31 May 2015

June here we come.

I've conquered the color change problem! Now the left-hand edge is not all contrast color. All it takes is knitting two rows without any increases after the numbered rows. Oh so simple.

The crew collar on my grandson's sweater has now been picked up. It was somewhat of a challenge to get the ribbing of the body of the sweater to work into the collar. One of the additional difficulties was the number of stitches used to continue the ribbing. The simple solution was to really reduce the needle size and tighten up the stitches.

So far I've knitted about half an inch and it looks good. Time will tell if it really does work. I still have time to ravel and try another approach if it doesn't look good.

29 May 2015

Where has the time gone - it's almost JUNE!

We've stocked up on yarns from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. We're ready for your summer projects.

I should have my french bete noir sewn up by tomorrow and ready for a collar. This will require more adjustments to the pattern because the ribbing might not work into the ribbed collar well. Ah, another challenge. I will keep you posted and post a photo of the finished work.

The Dotted Rays shawl has posed some interesting problems. The original was knit out of a solid color. Of course I was taken by the images where there were color changes. The problem arises were you use a separator color and then start a new color. Without a small manipulation to the pattern you end up with a whole edge of just separator color. Hmmmmm. I think I've found a way around the pattern but a couple more color changes will tell.

When you see the model you will be able to see the change. I will write up what it is that I am doing when I am sure that it gives a good result.

28 May 2015

I have to say that sewing up a raglan sweater with saddle shoulders is an interesting job. The decreases make a wonky seam but there is no way to hide the decreases because of the ribbing. The side, sleeve and shoulder seams will be a no brainer.

Color changes proceed with shocking contrasts. I am having fun. The pattern is easy if you just follow the instructions. The head scratcher was the color change at the short end of the short rows. I had to cheat and look at what others did to solve the problem. Simple solution but it makes for bigger bands of color.

There is something to say for knitting it out of one color or a yarn that just changes color, but that would be no challenge - why take the easy path?

27 May 2015

The Porch Party was great fun and just in time. The weather was perfect for both days. The "party" continued on Sunday and with perfect weather. It was fun to chat and see all of the new projects.

I am finished with the Poncho. Just gluing in the ends. It is a wearable poncho because it is made with a cotton blend, just  right for summer and with a touch of bling.

I started the Dotted Rays shawl and folks remarked that the starting color matched my shirt well. I'm using Kauni and it is hard to convince folks that when a yarn is coarse it doesn't mean that it is itchy. Kauni IS NOT ITCHY! It may take some convincing but we will have a small bit knit up so you can walk around the shop with it at your neck and you can make the decision yourself.

I'm knitting the Dotted Rays with twelve colors of Kauni. You will have to see my crazy color combinations.

I am finishing the sweater that I started for my grandson. I am sewing it up here at the shop and will knit the neck here too. If you want to see the sweater you will have to stop by before June 14. It goes home to be wrapped for gift giving. Here's an idea of what I have been knitting.

In order to make it work I had to make several design changes. The design changes made the cabling work from the ribbing. Stop by and I will explain my changes. Remember, the pattern is in French. Here's the link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/161---pull-col-cheminee

23 May 2015

IT WAS A GREAT DAY!

THE PORCH PARTY WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!

In fact, we had such a good time we're going to do it again tomorrow. The weather is holding so WHY NOT?

We have plenty of food to go around so come join us or if you were here on Saturday, come again.

I was able to finish the Poncho made with Opera. It still has a couple of unfinished ends but you can try it on if you wish.

I am start to knit the Dotted Rays shawl using Kauni Effekt yarn. Everyone remarked that my starting color matched my batik shirt that I wore for the festivities. I think I will wear another tomorrow just to stay in the holiday mood. It is a different color but I will still match one of the colors of yarn that I will be using.

22 May 2015


Just one more day!

PORCH PARTY

SATURDAY MAY 23

ALL DAY

Goodies will be served.

It looks like the weather will be beautiful! Just the right temperature for a great day sitting and knitting and watching the world go by. What could be better?!

I fixed the Poncho made from Opera. You will be able to try it on but some of the finishing touches will be missing. Your comments will be appreciated.

21 May 2015

Well I could say "OOPS!" but it was reading the instructions and thinking that I knew better. I am try to get the poncho made from Lana Grossa's Opera done in time for the Porch Party. Wouldn't you know that I got the short rows done but the wrong direction. Ravel time! I will have it done, I will have it done.

Its been done for awhile but I have a picture now. The Greta, designed by Jane Slicer-Smith from her book Swing, Swagger, Drape looks great if I have to say so myself. I missed placing Lyn correctly in the photo (I don't do phone photos well) but you can see the work on the back and I can explain the changes I made to her pattern. They are aesthetics more than anything else but my sensibilities wouldn't let me proceed without the changes.

Thank you Lyn.