tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43453261428435384942024-03-13T15:46:57.646-04:00Knithound BrooklynA hound like determination to knit and spin. An homage to my beautiful hounds Lola and Rudy; they are my joy.knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-35230150817682300792011-03-18T10:48:00.002-04:002011-03-18T10:50:58.675-04:00Sneak PeekMy last little hurrah before going back to work full time. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5537493092/" title="Sneak Peek by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5537493092_aaf1c8413e.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Sneak Peek" /></a><br /></div><br />Though it's doubtful I'll actually finish this before Monday, I am having fun knitting a few rows between house cleaning and errand running. This yarn is handspun, and is striping up super sweet.knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-31254281526256563032011-03-15T21:22:00.002-04:002011-03-15T22:20:57.470-04:00Talismans<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5439135585/" title="BeltedBreadLineSideView by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5439135585_414388d2d4.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="BeltedBreadLineSideView" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes knitting is more than making a garment. In this case, the knitting was done as a way to make a <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talisman">talisman</a>. The project, which I named my Bread Line Cardigan was made specifically to evoke the good fortune I'd need to <span style="font-style: italic;">avoid standing on one</span>, ever.<br /><br />Lucky me, lucky sweater. Yesterday I sealed a deal that ensures we won't have to stand on any bread lines. I credit this sweater for bringing good luck (oh, and lots of hard work and many many meetings, but I really won't bore you with the details).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5439710650/" title="BreadLineCardigan by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5439710650_d43a7b0926.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="BreadLineCardigan" /></a><br /></div><br />I had the yarn in my stash since forever, and it never left the front of mind. I obsessed over this yarn - Berrocco Cuzco. SO SOFT. Lofty. Squishy. I loved it from the moment I bought it but could not find a pattern to work up until <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/aidez">Aidez (Ravelry link) </a>came along. <br /><br />The pattern is fantastic. It works up really fast, the cables look far more complicated than they are. It was really fun to knit, despite some of my own insecurity on sizing, which meant I knit the back three times! Chalk that up to stupid second guessing. Need to stop the second guessing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5439736968/" title="BeltedBreadLine2 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5439736968_a954fcf88c.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="BeltedBreadLine2" /></a><br /></div><br />Now that I've worn the sweater a dozen times or more, the yarn does show some wear, with pills and fuzz. But I still love the sweater and am really glad I made it. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5439116033/" title="BreadLineCardigan by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5439116033_9e829c736f.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="BreadLineCardigan" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />You can get all the blow by blow details by linking through to the Ravelry project page, above. If you're looking for a fast, fun and very satisfying project and you have some bulky yarn in your stash, I recommend this pattern. It's has the casual comfort of a knock-around weekend sweater if you wear it without a belt. The cables give it that classic Aran quality, and adding a belt gives it a bit of pizzazz. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5439139689/" title="Belted Bread Line ArmView by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5439139689_190b973f9a.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="Belted Bread Line ArmView" /></a><br /></div><br /></div></div>And if you need a talisman of your own, well then this is the sweater for you. Because it definitely brought me some incredible good luck and it's sure to do the same for you, too.<br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-50508610549006660802011-02-25T17:08:00.004-05:002011-02-25T17:35:50.262-05:00RootsBread baking: the latest frontier. This started about a month ago when my friend Lynn convinced me to try a recipe for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFJZPm-_2-M">Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day</a>, and I'd tasted some of her rolls, which were pretty yummy. <br /><br />The first attempt wasn't pretty. Kind of like the first few knitting projects. It's dense, and under cooked. Didn't taste bad, but I knew it could be better. I made note of the mistakes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5477537024/" title="Bread 1st round by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5477537024_7ddfffabb5.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Bread 1st round" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Back to the drawing board, as they say. I <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13Ah9ES2yTU">found and tried </a>another recipe, and now I am full on into the tinkering. <br /><br />By round three, I had a decent crust, and it looked more like what I am aiming for, but I think there's still room for improvement. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5477533020/" title="Bread 3rd round by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5477533020_e56ac966f0.jpg" width="500" height="364" alt="Bread 3rd round" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5477553580/" title="Bread 3rd round crumb shot by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5477553580_6cdb401405.jpg" width="500" height="305" alt="Bread 3rd round crumb shot" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Like knitting and yarn making, bread is simple in concept and can be hard to do well. It takes practice to understand how a few basic ingredients and some simple actions can add up to something quite spectacular. Sometimes I wonder if I have Amish roots? <br /><br />Meanwhile there's lots of bread <span style="font-style: italic;">consumption</span> going on - which may affect sizing my upcoming sweater knitting! Ohboy.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-90543137059414385702011-02-21T20:24:00.003-05:002011-02-22T10:45:52.962-05:00Super WashOne of the diversionary tangents I've been noodling within my knitting realm is Superwash yarn. I want to find a reliable range of Superwash wool yarns for baby knitting. Or any kind of gift to those who may not be finely tuned to Proper.Wool.Care. You know the type: the people you love dearly despite their inattention to the wooly. <br /><br />It started when I delivered this set back in December. With lots of anxiety thanks to questions about my color choice - <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>I got attitude about the color choice. More than once. Oy. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5254977278/" title="FBS Lace sweater by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5254977278_a1471e5635.jpg" alt="FBS Lace sweater" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5254349825/" title="baby hat by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5254349825_116c096e27.jpg" alt="baby hat" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">But color wasn't the issue. Well, maybe part of the issue come to think of it; I recall struggling a bit to find a girl color (that wasn't the obvious PINK). I used Knit Picks Swish DK to make this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/baby-sweater-on-two-needles-february">February Baby Sweater from Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanac</a>, and a matching <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/february-baby-hat">February Baby Hat by Teeweewonders</a> and it is perfectly acceptable yarn, ostensibly well priced for a Superwash Merino and it made a cute set for a newborn baby girl. I like DK weight yarns, that was my original motivation. <br /><br />But I have to say, this isn't my favorite yarn - something about the texture didn't agree with my hypersensitive nerve endings in the right hand. It felt nice after blocking but the knitting was noticeably not soothing. And let's say you run out of yarn before the project is finished. Guess what, if you order just one skein, and because it's mail order only, you will quickly learn the shipping costs more than the yarn! Oh sure, I could ordered <span style="font-style: italic;">lots more yarn </span>to qualify for <span style="font-weight: bold;">free</span> shipping, but that means spending more for less. And the truth is, I'm trying to clear space in the stash closet for yarns I <a href="http://quinceandco.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=2&zenid=10b192628ddec929f4f3e9217ee56976">really</a> <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1">really</a> <a href="http://www.beaverslide.com/">really</a> want. For me.<br /><br />And so it began. The new tangent, a finely tuned radar, on the lookout for better options.<br /><br />Another baby project, another chance to try some new (to me) Superwash yarns. Here I knit the same pattern the adorable <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/norwegian-sweet-baby-cap---djevellue">Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap)</a> using two completely different yarns.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5461438837/" title="Two adorable hats by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5461438837_21ce44d961.jpg" alt="Two adorable hats" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The apricot hat used Tosh Merino Light from Madeline Tosh. A Merino fingering weight, single yarn that's hand-dyed, with a very generous put up at 440 yards. I bought the yarn and then came home to read comments on Ravelry relating big issues winding the yarn. Thank goodness I had no problems. Other than a tired arm from cranking the ball winder forever - 440 yards is a lot of winding! I had none of the nerve damage issues while knitting up the hat. And this tiny project barely put a dent in the skein, so there's lots more for future baby projects. I liked this one enough to know this is a Superwash keeper.