🤓 Nerd Alert! 🐑 Sunday Year of Projects Update 🧶

Posted on January 16, 2021January 17, 2021 Posted in fiber love, knitting, scarves and cowls, Works in Progress (WIPs), yarn, Year of ProjectsTagged yop1017 Comments

I took a wonderful Breed Specific Knitting workshop from Longway Homestead yesterday. It was a gift from Bob for Christmas. I learned about breeds and wool and crimp and staple length and microns. Conclusion: I want to raise Shetland sheep.

Knitting

I’ve updated my YOP list. I also rearranged the order to try to reflect a chronology. I will probably continue to do that as I make my way through the list. There’s not much else to say other than look at my beautiful Moondrake Advent Litmus Cowl! It’s knitting up fast. Knitting stripes is fun!

I bundled yarn by colors and am making my way through the rainbow, with stripes of the big skein in between hues. I numbered the bundles so I wouldn’t forget the order. 🤓

Fiber Art

It’s a long weekend so I’m going to frame “Hay for Days,” start “Blue Moon,” and dye some fiber.

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my updated list here. You can find out more about the group here.

Noodle Club

I received my first Noodle Club subscription yarn from Ramen Needles. It’s super fun. It also glows under a black light. Now I’m looking for a black light. I’m not sure what to do with it, so I will stash it away and percolate on it. It’s single ply merino and silk. Might make a nice Pembroke Scarf (Ravelry link).

Today is our Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit at 1PM Eastern. If you are new and would like to join us by Skype, please DM your Skype ID to me on Instagram or Ravelry.

Friday FO: Pockets!

Posted on January 15, 2021January 15, 2021 Posted in finished objects, knitting, sweatersTagged cocoknits, franca, Franca sweater, knitting, woolfolk far14 Comments

Pattern: Franca (Cocoknits website link)

Yarn: Woolfolk Far in color 24

Size made: Large

Made for: My Mommy

Detail of front edging. The S1K1 rolls a little like an icord, but it adds to the effortless appeal of this design.

I’ve had a few requests to talk about the pockets. Cocoknits calls these “kangaroo pockets.” I’ve never knit pockets like this before, but it was really simple. I don’t feel comfortable sharing any proprietary info. I looked for a tutorial but didn’t find one. Instead, here’s a link to my newest favorite knitting podcast by Gaye Glasspie, where she talks a little bit about the Franca pockets, but also does not give away the pattern. If you just want to see the pockets, forward to timestamp 23:55. Ladies and Gents, we have pockets

The pattern calls for whip stitching or “seaming” the pockets closed. I did a mattress stitch because I wanted the pockets to look as good on the inside as the garment looks on the outside. That’s the only change I made to the pattern.

Somehow I got away with ten skeins of yarn instead of the eleven called for. I guess it’s because I’m a loose knitter?

I really enjoyed knitting this and I learned some new tricks. The collar is a little fussy, but it’s the first thing you do, and it’s really elegant. I had to make it twice to get it right. But the second time I watched the Cocoknits YouTube tutorial, and that helped.

Wednesday WIP

Posted on January 13, 2021 Posted in knitting, sweaters, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged Franca sweater, knitting14 Comments

Here’s my Mom’s Franca, all knitted but needs a little seaming/grafting and ends woven in and blocking. I wanted to do that tonight but I’m fried. I will try again tomorrow. Maybe if I get to it in the morning before work?

Mambo! That’s Fun to Say: A YOP Update

Posted on January 10, 2021January 10, 2021 Posted in hats, knitting, scarves and cowls, sweaters, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged knitting, yarn, yop1015 Comments

When I was writing about my happy places, I was remiss not to mention Global Gifts stores. That’s where I work, but I work from my home office now. However, I was a store manager for four years, and the store was my happy place. It smells like incense and coffee when you walk in, there is global music playing, everything is handmade, everyone is happy, and there’s chocolate. Lots of fair trade chocolate. It’s a little different now because of the pandemic. There are masks of course, and no coffee samples. We’re at limited capacity to ensure social distancing. And now when I visit I realize I’m another potential germ carrier. So I make my visits quick, and shop online and pick up. I miss being in store. I can’t wait for COVID to end.

