Shop Update

Some of the things currently in my etsy shop: Especially Viva la Knitolution tshirts, perfect to show your knitter pride during the summer! They also make great gifts. Available in several colors and sizes, and I do take custom orders for different sizes, colors, and to print other things like bags. Lots of other stock- including spinning fiber, yarn, and handspun!

Time and Relative Dimension in Space

Yep, that's right, TARDIS. Why? Because that's my latest pattern! I've finally got the charts out from my TARDIS kleenex box cover, as a free pattern- download now via Ravelry!

The charts can be used for color knitting and crochet, for needlepoint, cross stitch- even for weaving. If you want my kleenex box cover, use standard plastic canvas (available at any craft store) and worsted weight yarn. Cut the pieces to allow the number of stitches shown in the chart for each side and the top, work through each of the charts, and then use a whip stitch and blue yarn to attach the pieces together and to go over the bottom edge so there is no exposed plastic showing.

Allons-y!

Knitworthy

This started out as a post about the moment when I knew my fiance was knitworthy, but the more I thought about it, the more it grew. It isn't just that he's knitworthy, its that his being knitworthy highlights so many of the reasons I love him. 

The first thing I ever knit for my fiance was a hat. It was a terrible hat. We were on a trip, it was colder than expected, and he didn't have a hat. The only spare yarn I had was crummy, and the only needles I had with me were the wrong size for the yarn. (Why did I have crummy yarn without needles the right size to use it if I wanted to? There are some questions better left unasked.) But I whipped out a crummy hat in an hour or so, and it kept him warm(er) for that trip. Given the total lack of time, energy and love committed to that hat, I wouldn't have been upset at all if he got rid of it upon return to his hats of superior usefulness at home. But he didn't. A few years later, when we were cleaning out our stuff in preparation to move, he still had the hat! He had kept it just because I made it for him. I convinced him to pass it along in the donation box- but I knew in that moment that he was a keeper, and knitworthy to boot. 

The next thing I made him was a pair of "gloves", his "Teradactyl" gloves. He helped pick out the pattern, and it was the first thing I ever made with my own handspun yarn. Not only does he still wear them all the time, but he proudly shows them off to everyone.

A few months ago, a spinning wheel practically fell into my lap. When I told my fiance I was bringing it home, I expected a response about where the hell would it go? and why do I need more stuff for knitting/spinning? and why was I spending money on this? but all I got was "Awesome!" Which is way more supportive than I would probably have been- so, lesson learned better half! During the following weeks of repairs and finishing to get the wheel back into prime condition, he was very curious- to the point that I think I might get him spinning someday. Now, I'm sure part of that is because he's an engineer, and wanting to know how things work is in his blood... 

And then, the socks. The socks that got me thinking about how lucky I am to have such a knitworthy partner. I already posted about how he allowed himself to be dragged into being my excuse to buy yarn in France, so I could make him socks (I've been trying to convince him that I should make him socks for awhile now) and every time I tried them on his feet he got a more eager look on his face. I'm a little worried that I'm ruining him for storebought socks and will have my hands full knitting him socks for the rest of my life, but mostly I can't wait to see the look on his face when they're finished and he can wear them for real. And that started me thinking about how he doesn't just pretend to be interested in what I'm working on, or in going to mills and petting sheep and spotting knitterly things while travelling- he really is interested, because he's interested in me. 

Then I thought about how thrilled he was when I got my first pattern accepted by Knit Picks, and when they featured it in the Knit Picks catalogue, and what a tolerant glove and hat model he's been, and how supportive he's been of my endeavors with Knitolution and I realized- I am truly blessed to have such wonderful, curious, intelligent, interested, supportive partner. That's how I knew he was knitworthy. 

Vacation Knitting

Vacation knitting is so relaxing! Especially when you've been mostly doing deadline knitting under pressure. I'm home now, and back at the deadline knitting- which, incidentally, is less onerous when you've been away from it for 2 weeks. Today I finished Wall-E (Wall-E 1 of 10 that is) and isn't he cute? I had to make some pattern modifications, as I said in the last post. It didn't turn out to be that complicated to make him fewer pieces with less sewing- mostly a matter of magic circles and crochet through the back loop only.

But back to the vacation knitting! I took an old project with me- the Sailor's Scarf, that I never seem to get anywhere with. I didn't work on it a whole lot, but I did get a couple pattern repeats done. Its gorgeous, just slow. and grey. and tiny and slippery, which don't go well with knitting in moving vehicles.

I brought along two projects to start on vacation- in theory one was backup in case I completely finished the other... but are you surprised to learn that I cast both on before we even left the US? That's right, on our 1 hour flight to Philly, I had already started both projects.

The first is a lace shawl, the Shetland Triangle pattern. I can't tell you who for just yet. I'm loving the yarn, and loving working this pattern again. I already made it once, in what turned out to be my giant silver shawl. This pretty much flew along for much of the first half of the trip.