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5439460126/" title="MadToshMerinoLight by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5439460126_e391d38f41.jpg" alt="MadToshMerinoLight" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Next up, the lilac hat, knit from Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Solid. It's an Aran weight, lightly plied yarn with a put up of 225 yards. It's a tad splitty but nothing I couldn't handle. It's soft, and feels nice going through the hands, but I did notice a tendency for the yarn to look a bit worn after working it a bit. To compensate, I went down a needle size on this hat project thinking a tighter gauge would reduce the chances for the yarn to fuzz and pill. I really liked this yarn. And despite it being a bit pricey at $20.00 per skein, I'll seek it out again for future projects. Especially baby projects such as hats, booties, even small sweaters that won't break the bank. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5438924397/" title="LornasLaces by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/5438924397_bc4d2b9e5e.jpg" alt="LornasLaces" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I don't have any more baby projects in the near future so I won't have a chance to try out a few I have in mind, including Cascade 220 Superwash, Berrocco Weekend and Berrocco Vintage (which comes in both a DK and a worsted line!). All seem to have excellent color ranges, decent put up at a reasonable price. Before you know it someone else will announce they're having a baby and that means I'll be trying these yarns soon.<br /><br /><br /></div></div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-76111755037513761262011-02-12T18:25:00.004-05:002011-02-12T18:59:57.794-05:00An EternityIt took a bit of an eternity to finish spinning the yarn but once I finally completed it, boy it didn't take long to hit the needles and transform into one of the softest, warmest, coziest neck warmers I've ever worn.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4632495544/" title="Natchwoolie Fiber Club - May 2010 - Peach Cobbler by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4632495544_ab34f47f59.jpg" alt="Natchwoolie Fiber Club - May 2010 - Peach Cobbler" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The fiber:</span> <a href="http://www.natchwoolie.com/pb/wp_1a9653e4/wp_1a9653e4.html">Natchwoolie</a> Super Fine 19 Micron Merino, naturally dyed. Really nice prep - it wasn't over processed like so much combed top. This one had<span style="font-style: italic;"> life </span>and it was a joy to spin. It flowed like butter through my hands and made me seriously reconsider my typical aversion to Merino. Likely caused by the processed to death Merino combed tops I'd spun in the past. Now I know.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5400705547/" title="Natchwoolie Superfine Merino Marled Peach by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5400705547_ef321574c2.jpg" alt="Natchwoolie Superfine Merino Marled Peach" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The yarn:</span> 400 yards of two ply, started in November but abandoned for over two months when I suddenly lost the spinning mojo. Thankfully, it came back the end of January. I probably could have plied this a bit better, but I think I was so impatient to get the spinning done, once I returned to the wheel.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5439184925/" title="Etermity with handspun by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5439184925_b9ecafb20d.jpg" alt="Etermity with handspun" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">The project:</span> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/eternity-scarf">Eternity Scarf, by Michele Wang</a>. Fast, and easy and <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> effective - it's always the simple stuff that works the best. These double wrap scarf/cowl thingies are turning up all over NYC so for once I am somewhat current with 'fashion'.<br /><br />And life goes on...plugging away on a few things big and small. Fingers crossed we've turned the corner on this eternal winter!<br /><br /><br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-44251087632714309482011-02-03T12:09:00.008-05:002011-02-03T14:23:37.896-05:00Mirabilis - Amazing, Wondrous, RemarkableSo much going on around the world!! Sometimes it feels like I'm living/watching a hurricane. Or, as they are known on the other side of the world, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/04/world/asia/04australia.html?ref=world">a cyclone</a>. Which got me thinking about the most recent project to come off the needles. Because it's a true spiral and it <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=cyclone&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=de5KTZa2EIOclgfOqaQ4&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=12&ved=0CI4BELAEMAs&biw=1440&bih=720">reminds me of some of the weather photos </a>cropping up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5413167717/" title="Mirabilis 12 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5413167717_abf1a76902.jpg" alt="Mirabilis 12" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />But really, I am getting ahead of myself. This is really a story about how to use up a yarn that was sitting in my stash, and how it was quickly diverted from its original purpose to fulfill another. And how the power of swatching will often dictate a project's outcome.<br /><br />Here, the swatch, made while commuting to the recent Vogue Knitting Live a couple of weeks ago. A subject for another post! Soon! Maybe.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5413849096/" title="Mirabilis swatch by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5413849096_507bbfb671.jpg" alt="Mirabilis swatch" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Zegna Baruffa, Settembre Tweed, a super wash yarn from Italy, purchased when <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/style/08vass.html">Joan Vass</a> shut down her business in summer 2008. I couldn't find any finished projects using this yarn, meaning a swatch was absolutely necessary. And it revealed lots to me. Like no way would this end up as a garment; I hate color pooling and a bit too busy for my taste. Too bad, because I've had it in mind for an <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ingenue">Ingenue</a> for so long I was a bit disappointed.<br /><br />But once the yarn came out of the bin, I was <span style="font-style: italic;">hell bent</span> to find a use for it. Kind of a self imposed rule I have. One way to set up some boundaries and then see how it turns out. Not that I am militant about self imposed boundaries, but it is interesting to see how creating a rule set defines a project's evolution. In this case, I had a couple of notions contributing to the outcome:<br /><br />1. It's super wash yarn. Which translates to baby worthy in my book.<br />2. It's a busy yarn, so maybe something non-garment would work?<br />3. I have 10 skeins at 132 yards per skein. 1,320 yards! What is the best way to USE.IT.UP? (especially since it wasn't exactly showing its best side to me in swatch form).<br />4. Lately I've had blankets on my mind and in my lap. Let's face it - this is one brutal winter we're having. So blankets seem especially relevant right now. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5413161833/" title="Mirabilis 05 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5413161833_c810b4cfca.jpg" alt="Mirabilis 05" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Which is how I ended up finding <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mirabilis">Mirabilis by Daniel Yuhas</a>, a pattern that really intrigued me. Confession - I have a queue of projects so large I have them organized by category! Yes, obsessive, I know. So what. Anyway, the blanket category only has 9 or 10 projects and one of them is actually a round blanket using a pinwheel shape. But for some reason, this spiral one eluded the queue. How could that be? I mean, <a href="http://www.moltingyeti.com/blog/index.html">Daniel is my friend</a>! I remember when he designed this thing a few summers ago. Anyway, no matter. I decided to jump the queue and get this project on the needles.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5413156543/" title="Mirabilis 04 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5413156543_1f9327f49d.jpg" alt="Mirabilis 04" width="332" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br />What fun! What a clever, innovative pattern! From the unusual cast on, to the genius of moving around and around, by shifting stitch markers, to the very clever way the border is knit on, the whole thing was a pleasure to watch as it grew and then unfolded. Literally. I wish I'd taken the time to photograph this thing while it was still on the needles because it looked like a gigantic Rastafarian hat until I was about halfway through the border at which point it started to open up, like a flower opening for all the world to see. It was pretty amazing, actually, and I really got a kick out the whole thing start to finish. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5413784906/" title="Mirabilis 13 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/5413784906_c336940784.jpg" alt="Mirabilis 13" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I thought I was making a baby blanket. But I also knew it would be on the large side. As you can see, it<span style="font-style: italic;"> is</span> kinda big, almost the width of my dining room table. That might be too big for a baby, what do you think? I have <span style="font-style: italic;">no idea</span>, not having any babies nearby. Maybe it's more like a lap blanket for an adult? Anyway it is nice and warm. A good thing for a blanket to be, baby or adult sized. You see, I doubled the yarn which served two purposes - using it up (all but approx. 65 yards!) while creating a squishy, bouncy, cozy blanket. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5413796756/" title="Mirabilis 17 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5413796756_936168de48.jpg" alt="Mirabilis 17" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />And if it doesn't get gifted as a baby blanket, I have another 10 balls of the same yarn, in a nice yellow that would work equally well and I have a bit of a blanket fever happening. It's entirely conceivable there will be another blanket to share in about a week. If you want to learn more about this blanket in the meantime, here's my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/mirabilis">Ravelry link</a>.