Category: design

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

Posted on Posted in design, fiber love, finished objects, knitting, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of Projects31 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

Litmus Cowl in Moondrake Advent Yarn

Knitting List

  1. Moondrake Advent Litmus Cowl (Ravelry link)
  2. Blue Turtledove (Ravelry link)
  3. Malabrigo Brambleberry Rikke Hat – I bought this yarn when I was in OKC. It might be their Anniversario colorway.
  4. Arrowhead Cardigan (Ravelry Link) in Lettlopi
  5. Celtic Myths Shawl. I am so close to finishing this.
  6. Water Shawl KAL
  7. Skipwith in black Rauma Finullgarn (Ravelry link)
  8. Peerie Flooers. I have the J&S Shetland yarn for the original version of this that you can see in the show Shetland.
  9. Emma in Black Welsh Mountain Bulky (Ravelry link) Another Cocoknits cardi
  10. Celtic Tree Handwarmers. I haven’t swatched or cast on yet, but would love to have them done by fall.
  11. Gryffindor Winter Ferns Hat. I haven’t swatched or cast on.
  12. The Oa. Cast on but languishing. I still want to knit it. In other words, I won’t be frogging it.
  13. 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.
  14. Pink Rhodes. My goal for this is to cast on in January or February so it will be wafting-ready by April or May.
  15. Seavaiger
  16. Shoalwater Shaw
  17. Hot Waffles Hat and Mitts. I have some beautiful blue yarn for this.
  18. Sunset Slouch
  19. Cabin Kitchen Towel Set
  20. Strom Cardigan
  21. Aurora Borealis Cowl
  22. Less Is More Cowl
  23. Peace Fleece Ronan in Siberian Midnight (Ravelry link)
  24. Taxus Mitts in Tukuwool Fingering (Ravelry link)
  25. Best Loved Shawl in Knitting Goddess Berry BFL-Masham (Ravelry link)

Finished Knitting

  1. Franca
  2. Paris (Twilight Tunis) Toujours Shawl (also dyed the yarn in a gradient for this)
  3. Deschain Tee
  4. Hermione’s Everyday Socks
  5. Pride Socks
  6. Purple emPower Bandaner
  7. Shetland Tweed Throw
  8. Arachne Sweater
  9. Four Square Cowl
  10. Mistletoe Kisses Socks
  11. Pumpkin Spice Latte socks
  12. Broom Riding Cowl
  13. Halloween Socks
  14. Trans Pride Socks
  15. Accidental Autumn Barley Light Hat
  16. Rikke Hat
  17. Meep the Christmas Mouse
  18. Midnight Merino Raglan Frogged

Knitting Design

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

Completed Design

  1. Another Blue Beanie
  2. Hat samples for Kenya
  3. Saffron hat and cowl with OG pompom

Updated Sewing List

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

Finished Sewing

  1. Ace top, two versions (one shown above)
  2. Billie jumpsuit
  3. Enchanted Kimono Robe
  4. Poudre linen curtains. Only one to go!
  5. Coffee filters
  6. Knitting Sheep flannel PJ pants
  7. Halloween Rachel blouse
  8. Winter Solstice project bag

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.

New Year’s Eve Slippers

Posted on Posted in art, design, finished objects, holidays, inspiration, knitting, sewing8 Comments
📸 photophreak
📸 elven

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.

“Haze Over Maize: Granville 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!
  1. Paris (Twilight Tunis) Toujours Shawl (also dyed the yarn in a gradient for this)
  2. Deschain Tee
  3. Hermione’s Everyday Socks
  4. Pride Socks
  5. Purple emPower Bandaner
  6. Shetland Tweed Throw
  7. Arachne Sweater
  8. Four Square Cowl
  9. 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.
  10. Pumpkin Spice Latte socks
  11. Broom Riding Cowl
  12. Halloween Socks
  13. Trans Pride Socks
  14. Accidental Autumn Barley Light Hat
  15. Rikke Hat
  16. Meep the Christmas Mouse

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

Knitting Design

  1. Another Blue Beanie
  2. Hat samples for Kenya
  3. Saffron hat and cowl with OG pompom

Completed Sewing

Seamwork Ace top
  1. Ace top, two versions (one shown above)
  2. Billie jumpsuit
  3. Enchanted Kimono Robe
  4. Poudre linen curtains. Only one to go!
  5. Coffee filters
  6. Knitting Sheep flannel PJ pants
  7. Halloween Rachel blouse
  8. Winter Solstice project bag

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!

