intellectual property issues are a big deal in the DIY marketplace, where the “I can do that!” spirit and respect for original, independent design and authorship need to coexist peacefully.”

Questions around copyright can range from simple queries, like ‘Can I make a copy of a pattern?’ (Answer: For your own use, yes; to give to a friend, no) to more complex issues, like ‘How can I be inspired by other artists without infringing on their intellectual property rights?’ (Answer: By executing your vision independently, and asking permission where necessary).

“Ultimately, copyright is about protecting the creative process, ensuring that the creator of a work can benefit from that work,” adds Jang. “Our goal at Interweave is to educate our consumers about what copyright is, and why it matters—and to give authors, artists, and designers everywhere the tools they need to protect their own rights so they can continue to create new works and share them with the public.”

About Interweave: Interweave is the world’s largest online and offline resource for artists and crafters with businesses in magazine and book publishing – both print and digital, television programming, instructional videos, directories, eCommerce, events and workshops, and online communities. Interweave also licenses its magazine, book, and video content to media companies internationally. Interweave was acquired by Aspire Media in 2005. The company is headquartered in Loveland, Colorado, with offices in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York. For more information about Interweave call (970) 613-4616, 800-272-2193 or www.interweave.com.