The second is the entrelac socks I've been meaning to make for, oh, three years or so! As it turns out, the pattern needs some serious tech editing. Its a brilliant construction method, but I had to pretty much reconstruct a lot of the hows and wherefores for myself. I'm now really glad this project has lain in wait for so long, because when I got it I had neither the knitting knowledge nor the entrelac experience to figure out all these issues, and while I know the designer and she would have been happy to explain, figuring out that I couldn't figure it out while on vacation and without internet would have been enormously frustrating. As it is now, it was just an interesting challenge.

I bought yarn in Europe (really, no shocker there!) Ryan agreed to be my excuse in France (more on that shortly) and in Holland, I couldn't find any Dutch yarn, so I came home with German sock yarn and Swedish lace yarn- both things I at least have never seen in the US (that doesn't mean they can't be found here, just that they aren't available at any of the shops I frequent) The sock yarn will (eventually) be (shockingly) socks, while I have plans for green beads and brown lace yarn and a leafy pattern and forest-y goodness. (again... eventually)

The French yarn however! Nothing was really reaching out and grabbing me at Bergere de France, at least nothing that I could think what I'd do with it and therefore how much to buy, so I went with what any sensible person would do- I asked Ryan what I could make for him, and with which yarn. After some coaxing and reassurances that he really really really would love handknit socks, we settled on this lovely tweedy yarn (soft too!) and I promptly cast on for his socks. I call them his 5 country socks, because I knit them on the bust to Amsterdam, so they've been knit in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, the USA, and even over international waters! These absorbed most of my time in the second half of the trip and are well on their way to sockdom. They fit really well, and so far he's quite pleased. Fortunately, since the next 3 months will be full of nearly exclusively deadline knitting, its going to be awhile before boot socks will be in service again, so there isn't any rush to finish.

Finishing

I've been on a finishing kick lately. I know, I know, its a problem we should all have! I'm actually quite thrilled with how many projects I've been finishing lately that have turned out just how I wanted them. I feel that the knitting powers that be are looking kindly on my endeavors.

Finished in the last 2 weeks:

Kriselle's dress is finally done! The skirt has so many increases that it feels never ending, but its cute now that it's done. I can't wait to see it on her.

R2-D2s- all 10 R2s are done! I'm up to 23 completed wedding favors!

Started and subsequently finished in the last 2 weeks:
Yarnbombing! I've been wanting to participate in some yarn bombing for ages, and I finally did- this is my section, to be added with others to an undisclosed location (Dedham Square) today.

Wire Bracelet: at the BASD meeting, we had a little workshop about knitting with wire and beads, and this cuff is the result. I really like how it turned out, though I think the wire was a thicker than ideal gauge and hard to work with. I have some other ideas to explore in the world of knit jewelry!

Nina's squares: these 2 squares are my contribution to a large group blanket to provide comfort in a difficult time.

Started in the last 2 weeks: (I told you, I've been busy!)
Wall-E: The next set of favors is underway. This pattern is going to require a lot of modification- 20 peices for a 4" amigurimi? I don't believe in sewing up.

Nic & Jess's wedding blanket: This entrelac beauty will (hopefully) be finished in time for their wedding. The purple represents Jess, and the orange represents Nic.

Cynthia's muppet blanket: My first large project in Afghan Stitch. Her first child got a blanket with a skull and crossbones, so this one gets a blanket with a biohazard symbol!

Still coming along:
The wedding veil: It goes and goes, and is down now to about 30 (very long) rows remaining.

Sailing Cross-stitch- up to almost 2 letters!

Spinny Spin Spin

It works! The first skein is off the bobbin and washed! The texture is fantastic, and it was so easy- it seemed like the fiber just flew through my fingers.

Since the last post, Willa and I had a several hour pow wow with the wheel and the oil, and decided that the root of all the problems was in the crunchy crispy cracked leather strap on the footman. Problem was though, we couldn't remove it properly because the screws holding it in place are so rusted they started flaking about when I touched them (yes, I realize I could drill them out and replace them, but that's a lot of work and there isn't much room on the footman to go drilling the screws out) so we just snipped the leather and tied a new strap around the remains. Worked perfectly!

We were still left with an overly sticky treadle- so after Willa left, I broke down and did enough dis-assembly to wiggle the treadle completely off, so I could oil all the way down the metal pegs that hold it in place- after re-assembly, it moves so easily- like a hot knife through butter!

So here it is, the first finished skein off my new baby. What's it going to be? Who knows! I had no project in mind- just the joy of spinning this luscious natural brown wool. Maybe it will end up in my etsy shop- keep your eyes peeled!