<br /><br />Hey, Daniel - nice work! The genius of this pattern - the construction and the design reminded me of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/nautilus-poncho">Norah's designs</a>. Remember that <a href="http://knithoundbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2009/01/spiraling-around.html">poncho</a>?<br /><br /><br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-33608631926352804722010-12-27T14:10:00.007-05:002010-12-27T17:28:36.086-05:00Foggy BlizzardWhew!! It's been awhile since I've posted to the blog. Life has begun to spiral into new directions and my focus has shifted a bit. It's all good stuff, and I am really optimistic on 2011. But this is a knitting blog, so for now I'll stick to the knitting. ;)<br /><br />So. I made a sweater for my husband! My project notes indicate I started this the end of May and finished it up about a month ago. Today, post blizzard snow shoveling we got a few pics and I can finally tell you about it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5297666040/" title="Papa Hemingway aka Jose by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5297666040_91cb86da30.jpg" alt="Papa Hemingway aka Jose" height="500" width="332" /></a><br /></div><br />This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/the-fog-sweater">Fog Sweater</a>, designed by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/tiennie">Tiennie</a> and knit up in Cascade Eco Wool. Knitting this last summer was nearly impossible between the wrist pain and the terrible heat, so it was put aside for a couple of months. But once the weather cooled down I got back into it.<br /><br />There's not much to say about knitting 1x1 rib that hasn't already been said. It gets a bit tedious and knitting something this big, in the round, it gets heavy and bulky once you put a few inches into the project. But it's mindless enough and can be done in a half coma at the end of a long work day.<br /><br />The sleeves needed some attention as the first version ended up way too bulky - the pattern had me increase to something like 124 stitches around which seemed really huge and long, if following the pattern, increasing every 4th row. I got as far as 120 stitches and attached one sleeve. When Jose tried it on, I could see there was way too much fabric under the arms and it was seriously over bulky. So I ripped it back and settled on 110 stitches, with an 8 row sleeve cap. You can see there's still a good amount of bulk under the arms, but it's acceptable.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5297116487/" title="Jose with Lola by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5297116487_0fde243e77.jpg" alt="Jose with Lola" height="500" width="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The next issue was the neck/collar. I tried a folded collar, but that ended up looking silly - like he was wearing a deep sea diver suit but missing the huge bubble helmet. So I ripped that out and started over, with the folded turtleneck, as written in the pattern, more or less. I still think it's a bit too wide, but making any other adjustment would require re-writing the pattern and doing some decreases in the neckline/shoulder area and really I wanted to move on to new projects, so this is it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5132016507/" title="Foggy Good Collar by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/5132016507_36886b12b9.jpg" alt="Foggy Good Collar" height="332" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now, if I were going to make this again, in addition to reworking the pattern for a narrower neck opening, I would also knit in a few short rows across the back. Because it has a tendency to ride up just a bit. Not that Jose notices, but <span style="font-style: italic;">I </span>see it. In fact, I had to tug the sweater down a bit before taking this shot.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5297062735/" title="Back of Foggy by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5297062735_5571143365.jpg" alt="Back of Foggy" height="500" width="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Cascade Eco Wool is favored by many knitters, but I found it a bit rough to work with, and had to stop frequently to moisturize my hands. Does that happen to you? The nerves in my hands have become ultra sensitive and working with certain yarns can be hard on them. That's not to say I will shun the yarn completely, because it is a wonderful value and does work up nice once it's blocked out.<br /><br />Now here is the most important thing I can say about this project: the sweater is well worn and loved, and this is immensely pleasing. I had fears he would find excuses to <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>wear it, but that hasn't happened. This is a sweater guy, no doubt about it. Some guys aren't - they wear button down shirts and jackets but no sweaters. I don't get it but I don't have to worry about it, since that's not my world. He sort of can't get enough of the hand knits. A double edged sword. Because no sooner do I finish a huge project like this, when the pressure starts for the next one! Sweet!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5297075157/" title="Rockin the inner Hemingway by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5297075157_81d9e53308.jpg" alt="Rockin the inner Hemingway" height="500" width="332" /></a><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-79085876215185374112010-11-26T16:06:00.003-05:002010-11-26T16:20:21.744-05:00Corespun Baby Cakes<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5209324393/" title="Loop Baby Cakes 1/2 Doz. by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5209324393_9cc1d4fde0.jpg" alt="Loop Baby Cakes 1/2 Doz." width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">One of my goals when I set out in 2010 was to play with corespun yarn. I finally sat down and made up a few samplers using a Loop Baby Cake pack purchased nearly a year ago. These were fun to make, and somewhat liberating in that I didn't get all hung up on perfection.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5210048224/" title="Corespun Baby Cakes by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5210048224_a3395be6a2.jpg" alt="Corespun Baby Cakes" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The blue/green one, which I named Ocean Reef Party, is probably my favorite. Because I love the colors, and it may be one of the better ones I made.<br /><br />I'm not a huge fan of the glittery Angelina that many of these types of batts contain. And I prefer their use in moderation, not excess. Some of these had an abundance of the stuff. I am forever picking the individual fibers from the rug in the family room. Despite that one small drawback, I plan on making more corespun yarn. For now I am pondering how to incorporate these bits and bobs into future knitting projects.<br /><br />I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am grateful for so many things: health, gainful employment, family near and far, loving and being loved, my hounds, friends and of course all the fibery things.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-59134118037446244082010-11-14T15:50:00.008-05:002010-11-14T18:40:25.727-05:00Sunday BreakThese last few weeks have been really crazy busy. After much cleaning, reorganizing and housekeeping these last few weeks, I took a break this afternoon to finish a pair of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/easy-handspun-mitts">Fingerless Mitts</a> (Ravelry project link). These are headed to the office for a work friend.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5176155180/" title="Double Dog Dare Mitts by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5176155180_637cce9781.jpg" alt="Double Dog Dare Mitts" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I love knitting with handspun. When I first started spinning, all I wanted to do was make the yarn. Now I often spin with a project in mind. This was the Double Dog Dare Shetland from Southern Cross Fibres. I made a 3 ply yarn knowing I'd be making fingerless mitts with it. It's destiny was set when my friend saw a photo of the un-spun fiber and oohed over it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4548230331/" title="SCF Club April 2010 Double Dog Dare by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4548230331_6468272133.jpg" alt="SCF Club April 2010 Double Dog Dare" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5065853072/" title="DDD on Deck by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5065853072_4d2ea97a0e.jpg" alt="DDD on Deck" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The pattern is pretty straightforward and has become sort of a handspun recipe. These were knit on US3 needles, to make a slightly firmer fabric (to keep out the wind). I cast on 36 sts and just winged the first one till I got it right, taking notes along the way, and then using the notes to make the second.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5131925969/" title="Double Dog Dare Mitts 3 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/5131925969_95110ae28b.jpg" alt="Double Dog Dare Mitts 3" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There's always a bit of trial and error when going this route, as I often need to knit something to a certain point, try it on and then make adjustments as necessary. In this case, once I finished both mitts, I realized they were too short at the top. Last night I ripped down the garter edge, inserted a few stockinette rows and then finished off the garter edge again. Much better now. I think mitts should come to the second knuckles otherwise they aren't warm enough.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I'm nearly finished with a sweater, which needed some modifying to get a good fit. Almost there; maybe next weekend will mark the end of this one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5132009081/" title="Foggy with good collar and bad sleeve by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/5132009081_8e60a83729.jpg" alt="Foggy with good collar and bad sleeve" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />My spinning group decided to do a little Sock Knit Along, to help a couple of newbies learn sock knitting. So I decided to make a pair for my Mom. I raced through the first one, and of course a week has gone by without casting on for #2. Good thing Christmas is still over a month away.