Tag: yop10

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

Posted on Posted in hats, knitting, scarves and cowls, sweaters, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged , , 15 Comments
Top 9 from Global Gifts Short North

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 on Franca sleeve island.
Litmus cowl: purple is coming
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.

It’s Curtains! A YOP Update

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, Year of ProjectsTagged 15 Comments

Sewing

I finished the bedroom curtains. Each window is a different height so each pair had to be a different length. It took me a couple of tries to make sure the pairs matched each other… well, were close enough not to bother me.

I was curious why we use curtains to connote an end of something, and grammarist.com says, “The idiom it’s curtains for you is taken from the fact that the final stage direction in many plays is simply the word ‘curtain’ meaning it is time to draw the curtain and end the play.”

One more pair of curtains for the living room, and then it’s curtains for sewing curtains!

Knitting

I’ve made a good start on the second TransPride sock. Background art by Sydney, one of our delightful children. I think I’m going to frame them and hang them over our TV (the art, not the socks, which will go on another kid’s feet).

I’ve finished knitting the main part of my Shetland Tweed Throw, but I need to knit the i-cord edge. I had to order new double pointed needles for it. I’m also making progress on Franca.

Design

I’m taking a video class on writing knitting patterns. I’ve also checked out a few books at the library by the teacher. If I feel like this was worth my time and money, I will link it later.

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my original 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.

Sunday Year of Projects Update: Planning

Posted on Posted in holidays, knitting, yarn, Year of ProjectsTagged 18 Comments

I didn’t add too many finished objects this week. Just my Barley Light Hat. But I did add a few things to my list.

I received my copy of Shetland Wool Week 2020 and fell in love with the Strom Cardigan pattern. I started looking at yarn online and realized that SURELY I had enough Milarrochy Tweed in my stash for this. And I was right! The main color will be Tarbet Blue, top. The other blue may be a little close, but I’ve got a lighter and a darker one if needed. The pink on the sweater will be orange. 🧡

I got my yarn for the Water Shawl Knitalong.

I ordered this Blacker Lyonesse with the intention of making a suit. I don’t think this is quite right for that. Instead I think I will knit one of Wolf and Faun’s shawl patterns. I’m not sure which one yet. Maybe Madda.

I’m adding to my holiday makes! This Ramen Needles DK yarn is called Christmas Village. I was thinking of knitting a Rikke Hat (Rav link) which has been in my library for a while, but geez how many hats can a person make and wear? So then I thought maybe some mittens?

And while we’re lining up holiday makes, here is my December sock yarn.

That’s four holiday makes planned for December: two sparkly cowls, one pair of mittens, and one pair of socks. That’s realistic, right?

PS: Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit today. DM me on Ravelry (alissahead) or Instagram (headknits) if you want to join in via Skype.

Sunday Sewing and Year of Projects Update

Posted on Posted in holidays, knitting, sewing, Uncategorized, Year of ProjectsTagged 21 Comments

I did a curtain! I learned a lot while making these curtains, and I hope all subsequent curtains will look a little more polished. But I love this fabric. I think we made a good choice.

After finishing the curtains for one window I decided to treat myself by whipping up some new PJ pants. Inspired by Sarah, I went for these knitting sheep. Her fabric is way more cool, but this flannel is super soft. I think it’s meant for babies, like me.

Year of Projects Update

I don’t have much else to share, other than I updated my list. I posted a knitting update on Wednesday.

I may be adding the Aurora Borealis Cowl to my list in Euclid Sparkle Sock from Superfine Yarn Co. It’s got a subtle silver sparkle.

And I may be adding the Less Is More Cowl to my list in this sparkly yarn Karen sent me. It’s got a subtle gold sparkle. I’m really wanting a sparkly cowl to knit and wear for the holidays. I wish my photos showed more of the sparkle.

What about you? Are you planning your holiday makes? Are you making for you or someone else? Is anything going to be sparkly? I’m planning to be selfish with my sparkly makes in December.