Fiber Camp

Wow, what a weekend at Fiber Camp! So much inspiration, and so many cool new things. And a little pile of yummy swatches to show for it. (that mess of color and excitement is the schedule board)

To start off with, I got a vintage (30-40 year old, untouched in an attic for most of that time!) Ashford Traditional wheel 2 weeks ago (yay!) I've been searching for an affordable and functional wheel for about 3 years now. It was very very stiff, with really crunchy leather bits, dry dry wood and some rust. After lots of help from the lovely people at the BASD meeting where I acquired the wheel, family, friends, and great new friends at Fiber Camp, including the wonderful Lucy from Mind's Eye Yarns- we cranked on screws, oiled, conditioned leather, hydrated wood, oiled some more, pumped the treadle, oiled... and it runs! Its still soaking up oil every time its used, but it spins beautifully now. 

Of course, I learned lots of new things at Fiber Camp- steeking, knitting and crochet with wire and beads, how to read crochet charts, tunisian crochet, brioche stitch, hand carding (without f***ing it up), knitting backwards, Cat Bordhi's Sweet Tomato Heel, and how to choose a fleece. Whew! I can't wait to put these new skills to work- I'm already working on an entrelac blanket that's been in the queue to practice the backwards knitting, and soon I'll be starting a baby blanket in afghan stitch soon. 

I've been knitting along on other projects too- and finished a few things! I finally finished the train socks- they fit absolutely pefectly. I've made socks before, but never a pair that just fit exactly like they were meant for my feet and no one else's! I almost cried when I tried them on. The pattern for the cable and eyelet pattern will be available soon. Knit in my own hand painted Mir sock yarn! 

I also started and finished a quick earwarmer, which will also have a pattern out soon. It has stuffed pockets over the ears for lots of warmth. It is made with Sublime yarns incredible blend of merino, cashmere, and silk! Super soft and warm, without the fuzz and fluff that could be irritating over ears. 

Kriselle's dress is coming along, I'm about halfway through the skirt- which means its gotten pretty boring since its all stockinette stitch! 

The R2D2s are marching on into the sunset... I'm up to 6 (almost 7) and a zoidberg (thank's Jess!) 

And lastly, my cross stitch is now up to half a letter! ;-p 

Spring Classes

For the spring, I will be offering a regular drop in knitting night at Sheepskate. Every Wednesday from 7-9, you can drop in at Sheepskate for $20.

Bring what you're working on and get help fixing mistakes, reading a pattern, finishing, or any other questions you have. Ready to start a new project and need help planning it or want to learn a new skill? Bring your ideas, scrap yarn, and needles!

Sign up or get more information at Sheepskate or by calling 781-320-9276.


I also offer private lessons, both at Sheep Skate in Dedham, and in Cambridge. Please email me if you want to set something up! knitolution@gmail.com 

Eileen offers a number of other classes as well, please visit her website to see the rest of her options! www.sheepskate.com All classes except drop ins are pre-registration and pre-pay. Refunds will be given if classes are cancelled due to low participation. Each class has a minimum of 3 and max of 8. Please register as early as possible so that we can prepare for each student. Call 781-320-9276 or email Eileen@sheepskate.com to register.

Project Roundup

Its time for another edition of what's on the needles!

Since the last time we did this, I finished my legwarmers (and started on pointe!) and I love how they turned out. Long, and warm, and colorful. Perfect.

I started the next batch of wedding favors- this one is R2D2! (He's so cute!) and obviously, he still needs another leg.

I started something for my dad too, but since he reads this... that's all you get. No hints, dad.

My veil has grown considerably since the last photo of it, I'm about 2/3 done with the pattern rows now, but as the number of stitches keeps increasing I think I'm actually around halfway done.

Lastly, Kriselle's dress is done the waistband and top, and I've picked up for the skirt. There were some major issues with the pattern for the chest, that slowed me down a lot as I tried to figure out what the designer acutally intended, but I sorted things out and the skirt should be easy and quick.

February Classes

February's series of classes are introductions to a variety of techniques and skills to take your knitting in new directions. Sign up at Sheepskate in Dedham or by calling 781-320-9276.

Feb 1- Textured Stitches
Learn about stitches made up of knits and purls- Such as ribbing, seed stitch, and basketweave.

Feb 8- Cables
Get an introduction to cabled stitches- learn how they work, and get suggestions to start a cable project.

Feb 15- Lace
Demystify lace knitting by working with worsted weight yarn and big needles, and learn how lace knitting works so that you can translate your new skill into a project.

Feb 22- Colorwork
Do you love the colorful patterns of Norwegian sweaters? Learn about Fair Isle and Intarsia colorwork techniques and you'll be ready to tackle your own colorwork project.

Feb 29- Double Knitting
Learn to make reversible, double thick, colorful fabric that is perfect for scarves, hats, bags, and more.

Kid's Classes during Boston schools' February break. Eileen will be offering knit, crochet, and other craft classes every day of the break. These are the classes I will be teaching.

Feb 21- Needlepoint
Learn the basic needlepoint stitch and make fun colorful patterns of your own design! Complete a bookmark or an ornament.

Feb 22- Duck Tape
There's more to duck tape than taping things! Learn how to work with this material and make a cool & colorful wallet or belt!