Vintersoll Final

Posted on Posted in design, knitting, sweatersTagged , , 18 Comments
New Magpie Color
It works!

I want to thank everyone for their input. I finally went with Solstice DK in Desert Rose, which is a warm pink. I loved the walnut but didn’t trust myself to dye it. I think Kathy mentioned peach and it stuck with me.

Four Colors? I love these together.
Hmm…

I noticed some people are adding a fourth color to their Vintersoll. This is Solstice DK in Wicked Game. I like the addition, but I will have to think about if I really want to knit four colors. I have an alternate plan for this yarn if not.

And it’s good I have an extra skein or two because I am playing yarn chicken with Arachne and I may be losing. I’m a loose knitter, which is why I’m knitting Vintersoll in DK instead of worsted.

Virtual Knit this Sunday? 1PM EDT? DM your Skype ID to me if you are new? Hmm??? Silliness aside, I NEED my Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit time. It’s my only social activity aside from when kids come to visit.

Vintersoll: A Color Game

Posted on Posted in design, knitting, sweaters, what makes me tickTagged , 11 Comments

Original Vintersoll design by Jennifer Steingass

The teal will be the main color. I have an extra hank of Solstice DK, and I can dye it any color I want! (Mwah-ha-ha!)

I wanted this rust to work, but the color values are too close. Although if I used the cream for the motifs, it might be fine.

Eggplant would work.

If the brown were a little darker, it would work. I really like the brown.

This could work, and I would probably choose this if I wanted to use a variegated yarn. But –admitting to a knitting quirk — I don’t like to mix fiber content. I’d prefer to dye the Solstice DK.

The light gray surprised me. It would work.

Same with the organic walnut.

What do you think? Leave your vote in the comments!

This is my favorite part of knitting. It’s why I have so many projects on my list! If you look at the projects on Ravelry for this design, you’ll see all sorts of gorgeous combinations!

A Scarf for Hans

Posted on Posted in design, knitting, scarves and cowls13 Comments
Hans’ Scarf Design Schematic

Hans has asked me to knit him a scarf. The symbols/lines have something to do with music. I asked him to draw the scarf so I would understand what he had in mind. He’s asked for it to be navy and gray, and we chose Woolfolk Far for its softness.

I’m not sure how to knit this. The background is gray and the designs are navy. Should I raise them in purls? Brioche? I guess I have some swatching to do!

Year of Projects 2020-2021

Posted on Posted in art, design, finished objects, knitting, sewing, Year of ProjectsTagged 41 Comments
I made my own header image for YOP because I’m extra that way.

I decided to jump in and join Year of Projects. I have been inspired by Liz’s updates, and I thought it might be good motivation for me to blog along with my ever expanding, massive list. I read the group rules, and it seems pretty easy going, so if I fail (indubitably) it will be no big deal.

Without further ado, here’s my list!

Fiber Art

“Sunbleach” 2019
  1. I have a group show in November 2020, and I need to create a piece or small group of pieces for this. I have some ideas.
  2. I have a solo show in September 2021, and I need to make a body of work for this show. If I start on this now, it feels doable. I have some ideas. Once I have a firm concept for the show, I’ll make a sub-list of pieces.

Knitting

Deschain Tee in Quince and Co Kestral

Oh dear. Hold on to your butts. If it is on this list, it means I have the yarn.

