Knit-a-While

A Winner and an Update

By Ida | Published: January 20, 2012

The handy dandy Random Number Generator has selected the winner of our latest book giveaway.

Congratulations, Tamala! You’re the winner of Socktopus. Your book is on its way to you.

And if you didn’t win, I’ll have another contest next week. I’ve received several new books to review. I just need to figure out which to do next.

Lookie Lookie
I love bees. In fact, I’d like to someday have a hive. In the meantime, I always thank them when I encounter the little wonders in my garden. Thanks to them, Bountiful Spirit Farm had a great year in 2011.

Anyway, see what I got in the mail last week–

Aren’t they cute?! My good friend Lisa Loftis made the bag and sent me the package. Thank you so much, Lisa.

The only problem is that I am now looking for bee fabric so I can make an apron. Of course, my sewing skills are less than average, so who knows what it’d look like!!

Now for the Update
I would love to say I’ve finished my shawl, but that would be a lie. I actually sat last weekend with every intention of working on it and maybe even finishing it. Didn’t happen. I made it through half a row. Yes, I stopped midrow. For some reason, I just couldn’t finish.

Rather than having this shawl languish as a UFO, and because I know I’m going to love it, I’ve decided to call it finished before I reach the end of the project pattern. I’m going to finish this repeat, do a couple rows of garter stitch, and then bind off. Since I’m using a heavier yarn and larger needles, I think the size will be all right. It will also be helpful because I’m close to running out of yarn. Hopefully by my next post, it will be finished.

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Socktopus

By Ida | Published: January 10, 2012

I recently received a copy of a new sock knitting book: Socktopus: 17 Pairs of Socks to Knit and Show Off by Alice Yu.

Many sock knitters are familiar with Alice Yu and her Adventures of Socktopus blog. She also has a popular sock club as well as serves as founder of UK Knit Nation.

Socktopus: 17 Pairs of Socks to Knit and Show Off opens with Alice’s 10 reasons for knitting socks. The first chapter discusses the most common fibers used in sock knitting. Readers will also learn about the role ply plays in yarn. Next come an explanation of fit and the anatomy of a sock.

Patterns make up chapter 2, but that’s just part of what you’ll find. The first pattern is a vanilla sock, which many of us knit most often. The patterns get progressively more challenging, but Yu provides clearly written instructions. There are also excellent photographs of various techniques that might be unfamiliar to the knitter. Each pattern is provided in 3 sizes. There are patterns for men’s and women’s socks, but most of the men’s socks would work just as well for women.

One of the things Yu’s sock patterns are best known for is texture. And the patterns included in this book are no exception. You’ll find lace, twists, cables; there’s something for almost every sock knitter.

As I mentioned earlier, the patterns are well written and easy to follow. Most have charts, and, I’m happy to say, the charts are big enough to be seen. And the same is true for the text. If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time, you’ll know I’m prone to complaining about light and small fonts. This isn’t a problem with this book. The text is large and dark enough for most knitters to read without straining their eyes. We thank you.

The photography in this book is outstanding. You’ll be able to see the finished product or technique clearly and find inspiration from the finished project. For a quick overview of the projects in the book, thumbnails of each pattern are included in the front of the book.

If you’re a sock knitter and want patterns you don’t find everywhere, Socktopus: 17 Pairs of Socks to Knit and Show Off may be for you. It will be an asset to any knitting library.

Win a Copy for Your Library
You can win a copy of Socktopus: 17 Pairs of Socks to Knit and Show Off for your knitting library. Leave a comment on this post by 11 p.m. EST on Monday, January 16, 2012, and you’ll be entered in a random drawing to receive the book.

Good luck!

Posted in contest, Reviews | 41 Comments

What I’m Doing in 2012 (Knitwise, anyway)

By Ida | Published: January 2, 2012

Welcome to 2012. It seems as though only a couple of days ago it was 2011. My how time flies.

I’d like to say that I ended 2011 or began 2012 with an FO. Nope. I have made progress on my Sugared Violets shawl, but there’s still a ways to go. It seems as though I get somewhere near the end and then I see, “Repeat X number of times.” Oh well. I can already tell, though, that this shawl is going to be one of my favorites. It’ll be the one I cuddle in when it’s cold and I’m too ~~lazy~~, ~~cheap~~, frugal to turn up the heat. Here’s a bad picture of part of it.

The color isn’t very true; it’s much more purple in real life.