And to make good on my resolution-ish to listen to more music, here’s one that reminds me of Global Gifts.

Year of Projects Update

I’m ready to start the raglan increasing on my Turtledove.

I may sew some PJ pants today with this flannel.

I may also lay out the wool for a new fiber art piece and dye some brown.

I do have another resolution-ish for 2021, and that’s to knit as much yarn as I purchase, at a minimum. So outgoing has to equal incoming, although ideally outgoing will exceed incoming. Since I’m signed up for two yarn clubs, that means I have to knit 24 skeins minimum. I also may have just stress bought a sweater quantity of Peace Fleece. I’ve wanted to knit a Peace Fleece sweater for several years, so I bit the bullet and did it.

Therefore, I’ve added a couple of things to my list:

Peace Fleece Ronan in Siberian Midnight (Ravelry link)

Malabrigo Brambleberry Rikke Hat – I bought this yarn when I was in OKC. I’m not 100% positive on the colorway name but it is berry-related. Or maybe it’s their Anniversario colorway?

I wear my Christmas Village Rikke Hat all the time, so I’m going to need a new color, and this matches my coat. I love this stretchy German Twist cast on. It’s my new thing. I also learned a new stretchy bind off for Franca.

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my updated list here. You can find out more about the group here.

Today is our Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit at 1PM Eastern. If you are new and would like to join us by Skype, please DM your Skype ID to me on Instagram or Ravelry. So far, it’s been me, Sarah, Marilee, Liz, Kath, Bonny, and Laura. Our group is growing!

PS: JoJo loves Meep. Loves her to death with her murder claws.

Happy Places

Posted on January 9, 2021January 8, 2021 Posted in sweaters, what makes me tick, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged q&a, quiz7 Comments

Liz posted a wee quiz about happy places.

Where are your happy place locations?
Is there a memory you go to in your mind as a happy place?
Is there one particular happy place location in the world you can’t wait to return to (once you are able to)?
What are your happy place hobbies/interests that help you escape the outside world?

1. My most happiest place is in my comfy chair in front of a fire knitting. I’ve cast on my Turtledove! My second most happiest place is probably my front porch.

Two of my babies at my grandparents’ farm many years ago. I love this photo.

2. Sometimes when I need to go to a happy place in my mind, I imagine I’m at my grandparents’ farm.

3. I’m not sure if there is one particular happy location in the world for me I can’t wait to return to. My grandparents’ farm isn’t the same without them there. Maybe Nova Scotia, but I’ve only been there once. We’ll have to try that again and see.

4. I think we know the answer to this question: knitting, and felt fiber art are the hobbies that help me escape the outside world. I’m going to include some Nova Scotia pieces in my show. And maybe one of my grandparents’ farm.

Knitting Journal FTW

Posted on January 8, 2021January 8, 2021 Posted in inspiration, knittingTagged knitting journal, knitting planner10 Comments

This morning, Marilee posted about analog Knitting Journals. I used to have an analog knitting journal (a decade ago) but I only used it for one or two projects before I discarded it. I also don’t update my Ravelry projects regularly.

Recently, my therapist recommended a digital planner. I already had an iPad, so I purchased and downloaded the planner PDFs on Etsy. It was pretty affordable. Of course now I see they have planner templates as part of Good Notes, which is the app I use. Then I found out I needed an Apple pencil, so I ordered that as well. After all of that, I tried using my digital planner, but found I missed the tactile quality of analog planning for personal and work use. So, I went back to a paper planner.

But Marilee’s post got me thinking about how I would like to organize and document my knitting, or at least try. I was all set up for a digital method, so I downloaded a knitting project planner PDF on Etsy for a couple of bucks. I tried it out for my next cast on, shown above. I think this might work for me! We’ll see if I keep it up, but it’s nice to have the details. As you can see, I haven’t swatched for this yet.

If you aren’t already set up for digital planning, it’s a bit of an investment to get all the tools. But if you are, this is an easy transition.

What about you? Do you document your knitting projects? Do you use a paper journal? Digital planner? Spreadsheets? Ravelry? Let us know in the comments!

