Sunday Morning Lace – This Time with No Nupps.

Oct 072012
 

I finished blocking my Rosa Flora in time for my Mom’s birthday. This is actually one of the few times I’ve finished a shawl in time for gifting – yes, Hanami, I’m talking to you. At least I didn’t have to talk some bride a family member into wearing it half finished this time.

So the alarm went off this morning and the Sunday morning ritual began – making chai is sort of like knitting foreplay on days like this where I look forward to spending the morning in jammies knitting something lacey while drinking cups of warm heavenly cardamon scented sweetness. Though it takes about 20 minutes to make, a pot of chai is key for lace knitting.

This morning I’m working on Romi Hill’s Lisianthus. It was the perfect match  for the Odara in my stash, and I am using pearl type beads rather than nupps. (I’ve become anti-nupp in my old age – I find that trying to make the nupps perky sometimes results in them catching on jewelry and such. And if your nupps aren’t perky, it ain’t pretty. Beads avoid this situation entirely). I’ve got just six more rows to go before bind off. Each row being over 500 stitches, plus a crocheted bind off will keep me going with this for some time, but the end is in sight.

What did you spend Sunday morning working on?

Sunday Morning Lace

Sep 232012
 

The first time I heard Gigi of The Knitmore Girls talk about the indulgence of knitting in bed Sunday mornings, I knew I had found a kindred spirit. Sunday morning lace knitting is just one of the reasons Sundays are my favorite day of the week. It all happens here. A steaming cup of chai, a good audiobook to listen to, and my latest or even better, long forgotten lace project are all that’s needed. Throw in a plethora of down pillows coupled with a down comforter on a cool September morning with the honey-colored early morning Vineyard light  and such sweet indulgences become truly irresistible. I set my alarm each week to make sure I don’t miss out. Yes, seriously. I drag my ass out of bed on 6 am on Sunday mornings just to knit lace and drink chai. I highly recommend it.

Today’s lace knitting was dedicated to finishing up Rose Flora by Romi Hill. It’s the latest in her Pins & Lace Club as well as my favorite of all of her designs. Romi’s designs  just keep getting better and better, and when it becomes hard to believe she can top herself, she comes out with something even more breathtaking. Here’s Flo before her well deserved bubble bath: I used Dye For Yarn’s Limited Edition Silk/Cashmere Lace. The hand on it is just how you would expect of such a luxurious blend. The softness of the cashmere and the stitch definition the silk provides combine to make it perfect for lace projects. It took 581 yards to complete and I added some matte beads rather than the more dressy silver lined crystal – otherwise I’d have no where to wear it here on the Vineyard. The second round of signups for Romi’s 2013 Club are coming up soon and are not to be missed.

Oh yes, I’m back on the Vineyard! After a year of living in exile on Nantucket I’ve returned to Terra Nova. I couldn’t be happier to be home, and I’ve been busy nesting. I’ve been unpacking little by little, and along with feathering the perfect Sunday lace knitting spot above, I’ve nestled into a sweet spinning space next to the fireplace. And yes, the fireplace is a working one.

I’ve needed the spot lately as I’ve been hard at work on spinning Plover, the fleece from MDSW! I’ve actually taken a stab at processing the lovely chocolate brown romney cross fleece and it’s going fairly well. I’ve decided to make it my Fall term Harry Potter House Cup Owl. I did some research on the web along with some great video downloads from Interweave Press and am combining all I’ve learned into making my own process up. I decided to wash it a’la The Yarn Harlot. I’ve gotten that down, but still am working on my carding. I’ve got two great cards from Schact, and I’ll tell you all about it in a later post. I’ll leave you with a shot of how it’s spinning up:

When is your favorite time to knit?

~Purled

Stalking Sometimes Turns Into Finished Objects. Then You Stalk Again.

Jun 112012
 

Remember, I was so proud of myself for getting some stuff off my needles that I went on a stalking spree? Well, sometimes, these sessions actually results in me casting on and knitting projects!!!!

First off, I used SusannaIC’s Frederica shawl as an excuse to buy the Jane Austin Knits, Summer 2012 magazine. (And have we talked about how I LOVE digitally downloadable magazines!?) I loved the color, I loved that there was lace work on the inside edge of the shawl and I thought it would be the perfect summer shawl. I NEEDED an orange shawl.

Well? The shawl was a very quick knit and it is off my needles and I’ve already worn it! I made it out of Wollmeise 100% in Campari Piccolo — which looks like Campari mixed with Orange Juice — and beaded it with 6/0 clear amethyst colored round seed beads. It took EXACTLY 1 skein…in fact, I had to bind off using a different yarn (I used Clementine…I wasn’t going to break into a new skein just for the bind off!).