  1. Pride Socks. Just one sock to go!
  2. Purple emPower Bandaner. Almost done! This is a gift, so I probably won’t post an update until it’s been gifted.
  3. Shetland Tweed Throw. This is coming along. It’s enjoyable TV knitting.
  4. Arachne. Deadline Halloween, of course.
  5. Franca. For my Mom. I caked all the yarn today! This is unusual for me. I usually only cake up one or two hanks. But winding the yarn has become a real chore for me in my new house. I don’t have a permanent setup for it. So I decided to wind them all.
  6. Peerie Flooers. I have the J&S Shetland yarn for the original version of this that you can see in the show Shetland.
  7. Four Square Cowl. I could knock this out if I focused on it for a week. I would love to wear it this fall.
  8. Farmhouse Cardigan. This is the sweater I was so excited to get the Black Welsh Mountain yarn for. What an investment! But I cast on, made a mistake in my knitting, frogged it, and now it’s all sitting in a bag waiting to be cast on again.
  9. Midnight Merino Raglan. When I found out the pattern has you knit the pieces separately and sew them together, I lost interest. But hey. It’s my knitting and I can do it however I want! I need to remember that. Frogged
  10. Celtic Myths Shawl. I am so close to finishing this.
  11. Celtic Tree Handwarmers. I haven’t swatched or cast on yet, but would love to have them done by fall.
  12. Gryffindor Winter Ferns Hat. I haven’t swatched or cast on.
  13. Mistletoe Kisses Socks. These were supposed to be for the Christmas in July KAL, but since socks are my least favorite thing to knit, if I get them done by Christmas in December, I’ll consider it a win.
  14. The Oa. Cast on but languishing. I still want to knit it. In other words, I won’t be frogging it.
  15. 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.
  16. Pink Rhodes. My goal for this is to cast on in January or February so it will be wafting-ready by April or May.
  17. Con Alma. Next spring? New plan for this yarn.
  18. Seavaiger. Oh yes I did.
  19. Shoalwater Shawl. (Starting to sweat.
  20. Hot Waffles Hat and Mitts. I have some beautiful blue yarn for this.
  21. Sunset Slouch.
  22. Cabin Kitchen Towel Set.
  23. A Scarf for Hans.
  24. Pumpkin Spice Latte socks.
  25. Broom Riding Cowl.
  26. Halloween Socks.
  27. Trans Pride Socks.
  28. Accidental Autumn Barley Light.
  29. Arrowhead Cardigan (Ravelry Link).
  30. Strom Cardigan
  31. Aurora Borealis Cowl
  32. Rikke Hat
  33. Less Is More Cowl
  34. Water Shawl

HAHAHA there is no way I will finish all of these projects in 2020-2021. But at least they are on a list now. And yes, I still have more yarn!

Knitting Design

My goal for design is to sketch a design 5 days each week, and knit one of my own designs in this 2020-2021 year. It can be anything. It might be a headband. It is not allowed to be a blue beanie.

Sewing

Enchanted Kimono Robe
  1. Yates Coat in navy wool.
  2. Cotton Twill Ottobre Pants. I have navy stretch twill and gray twill fabric for these.
  3. Poudre linen curtains. The linen is a very soft pink. We are just waiting on the curtain rods and I will get started. Yay, more rectangles and straight lines to sew!
  4. Coffee filters. I use a pour over and I have been using muslin bags to filter the coffee and it is such a mess! I have some organic hemp and cotton on the way. This should be a quick and gratifying make.
  5. Sew something amazing with this plaid flannel!
  6. Vintage Halloween Rachel shirt.
  7. Knitting Sheep flannel PJ pants.
  8. Knitting alpacas PJ set.
  9. Winter Solstice project bag

Fiddle

My Music Journal and New Strings
  1. String my violin.
  2. Sign up for online lessons.
  3. Daily practice.
  4. Weekly lesson.
  5. By June 30, 2021 I want to be able to video myself playing a song for you. Don’t get too excited. It will probably be a very basic song. But once I surprised my friends (and myself) by launching into an improv version of Three Blind Mice. So who knows?

