Knitting and Ladders

I hear it all the time: "I'm not very good," or "I'm just learning."  So many of the best knitters I know are very talented, and yet shy of teaching what they know. Ask them a question, and they'll pass you on to a knitting teacher, and sigh with relief when you walk away.  What doesn't happen often enough is that they don't help you up the ladder of learning.  They stay on their rung, and let you stay on yours.

Why do so many of us doubt our own knitting skills?  Why are we so attached to one "right" way of knitting?  Let me burst your bubble:  there is no one right way to knit, and you're better than you think. 

Remember when you were a child and thought that your parents were magical beings because they could open tough jars, at least hit the backboard with the basketball, and fix your broken bicycle?  Well, knowing things about knitting makes you a wizard to anyone who doesn't know that same skill.  Maybe you aren't great at cables, yet you know three different, terrific cast-ons.  Teach 'em to anyone who asks. 

Are there "wrong" ways to knit?  Not really.  There are ways that are slower, ways that create stitches that twist a little, and other variations.  As long as the stitches stay knitted and don't unravel, you're off to a good start.  We tend to be so self-conscious about the skills we don't have that we overlook the skills we do well.  Not sure?

Try this.  Find one of your knitting friends, and plan some time together each teaching the other one skill.  Maybe you know a nice bind-off, and she knows a decorative lace stitch.  Trade knowledge!  Ask each other, "Do you know this stitch/skill?"  "I'll be happy to teach you a cable technique, or I-cords!"  A few cups of coffee and some hearty laughs later, you'll have bolstered your knitting skills and your friendship. 

What to Knit Holiday 2013 3 - Adult Sweaters

This time of year as the evening temps drop and the day temps are a little schizophrenic always gets me thinking of all the wonderful sweaters I could knit if I just organized a plan.  It's definitely time to shop for yarns for holiday sweaters, and spend weekends completing assigned numbers of rows and finishing work in preparation for finishing on time.  With all the lovely yarns on display in the shops and magazines, I find I want to play with all of them at the same time, and not commit to just a couple for a sweater!  Well, one challenge at a time.

To give yourself some peace in all the decision making, try choosing sweater patterns that aren't dependent on a specific yarn to make them work.  The patterns below should help you shop with confidence. 


Original February Lady Sweater

Rosape's February Lady Sweater

This is the perennially popular February Lady Sweater.  It's the product of Flint Knits, based on a baby sweater pattern from Elizabeth Zimmerman.  This pattern is beautiful and easy, and incredibly versatile.  Any fiber in a worsted weight will work, and it has been knit successfully in cotton, polyester, tencel, silk, alpaca, wool, and many more.  The button sizes have been varied as shown, and of course, any color that you love will work beautifully.  As a worsted weight piece, it knits up quickly, too!

For the gentleman on your list, the Leo Sweater from Kristi Porter (Knitty, 2004) fits the bill for the "no frills" sweater so many of our men love.  It's beautiful and form fitting, and though it's knit in a finer gauge than the February Lady, it also offers a variety of warmth options by varying yarns.  Baby alpaca, camel, silk, cotton, mink (yes, mink) buffalo and quiviut all offer different levels of warmth with a very similar look.  How luxurious do you want your sweater to be?  How durable?  The choices are nearly endless.

The shoulders on this sweater are set-in, and the collar is rolled.  The sleeves are self-cuffed, making it a snap to make the right length.  It's an easy pattern that was definitely designed to accommodate men's shoulders and longer body length.  Adapting the pattern to a taller or shorter person would be easy, as the shaping is minimal.  Give it a go!

A jacket that will look terrific on all of the women on your list is the Tanja sweater jacket from Drops Design Studio.  The shaping is very easy due to the chevron knit into the pattern.  It largely shapes the garment for you!  Picture it in the recipient's favorite color or favorite fiber!  The shawl collar is flattering with most tops, from turtlenecks to tanks.  It goes to the office, to a cookout, or wraps around pajamas on Sunday morning.  After you make one for your loved one, make one for yourself. 

As regular readers kno I'm in love with some good colorwork, and if you are, too, this may be the project for you.  In the late 90's and early 2000's, the poncho made a big comeback.  Now the poncho had evolved a bit, into capelets.  Capelets give the wearer the warmth you want without the draping fabric that can sometimes be in the way of reaching, shopping, and driving.  With the shorter length, it also has a sportier, more professional look. And we all know, of all the colorwork techniques out there, none are more classic or faster to knit than stripes. Try this Shoulder Cozy for Mom from Red Heart North America.  The recommended fiber is acrylic, but you know by now you can switch to any fiber you like as long as you maintain gauge. 