So, what am I going to knit in 2012?

I have definite plans. I want to knit a sweater and a short sleeve top. Maybe even a tank top. I don’t want to use wool for either, so I have to investigate yarn alternatives. Suggestions are appreciated.

I also want to learn double knitting. I can combine this with another goal–knitting things that also reflect my love of farming. I think I’ll knit another market bag or two. I loved bringing home my garden’s bounty in a bag I created myself! I also want to knit some hot pads and towels with farming/cooking/gardening motifs.

I’m also planning to knit from stash–again. I’ve been doing well at that lately. Right now, I can see that I’ll have to expand that stash to make my tops, but that will be all right.

So, those are my knitting goals for 2012. Of course, they’re subject to change as my mood and interests change. It happens.

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When Knitting Doesn’t Work

By Ida | Published: December 8, 2011

Knitting has been called the “new yoga,” “zen-like,” and other terms that make it almost seem like a panacea to all things bad and stressful. I’ve used those terms to describe knitting, and I’ve even believed it.

But you know what? It ain’t true. And I’m not going to apologize for feeling that way.

The past several weeks have been incredibly frustrating and stressful. The reasons are unimportant and certainly not unique to me and my life. When such things have happened in the past, I’ve often turned to knitting for relief. And it often worked. There was something soothing about sitting and knitting, especially if it was something simple and not to taxing on the mind. During such times, the routine of knitting was as important–if not more so–than the project.

Over the past several weeks, that hasn’t been the case. Even projects that might have been easy for me at some point seem to cause frustration after frustration. Sometimes it’s technical issues–such as the Knit Picks’ needle tips coming out of the metal casing–and sometimes it’s stupid mistakes made because I’m tired or distracted. Whatever the cause, while some frustration may be relieved, it’s replaced by frustration of a different type. The end result? I learn not to like knitting. And I certainly do not want to turn off of something I love.

So, what do I do instead? In most cases, I turn to something I’ve loved for as long as I can remember: cooking and recipe development. When the weather permits, I may garden. I read. I nap. And I may, on occasion, pick up the needles and knit a row or two.

I’m happy to say that while life continues to be frustrating and stressful–and really, whose life isn’t?–I have actually done some knitting lately. My current projects of choice are shawls. Besides being pretty, they’re also practical. Especially since I’m trying to keep my thermostat lower than in the past. I’m not much of a lace knitter, but I have found some patterns that piqued my shawl-knitting curiosity. My current project is Rose Beck’s Sugared Violets. It’s not just garter stitch, but the pattern is easy to memorize. And I’m using yarn from my stash–Caron’s Simply Soft. The more I work with that yarn, the more I like it.

I already have my next project lined up: Heather Zoppetti’s Sweet Retreat. It’s so pretty, and I must admit I am tempted to start it before finishing Sugared Violets. But I will be strong and won’t. Heather’s pattern is part of her Flax collection but can be purchased separately.

(And speaking of Heather, if you’re looking for a gift for a knitter or one for yourself, check out Crafty Detour’s CSI Most Wanted sock pattern collection. The patterns can be purchased as a collection or individually. In the interest of full disclosure, I am affiliated with that project.)

What have I learned from this knitting hiatus experience? The most important thing is probably to be kind to myself when I experience something akin to knitting apathy. Closely followed, of course, by empathy for others going through the same or similar thing. It certainly doesn’t help to criticize anyone for not feeling like knitting. I mean really–it’s knitting.

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We Have a Winner

By Ida | Published: November 22, 2011

Congratulations to Deb L., the winner of Stashbusting Knits! I hope you enjoy the book and find fun ways to break into that yarn stash.

Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Especially since I love to cook. I’ve heard someone call Thanksgiving a foodie’s Super Bowl. I have to agree with that.

I don’t know about you, but each year it seems as though more people I know have a more difficult time in finding something to be thankful for at this time of year. Locally, we still have people and businesses suffering through the aftereffects of a summer flood. And nationally, well, we all know what’s going on in the country. Or at least we should.

No matter how difficult we may find things, if we look hard enough, there’s something for which we can be thankful. And as I do each year at this time, I ask that you share your thankfulness with others. There are hungry people in the United States, and each of us have it within our power to do something about that. In many–if not most–communities, food pantries find there stock dangerously low. This comes at a time when the number of people using the pantries is on the rise, and there is no sign the trend will be reversed any time soon. Many individuals and companies to which food pantries and other such services have turned in the past are finding themselves no longer in a position to help, or at least not at the levels of the past. In truth, some of the individuals who supported the pantries in the past are now finding themselves using the food banks and pantries.

