Inspired by this and this, I made this:

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer. (Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet)

Posted by Janet at 09:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

When I finished the first Ripple blanket in July, my sister mentioned that she wanted one in pink and brown, so I made plans to start one for her in the Fall. I fully expected to finish in time to give it to her for Christmas, but the shop ran out of one of the colors I was using. When the yarn arrived, I finished the afghan -- another "lap" size of about 38" x 52". It's the same yarn as the previous Ripple - Cascade 220 Superwash - and I actually washed this one in the washing machine and dried it on the lowest setting in my dryer and it fared very well, becoming noticeably softer. I love this yarn, but as much as I enjoyed it, I think I'm definitely rippled out for a while.

It's in her hands now and she loves it!

There have been other projects on the needles (rather than just the hook) and I'll be happy to share them the first chance I get.

Posted by Janet at 06:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)

You may be right
I may be crazy
But it just might be a lunatic you're looking for
Turn out the light
Don't try to save me
You may be wrong for all I know
But you may be right

It was about four years ago that I finished my first pair of handknit socks and last night I had a dream about knitting socks -- particularly about starting a new sock when I already had single socks waiting for their mates to be knit (that's actually true, by the way). However, in my dream, I was experiencing the absolute joy and freedom of starting a brand new sock, shamelessly and totally guilt free. I woke up thinking how crazy that probably is to most people -- not to mention that non-knitters don't get the whole handknit sock thing in the first place. (Those who wrinkle their noses at my handknit socks simply don't get them as gifts. Their loss). There are no knitting police, but there are often haughty knitters who remind you that you already have single socks that need their mates. And yes, I already know about the concept of two-at-a-time socks. I have some on the needles now!

All I know is that when I saw my first handknit socks, I had to learn how to knit them. It took me a solid year -- perhaps almost two years -- to grasp the concept and actually learn how to knit them. Undeniably, it was one of the most difficult things for me to learn how to do, but I figured it out and count it among my proudest achievements. Sadly, somewhere along the way, I began experiencing the guilt (again, from other knitters . . . not from the loved ones who would eventually GET my handknit socks) about the unfinished pairs. I started feeling guilty about casting on and some of the pride of finishing a single beautiful sock was diminished by the finger-pointers. You see, I can finish a single sock -- the first sock -- rather quickly. I enjoy the entire process, start-to-finish (yes, even the grafting -- now one of my favorite parts, as a I always knit cuff-to-toe). But when one sock is finished, I desperately want to start another in an entirely different sock yarn. Yet I don't. Because of the guilt. Holy cow. How insane is that?

I'm starting another sock.

Posted by Janet at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (21)

1. Knitting a sock monkey
2. Achieving some personal goals
3. Learning how to crochet*

Since getting some new books, I'm tempted to experiment with crocheting some garments first:

From the introduction in Doris Chan's book:

If you would love to wear your own creations, but struggle with the crocheting because you have fitting or sizing issues, then dive in here. From sleek camisoles to pullovers, cardigans, and coats, the designs in this book contain the elements and guidance to help you make well-fitting, attractive crocheted clothes that you will be proud to wear.

Hers is an interesting approach - crocheting top down with shell stitches. The shells expand down and out rather than up and out, which allows for some natural shaping. And, similar to knitting, top-down construction allows you to try on the garment in progress so you can revise as you go. I'm anxious to try it out but a little bit uncertain about choosing yarn for these projects. I'm not as confident in deviating from the yarns recommended by crochet designers.

Meanwhile, I have plans to knit a sweater for Paul this year as well. I decided on a pattern from Ann Budd's The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns. He prefers a looser fit, so I'm going to knit him a Drop Shoulder-style sweater with turned up, hemmed sleeves. Swatching has already begun:

This should be an interesting year.

Continue reading "My favorite accomplishments of 2009" »

Posted by Janet at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

I've been wanting to knit a vest forever -- specifically, a ribbed, v-neck vest. I cleaned out my favorites on Ravelry last night and noticed SO MANY vest patterns in my faves. (Of course, viewing my faves was a mistake . . . this entry would have been written last night had I not gotten sidetracked viewing my faves and your faves too!)

But back to vests. I love them, but hadn't knit one yet. This was my first. I love that a vest keeps me warm but not too warm. And when I saw this deep green Noro Retro, I immediately envisioned using it for a ribbed vest. The Jane Ellison pattern book was the inspiration, but while I love it, it's not suited for knitters who like a lot of clear and accurate instructions. For that, I recommend The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges, by Ann Budd.