Sheepy Finn Yarn Complete with VM

Posted on January 7, 2021January 7, 2021 Posted in fiber love, yarnTagged finnsheep, knitting, ohcanada, wool, yarn12 Comments

I received my first breed specific yarn of the month from Longway Homestead. It’s soft, but not soft enough for neck wear. I’m thinking mittens or hat. I’m going to wait until I take the Breed Specific Knitting workshop before I decide, though. I think it will have nice drape. Can you smell the lanolin? Mmm… schmeepy. I’ve always wanted to try Finnsheep wool.

Speaking of grown in Canada, after yesterday, Bob was ready to make a run for the border.

Finally, if you’re a Clara Parkes fan, you might enjoy The Daily Respite.

2020-2021 Year of Projects Half-Year Update and a Resolution

Posted on January 3, 2021January 17, 2021 Posted in design, fiber love, finished objects, knitting, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of Projects30 Comments

Below is an updated half-year list that I will continue to edit as I complete and add new items. Scroll all the way to the bottom for my resolution. Don’t feel like you need to look at my list unless you want to.

Fiber Art

I have a solo show in September 2021, and I need to make a body of work for this show. My goal is 12 pieces. 2/12 finished.
I’m dyeing my own wool for this work. Above is sky blue and a mix of spruce and kelly green I’m calling Black Forest. Next up is a deep, rich brown. These are two different fibers: merino and shetland. They take the dye a little differently.

Finished Fiber Art

Haze Over Maize: Granville 2020 for Mother Artists at Work Show

Knitting List

Moondrake Advent Litmus Cowl (Ravelry link)
Blue Turtledove (Ravelry link)
Malabrigo Brambleberry Rikke Hat – I bought this yarn when I was in OKC. It might be their Anniversario colorway.
Arrowhead Cardigan (Ravelry Link) in Lettlopi
Celtic Myths Shawl. I am so close to finishing this.
Water Shawl KAL
Skipwith in black Rauma Finullgarn (Ravelry link)
Peerie Flooers. I have the J&S Shetland yarn for the original version of this that you can see in the show Shetland.
Emma in Black Welsh Mountain Bulky (Ravelry link) Another Cocoknits cardi
Celtic Tree Handwarmers. I haven’t swatched or cast on yet, but would love to have them done by fall.
Gryffindor Winter Ferns Hat. I haven’t swatched or cast on.
The Oa. Cast on but languishing. I still want to knit it. In other words, I won’t be frogging it.
Teal Niamh. I purchased some Nomad Noos High Mountain Yak yarn for this in a moment of weakness. At least I got the Fruity Knitting discount.
Pink Rhodes. My goal for this is to cast on in January or February so it will be wafting-ready by April or May.
Seavaiger
Shoalwater Shaw
Hot Waffles Hat and Mitts. I have some beautiful blue yarn for this.
Sunset Slouch
Cabin Kitchen Towel Set
Strom Cardigan
Aurora Borealis Cowl
Less Is More Cowl
Peace Fleece Ronan in Siberian Midnight (Ravelry link)
Taxus Mitts in Tukuwool Fingering (Ravelry link)
Best Loved Shawl in Knitting Goddess Berry BFL-Masham (Ravelry link)

Finished Knitting

Franca
Paris (Twilight Tunis) Toujours Shawl (also dyed the yarn in a gradient for this)
Deschain Tee
Hermione’s Everyday Socks
Pride Socks
Purple emPower Bandaner
Shetland Tweed Throw
Arachne Sweater
Four Square Cowl
Mistletoe Kisses Socks
Pumpkin Spice Latte socks
Broom Riding Cowl
Halloween Socks
Trans Pride Socks
Accidental Autumn Barley Light Hat
Rikke Hat
Meep the Christmas Mouse
Midnight Merino Raglan Frogged

Knitting Design

I’m going to knit this eyelet tunic design in the Blacker linen merino, I think.

Completed Design

Updated Sewing List

Yates Coat in navy wool.
Cotton Twill Ottobre Pants. I have navy stretch twill and gray twill fabric for these.
Sew something amazing with this plaid flannel!
Knitting alpacas PJ set
Another Rachel Blouse
More PJ pants

Finished Sewing

Fiddle

I canceled my lessons because I wasn’t doing them. My new goal will be to practice fingering and scales when I feel like it.