Fall Back Year of Projects Update

Posted on Posted in art, knitting, sewing, what makes me tick, Year of ProjectsTagged 23 Comments

It’s November 1. Only two more months of 2020! Even though this year has been a dumpster fire, it’s been a productive year for me. Probably because I never leave my house.

Fiber Art

I started a new piece for the solo show next year. Here it is pre-felted. I’ve wet felted it now, but it’s drying. I have to make at least one piece every month until September 2021. In November, I’m going to concentrate on dying my own fleece as I’m finding purchased dyed roving doesn’t always felt as expected.

This week our group, Mother Artists at Work, had two interviews in local publications for our group show. I also had an interview for work with the Fair Trade Federation. Three interviews in one week! It was a lot, but it was good. This must be the year of doing all the things. I also won a yarn giveaway from Ramen Needles!

Knitting

I knit a bunch of Halloween things that weren’t on my YOP list and it was fun. I knit two colorwork cowls. I want to leave a note for myself right here. Don’t knit anymore colorwork cowls that don’t have shaping. When you wear them, all you see is the floats on the back. Maybe I need to learn how to wear them.

I think I figured it out! Maybe it was still too damp and floppy when I had it on at first.

Sewing

I feel really good about finishing my Halloween Rachel shirt. I’m going to finish sewing my fall advent bags and then I’d like to concentrate on our curtains before starting on any new apparel projects. I think I found my go to pants in the new Ottobre.

Design

I kind of forgot about this. Why design your own thing when there are so many awesome designs already out there?

Fiddle

I listen to fiddle music and daydream about playing the fiddle. Does that count?

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

Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit today at 1PM Eastern! Please message or email your Skype ID to me, Marilee, or Sarah if you are new and want to join in.

SpooOOooky Year of Projects Update

Posted on Posted in holidays, knitting, sewing, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged 19 Comments

Sewing

I did a good enough job with the cuffs on the sleeves of my Halloween Rachel shirt, but I made a mistake. HAHAHA it makes me laugh. Can you spot it? No, I’m not fixing it.

Knitting

I’m plodding away on my Broom Riding Cowl. It’s tough to get a good pic while it’s on the needles. But I wanted you to see how the colorwork shows up (on parts of it at least). In places it looks like clouds are covering the moons, which I like. I wish I were enjoying the knitting more, but I guess I don’t like looking at a chart on every row.

I’m ready to turn the heel on my second Halloween sock. The stripes are lining up like they did on the first sock, which is awesome.

I haven’t cast on my Celtic Colours Mitts yet, but it’s still International Cast On All The Things Month for two more weeks.

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my original 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.

Sunday YOP Update

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged 23 Comments

It’s almost October, my favorite month!

Sewing

Halloween Rachel Progress

I’m sewing a little on my Rachel shirt each day. Sewing hurts my back, so I am taking it a few steps at a time.

Here’s a close up of the fabric. What I love about this fabric is I can wear it year round and no one will notice it’s Halloween fabric unless they get a close look. These buttons are from my stash, and I think work well. And I have enough of them.

Knitting

I am trying to buckle down to work on my Mom’s Franca. I have to learn some new things so I need to focus. I think the shaping will be worth it for the fit, and I’m hoping once I learn the method, I will be able to knit more of these sweaters. Like this one:

Cocoknits Molly Pattern

Eventually, I want to knit a suit — a pullover and skirt — and I think this sweater is perfect for it.

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my original 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.

Squirrel! A YOP Update

Posted on Posted in socks, sweaters, The Just Craft, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged , 13 Comments
Pumpkin Spice Latte Socks in WYS 4-Ply, Color Nutmeg

I’m making good progress on my Pumpkin Spice Latte socks. Nevermind that they weren’t on my original list. I chose the open twisted rib stitch for my cuffs because it reminds me of the frothy heart a barista would make with the latte foam.