I'm planning to knit another vest soon -- but with a heathered worsted weight yarn and the basic v-neck vest pattern in this booklet. I'm looking at a lot of patterns I might have avoided had I not discovered that I really enjoy seaming -- specifically, mattress stitch. It's really kind of magical and I enjoy the process.

When I was a teenager, I remember falling in love with a colorful striped sweater I found in an upscale shop, but my mom pointed out that the stripes didn't match up front to back and that it was a sign of poor workmanship. If she saw this vest, it would probably drive her crazy. There's a subtle striping effect from where the fibers change and the stripes in front don't match the ones in the back. Although I could have knit this in the round, I actually wanted wider stripes instead of the narrower ones that would have resulted from circular knitting. Now that I know what I'm doing, I have another vest to finish -- the Gesta Vest that I started quite a while ago, but avoided finishing completely because it called for a single crochet edging around the neckline. I can totally do that now - easy peasy.

Posted by Janet at 05:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Last year's wishes were fulfilled and that's what I chose to recall as 2009 slipped away with very little fanfare.

My personal wishes for 2010

Possibility
Participation
Process
Productivity
Profitability

Knitting and crocheting have a place in my plans and wishes, but I'm making room for more and expanding my horizons. As this year brings me even closer to my fifth sixth decade . . . it is time.

Thank you all for reading and sharing your stories here and in your own blogs. I am still reading! While I don't get around to your blogs or photostreams as often as I'd like, please know that when I do, it's with attentiveness and warmth.

Posted by Janet at 09:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Happy Holidays to all my loyal readers and friends! We're anticipating all the festivities here and have plans for some new traditions. I hope it all comes together.

We had an ornament exchange at the shop and I'm kicking myself for not taking photos of each ornament - all of them were handmade and adorable! Most of them were knitted and one was smocked. And now that the exchange has taken place, I can finally reveal the one I made:

The pattern is a free Berroco pattern and part of their annual "Minutia" patten collection:

Minutia
Minutia 2008
Minutia 2009

The first time I knit one (same pattern), I used worsted weight yarn and it looks a bit more dense and full than the one I knit with a lighter worsted weight. Here's the first one:

I made some mistakes on it, so I kept it for my own tree. I have another one almost finished and seamed (using a different pattern) and I'll share that one when it's finished. It's ridiculous how much I enjoyed making them!

And the one I got? A sweet little elf, full of personality and sass:

Here's his free pattern on the Spud & Chloë blog: Tiny Elf

So if I don't manage to get back here before the end of the month, Happy Holidays and Happy 82nd birthday to my Dad today:

Posted by Janet at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

The things I want to finish . . .

. . . so I can start these:

I've had a difficult month trying to figure things out and rearrange some priorities. However, knitting and crocheting have been among the few calming things I get to do -- when I get to do them. One of the milestones I've hit is that as of the first of November, I've worked at Twisted Yarns for 5 years. In a month, I'll have been knitting 6 years. In the scheme of things, I've not been knitting very long at all, so it surprises me when non-knitters make assumptions about me based on my hobbies. There's still a lot more to me than my claim to knitting as just one of my many passions. I challenge you to get to know the person behind the knitter. I think I've tried writing about this before -- about all these assumptions one can make about people when they don't make an effort to get to know them beyond their hobbies.

I'm grateful for the diversity among knitters and fiber enthusiasts and the opportunity I have to spend my time working with friends who are among the women I admire the most. I get to meet people who enrich my life beyond a simple sales transaction. I get to teach a skill and end up learning more in the process. I get to support an industry comprised of many women-owned businesses and business cooperatives in developing countries. You do know that there are excellent alternatives to yarn purchased in big-box stores and craft chains, right? I hope so. I hope that if it's your desire to support small businesses in your communities that you're spending your hard-earned dollars in places that matter - places that put money and time back into your community.

That's what this knitter is about . . . in case you were wondering.

Posted by Janet at 09:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (19)

Posted by Janet at 09:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

This morning, I've been searching Ravelry for some fast and easy holiday ornament patterns and thought I would share a few of these with you:

* Fetching Knits' Cheers Mini Sweater [Ravelry], by Cheryl Niamath
* Hogwarts Mini House Sock Ornaments [Ravelry], by Marie White
* Miniature Knitting Bag Ornament [Ravelry] by Sharon Spence
* Holiday Bird Ornament, by the Purl Bee (Thanks, Kim!)

In addition to using them as actual tree ornaments, you could also use them as gift toppers.