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5157329936/" title="Not a Child Sock for Mom by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1215/5157329936_f1fb6158fb.jpg" alt="Not a Child Sock for Mom" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-83352605931877284012010-10-23T16:49:00.004-04:002010-10-23T17:40:18.890-04:00WalkathonAbout a month ago Mom expressed interest in the Prospect Park Walkathon. We arose today to a wonderful blue sky and crisp Fall air, perfect for a 5K walk in the Park.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5108585252/" title="Mom with TShirt by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5108585252_e56fb455ce.jpg" alt="Mom with TShirt" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />This being her first Walk-a-Thon, I encouraged her to do some stretching before we set out. This may also be the first time Mom has done any calisthenics! Since this is primarily a knitting blog, allow me to point out Mom's hat, a Koolhaas I made for myself about three years ago and which migrated to Mom within months of completion.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5108002413/" title="Stretch before Walk by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1229/5108002413_99ff6aabd5.jpg" alt="Stretch before Walk" width="332" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The trees are still not at their peak but they are starting to look nice. The sun was nice and warm on our faces.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5107996069/" title="Trees on Walkathon by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/5107996069_acd28890d2.jpg" alt="Trees on Walkathon" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />As we rounded the East side of the Park, I got a view of my favorite tree, recently cut in half by the Brooklyn Tornado of 2010. Heartbreak. I'm still ripped about this one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5108615570/" title="Favorite Tree Destruction by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1246/5108615570_d26c022f81.jpg" alt="Favorite Tree Destruction" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />She got a bit tired around 4KM, but I wouldn't let her stop! Mean daughter. I am proud of her, and though she cramped up wicked big time a few hours later, she was delighted to say she finished! Astute blog readers will notice my outfit is eerily similar to last week's. Once I finish a sweater I kind of wear it all the time, you know? Closer observation reveals all these hand knits are also hand spun. Whoa! Now <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm </span>delighted, too!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5108622118/" title="Finish Line by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/5108622118_7dace9f554.jpg" alt="Finish Line" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-23405281382663192442010-10-18T19:30:00.004-04:002010-10-18T20:58:34.853-04:00Sheep and Wool the Rhinebeck wayWow, four years of Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck. And this year it was a mighty social occasion. My virtual world collided quite wonderfully with the real. I met so many of my favorite peeps! What a blast!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5091634876/" title="Tasha! by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5091634876_82bc340465.jpg" alt="Tasha!" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5091054999/" title="Erica by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5091054999_351d54bbc5.jpg" alt="Erica" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5091658046/" title="Lisa, Tasha and Bob by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5091658046_b5e87d023b.jpg" alt="Lisa, Tasha and Bob" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">All these awesome, creative, interesting people in one spot! It was a dazzling display of yarny goodness. Complete with zany antics from knitters and coaches alike.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5091065559/" title="Matt and Lois by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5091065559_aaeb360f13.jpg" alt="Matt and Lois" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5091197003/" title="Tweaking the coach by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5091197003_733efdecb1.jpg" alt="Tweaking the coach" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The Spin City group swept several of the competitions this year with ribbons awarded for yarn and hand knits. Our Jayne took 2 blue ribbons. We are so proud of her and all the winners - Dawn (2 ribbons!) , Donna, Jayne, Lynn, Paula and Cat!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5091092283/" title="Jayne's Blue Ribbon by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5091092283_50c7773973.jpg" alt="Jayne's Blue Ribbon" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Cathy rocked the hand spun shawl made entirely from Loop Baby Cakes, thus creating the perfect foil for spinners wandering into the Loop booth. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/loop">Loop</a> at Rhinebeck and Maryland this year - what a wonderful triumph for Steph who, along with many Spin City members all worked tirelessly to put on a fantastic display and deliver <span style="font-style: italic;">top notch customer service</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5091725130/" title="Cathy Shawl close up by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5091725130_52ec2e5bb1.jpg" alt="Cathy Shawl close up" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Marjorie spun and knit that sweater you see on her husband - very beautiful - the saddle shoulders are terrific.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5091673944/" title="Marjorie, Husband by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5091673944_3c36be9189.jpg" alt="Marjorie, Husband" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And by some miracle of good luck I finished Zinnia in time to wear on Saturday. Four years ago the idea of spinning my own yarn to make a sweater was unthinkable.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5083312971/" title="Zinnia DONE by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5083312971_0f32ea51cf.jpg" alt="Zinnia DONE" width="332" height="500" /></a><br /></div> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Most of all, Sheep & Wool is a chance to hang out with friends, revel in the things we love, and celebrate our hard work and creative spirits.<br /><br />Food for the soul.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5091713454/" title="The Crew by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5091713454_1a6aac5c6b.jpg" alt="The Crew" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div><br /></div></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-89669702502563271582010-10-09T16:26:00.003-04:002010-10-09T17:34:39.016-04:00New YarnYarns completed in August and September.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5065871646/" title="Yarn Making August and September 2010 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5065871646_3ecf3e1c04.jpg" alt="Yarn Making August and September 2010" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">From Left to Right:<br /><br />1. Hello Yarn Winter Storage. I got lucky and came into another 4 oz. of the lovely Winter Storage fiber so I spun it up and now I've got enough for a sweater. I'll cast on for that sometime in October.<br />2. Gnomespun Shetland 2 ply in a lovely soft heathered Moss Green. I love this yarn and love the fiber prep. If you haven't tried <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GnomespunYarn">Gnomespun Fibers</a>, don't wait for a rainy day - go get some now.<br />3. The little bits on top are a couple of samplers made from fibers in my stash. I bought a second wheel back in July, a used Majacraft Rose. These yarns are my attempt to adjust to the new wheel. I still have lots to learn about it and I think it will be a wonderful journey. The wheel offers a wide range of options for yarn making.<br />4. The green and purple underneath is Hello Yarn, Grouch, spun from Falkland fiber. I used the Rose to spin the singles and then plied using my Sonata with the Jumbo Flyer and Jumbo bobbins. When Judith MacKenzie* examined the yarn, she proclaimed it perfect for a weaving project. Who am I to argue with this advice?!<br />5. The black yarn is 2 ply Shetland from Wild Apple Hill Farm, just like the Zinnia I'm using for my sweater. This was one of the fibers I wanted to make during the Tour de Fleece but ran out of time. Well, I made a nice aran weight yarn and really like how this and the Moss Shetland work together. I might try a color work project, though I'd like to collect a few more before I embark.<br />6. Double Dog Dare Shetland from Southern Cross Fibre Club spun up as a worsted weight 3 ply yarn. This too, was on the Tour de Fleece pile and got done right after I crossed the finish line. I want to make some fingerless mitts for a work colleague with this yarn.<br /><br />*Judith MacKenzie was one of the teachers leading Fiber Fallout, a wonderful Fiber Retreat I attended with a few of my Spin City pals at the end of September. I had a fantastic time and shot a few pics so I'll save my stories for another time. Meeting Judith was definitely a high point. I also learned a few really neat Estonian knit stitches, and now I have a few ideas for multicolor handspun yarns.<br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-67295509179374353602010-10-05T19:21:00.005-04:002010-10-05T19:45:32.967-04:00Not Finish, Not an OptionIt's the most wonderful time of the year! Crisp air, blue skies, sunny days (well not these last two weeks but you know what I mean) lots of yummy apples and of course, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rhinebeck </span>around the corner. Sheep and Wool! I love October!<br /><br />I know every knitter planning on being there is feverishly working on their Rhinebeck sweater/hat/scarf/shawl/you name it. It's what we do! Because we are among kindred spirits, people who really <span style="font-style: italic;">get</span> it, you know? And of course, we want to be well-attired.<br /><br />I too, am working feverishly and am making some progress. With a bit of luck, this sweater will be ready by next weekend.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5012481125/" title="Zinnia in Progress by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/5012481125_33547950ea.jpg" alt="Zinnia in Progress" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I've since completed one sleeve and am about to cast on for the second. The knitting has been easy so far, and I've made a few modifications to the pattern.