I’ve not made a crescent shaped shawl from the bottom up. Once the lace section was done, the rest of the shawl flew as I short-rowed to a very quick finish.

The second project I mentioned was Heidi Kirrmaier’s Buttercup, which is a very sweet little sweater with puffed sleeves and a lace inset. Mine is not quite so sweet, but I got my “I can’t follow a pattern” ya-yas out with this one. Tons of modifications to make the top more into a tunic, to make it a bit slimmer, make the neckline a little tighter, and make the sleeves not quite so little-girl puffed but a grown up puffed. I made it out of Rowan’s Linen Drape, which is beautiful as a garment but was perhaps the split-tiest yarn I’ve ever used. I think the yarn has 1,000,000 plies!!! As the name suggests though, it does drape really nicely. I hope it wears OK with all these plies!! Right now, the sweater is trying to dry in this very wet summer weather we are having thus far, but I did get a snapshot pre-blocking.

See? I do finish projects after all!

Other than this, I’ve some test knits and sample knits on the needles, which I am working through.

But….I’ve gotten things off the needles, WHAT AM I STALKING!?

Good question. I’ve been doing more than stalking. I’ve been winding yarn, as I have some air plane knitting time coming up shortly. Here’s a preview, and while you can see what these cakes are intended to turn into if you go to my Ravelry project page, I will leave it here as images to ponder instead. On the left is a pile of fingering weight yarn from At Bullard Farm and a lone skein from Hedgehog Fibres. On the right is some lace from French Market Fibers.

YUMMY, right?

~Twisted

 

 

Casting On for June!

Jun 072012
 

I do love the first day of the month when classes are posted for the Harry Potter House Cup. Nothing gets the creative juices flowing like choosing projects, determining how they will fit the prompts, and casting on in mad abandon. (Speaking of abandon, I do realize I missed WIP Wednesday….Bygones). It was particularly fun this month, and I so appreciated your telling me what to do guidance in sorting through my stash to match up yarn and project. First off, the Selkie Socks by Allison Janocha. I loved these and went looking for colors to match the muted look of the sample. I thought you were a little nuts when you suggested I use some Wollmeise Clementine. Orange? Really? And match it up with Fuchsia for the contrasting stripe? But your reasoning totally made sense. It’s unlikely that I’ll use an orange skein of Wollmeise for a shawl – so why not socks? I’m really happy with the way they’re turning out. The pattern is easy to memorize and I’m almost done with sock #1.

Then we talked about my Line Break by Veera  Välimäki. I love the pattern and will knit it someday in something squishy and soft. But 1,000 yards of garter with a deadline had me not feeling the love so much. I’m going to do Lady Jane instead. Paulina Popiolek‘s pattern has been calling my name for some time now. It has some garter, but then lace at the end for interest. At first I got Elysium for it, but decided I wanted it larger. I’ll use my Saffron Dyeworks Mini Mica for it and do some mods to be able to use at least 1,000 yards to meet the requirements of my Broom proposal. I got a start on it, but need to get cranking! The Elysium I may use for Flukra by Gudrun Johnston some time down the line. Yours is just stunning!

As for your yarn throw down of Gaia Lace vs. Nautilace, I stand by what I said. First off, why create your own suffering by wanting something you that is no longer available?  The Gaia has a softer hand, or sure. However, the stitch definition and gentle shimmer of the Nautilace is just gorgeous. Speaking of which, I’ve got to get going on my Evenstar!! That baby’s not going to knit itself! Happy knitting!

~Purled

Fear of Flying

May 202012
 

Nice going! Conquering your Socks Demon by making it an Owl project for HPKCHC was brilliant. I’m attempting to conquer my TTIGSWFI (The Thrill Is Gone So Why Finish It?) Demon by submitting completed projects for classes. However, this does not address the three or four pairs of socks I have on the needles along with several shawls I started in April. I have handed several projects in this month so far, though, so I may pick them up again in between my Owl.

My Cloud Illusions is on the blocking board. It’s to be a gift for my niece who is graduating at the end of the month. I used DyeForYarn’s Tussah Silk in Nihilist, which is sort of a faded rose color, and 8mm silver lined crystal AB beads from Earthfaire. The silk was a single and held up well to the beading. I used about 550 of the 750 yards, and I think it’s plenty big enough at 85″ x 22″. It’s a lovely pattern, and I’d do it again in a pastel.

I also finished some spinning – the Millefiori 50/50 Merino Silk from All Spun Up came off the wheel yesterday. I Navajo plied it and wound up with 254 yards from about 3 ounces. The Matchless and I are still getting to know each other – and all I need to do is spend a bit more time with her to work up some self confidence where spinning is concerned. It always seems like a happy accident when my completed yarn doesn’t look – and feel- like uncooked Ramen noodles. This came out soft and squishy, with some bounce, but not tangles. I’ve got three bumps left, and I’m torn between continuing the N-ply or spinning singles. I’m thinking it will make the colors more vivid and silk singles always have a bit more shimmer than plied. The jury’s still out on this one.