Yes, this is a call for you to donate to your local food pantry/bank. When you’re at the market, please pick up a couple of additional nonperishable items and donate them. If your market has a “Round-Up” program, consider rounding up your grocery tab as much as comfortable. Make a direct financial contribution to an organization that helps the hungry locally or nationally. It doesn’t have to be much. If everyone donated $1, it would help a great deal. Obviously, if you can donate more, that’s good, too.

There are free Thanksgiving meals in many communities. Consider donating some of your time to volunteering at the dinners or delivering them to the homebound. People attending such events are there for many reasons, including just having the chance to be with others. You’ll also see that there really is no “them” and “us.” It’s all us.

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Got Yarn? Now What?

By Ida | Published: November 12, 2011

But First Things First
Congratulations to Kate from Bellingham, Washington. She is the winner of Clara Parkes’s The Knitter’s Book of Socks!

Stashbusting
If you’re a knitter, it’s likely you have a stash of yarn you’ve picked up here and there. Maybe you found some great yarn and knew you’d come up with the perfect project for it–someday. Or perhaps you picked up some yarn you couldn’t resist at a sale. You would come up with a way to use it–eventually. Or maybe you’re like me. I find a pattern that I’m anxious to do and buy the yarn. Then I forget what project it was or it doesn’t seem nearly as tantalizing as it did when I first found it. Oh well; I’ll have yarn for something else–someday . . . eventually.

Based on posts I’ve seen on Plurk and other sites, many of us are turning to our stash rather than buying more yarn. While it’s the smart thing to do, it can be challenging.

Enter Melissa Leapman into the picture. Many of you are familiar with her books on colorwork. She has taken the fear of colorwork from knitters all over the world. Now, with her latest book, Stashbuster Knits: Tips, Tricks, and 21 Beautiful Projects for Using Your Favorite Leftover Yarn, she helps readers find ways to use the stash–or what she calls one’s “personalized yarn collection”–acquired over time.

The book is divided by yarn weight. But don’t worry if you don’t have the yarn weight a pattern calls for. She provides a chart showing how to substitute different weights of yarn. For example, like a pattern that calls for bulky but you don’t have that weight? Use 3 strands of fine. Oh, and imagine the beautiful possibilities if you use 3 colors of the fine weight yarn!

Depending on how you acquired your stash and what project you want to knit, it’s quite possible that you might not have enough yarn of one color for a project. Especially if it’s a bigger project. Melissa helps you out here as well. She provides a brief yet informative primer on how to put colors together for a pleasing effect. And most of the projects are multicolored, taking advantage of partial as well as full skeins.

Knitters will also learn a variety of techniques, including magic ball, intarsia, and cables. A well-written and well-illustrated chart reading lesson is also provided, so if charts have been a mystery, you’ll have to key to break what may have seemed to be a “secret code.”

Projects include those for women, men, children, and the home. Knitters of all skills will find something to knit. And if you’d rather not do colorwork, many of the projects would look just fine in just one or two colors.

Every knitter should consider adding Stashbuster Knits to their collection. It will help you take advantage of the yarns you’ve accumulated and perhaps give you inspiration to buy more yarn.

You Can Win Stashbuster Knits
Publisher Potter Craft has generously supplied me with a copy of Stashbuster Knits for one of my readers. Submit a comment to this post by Saturday, November 19, 11:00 p.m. EST, and you’ll be entered in a random drawing for the book.

Good Luck!

Posted in contest, Reviews | 34 Comments

And Speaking of Clara’s Socks

By Ida | Published: October 31, 2011

And we will be.

But first, do you ever think knitting is just out to get you? I’m beginning to think that knitting is not happy with me. After I finished my plain green shawl, I knit a square for an afghan Lisa Loftus has put together to raise money for breast cancer. I was honored to have been asked to contribute and happily worked on my square. Since the square used the same size needle as the afghan, I decided to use the same needle. Silly me. I obviously forgot how I had to fight the needle while knitting the scarf. It’s a circular needle, and one purchased in an emergency, as my others were taken up with other projects. It’s a Bates needle, and now I remember why I gave them up as soon as I found something even an iota better. The darned thing curls so much that it probably takes twice as long to knit a project as it would if I used a better needle. If I weren’t so cheap, I’d throw the thing away.