<br /><br />But the hard part looms ahead. I always get stalled at the finishing. I lack the confidence to attach sleeves properly and I get hung up wanting them to be perfect. This time I'm gonna have to just suck it up and do it. Because not finishing the sweater is not an option. I really want to honor the shepherd who brought Zinnia's fleece to market last year and wearing the finished sweater is really the only way to do that. Plus, I need something warm and comfortable to wear.<br /><br />Gawd, I hope I haven't jinxed myself...<br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-12993965845657208402010-09-21T20:44:00.003-04:002010-09-21T21:26:07.217-04:00World Wide Spin in Public DayReally, isn't that what we do at least once a week? Well, yes. But not on this scale! Complete with scenery! We had our share of looky-lous, that's for sure. And I'm pretty certain Donald Trump never imagined this scene would be visible from his cookie cutter condos.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5002899360/" title="WWSIP Day 005 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5002899360_9b8f873e56.jpg" alt="WWSIP Day 005" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Spin City came out in force Saturday to represent and make yarn. Boy, did we make yarn.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5003102634/" title="WWSIP Day 049 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5003102634_7ee316de5c.jpg" alt="WWSIP Day 049" width="332" height="500" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We're talking <span style="font-style: italic;">drop dead gorgeous </span>Polwarth from THE Nancy Ortmann of Montana fame. Um...I know what I want for Christmas!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5002476833/" title="WWSIP Day 033 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5002476833_3f002eb99e.jpg" alt="WWSIP Day 033" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Kids learned how to separate vegetable matter from gleaned wool. Not just <span style="font-style: italic;">any</span> gleaned wool, but wool gathered by Outward Bound kids in the UK from ancient sheep breeds.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5002315369/" title="WWSIP Day 011 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5002315369_b618661cab.jpg" alt="WWSIP Day 011" width="332" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Jayne, our group historian brought this basket of gleaned wool bits. She finds the most amazing things on EBay, I tell you.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5002311731/" title="WWSIP Day 010 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5002311731_c63174ee26.jpg" alt="WWSIP Day 010" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Christina decided to show us her progress on The Huntress. And as you can see, this is the perfect garment for hunting down tourists who carelessly block sidewalks and dawdle in cross walks. Come on, admit it: you want one too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/5003480492/" title="The Huntress by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5003480492_04851bdb1a.jpg" alt="The Huntress" width="332" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br />This event topped the charts on the fun meter. I got lots more pics over on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/sets/72157624883193201/">Flickr </a>if you feel like reliving the experience.<br /><br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-75804593531056828862010-09-14T21:37:00.008-04:002010-09-15T07:23:24.918-04:00Hill Country<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4991917652/" title="Hill Country Hats by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4991917652_1f3a66fa9b.jpg" alt="Hill Country Hats" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/hill-country-hat-2">Matchy matchy</a>! The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/hill-country-hat">Hill Country Hat</a> from Clara Parke's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Book-Wool-Ultimate-Understanding/dp/030735217X">The Knitter's Book of Wool</a>. A wonderful pattern, from a wonderful book. Easy, engaging, and it showcases hand spun yarns really well.<br /><br />So these hats are both made from yarn spun at different stages of my spinning 'career'. Sort of a study of Jacob Sheep's Wool over time. The gray came from Mass Sheep and Wool Festival and got spun into yarn in Summer '09, one of my first attempts at long draw. Not as successful as the Brown hat, spun Spring '10. Visible improvement!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983933010/" title="gssw 005 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4983933010_7061c7edb7.jpg" alt="gssw 005" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> That's a Jacob sheep, and you can see they have two sets of horns. An ancient and rare breed, I think they are coming into their own with hand spinners. There were lots of them on display at the Garden State Sheep & Wool Festival last weekend and I predict there will be many at Rhinebeck this year. I do love Jacob and will spin more. Maybe even a sweater - I bet this stuff would cable nicely, it's so springy!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4991306095/" title="HIll Country (3) by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4991306095_111132bb54.jpg" alt="HIll Country (3)" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br />In both cases I had to double the yarn to approximate the required gauge. And boy, are these hats <span style="font-style: italic;">squishy</span>!! While the Brown fits the Pumpkin Head perfectly, the Gray is a tad big for me. But it will work so I'll leave it be.<br /><br />That brown yarn was a <span style="font-style: italic;">delightful </span>gift of roving from the <a href="http://barefootrooster.wordpress.com/">Rooster</a>. I made careful note of the shepherd's name because someday I'd like to place an order and then mosey on up to Ithaca to pick it up! I like meeting the sheep in person! Rooster also included some amazing music in that gift package, thank you thank you, for expanding my horizons, Amy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4991907292/" title="Hill Country (2) by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4991907292_60518707a1.jpg" alt="Hill Country (2)" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>I love both of the hats, but am really proud of the Brown. It looks great, it fits well, it's from gifted roving and was in turn made into a gift from a decently spun yarn. Pay it forward.<br /><br />As a set these hats tell the story of a hand spinner learning her craft while using materials sourced from the region, and then knitting very wearable and attractive (and warm) garments for the family. What's not to love?!<br /><br />PS - photo credit for all but the sheep shot: Fran Janik <a href="http://www.franjanik.com/">www.franjanik.com<br /></a><br /><br /></div><br /></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-23374977866997177142010-09-12T15:34:00.003-04:002010-09-12T16:57:37.618-04:00Garden State Sheep & Wool Festival<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983304933/" title="gssw 009 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/4983304933_23af4fbfb1.jpg" alt="gssw 009" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Several of us piled into the car and headed down to Lambertville area to pet some sheep at the Garden State Sheep & Wool Festival. We met a few breeders, learned a few things about fleece judging, and pet sheep and alpacas till our hands were lanolin soft from the grease!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983900378/" title="gssw 013 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4983900378_316fe1c875.jpg" alt="gssw 013" width="332" height="500" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Mama alpaca was protective of her 3 day old cria. So cute.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983297945/" title="gssw 019 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4983297945_346c148660.jpg" alt="gssw 019" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">But let's face it, llamas and alpacas are also really funny looking.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983294887/" title="gssw 029 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4983294887_e148b0cd7e.jpg" alt="gssw 029" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983310807/" title="gssw by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4983310807_7395dc3124.jpg" alt="gssw " width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We ran into friends and met a few Ravelers, putting faces to names, always a good thing. I did feel bad for the vendors as it was evident not many attendees opened their wallets. Me included, what with that expensive (and rock-solid) deck in mid construction.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983898102/" title="gssw 015 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4983898102_b1769993ed.jpg" alt="gssw 015" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">With Rhinebeck a month away, and piles of unspun fiber in my stash, I didn't have much of a fiber appetite. There was a farm stand on the way home, where I could not resist buying a 'candy lope' (sic).<br /></div></div></div> </div></div></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-30495897678587749612010-09-12T13:53:00.004-04:002010-09-12T16:14:37.055-04:00Triple S<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983629840/" title="shelburne shaelyn shawl by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4983629840_f1ae9fe840.jpg" alt="shelburne shaelyn shawl" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/shaelyn"><br />Shelburne Shaelyn Shawl</a>. Shelburne commemorates <a href="http://knithoundbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2010/09/shelburne.html">the Vermont trip</a>; Shaelyn being the pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/leila-raabe-designs">written by Leila Raabe</a> and obviously, Shawl because it is. Triple S.<br /><br />Knitting on this shawl commenced a week before we left and then got tons of attention during the long trip up and back, along with hotel tv knitting time. I bound off somewhere around Waterbury CT on our way home. Very very pleased with this project.