Tapestry Weaving

Remember way back in November 2019 when I purchased a tapestry loom? I also dyed some Cotswald SE2SE yarn with turmeric and it came out so beautiful. Well, I want to weave some placemats with it. The gold will look hideous with our pink tile, so maybe they will be gifted.

I think I may be on the 10 year plan for Year of Projects.

A Matter of Practice

Posted on Posted in design, knitting, lofty thoughtsTagged , 2 Comments

You may remember me saying I should sketch a knitting design every day as a matter of practice. Today is Day 1. I received a new journal in the mail, and today I wrote my first pages and made my first sketch.

I like this design. I would enjoy knitting it and wearing it. The sketch isn’t showing the increases to make the gently flared sleeves and body, so I’m assuming those are happening along the sides and insides of the sleeves.

Here’s another design I like from Interweave’s Wool Studio. I may knit this one someday.

I am looking forward to practicing my violin when my new strings arrive. I’m also practicing exercise and good eating habits.

Practice is having faith that if you focus enough on something, what you desire will manifest. But I must remember to take a day off to stare at the trees. I guess that’s a matter of practice, too.

Creation Hive Knitters

Posted on Posted in design, field trips, hats, knittingTagged , , , 4 Comments

This week I’ve been at Creation Hive looking at products and talking product development. Today we talked woolens, and as I had suspected, they are accomplished knitters!

Jane, middle, and Jacqueline, right, picked up my Bousta Beanie in Milarrochy Tweed and carried on where I left off. Jane then cast on her own hat using locally produced wool yarn. They don’t have circular needles here, but we’ve found a source for them.

I have great faith in these ladies developing a line of Fair Trade woolens in Kenyan merino wool yarn! It will support their textile economy as well. It’s a great solution and I’m thrilled to have played my little part in it. I can’t wait to see their creations and to bring them to the US through Global Gifts!

Vintage Is as Vintage Does

Posted on Posted in design, inspirationTagged , , , 16 Comments

Yesterday I received The Vintage Shetland Project in the mail. What a glorious book! Quiteayarnblog had posted about it and I knew it would be for me. It has knitting, history, and patterns! But my real reason for mentioning it is I want to ask you a very important question. Do you think I can pull off wearing puffy sleeves?

I know we all say, “You can wear anything you want!” But honestly, I think I may feel ancient if I dress in — what appears to me to be — a rather old fashioned style. I loved to dress vintage when I was younger, and it was easy for me to pull off. I think I may also have had a sweater like this when I was in my 20s.

Maybe I’ll start with the mitten pattern and use my Fairlight Fibers gift card. I’ll add it to my queue anyway.

Aren’t pics of images funny? How they distort and skew but seem real? There’s an art project in there. Postmodernism at its finest. It’s probably been done.

Today I was thinking I might challenge myself to sketch a design for a knitting pattern every day. That would be good practice.

Here’s a knitting fashion quiz for you:

1. Do you think it’s true “if you wore it the first time around, you shouldn’t wear it the second (or third) time around?”

2. Do you believe there is a “first time around” anymore? Have you seen fashion produce anything new lately that you would like to wear?

3. Do you knit things you would never wear just because you want to knit them? Do you gift them afterward?

Here are my answers:

1. As I get older, my experience is that I don’t look (or feel) good in retro or vintage styles like I did when I was younger. I look and feel better in classic and/or modern but more sophisticated clothing. In other words, my Mother was right.

But I will never get rid of my overalls!

2. I haven’t seen anything new in fashion since the 80s. Everything is a rehash, except the jeans with the clear plastic over the butt cheeks and I wouldn’t wear that. (ETA: Bob thinks this was only in a movie, but I thought someone tried to make it a fashion after that.)

3. I only knit apparel I have in mind for someone to use and enjoy. I love beautiful things but I am prosaically practical. I do occasionally knit art that is for looking at and contemplating, although it’s been a while.

Please leave your answers in the comments, or on your blog and let us know!