I'm in the midst of holiday gift knitting and other deadline knitting, so there's not much I can share here (photowise) on the blog, but you might catch glimpses of WIPs in my Flickr photostream or on Ravelry. Although I did very little holiday knitting last year, I'm making up for it this year and thankfully, I got an early start. I'm working on a large crochet project and a few smaller projects like hats for family members in colder climates.

And in about a month, I'll be putting last year's ornaments on the tree - both of these were purchased at Anthropologie for 75% off -- and I couldn't have made either of these cute ornaments that inexpensively on my own:

Happy holiday knitting!
UPDATE: October 29, 2009 - Added additional link for free holiday ornament patterns

Continue reading "Holiday Ornaments :: FREE Patterns" »

Posted by Janet at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Although Erica's crocheted Granny Square blanket is still a WIP (work-in-progress), I just had to share it with you -- I'm really loving it. Since this photo was taken, she's added another skein of Noro Taiyo and will likely do one more after that. I think she's up to 6 skeins now and is choosing them randomly. She's also planning to crochet a border around the entire blanket -- approximate finished size is expected to be 36" x 36".

My co-worker, Ann, taught Erica to crochet in early June (Ann's also the one who taught me to crochet) but Erica took to Granny squares a lot more quickly than I did. Stitch n' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker proved to be a resource for her to get comfortable with hooking her Grannies. I'm still struggling with Granny squares, but I'm itching to try them again after the holidays -- it looks so fun.

Posted by Janet at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

The Mini-Mystery KAL is complete and I am thrilled with the outcome. It's a slouchy hat designed with large ("Mondo") cables. I used one skein of Cascade 220 Heathers (mine was colorway 2453) but any worsted weight yarn with comparable yardage would work. Bonne Marie released the pattern in three phases (three consecutive Saturdays beginning September 26, 2009) to the knit-along participants and once the knit-along was complete, the pattern was made available at Chic Knits to purchase: Mondo Cable Cap.

I love the large, simple cables:

And I'll definitely make another . . .

. . . because this one was claimed before I even finished knitting it

It's a very economical pattern -- most yarn shops sell Cascade 220 for under $7 (USD) per skein, so for less than $12, you can knit your own in a weekend. Now to decide what color to knit next . . .

Posted by Janet at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

On Saturday, I'll get the final clue for the Chic Knits Mini Mystery Knit-Along. I am loving the project and SO excited about finishing it. It reaffirms my love (yet again) for Cascade 220 - especially the heathered colors.

I've finished the first book in the Outlander series and have started the second book, Dragonfly in Amber. I'm definitely hooked, but I know I'm late to the party - how many of you have already read them?

By the way, for those of you considering a Kindle*, the prices have dropped again. I love mine and have enjoyed the ease (and instant gratification) of ordering the books I want to read. I'm never without a good book anymore. It came in handy at the doctor's office last week when I didn't have a project on the needles that I wanted to take with me.

Continue reading "Mystery Knit and Outlander" »

Posted by Janet at 07:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

The shop where I work is now carrying a line of patterns I've been hoping for -- Chic Knits. At least three of my co-workers are knitting the Basic Chic Hoodie and the one I've seen of Alisa's (knit with Rowan Lima) is gorgeous! However, if you rush to the shop to buy patterns -- they've nearly run out! (Please ask them to order more!)

I've been getting Bonne Marie's email notifications for a while now and recently, she announced a new pattern for a Mini Mystery Knit-along. Sign-ups for the mini knit-along ended on September 25th and she released the first of three clues the following day. I had yarn in my stash that was perfect for it and cast on immediately - it's the heathery pumpkin-colored Cascade 220 in the photo above.

And I have to share how happy I've been with my new Ravelry Queue discipline. I'm limiting my queue to things I intend to cast on within a 3- to 4-month period. And I've tried to make a reasonable guess as to when I will cast on and the order in which I intend to knit (or crochet) them. Everything else that used to reside in my Queue goes into my Ravelry Favorites. While this is working well for me - your mileage may vary. The best benefit is that It keeps me from inevitable distraction and I love that.

If I wasn't doing this, I'm sure I would feel too overwhelmed to start any knit-alongs, but now my queue's no longer impossibly ambitious and guilt-inducing. There's plenty of room in there to start a small project in between the planned "big" ones. So therefore, when I was reading Lolly's big announcement of the Fifth Annual Socktoberfest celebration, I was excited to click over to the Through the Loops' Socktoberfest Mystery Sock. I'm joining in the fun this year for the first time. Are you participating in Socktoberfest? As a reminder, Socktoberfest is more than a knit-along -- in fact, it's anything sock-related that you want to make it! After all the illness and drama we had in September, I'm just thrilled to make it to October -- and that's part of what I'm celebrating as I participate in the knit-along.