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983547086/" title="Shelburne Shaelyn in Park 5 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4983547086_9ef1a95007.jpg" alt="Shelburne Shaelyn in Park 5" width="500" height="326" /></a><br /></div><br />As I got further into it I couldn't shake the vision of having a large shawl to wrap around my shoulders on those early Sunday mornings when I venture downstairs to make the coffee and the house is still a bit chilly. That vision was so persistent I had to add a full pattern repeat.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983546418/" title="Shelburne Shaelyn in Park 4 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4983546418_45a93544ed.jpg" alt="Shelburne Shaelyn in Park 4" width="500" height="313" /></a><br /><br /></div>This yarn percolated up from the stash (!), having been purchased two years ago at Rhinebeck. <a href="http://swiftriverfarm.com/">Swift River Farm Prescott</a>, a blend of natural color Shetland with 5% Bombyx silk. Yummy stuff and very earthy. It felt like hand spun in many ways. And speaking of hand spun, I pulled out some very early pink 2 ply yarn and used it as trim. Very very pleased with this project.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983543996/" title="Shelburne Shaelyn in Park by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4983543996_09b39dac0c.jpg" alt="Shelburne Shaelyn in Park" width="500" height="448" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The entire project took about a week. The pattern is well written, versatile and easy to memorize. It lends itself to variation, as you can see <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/brooklynem/shaelyn">here</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/marikorose/shaelyn-2">here</a>. There are also <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/verabee/shaelyn">some</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rosina/shaelyn">beautiful</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/samy/shaelyn">ones </a>over on Ravelry using single colors. A perfect pattern to use for hand spun, too. I'd definitely knit this one again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4982946281/" title="Shelburne Shaelyn in Park 2 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4982946281_ceae52f4a2.jpg" alt="Shelburne Shaelyn in Park 2" width="500" height="377" /></a><br /></div><br />There's something about the combined colors that is reminiscent of earlier times. Being at the Shelburne and seeing the folk art and craft cemented the idea to use the pink for trim. It was a "maybe" when I threw it in the carry along bag. By the end of the weekend I realized it was a prescient move. Very very pleased with this project.<br /><br />ETA: Wow, I must be tired or something. I meant to make note when I was writing earlier - the initial germ of idea to add a contrast border came from all the beautiful shawls brokeknits has made. Her <a href="http://brokeknits.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/almost-there-2/">wild</a> <a href="http://brokeknits.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/a-quick-one-while-hes-away/">bright </a><a href="http://brokeknits.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/fo-stripey-ishbel-modified/">color edgings</a> really resonated with me. Thanks, Katie!<br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-36875384345062014052010-09-12T11:30:00.003-04:002010-09-12T13:36:37.196-04:00Shelburne<a href="http://shelburnemuseum.org/">Shelburne Museum</a> is home to one of the finest quilt collections in the US. I have tremendous admiration for quilters and quilting. It takes time, patience, precision and skill to execute these complex designs. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983166420/" title="crazy quilt by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4983166420_489279caa3.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="crazy quilt" /></a><br /></div><br />Our visit to the Shelburne coincided with two special exhibits involving quilts. The first was a wonderful display of the Museums crazy quilt collection, the first time they've come out of storage in over 10 years. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4982568389/" title="crazy quilt (6) by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4982568389_1725598404.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="crazy quilt (6)" /></a><br /></div><br />I am by no means an expert on quilting and all the variations thereof. I am fascinated by the seeming randomness of crazy quilt 'squares', the variety of materials used, the wonderful stitch embroidery and embellishments. These elements add up to a much more direct and personal narrative than the traditional quilts. It really appealed to me, and I could imagine trying my hand at something similar.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983172292/" title="crazy quilt (9) by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4983172292_8c74dcdafb.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="crazy quilt (9)" /></a><br /></div><br />There were lots of traditional quilts on display as well. Some incorporated embroidery,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983268264/" title="embroidery with quilting by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4983268264_973e91cd8a.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="embroidery with quilting" /></a><br /></div><br />some were made with tiny triangles that radiated out from a center square,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4982662523/" title="triangle quilt by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4982662523_889131d3d8.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="triangle quilt" /></a><br /></div><br />some had blocks made with duck feet.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4982660233/" title="ducks foot by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4982660233_948bbb70c6.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="ducks foot" /></a><br /></div><br />The second big exhibit involving quilts was deeply moving as it involved Alzheimer Disease. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983351312/" title="alzheimer quilt story by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4983351312_232a392d59.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="alzheimer quilt story" /></a><br /></div><br />Quilts made by quilters who have experienced Alzheimers', telling stories through quilts. To say I was choked up is putting it mildly. The stories attached to these quilts blew me away. I had to sit down and get a grip after going through this exhibit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4982750765/" title="Gaps - Alzheimer Quilt by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4982750765_0f7d4740f0.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Gaps - Alzheimer Quilt" /></a><br /></div> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983353668/" title="Alzheimer Quilt (2) by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/4983353668_9ceaa39821.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Alzheimer Quilt (2)" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4983344206/" title="Alzheimer Quilt by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4983344206_b42f8b0814.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Alzheimer Quilt" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We spent a day and a half going through this amazing Museum consisting of nearly 40 buildings, some historic and relocated to the Museum's grounds, others built <span style="font-style: italic;">in situ</span> to house special collections. The variety and breadth of folk art, craft, tools, fine art and all things handmade was astounding. Well worth a visit especially for those involved in any form of craft. <br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-20078079632770326862010-09-10T10:45:00.004-04:002010-09-10T12:43:57.766-04:00Vermont Family Trip<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4976539889/" title="The Nomads by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4976539889_ac72136bff.jpg" alt="The Nomads" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />When I say family, I mean of the four-legged variety. Over Labor Day weekend, we packed the car with our stuff, which included dog beds, food, bowls and lots of treats. Nothing but the sweet comforts of home for our babies. A six hour drive landed us in Burlington where we checked into a dog friendly hotel.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4977146050/" title="Rudy with Lola by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4977146050_2c2a09865e.jpg" alt="Rudy with Lola" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Rudy proceeded to bark at everyone in the lobby, setting Lola into a good howling fit. Ever hear a Coonhound do their thing? Think Harbor Seal. That would be pretty accurate. I almost died. That's when the front desk clerk reminded me there's a $50 fine for dogs barking in the guest rooms. Which pretty much meant we'd be hauling them with us whenever we ventured off the the premises.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4977155626/" title="Wooooooo by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4977155626_32d6dcc79b.jpg" alt="Wooooooo" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Turns out that was the worst moment. The rest of the weekend was pretty good, dog-wise. Lola is a real trooper, and remained calm and happy throughout the trip. I'd venture to say it was the best time she's had in a very long while. She travels well, settling into the car and watching the action from between the front seats. Rudy is a bit more high maintenance. He's insecure and suffers from separation anxiety. As a result he grew clingier than usual and was hyper-alert to sounds outside our hotel room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4977094338/" title="Lola by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4977094338_90c583aab5.jpg" alt="Lola" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />We found a wonderful dog park along the waterfront in Burlington, so that became our daily destination before and after Shelburne Museum visits. It's a nice city, with lots of outdoor eating and a dog friendly vibe.