Tapestry Weaving

Not into it right now. Back burner.

My One Resolution for 2021

I don’t normally make resolutions, but this year I’m going to listen to more music, intentionally. I normally listen to music all day while I’m working, but it’s the local public radio station. I like the music they play, but it’s passive listening. And I listen to Celtic fiddle music when I run.

For New Year’s Eve, Bob and I watched the first movie we bonded over. There’s a song in it by Gogol Bordello, and it’s kind of an ear worm, but I love it. So yesterday, I listened to a Gogol Bordello Essentials playlist while I vacuumed the house and had a really good time singing along.

My friend Sharon recommended I watch that movie, so she kind of started the whole thing. She’s blogging again, so check it out if you feel like it. I hope she will turn her comments on.

Today is our Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit at 1PM Eastern. If you are new and would like to join us by Skype, please DM your Skype ID to me on Instagram or Ravelry.

Happy New Year!

Posted on January 1, 2021January 1, 2021 Posted in holidays, inspiration, life, lofty thoughts11 Comments

My word for 2021 is content, both adjective and noun.

Noun: state of mind which results from satisfaction with present circumstances

Adjective: having the desire limited to present enjoyments

It’s even a verb: to rest or be satisfied; to give satisfaction to

Content is related intent, from the root word tenere, to hold or stretch. Intent is focusing on stretching outward, while content is focusing on holding. So my intention for 2021 is to focus on what I have and be content. I feel I don’t do this enough, and it prevents me from really enjoying my life as it is. I want to slow down a little, settle in, and focus on the content of my life and find the joy there. I’m in a good place right now, and I am grateful for that.

Today we’re eating black eyed peas and greens, and I hope to Skype with kids. I will call my Mom and sister. And I will knit! I hope you have a wonderful day, and wish you a happy and healthy new year!

New Year’s Eve Slippers

Posted on December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 Posted in art, design, finished objects, holidays, inspiration, knitting, sewing8 Comments

I love the French Press Felted Slippers pattern by Melynda Bernardo (Ravelry link). I have always fantasized about dressing up for a New Year’s Eve party, but I don’t think I ever have. I feel like 2020 is the year for dressing up at home with some comfy but fancy slippers. I might make these in a sparkly yarn and put a rhinestone button on them.

This is my last December HoliDaily. I really enjoyed posting a festive pattern everyday in December. I hope you enjoyed it, too, and that it wasn’t spammy. Just a reminder that I don’t get compensated in any way for anything I share. I do it for my own enjoyment.

I enjoyed my yarn advent photo taking so much, I had a calendar made. It’s hanging in my studio. I will use it to plan my projects in 2021.

I’ve noticed other bloggers wrapping up the year with a list of completed projects. I think that sounds like the perfect New Year’s Eve post for 2020.

Fiber Art

Two pieces completed. I’m not going to post pics of new pieces since they are for a gallery show in September 2021.

Completed Knitting

I’m proud of all the socks I’ve knit this year!

Paris (Twilight Tunis) Toujours Shawl (also dyed the yarn in a gradient for this)
Deschain Tee
Hermione’s Everyday Socks
Pride Socks
Purple emPower Bandaner
Shetland Tweed Throw
Arachne Sweater
Four Square Cowl
Mistletoe Kisses Socks. I’m determined to finish these today even though JoJo chewed my needle and I had to cut the cable to get the knitting off, it was so mangled, and switched to double points.
Pumpkin Spice Latte socks
Broom Riding Cowl
Halloween Socks
Trans Pride Socks
Accidental Autumn Barley Light Hat
Rikke Hat
Meep the Christmas Mouse

Looking back, I wish I would have completed more sweaters. I guess two isn’t bad!

Knitting Design

Completed Sewing

In 2021, I’d like to sew more garments: another Rachel blouse, some pants, and a wool coat. And more PJ pants!

I hope you have something fun planned for New Year’s Eve. We’re still trying to figure out what to eat for dinner tonight, but at least we’ll have pie, both mince and chocolate! Happy New Year!