Also, I cast on….a washcloth. I tried to do one in the past, but couldn’t wrap my head around doing what felt like lame knitting. I know you’ve used them before, and perhaps I’ll fall in love with them – but that hasn’t happened yet. I’m planning on submitting it to ‘Flying’ class. The prompt is “Craft something that represents a fear of yours.” When submitting it, I plan to say that I have a fear of germs, but the truth is I have a fear that knitting a washcloth will turn me into someone who:

  1. Peruses patterns looking for a knit bikini for Malibu Barbie
  2. Considers what a bargain Red Heart Super Saver really is
  3. Starts crocheting olive oil bottle drip catchers….or starts crocheting, period.

What’s your knitting fear?

~Purled

Spring Fever with a Spoiler!

Apr 222012
 

Spoiler Alert! Pics of the new Romi Hill Pins and Lace Pattern ahead!

I’ve got spring fever…

I’ve breathed new life into my Wollmeise Rock Island, and began picking up stitches. The nice thing about this pattern is that the long rows are in the beginning and get shorter as you go on. The not so nice thing is that I’m finding the beginning of the Rock Island chart a little fiddly, so frogged back several rows to the garter to begin again. I took a little break, which will be much shorter than my last year long break, and will take another whack at it soon. My plan was to have this done for my sister’s birthday – which oddly is the same as your deadline, May 7. However, I’m planning on seeing her face to face at my niece’s graduation at the end of May, so that may have to do. (Speaking of which, I can imagine my niece all dolled up in a Booknits bejewled shawl…it could be just the thing!)

Speaking of gifties, Romi Hill released the second pattern of her Pins and Lace Club and I’m pretty excited about it! Next go round with the club, I’ll opt for the yarn option as well as pattern and pin. As soon as I got the pattern, I ran out to Flock, my LYS, to try and choose the perfect yarn. As much as I hate to admit it, your yarn and pattern matching choices are usually flawless, so there was no way I was going to leave such a gorgeous pattern to chance! I brought my iPhone and superior texting abilities with me, and here’s how it went:

You: Get some Tosh Merino Light for it. What do they have?

Me: As pastels go, here are two choices: 

 

 

You: How about Tosh Sock?

Me: Here’s what they have for Tosh Sock:

 

 

You: Nope…What about Squishy? Do they have Squishy?

Me: Yup – how about any of these?

 

 

You: Nope. I think it has to be yellow though. A butter yellow.

Me: Here’s some yellows. I’m not crazy about them for this pattern though.

About an hour and 40 texts later:

You: Okay, what else do they have?

Me: Dude! It’s a yarn shop 30 miles out to sea, not Manhattan! There’s cashmere…I want one of these.

You: The one on the left is two ply – too small. Hey wait a minute, the other choice listed on the pattern is a laceweight. 

Me: Oh good! *Looking around the shop starting to feel a little dizzy as a plethora of new possibilities emerge*

You: Hey look, it’s been about two hours now and I have to get some things done here.

Me: Geesh! I was high on yarn fumes and lost track of the time! Has it really been that long? I’ll pick something! Thanks!

And much later:

You: What did you pick?:

Me:  

I brought home the Jade Sapphire 2 ply Cashmere Silk laceweight, and cast on last night. Thanks for the help with the fiddly start! I’m happy with how it’s turning out and love, love, love the pattern!

How’s yours coming along?

~Purled

EPIC Shawls. Wedding Shawls Are Done!

Mar 192012
 

 

 

I’m onto other Maid (am I a maid, really?) of Honor duties the rest of the week. However, I wanted to post photos of the wedding shawl (Pink Trieste, designed by Romi Hill, knit in Rowan Kid Silk Haze in petal studded with #8 silver lined clear hex beads, no modifications) and its sister, the Panic Shawl (Moonstone Blue Cloud Illusions, designed by Boo Knits, knit in Handmaiden Fine Yarns Silk Lace in moonstone studded with both #8 silver lined clear hex beads and #6 silver lined clear round beads, heavily modified) — which I made because it’s been so very warm here in NYC.

I will post the modifications on Cloud Illusions at a later time when my slave status is upgraded. I will very likely be knitting this again, per the pattern, for me. It’s a fantastic knit, ethereal and gorgeous. I can totally see it in dark gray, a stormy version!

Your Odara shawl is absolutely stunning. I am glad you are loving the yarn, and I will be joining you with my Odara project as soon as I can knock a couple of things off the needles….

….and after the wedding.