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4977134218/" title="Dogs and cameras by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4977134218_86a5c54069.jpg" alt="Dogs and cameras" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />I have tons of pics from the Shelburne which I'll post separately. It's an amazing place and we had a fantastic time exploring the vast property and wonderful treasures.knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-13098268619502108152010-09-02T21:41:00.009-04:002010-09-03T08:02:50.428-04:00Nupps<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4939576803/" title="Close up Annis by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4939576803_90968cff4c.jpg" alt="Close up Annis" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Whammo!! Here we are, September! It's true what they say about time going faster the older you get. I'm trying to keep up with all of you through your blogs, and just doing that is getting harder and harder to manage.<br /><br />So, let's see...what's going on?<br /><br />- We're having a deck built off the kitchen. A Big Deal. Involving large sums of cash. Ouch. and Yay!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4954076144/" title="New Deck progress by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4954076144_45e942acca.jpg" alt="New Deck progress" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />- We finally installed new countertops in the kitchen. Double Yay!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4954076242/" title="New Kitchen Countertops by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4954076242_39cea39176.jpg" alt="New Kitchen Countertops" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /></div><br />- We're going away for Labor Day, to Vermont. A <a href="http://knithoundbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2010/02/long-term-projects.html">long expressed wish</a> come true coupled with visiting friends. Taking the doggies with us. That should be interesting.<br /><br />- I took a weaving class this summer. I know, I've been holding out on you guys. There's still two more classes and I'm working on my "final project". This image is part of the learning sampler. There's a three week break before we wrap up and I promise to show and tell as we near completion.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4915690503/" title="Brooks Bouquet,Danish Medallion by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4915690503_3ceee0d6ed.jpg" alt="Brooks Bouquet,Danish Medallion" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />- I am knitting again. There is numbness but not as bad. I actually think the pain originates in my shoulder, the right one which was injured in a yoga class several years ago and hasn't been right since. And interesting, it's the same hand that uses the mouse at work. It's all connected, I'm sure. And it's much more noticeable with bigger needles. Carpal tunnel, repetetive stress.<br /><br />- To counteract the lack of knitting for nearly two months, I made two dozen of these.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4771411753/" title="House Coasters by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4771411753_18c03eacac.jpg" alt="House Coasters " width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />- I had an unnatural obsession with Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream cones this summer. Which means my fall agenda now includes mandatory visits to the park for 2 mile runs. Ooof.<br /><br />- Very natural obsessive listening to Alejandro Escovedo since seeing him live this summer. He is amaaaazing live. And the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Street-Songs-Love-Alejandro-Escovedo/dp/B003FBNIV4">new album </a>rocks.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TIBhejXoxlI/AAAAAAAAAIk/GKhmcOnMPTI/s1600/36020_1460379464272_1076979865_31390258_1205660_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TIBhejXoxlI/AAAAAAAAAIk/GKhmcOnMPTI/s400/36020_1460379464272_1076979865_31390258_1205660_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512513121419839058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">photo by Jose Gaytan<br />josegaytan.com</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />- Who doesn't love a little Steve Earle? We caught two shows at City Winery in July. Great venue, they will come to know us on a first name basis. I never get tired of Steve.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TIBiCWN0JAI/AAAAAAAAAIs/iFLGY9AoWtY/s1600/39662_1489876961691_1076979865_31480347_3219343_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TIBiCWN0JAI/AAAAAAAAAIs/iFLGY9AoWtY/s400/39662_1489876961691_1076979865_31480347_3219343_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512513736364270594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">photo by Jose Gaytan<br />josegaytan.com</span><br /></div><br />- The month of August saw less spinning, and meanwhile tons more fiber entered the home. Now I feel smothered by the avalanche of 4 oz. bags of wool piled in my office. My version of crack. It gives me a glimpse into the life of an addict: intense joyous highs followed by guilt-ridden lows. I need to spin more, give away more, weave more...I need to stop worrying, and be grateful I can afford it.<br /><br />++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4940134662/" title="Annis on Chair by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4940134662_83f72e4049.jpg" alt="Annis on Chair" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Okay. So what's that lovely confection at the top of this blog post? Ah! <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knithoundbrooklyn/annis">A shawlette named Annis. </a> Brought about through a Knit Along I jumped into on Ravelry (without looking first, so typical). Lace. With NUPPS. um. Using really skinny, poolry made (not by me!) hand spun yarn. Yarn I bought at Rhinebeck 2007. A long marination by anyone's standards.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4940129696/" title="Annis close up on Chair by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4940129696_2598ac7d80.jpg" alt="Annis close up on Chair" width="332" height="500" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;">Of course</span> I had a few challenges before I saw the other side of this project. Few projects I touch go from start to finish <span style="font-style: italic;">without</span> a hitch! In this case, most of the issues are attributable to the yarn.<br /><br />I remember buying the little skeins at the end of the first day, in a stall that was nearly cleaned out of yarn. The seller convinced me that despite being under plied, it would work out fine once blocked. What she failed to mention is how challenging it is to <span style="font-style: italic;">knit </span>under plied yarn on big needles! It's splitty! And throw in a few rows of these nupp things and it all goes to hell in a handbasket right quick. <span style="font-style: italic;">You</span> try p7tog with super splitty yarn. Good luck on ya. It took four attempts, ripping and restarting, each time working up 363 stitches at the cast on. Yikes. At one point I seriously considered starting over with different yarn. But the allure of this gorgeous deep dark purple kept pulling me back into the project.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4940156490/" title="Lynn with Annis (2) by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4940156490_e220e67c41.jpg" alt="Lynn with Annis (2)" width="332" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Last Sunday, during a visit to Governor's Island with my friend <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/mknits">mknits</a>, (poor thing, had no idea this was part of the grand plan that day...but she's good natured and very sweet to agree to my bossy ways!) I captured the ethereal lightness of this little shawl.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4940140172/" title="Lynn with Annis by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4940140172_e5e4c6f6c5.jpg" alt="Lynn with Annis" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />It has an interesting construction, being shaped with short rows and starting at the bottom/widest part. The pattern calls for lace weight yarn and is intentionally knit on large needles to create a very airy, light fabric. This thing is truly weightless. And the shaping means it stays on the shoulders easily. I especially love how the deep purple color adds a Victorian quality to this little piece. It's old fashioned but frothy at the same time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4939560757/" title="Annis up Close by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4939560757_4ff49c8492.jpg" alt="Annis up Close" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />The lady who sold me the yarn was right. It did block out nicely. The nupps are just okay. I think I can do better next time I encounter them in a project. However. Let it be known, I am no nupp fan and won't actively seek them out with the possible exception of <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/Galleries/bonus/fall_2006/swallowtail.asp">Swallowtail Shawl</a>, long on my knitting to do list. But with better yarn.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-89692772822353869722010-08-16T01:42:00.006-04:002010-08-16T11:54:35.030-04:00Weeners! We Have Weeners!Rain! We actually got about 30 minutes of rain this afternoon! I think (hope) we've turned the corner on this brutal heat - the last few days have held out a promise that Fall is right around the corner.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TGjQL3L4juI/AAAAAAAAAIU/PR2wCJFe7UE/s1600/horse+race.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 144px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TGjQL3L4juI/AAAAAAAAAIU/PR2wCJFe7UE/s400/horse+race.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505879446671363810" border="0" /></a><br />I wanted to take pics of two newest skeins of yarn I've finished but we spent the afternoon playing the ponies! I did win $10.80 on one horse in the 5th race, woo hoo! It was fun and so nice to be outside without a blazing sun. Sometimes I wonder if I am part vampire, I avoid the sun that much.<br /><br />But I have a weener here on the old blog! I consulted the Random Number Generator and the winner is #16!! Yay!<br /><br />I'll tell you a little story. When I was a girl I was completely horse crazy. Though I didn't own a horse, I did ride regularly with a stable and even competed in some of the local horse shows. The one year I competed and won some blue ribbons I wore #16 on my back. I've liked that number ever since. So I was truly delighted when the Random Number Generator spat out #16.<br /><br />I must have horses on my brain today.<br /><br />Anyway, this little yarn giveaway was fun. Thank you, everyone for your sweet comments. I enjoyed this enough that I might have more giveaways in the very near future.