Posted by Janet at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

My blogging has been infrequent since I've been focused on knitting productivity. I've been trying to discipline myself to stick with one project until I've completed it (not so easy when I'm addicted to starting new things). If you're on Flickr, you'll see that I've shared more in-progress photos over there, but there's only so much you can blog about a plain vanilla sweater. I used to own a cozy 100% cotton roll neck sweater that I bought at J. Crew in the early 90's. I loved that sweater and this summer cardi was inspired by it - it's the same color and nearly the same texture. And since shifting my focus to knitting (and crocheting) things I can wear, I've possibly solved my wardrobe deficit. Perhaps I can get away with just purchasing new shoes and new jeans -- and making the Fall sweaters and tops myself. For upcoming knits, I'm sticking with a palette of dark neutrals and have already chosen yarn and patterns. My Ravelry queue is up-to-date if you'd like to check it out.

I was delighted with this basic little cardigan. I'll definitely wear it, but it's purpose is also to serve as a template for future sweaters. This one's a little short and has no shaping whatsoever, but I can attempt that the next time I knit this pattern and make my own improvements.

Posted by Janet at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Everything came to a halt last week when I caught a cold and the last bit of sock monkey assembly had to wait. I'm delighted with him -- even his silly oversized ears. (I'll re-do his ears some day, but for now, they stay. My ears are big too). I attached his arms only to take them off to try to figure out a more elegant way to seam them. There's not much in the book in the way of instruction.

Thank you all for sharing your sock-knitting techniques and preferred tools! I'm keeping an open mind and expanding my horizons. I want to at least have a solid understanding of techniques beyond double-pointed needles, so I'm challenging myself to try different techniques. Ann, my co-worker at Twisted Yarns, sat down with me a little over a week ago and taught me the two socks on two circulars method. The objective is to have a finished pair of socks when you've completed all the knitting -- no more second sock syndrome! Unlike the two-at-a-time on ONE circular, the two distinct circular needles makes everything a little easier to keep track of and like she described to me, two circulars gives you an "escape route" should you need it. I didn't get to work on them at all last week, but I'm past the ribbing and ready to start knitting the plain portion of the sock.

You can also use this technique to knit two sleeves at once -- it's the same concept! It does take a little more time, but you simply keep your eyes on the prize - a matching finished PAIR of socks (or sleeves).

Here's the yarn I'm using:

It's Crystal Palace Mini Mochi; the self-striping colorways are similar to Noro. Mine's color 103.

I'm sorry if I've left a few of you hanging with unanswered emails and comments on Flickr and Ravelry. I'm over my cold and beginning to catch up.

Posted by Janet at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I was on a mission to find this sock the other day because I'd shared with somebody how utterly horrid my very first sock turned out; granted, I didn't think it was horrid at the time, but I do now. I got through the process of knitting it by nurturing a burning desire to be a sock knitter and with Mariann (my ever-patient knitting teacher) telling me that I could do it. This is the pattern she had used to turn others into sock knitters and I think it was a great way to learn sock techniques. It's a worsted-weight washable yarn held double and it becomes a thick crew sock. And, no, I never finished the second sock.

It struck me the other day that there are always going to be new knitters who genuinely want to put in the time and effort to learn how to knit and I never want to forget how it felt to have questions -- to be scared and uncertain. I don't remember if Knitting Help videos were available back when I started learning how to knit socks, but if they were, I'd have watched the ones in the Advanced Techniques section repeatedly! While I'm a huge fan of double-pointed needles for sock knitting, I'm planning to master the other techniques (magic loop, socks on two circulars) so that I can help others who prefer this method and are learning how to knit socks. And I'm even going to try to keep an open mind about an alternate sock-knitting method I've resisted learning so far -- the one in this book.

I know many of you have shared before that you're magic loop fans -- or that you love the two circulars method, but I'm curious to know which sock knitting methods you've tried before you settled on your favorite.

Meanwhile, there's a nearly finished, big-eared sock monkey knit entirely on double-pointed needles waiting to make his debut after he has his photoshoot this weekend -- along with a long and drawn out post about why I wanted to knit a sock monkey in the first place.

Posted by Janet at 08:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)