I started working on another shawl. Needless to say, I am not using the Bates. But that doesn’t mean my needle problems are over. Not by a long shot. I switched to my Knit Picks interchangeable needle tips. The nickle-plated ones are my favorite, but I couldn’t find the size I needed. So, I decided to use the Harmony tips. Now, many of you will know that I have had nothing but trouble with these needle tips, usually when the tip comes out of its metal casing. I really shouldn’t have been surprised when it happened with 100+ stitches of the shawl complete. Yes, I know I can glue them in, but really, I shouldn’t have to–especially tips I’ve seldom used. I bought the Harmony tips when they first came out. Hopefully, the quality has improved.

Lesson learned from my needle fiasco: when I have the money, I’m buying more Signature needles.

And Now for Clara’s Socks
Most knitters are familiar with Clara Parkes from her website KnittersReview or her books The Knitter’s Book of Wool and The Knitter’s Book of Yarn. She’s now out with The Knitter’s Book of Socks: The Yarn Lover’s Ultimate Guide to Creating Socks that Fit Well, Feel Great, and Last a Lifetime. Publisher Potter Craft recently sent me a copy to review.

Those familiar with her other Knitter’s Book projects will recognize the format of the latest in the series. After introducing what characteristics make up a good sock, she gives a primer on the basics of fiber. This is followed by information about yarn, including the importance of just the right twist in sock yarn.

The chapter “Stitch Tricks” gives valuable information on what stitches and patterns can provide the most elasticity, the most strength, and the best fit. With this knowledge in hand, knitters can compensate for shortcomings their favorite sock yarn might have. So, you might not have to give up your favorite just because it’s not as durable as you might like. After all, who wants to spend hours knitting socks only to have them develop holes after just a wearing or two?

The book includes 20 patterns, ranging from beginner to advances. Among the designers included in the book are Cookie A, Jarod Flood, Sivia Harding, Nancy Bush, Ann Hanson, and Melissa Morgan-Oakes. And if you’re really into color, check out Lucy Neatby’s Cape Spear. All of the patterns are well written and easy to follow. Where there are charts, they are clearly designed. For me, however, I’d photocopy and enlarge them. But that’s just me; I do that with almost all charts. You’ll also find short biographies of the designers at the end of the book.

The author clearly states that this book assumes you have basic sock knitting knowledge and skills. That’s true: you will not learn how to knit socks from this book. But if you do know how to knit socks, the patterns are interesting and not ones you see in most other sock pattern books. The question becomes whether the patterns are enough. Is the yarn information important to knitters? Maybe not. I know many knitters who tend not to stray from whatever yarn a designer has indicated for his/her pattern. Sad, but true, as it limits one’s options. If you are someone whose socks seldom fit or wear out too soon, the information Parkes supplies can help remedy the problems if you are willing to investigate other yarn choices.

Now, if you’re a sock designer or someone who spins sock yarn, the information provided in The Knitter’s Book of Socks can provide valuable insight into your yarn and fiber choices. Designs and fibers that help knitters make long-lasting socks will be appreciated and likely lead to repeat customers.

Is this a must-have for your knitting library. No. But it’s worth looking at if you’re a designer, spinner, or a knitter who wants options.

Contest Time
Yes, I’m giving away a copy of The Knitter’s Book of Socks. To be entered in a random drawing for the book, leave a comment to this post by 11:00 p.m. EST, Monday, November 7.

Good Luck!

Posted in contest, Reviews | 49 Comments

A Yahrzeit

By Ida | Published: October 12, 2011

McKittycreek Eddie McMunster 2002-2010

It’s been a year, but it seems like only yesterday we said good-bye. I think of you every day and miss you with all my heart. I love you, Eddie

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

The One Where I Talk About Signatures

By Ida | Published: October 9, 2011

If you spend any time reading knitting-related blogs and forums, you are likely very familiar with Signature needles. I know I am. And though most of what I read were rave reviews, I held out a long time. But then I had to order. All right, “had” might be a strong word, but I think not. You know what it’s like: whatever your interests, there are some things that you really have to have.

Well, now I know what all the buzz is about. And for once, it doesn’t seem to be overrated; at least that’s been my experience. One of the best things about them is you can tailor the needles to your needs. Since I use circular needles exclusively (yes, even for i cord), that’s what I ordered. You also select the needle type you want. Since I ordered with the idea of using it for sock/mitten knitting, I ordered size 3.25mm. That’s the size I generally need to hit gauge. I also ordered the stiletto tips, which are great in getting into those tiny, tight stitches.

