A triumph of color and texture, I am very pleased with Isaac Mizrahi's new collection of yarn (particularly this style called Sutton in York) at Michaels. It has a wonderful thick hand and a welcome close-to-the-face feel.
14" of snow fell in Michigan last night and I am arriving home just in time to put this beauty to good use. I knit 2 strands on the needle at once (treating them as if they were one yarn) and did a variation of classic knit stitch with a twisted drop stitch every few rows to give the yarn some space to show off.
By knitting with 2 strands at once (keep 2 different yarn balls at your side and draw from them at the same time), the yarn is naturally at a difference place in the dye pattern and you will find yourself knitting with two complimentary shades at once. It really adds interest to your project without adding ANY difficulty. Try it and let me know what you think.
I thought it was really funny that when I looked at my knitting on the table, I noticed that the cover of the new David Austin English Rose catalog has the exact same colors on it. My scarf matches roses/leaves/grass/brick. Ha!
If you are looking for a cozy new project, you must try Isaac's yarn, darling.
I am knitting again. I usually take a long break over the Spring/Summer (it's too hot!) and then like clockwork, I fall for the rhythmic, relaxing pleasure of knitting once the nights start to get cooler.
My mom is having knee replacement surgery next week and I know that this scarf will help me to relax at the hospital. Having a little something to keep my hands busy always helps.
I bought gorgeous hand-painted Alpaca yarn at my favorite knit shop, Wool & Honey, in northern Michigan. It is delicate in both color and feel. I wanted to let the color variation shine, so I have paired it with a solid stone-colored soft wool blend. I just love how this scarf is turning out. I am using a technique that my Mother-in-Law showed me when she taught me to knit. You make a scarf using 2 different yarns and alternate using them, row by row. It makes a subtle stripe with no skills required!
Choose two different yarns (compatible in color and weight). Start with one of the yarns and knit one row (as wide as you want the scarf) onto circular needles. Then add the second yarn and knit the next row using just the second yarn. Notice that now you have one yarn coming off of each side of the scarf. Continue with the "knit" stitch, row after row, alternating yarns. For me it was, alpaca, stone, alpaca, stone.
This creates a stripe effect - each row is a different yarn. When you need to start with a yarn, but the tail is on the other end, simply slide the scarf to the opposing needle, and voila, the tail is there are ready to use. Super simple!
Have you ever tried this technique?
I always like to have a portable project that I can take along with me when I have to pass the time (waiting room, jury duty, airport).
I am in love with my latest scarf because of its cozy rosewater color. I was drawn to it in the knit shop and was "sold" when I found out that it was dyed with beets. Real grown-in-the ground beets. Isn't that neat?
The color is gorgeous, natural and a great conversation piece - what more could a girl want?
If you are interested in seeing products by this small-batch yarn producer, visit Vibrant. Or contact the store, Wool & Honey to see what they have on the shelves.
Did you notice the yard of silk ribbon coiled in the back? I bought it to sew into a cluster of roses that I can attach at one end of this scarf. So pretty!
I romanticize Summer nights. Every year, beautiful brightly-colored yarns hypnotize me and convince me that I can wear them "at a beach fire" or "on the boat" on a chilly night.This gorgeous scarf in shades of melon (Lion Brand "Monterrey Lime" and a pretty "Strawberry" in Caron's Simply Soft collection) has yet to see the stars. We have had a particularly humid Summer and I haven't even worn my jean jacket, let alone a scarf!
So wish me a few cool nights before September, okay? I want to wear this with a coral sweater and I'm running out of time!
Have you seen the latest in yarn technology? Lion Brand Yarn has released "Ruffles" - a knit tape that creates a ruffle out of a traditional stitch. The tape has little holes in the weave - you slip your needles into the holes and knit as you normally would. The tape drapes as if some elaborate stitching is happening - love it!It will be a short Winter White scarf with ruffle detail on both ends. I can't wait to wear it with a cream sweater - gorgeous! I love technology.
I have added a new item to my standard packing list.- Clothes
- Toothbrush
- Knitting Needles
I am serious! Every time I go somewhere, I invariably hunt out the local yarn shop. Then I fall in love with some yarn, want to knit right away and realize I'll have to buy...needles. Again.
As a result of this, I have so many sets of knitting needles that it's silly. I give a set away whenever I teach someone, but still! So from now on I am getting smart and bringing a set of needles along. If you hear me mention a trip on Facebook, remind me, okay?
Are you enjoying Moments of Delight?
This is my 700th blog post!Remember my "I knit scarves" proclamation?Well, a friend came over one evening to knit and ended up talking me into making something for the house. She suggested a lap blanket, I countered with a vase.
I told her that essentially wanted to knit a cover for a coffee can. She then "did the math" (based on the gauge of stitches per inch) on how many stitches should fit snugly around the can and where the knit/purl stitches should be to create a rib. She started me "knitting in the round" for the first time on circular needles and the rest is history.
This project took about 2 hours to knit and I absolutely love it! The master plan was to buy cockscomb (real flowers!) at the farmer's market in complimentary shades. Don't these real flowers look like felted wool ones?
I have this bouquet in my living room and it looks spectacular!
I love to knit. But I want to be perfectly clear...I knit scarves. My knitting varies in color, texture, weight, pattern, purpose, season...but my project are always scarves and I am okay with that. I can do the "knit stitch" back and forth and find it very relaxing.
There is an "assumption in crafts" that all skills need to be advanced. I disagree. The counting, shaping, decreasing of more advanced knitting projects takes all the fun out of it for me. I don't want to learn more right now. Maybe in twenty years I'll feel differently, but right now I love love love to knit (scarves).
So if you are like me and find your audience slightly disappointed when you answer their "What are you making?" question, remember this...
They asked because they are interested. Maybe they'd like you to teach them how to knit (scarves).
Want to add a little french zing to your Fall wardrobe? It is as easy as knitting a scarf (Lion Brand Thick & Quick in garter stitch on size 13 needles) and adding a super-cool resin pin.
The secret? Choose an unusual color (Citron) and then make your own coordinating pin. Michaels is featuring a new brand of jewelry components called Fresh.
Take one of their resin pendants ("Rectangle Purple Damask") and hot glue a pin back to it. Suddenly, your super-easy-but-in-a-fabulous- color-scarf has a coordinating damask print pin.
You'll be so left bank!
Do we really neeed patterns?
Yes, of course, but sometimes you can come up with the neatest projects all on your own. I wanted to make my niece a Knitting Needle case with this really cute oil cloth fabric.
Let's see...it should be a trifold with velcro closure - check. It should have a slot for really long needles and a crochet hook - check. It should have a velcro tab to hang circular needles from - check. It should have a pocket for a tapestry needle and tiny scissors - check.
Oh, joy! I love this and I made the entire thing by instinct. Hmmm...I should have made 2!
