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.

20 May 2015

It's almost time! It looks like we will have perfect weather too!

Don't forget the

PORCH PARTY

MAY 23

ALL DAY

We still are keeping the yarns we had at Maryland Sheep and Wool. So, if you missed the festival you still have a chance at seeing all of the wonderful yarn we had.

Just before it got completely insufferable with heat and humidity, Lyn agreed to be photographed in the finished Pente. It's really finally done!

See you all soon.

16 May 2015

I have to admit that the start of the Dotted Rays shawl is interesting. I'm glad that I'm doing the pattern because a simple notation will make it easier if you decide to knit the shawl. Come on in and I will explain.

Don't forget, we're on a countdown to the

SPRING PORCH PARTY

MAY 23

All day on the porch

Why deal with Memorial Day traffic headaches. Come to the shop, sit back, sip tea and much goodies and watch the world go by while you knit without the hassle.

15 May 2015

Sometimes it takes me awhile to have a thought really sink in. Oh well.

There is a distinct difference between a stiff yarn and an itchy or prickly yarn. I sat in the shop the other day with a ball of Kauni yarn under my chin (it's my yarn not for sale in the shop).

Kauni is definitely not an itchy yarn! Kauni is a stiff yarn that has a long staple so there are not sharp cut ends sticking out that makes a yarn prickly or itchy.

What a revelation! So Kauni is a stiff yarn but it is not itchy – this is a big difference.

Yes, I know that the 'hand' of the yarn is what most folks go by but Kauni is the exception. Because it feels 'coarse' folks disregard it and think that it will be uncomfortable to wear. Well, this is the time that I can tell you to give the yarn a chance. Kauni is a very wearable yarn and won't make you itch! Go ahead, knit a sweater it will feel wonderful when worn.

This is one of RYN's patterns (Dinsmore Cardigan) that uses two different versions of Kauni – Effekt and Solid. The Effekt is used for the two front panels of the cardigan are are knitted side to side. The rest of the sweater is knit from the top down. A very interesting way of using the Effekt yarn for vertical striping.

See you soon.

14 May 2015

Hooray! I finally finished the Pente cardigan designed by Carol Feller. I used Sebago by Knit One Crochet Too instead of the specified yarn. It is sooooo soft. You have to stop by to see the finished sweater.

Here's the Ravelry link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pente and here's the photo:

I'm knitting the Lana Grossa Poncho in Opera and I have to say it has the most unusual short row instructions but they work and it looks great. When you stop by ask to see the work in progress.

13 May 2015

If you didn't stop by this last weekend you missed your chance to see the Prism and Kauni models that were loaned to us for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.

That was the bad news. Now for the good news.

We will have the show yarn here until May 25, then we have to send it back.

Don't forget the

SPRING PORCH PARTY

MAY 23

ALL DAY

There will be good things to eat and iced tea to drink.

Come join us for a good time on the porch!

9 May 2015

Just arrived! Zen Yarn Garden Serenity 20 in 6 colors. Three of them match the Color Affection Shawl store sample but all 6 colors would work for this pattern and many other patterns. Have fun mixing and matching!

Many of you have been waiting for the custom dyed order to arrive so "Thank you" for you your patience.

I am working on a Lana Grossa garment right now and sewing up the sleeves on the Penta Cardigan. I will be starting Stephen West's, Dotted Rays shawl using Kauni in 12 solids. Ask to see the colors that I've chosen. This was the inspiration:

Calendar Reminder!

PORCH PARTY May 23 All Day

8 May 2015

Here's another hit from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Laura Bryant's Chevron Tee can be knit with one or two strands of Delicato or you can knit it with either lace or sport weight linen. The model is hanging in the shop right now.

This pattern is written for a large number of sizes and can be worn as a sheer overblouse that is very drapable or knitted with the heaver combination is more opaque and has more body. The pattern has a cap or short sleeve option.

This is a timeless design and just right right for summer. For the moment we have a large selection of both of the yarns required for this pattern.

7 May 2015

One of the patterns we showed at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival was a hit. It takes two balls of Kauni Effekt for the widest size:

Fun to knit, it's garter all  the way! Great for summer.

6 May 2015

Well, another Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival has passed. Many of you stopped by to say, "Hello." Thank you! It was nice to see you at the festival.

Our booth was filled to the brim with Mountain Colors, Prism and Kauni yarns. If you missed the festival we will have the remains here at the shop. And, as an added bonus we have the models!

The Kauni models are new (at least new to us) that includes the Dinsmore cardigan. This sweater has a bit of an interesting construction. And not to be left behind, Prism has a beautiful Chevron Tee that can be knit with Delicato either singly or doubled or knit with either lace or sport weight linen. It only depends on your taste.

Stop by the shop to see the models - they're beautiful.

Remember, the show yarns won't be here forever. Stop by soon or you will miss out.