Now, here’s where I apparently had a brain burp. For some reason, I ordered a 4-inch needle. Yes, you choose the needle length. In retrospect, I’d get a longer needle, as my hands are on the large size. As I hold the needles to knit, the end of the needle (where the cable begins) hits at the bottom of my hand. For me, that’s a bit uncomfortable. Next time, I’ll get a longer needle. (Yep, there will be a next time.)

When I ordered the needles, I automatically ordered a 40-inch cable. Although I generally use Magic Loop when I knit in the round, and I purchased these with the intent of using them for socks/mittens/hats, I usually only use a 32-inch cable. Of course this isn’t a big problem, and in the long run, it might work out for my benefit.

My next Signature needle purchase will be in a size 8 or 9. But it’s going to have to wait, as they are not inexpensive; mine was $40. Another drawback is the circs don’t come in sizes 0, 1, or 2, which many sock knitters use. I wish they came as interchangeable needle tips, but I think it would be cost-prohibitive for many of us. If you can afford to, I’d strongly suggest getting at least one Signature circ. That would also be a great gift.

Have any of you tried their straight needles?

Incidentally, I have a fingerless mitt on my Signature circ. I’m using Leprechaun from ilLOOMinated Yarns.

Back to School
I’ve mentioned Crafty Detour on this blog before. It will soon be starting up something new: Crafty Detour University. Click here to find out more. If you subscribe to the blog, you’ll be among the first to learn what’s new.

And the Winner Is . . .
Wehaf! I’ve sent you an e-mail about your win. Congratulations!

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We’re Back and Celebrating with a Giveaway

By Ida | Published: October 2, 2011

A few weeks ago, I tried to update my site and was met by one of those horrible error messages about there not being enough memory in my Php. ini. It would have been helpful if I knew what that was, but I didn’t. I must admit I’m still not sure what it is. Anyway, I contacted customer support, and they sent me instructions to fix it. That should have been it, right? But nooooo. I managed to freak myself out by thinking I’d destroy everything in making the so-called fix. Well, I finally swallowed that fear this morning and made the change. And it worked!

So, we’re back.

In the interim, I’ve finished the green, garter, triangle shawl. After finishing, I came to the conclusion I prefer wraps/stoles to triangle shawls. So, I’ve been looking at lots of patterns for such projects. Oh how I love living in a world where I have delusions of having time to knit and actually finish something.

I’m still working on my Agatha cardigan. I’m using Knit Picks’s Telemark yarn.

A Giveaway
While technologically compromised, I received several books for review. So, in the next several posts, I’ll be giving away knitting books. The first is Knit Noro: 30 Designs in Living Color (sixth&spring books, 2011).

Hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, and socks are just a few of the 30 projects in Knit Noro. Each project takes advantage of the colors that have become synonymous with Noro yarns. Such yarns are a great way to make a relatively simple project look much more complicated.

The patterns included in Knit Noro: 30 Designs in Living Color are well written and easy to follow. Charts and schematics are easy to understand. Each project is beautifully photographed, as we’ve come to expect with sixth&spring books. There is also a “Knitting Techniques” section for procedures that might be unfamiliar to some knitters. The book also lies flat, and well, you all know how happy that makes me!

Knit Noro: 30 Designs in Living Color suffers from one thing that I’m seeing more and more of: a very thin typeface that can make reading/following the pattern difficult for some. I’m not sure why these typefaces seem to be so popular right now, but I wish the popularity would stop. Now. Of course, you can photocopy the instructions and make them darker, but it seems to me that you shouldn’t have to do so.

Many people love Noro yarns, and it’s likely just as many don’t. Personally, I’ve complained about thicknesses of sock yarn that range from almost laceweight to bulky in the same skein. Others have complained about knots. And, of course, there are complaints about price. Although the look of the final project would not be the same, you could substitute yarns for Noro in these projects. If you’re not a Noro lover, this is definitely a book that you should definitely look at before purchasing, if possible. If you love Noro, you’ll likely enjoy having this book at the ready.

Thanks to sixth&spring books, I have a copy of Knit Noro: 30 Designs in Living Color to give away. Leave a comment on this post by 11 p.m. EDT, Sunday, October 9, and you’ll be entered into a random drawing to receive a copy.
Good luck!