Thursday, November 7, 2013

Dappled Leaves


We all have a skein (or 12) of amazingly gorgeous, highly variegated yarn that we couldn't live without.  If you're at all like me, it's destiny is to become a sock or, even more likely, to decorate your home as the piece of art that it is.

I purchased this skein of Permission Tree Farm Piggy Toes SW at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival a couple years ago. I bought it because the colors reminded me of the awe inspiring autumn foliage from my trip to Rhinebeck with my girls a few years before.  I had to have it, but I didn't know what to do with it.  I wanted it to be more than socks, so it waited and waited.

Finally, I had a little spark of an idea and wound it up.  I cast on for a nice wide piece with larger needles and began knitting in a broken brioche-type stitch.  It's reversible, thick, and fluffy, but so light and squishy.


The knitting was mostly of the mindless tv variety.  I  kept going until almost the end of the skein and then seamed the ends together to make a long cowl, but it looks great as a scarf as well.

Almost any weight of yarn, combined with needles 3-4 sizes larger than the ball band recommends will give you a lovely fabric.  I think it's the perfect use for that special skein of sock yarn.  And it's quick enough for gift knitting.  I've included it in the Indie Design Gift-A-Long.  It will be 25% through 11/15/2013 GMT with the code "giftalong".



Nova

I recently completed the sweetest little girl dress.  It's my first holiday knit of the season.

Nova by Signe S. Simonsen from Petite Purls, Issue 8. 


I knit from Miss Babs Yummy 2-ply, my all time favorite yarn.  The colors are Sugar (the pink) and Athena (the brown).  I only used about 3/4 of each skein. I made no mods except to shorten the sleeves, since this little one lives in a much warmer place.  It was lovely pattern, well written and easy to knit during this summer's endless softball and soccer games.




This is her combo, belated first birthday/holiday dress.  But since her mom was here to visit, I sent it home with her.  I want this sassy girl to get as much wear as possible out of it. 






Monday, November 4, 2013

Math4Knitter Podcast

I recently was asked to be interviewed for the Math4Knitters podcast.  Lara and I talk about Hitch, weekend's off, socks, designing and more. http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131103/BLOGS2601/131029336

Thanks for having me, Lara!