<br /><br />SarahB, send me your address using the linky in my profile and I hope you enjoy knitting this yarn - I can't wait to see how it turns out!knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-36803648622959450162010-08-08T16:10:00.005-04:002010-08-08T17:05:53.416-04:00Prize Winners!!Sunday afternoon, August in Brooklyn. I want to take a nap!<br /><br />But first I have some things to share. Like the promised and long overdue Tour de Fleece wrap up. You recall I wanted to spin 3 lbs of fiber. This was the pile before I started.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4717762342/" title="TDF 2010 Lofty Goals by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4717762342_3fc4fa1b7d.jpg" alt="TDF 2010 Lofty Goals" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And this the pile I ended up spinning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4873157984/" title="TDF Final Haul 3 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4873157984_845d0dc9cd.jpg" alt="TDF Final Haul 3" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /><br /></div>Not all of it, but I am very very pleased with the results so I am happy. Some stats for you: I spun 2.25 lbs of fiber, 2,670 yards of yarn. By my standards that's alot but there are spinners on Ravelry who spun 7 and 8 lbs of fiber. Whoa! I need to take a vacation next year and devote an entire week to spinning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4794819832/" title="Winter Storage 2 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4794819832_192b8650ec.jpg" alt="Winter Storage 2" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />The Hello Yarn pink/green/boggy brown yarn is destined to be a sweater. I have over 680 yards in that ginormous skein and I was very lucky to come into possession of one more bag of this highly coveted fiber! With another 4 oz to spin up I should have enough for a cute cropped cardigan and I think I have a pattern in mind!<br /><br />You all know Zinnia is destined to be a sweater and yes, thanks to the kindness of blog reading friends, I now have the pattern! Zinnia has been doubly lucky for me, by the way, because on the last day of the Tour I submitted a photo to the Natural Yarn thread on Ravelry and won a prize! Woo Hoo, Yay! More fiber, coming right up!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4873184212/" title="TDF Final Zinnia 4 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4873184212_eebf406a29.jpg" alt="TDF Final Zinnia 4" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Time to spread some Handspun Love. As my thanks for your ongoing support and encouragement, loyal comments and far-flung friendship, I'm putting Istanbul Sunset up for a Prize Giveaway! Yup, that's what I'm sayin!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4873175138/" title="TDF Give Away by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4873175138_f640f3c3a9.jpg" alt="TDF Give Away" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />Simply leave a comment to this post no later than Sunday August 15 and I'll select a winner using Random Number Generator.<br /><br />Some of you have never knit with handspun before and trust me, this will spoil you for more. And hey, maybe I will coax a few of you over to the dark side that is spinning. It's not the worst thing that could happen...heh heh. :)<br /><br />So rock on with your comments and good luck everyone! Oh and you can get all the technical deets for the yarn <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/knithoundbrooklyn/stash/spunky-eclectic-spunky-club-roving---11-09---istanbul-sunset">here</a>.<br /><br /></div></div>knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-73576061181504923082010-08-05T16:14:00.004-04:002010-08-05T16:53:57.141-04:00Where Did I Put That Thing, Anyway?Here we are, August already! The Tour de Fleece feels like it was a million years ago, and I haven't done a good blog wrap up post. I promise, I have one in the wings. With special surprises, too!<br /><br />But I wanted to tell you a funny.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4828760996/" title="Zinnia by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4828760996_01b592f0e0.jpg" alt="Zinnia " width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />I finished spinning up all the Gray Shetland, my Zinnia. This yarn is wonderful. I can't stop fondling it and I pinch myself because I sort of can't believe I pulled off 5 skeins, 1700+ yards of consistent, mostly even sport weight yarn! Seriously, I am that excited about this yarn.<br /><br />So of course the next thing I get to obsess over is what shall Zinnia become? Oh, fun! Honestly, the planning can be as much fun as the doing. Or no, the planning is <span style="font-style: italic;">a</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">part</span> of the doing, really. And it's fun. For me. Shut up!<br /><br />And! I think I've found what I want to do, the <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Patterns/Gathered-Pullover.html">Gathered Pullover from Interweave Knits. </a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TFsecT80tXI/AAAAAAAAAIM/z1M2CrwUiDc/s1600/jason_medium.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TFsecT80tXI/AAAAAAAAAIM/z1M2CrwUiDc/s400/jason_medium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502024841503749490" border="0" /></a>Now that I've landed in this place, the past 10 days have been about mulling over the design modifications I'll make and organizing myself to give this project my full attention.<br /><br />So last night around midnight I decide I'd like to go to bed with the pattern and read it through, just to familiarize myself, you know?<br /><br />I searched the book case for Interweave, Winter 2007. Not there. Should have been. Hmmm. Search the desk, my WIP pile, the dining room table, the kitchen book case (highly unlikely), the family room book case, and a few other places. No Winter 2007 anywhere. I found Fall, I found Spring. No Winter. Hmmmm.<br /><br />Next, as a last ditch effort, (it's now nearly 1AM), I go online to Ravelry and quick search the other patterns in that issue. You know, so I could maybe cross reference to something I may have knit in the past?<br /><br />And then it dawns on me. I never bought that issue! No wonder I couldn't find it! It simply doesn't exist in my home. DOH.knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-68518653385579132282010-07-28T18:58:00.007-04:002010-07-28T19:21:16.494-04:00Spin City meets Hipnic on the High Line<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TFC5DK0nDgI/AAAAAAAAAH8/prgSkpI4rQA/s1600/2010727Nocturnalsit-custom3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TFC5DK0nDgI/AAAAAAAAAH8/prgSkpI4rQA/s400/2010727Nocturnalsit-custom3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499098609115139586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TFC5DK0nDgI/AAAAAAAAAH8/prgSkpI4rQA/s1600/2010727Nocturnalsit-custom3.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.meetup.com/spinners-87/">Spin City</a>'s meet up on Monday evening at the High Line converged with an event called <a href="http://fluffsstuff.com/">Hipnic</a>, who also did their own spinning, of sorts. The event was captured and posted to YouTube -<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object style="background-image: url("http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/oJPdwLop3BI/hqdefault.jpg");" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oJPdwLop3BI&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oJPdwLop3BI&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /></div><br />Over the course of the evening, the lines between the two groups merged into a single cohesive whole. Which is nicely described by the <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/nocturnalist-weaving-detente-on-the-high-line/">New York Times. </a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TFC5N7Ml6_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/_dpV8iNmRpM/s1600/2010727Nocturnalsit-custom1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LLTnSkQg_AM/TFC5N7Ml6_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/_dpV8iNmRpM/s400/2010727Nocturnalsit-custom1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499098793899322354" border="0" /></a><br />I'm still kicking myself for bailing out but that kitchen thing needed attention since the plumber didn't get to us till Monday. Oh well, it was a lovely evening for all my friends!<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/LISAG%7E1.GAY/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-5.png" alt="" />knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345326142843538494.post-16395338289716198692010-07-24T20:02:00.004-04:002010-07-29T06:44:40.438-04:00Push OnA nasty head cold, insufferable heat, plumbing disconnected in the kitchen since Tuesday, husband with a flu. Life is grand over at Chez Knithound, I tell ya.<br /><br />We got a new counter top. After 7 years of living with...are you ready for this...marine varnished plywood...(ahem)...we finally got the new counter top. BUT. The sink was disconnected Tuesday morning, I drove it out to the fabricator in Long Island (took 1/2 a day!), they installed the counter tops yesterday and here we are, Saturday evening with no kitchen plumbing! Seems the fabricator failed to instruct me to have the plumber come back after they were finished. Um...didn't you say you were reinstalling? Ohhhh, re<span style="font-style: italic;">mounting,</span> not re<span style="font-style: italic;">connecting</span>! aha. And the plumber called this morning, yes we will be by later today. Not.<br /><br />So here we are, both sick as can be, the kitchen in complete disarray, the AC firing on high but not cutting it. What's a knithound to do but spin yarn.<br /><br />The Tour de Fleece/Tour de France ends tomorrow. I won't be finished with the 3 pounds I set as the goal, but I am making my way through that lovely Shetland roving.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knithound_bkln/4824362114/" title="Shetland Yarn Skein 1 by knithound brooklyn, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4824362114_a65be2accc.jpg" alt="Shetland Yarn Skein 1" width="500" height="332" /></a><br /></div><br />It's wonderful. 408 yards, 12 wpi. The second skein just came out of the bath, 368 yards. More singles tonight. I have nothing better to do the rest of the evening, and at least making yarn is taking the edge off my bad case of cranky.knithound brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650960985244466355noreply@blogger.com9