Tell me more about Winnowing.

 

~ Twisted.

Hanami. It’s Over.

Nov 182011
 

I ended it.

Hanami and I are finished. I delivered her to my sister and I do believe she was smitten. As you can see, the shawl was meant to be much larger than the abbreviated version she wore on her wedding day. I still say it worked. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

She was kind enough to model it, though all I had with me was the iphone camera. I would have taken some beauty shots after blocking but I was up late breaking up with Hanami before I blocked her and needed to make an early boat. No time.

I do believe I’m forgiven though, despite the fact that there is an Ellington Sock to be knit to complete that promise. Stay tuned though, as I may have an spell of finishitupitis. That’s my offering to the knitting lingo you were asking for. The Yarn Harlot came up with it and I’m begging for a plague.

Speaking of shawls, beaded and languishing, I was inspired to pull out my Shipwreck!

I cast on May 2010 after Spring Fling, using Skinny Bugga in Swift Long Winged Skimmer. I’ve added beads and am now on the netting, which is the final chart. It’s some mind numbing K2together, YO’s, which would be fine were it not for the fact I have to stop and unwind a long length of yarn to slide the beads down every ten minutes. I decided not to use a crochet hook because the knitted on beads lie nicely in the YOs. I’m tempted to make myself do a row or two a night, but we’ll see.

What I love about having finishitupitis is I feel virtuous and productive. I get a pair of socks done in the time it takes to knit one, or a shawl done in the time it takes to knit half of it. Or at least this is what I tell myself when I feel like putting it down while trying to fight off the throws of castingonitis.

What’s in your UFO bin?

~Purled

Eye of the Tiger

Nov 142011
 

I finished Romi Hill’s Buttonwillow yesterday. I used Madelinetosh Sock in the Betine colorway. I broke into skein number 3 with three rows left to go.

I loved knitting it, and like you, were I to make another, I’d make it more triangular. The more shawls I make, the more I realize that what I like to wear is either a good solid triangle or better yet, a rectangular wrap. The crescent shape of Buttonwillow is pretty, and by doing a total of 24 repeats of Chart A rather than the 16 called for, it made the arms realllly long.

I gave it a good soak and used blocking wires then sprayed it with the Romi’s cornstarch water formula to help set the block. I knit it up using my US 4 Signatures, so you know what that means…

My needles are free to cast on Leaves of Grass!

After seeing your calculations from yesterday in figuring out how to enlarge the Pi shawl, it’s perfectly clear you’re the brains in this operation. Trying to figure it out on my own made my head hurt. After reading though, from what I understand, I can repeat chart B twice and go from there?  Now – is there any way to find out how much more yarn this will take? I have a total of eight skeins. The shawl as written calls for five. I am just about to wind up a skein of the Loft I purchased for it.

But, just so you don’t think I’ve fallen off the redemption wagon, I do intend on finishing my sister’s shawl first. Only 20 rows of yarn over k2 togethers to go!

Eye of the tiger…..

An Attempt at Redemption

Nov 122011
 

I expect to see my shawless sister this weekend, so guess what’s been released from the UFO bin? You got it – Hanami. I’ve done some knitting on it since the  wedding and have one more chart to go.

I really haven’t been all that casual about not finishing it – it’s been hanging over my head for the past year. One of the reasons I’ve not picked it right back up is that trying to find your place in lacework which has been sitting around can be daunting. However, thanks to my Vogue Knitting App, I’ve still got my placed saved in the chart I’m working on. I end up using this for a row counter, and the nice thing about the app is that you can store multiple projects with a last row finished on it. This feature is only useful of course, if you tend to have several things you’ve let slide given a well deserved holiday to. Getting started back up was not that difficult after all. My plan is to finish this, blocked and all, to give to her this weekend. And her Ellington socks? Christmas prezzie 2011.

Buttonwillow is off the needles and I’m planning on blocking it today. I’m waiting on my Lisa Sousa 50/50 merino silk Petal in the Electra Colorway for Romi’s Muse number 4 – Melpomene. I hear the color is astounding, so I’m anxious to get my hands on it!

Speaking of color that is astounding, the Loft for my Leaves of Grass has arrived. Fauna is best seen in person, it’s a rich gold/green/ochre. I’m usually not an earth tone fan, but this is really spectacular! I purchased 3 additional skeins to the 5 called for, intending to enlarge it. However, that has proved challenging if not impossible since it’s a Pi and not a spiral shawl, unless I just add additional rows of the last chart on to it. I’m not wild about the idea as I love the inner patterns much more than the edging. The shawl is 53 inches across and at that size, likely to keep falling off my shoulders. The waif-like model in the pattern shot appears to be holding on to it for dear life – and she’s a tiny thing.

Any ideas?

~Purled

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