Updated Arachne photo

You can see that I’m making some progress on my Arachne body. You can also see my floats are pulling a little, but I think it will block out. There is no way I have enough yarn for this and Quince and Co is out. I’ve signed up to be notified once it’s back in stock.

Other than that, honestly I haven’t been doing much other than work. I am journaling some. And I’ve started running at intervals, which feels great.

Something cool happened, though. The Livestock Conservancy reached out and asked if they could use my podcast on a grant application. That made me happy. C19 really knocked the wind out of my sails regarding the podcast. I’m not sure what’s going to happen with it.

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

I Sound My Barbaric YOP

Posted on Posted in knitting, life, lofty thoughts, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged , , , , , 23 Comments
Year of Projects Update Week 3
Arachne Yarn Chicken

I divided for the sleeves on Arachne. I’m worried I will run out of yarn. Do I wait until I run out? Or should I go ahead and order? What would you do?

Knit the Rainbow as it Presents

I started the heel flap on my second Pride sock. I decided to be lazy zen and knit the rainbow as it presents. #knittingislife

Shetland Tweed Throw and Beverage of Choice

My Shetland Tweed Throw is almost long enough to cover me as I knit it. I still have six hanks of this yarn but I’m holding it double. I only had 10 hanks to begin with, so I think I’m okay. There is an i-cord edging, but that shouldn’t take too much yarn.

There’s nothing to report on other topics except for practice on fiddle and design. No sewing. No fiber art.

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

Non-YOPping Content

Lili Taylor in Dogfight

Yesterday was Lili Taylor movie day. We watched Mystic Pizza and Dogfight. Neither Bob nor I had ever seen Dogfight. It was poignant. River Phoenix was also superb. Maybe next weekend will be River Phoenix weekend.

I can’t wait until our virtual knit later today!

Year of Projects 20-21 Update #2

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, Year of ProjectsTagged , 20 Comments

Sewing

organic hemp and cotton coffee filters

I finished my coffee filters! They work great and are much easier to use and clean than muslin bags.

Fiddle

My pegs weren’t holding their tune, and I was worried I would have to toss my fiddle goals. But I purchased some peg drops and they are staying in place now.

I restrung my fiddle and signed up for lessons on Peghead Nation. I’ve been practicing my scales and the tune June Apple. (Link is to a Bluegrass band playing the song. Note my fiddle playing sounds nothing like this.)

Knitting

Arachne yoke

I finished the yoke on Arachne. I accidentally knit all 59 rounds of the colorwork chart instead of 51 as instructed. I’ll cut 8 rounds off the plain knitting to make up for it. I hope the web won’t be too long. The neck is looking a little wide, isn’t it? I hope the ribbing will fix that. I love knitting with this yarn. It is so soft!

Franca back neck

I cast on Franca. I finished the back neck piece. Once I get going on this I have a feeling it will be a quick knit.

Pride socks

I’m ready to start the heel flap on my second Pride sock. Uh oh. I’m in the middle of the rainbow stripes. I think I will use the blue on my second ball of yarn for the heel flap so that both socks have blue heels and toes.

emPower Bandana

I’ve almost finished the emPower Bandana. I’m not sure if I will be gifting it. Pretty and soft yarn though. And such a pretty color.

Fiber Art

No progress. I’m trying not to worry about it. I did sketch an idea, but it’s not a very original idea. In the words of Twyla Tharp, “Everything’s been done. Do it anyway!”

Design

I have been sketching in my journal every weekday. Some ideas are interesting, some banal, some ridiculous. I’m trying not to judge.

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

I can’t wait until fall when I can knit in front of a fire. Of course, this cat will have to get off my lap occasionally to make room for my knitting.

Finally, if you are into historic costuming and haven’t seen this video on the clothing of two different women in the late Middle Ages, you may enjoy it. I did. 🙃