I hope this group gives you some ideas.  Now get knitting!  Time is running out!

What to Knit Holiday 2013 2 - Baby Sweaters

It's time to select the patterns and yarns for the holiday sweaters you'll be wearing and giving this season, so here's a little help.  These are some terrific options for the little ones on your list!

For babies and toddlers, these sweaters are stylish and quick.  Remember, you can change colors or fibers as needed to match your local climate or recipient's taste. 

Le Chat Noir

This adorable black cat sweater can be made in any color to match your cat or the baby's personality.  I love this!  Le Chat Noir is a piece by Stephanie Mason of 100 Baby Sweater Patterns.  A yarn with a little halo to it would be adorable, but be mindful of the challenges to laundering some yarns.  Babies tend to make a lot of laundry!  This is a quick knit in simple stockinette with basic shaping.  (Sew down all felt/cloth pieces to keep baby from sucking or chewing them off.)  The sleeves are shown closed, but if you are not making a newborn/infant size, you can knit them as regular sleeves.




Raglan Cotton Baby Sweater w/Stripes

From the great folks at abc knitting patterns comes this cute striped sweater, Raglan Cotton Baby Sweater with Stripes.  Any combination of colors and buttons can make this sweater personalized to whatever style you choose.  Consider adding contrasting cuffs and collar, or making the stripes out of multiple colors to put a personal spin on this terrific pattern.  The long cuffs on the sleeves allow baby lots of growing room, ensuring lots of wear!  Organic or recycled cotton would make a very soft and cozy, breathable garment. 




Our last offering in the baby department is this adorable Garter Stitch Kimono by Joji Locatelli.  It's a very easy, quick knit, with plenty of styling options.  Add contrasting sleeves, contrasting piping as shown here, or even make each panel in a completely different color!  Add stripes.  Choose some fun novelty buttons.  Run wild!  This pattern is available in Spanish, French, Italian, and English.  The link will take you to the Ravelry page for the pattern where all the versions are available. 

Fall Knitwear Trends

Jury Duty at the Federal District Court has been an interesting exercise.  We're not allowed electronics of any kind, so no internet surfing.  And they've been very clear - no knitting needles.  (Apparently juries have been known to resort to violence!)

When I'm not in court, I'm at the new house getting work done.  There's no end of yard work.  The previous owners neglected the exterior for years.  Working in the yard for hours each day trying to make the property safe and ready for when the snow flies is making slow progress.

When all of that is finished, I come home to my daughter and manage regular life.  Dinner, laundry, housework, groceries, and managing her Asperger's Syndrome take up all remaining energy.  I've been sleeping like a baby!  But I usually go to bed around 9:00 these days, due to plain exhaustion. 

During my hiatus from knitting, I constantly notice knitwear as I move around Buffalo.  It's like when you get a new car, and suddenly notice those cars everywhere!  Right now I'm seeing many pastel sweaters warn over clothes in fall colors.  The mornings are very chilly (in the 40's) and I'm seeing a wide variety of caps and tams that seem to come in only two categories - lacy and sporty.  What happened to funky, or chunky, or novelty?  Lastly, scarves are in major evidence, on men and on women.  All are light weight, and simple color patterns or intricate stitch patterns are the order of the day.  I know some of this is the season, but there does seem to be a definite emphasis towards lighter knits in fall fashion in Buffalo.  What are you seeing?

Knitting for the Greater Good

This news story caught my attention. Students Knit for a Cause  Knitting is a great community activity, and these students have taken that concept to a higher level.  Are you looking for ways to knit for your community?  Talk to your local knit shops for charities that work in your community.  Hospitals, churches, and homeless shelters are also good, and if they don't take donations directly, they will tell you who accepts on their behalf. 

Jury Duty

Dear Friends:

I was empanelled on a Federal jury on Friday.  The judge indicates that the trial will last around three weeks.  This will slow down the blog posts, and for that I am very sorry.  I'll do my best to bring you good content in the meantime!  Thanks for understanding.

What to Knit Holiday 2013 1 - Blankets

Dishcloths Make Great Blanket Squares

 Up Up and Away cloth as knit/photographed
 by neothecat on Ravelry

If you're afraid you won't finish a blanket in time for the holidays but you really want to try, you're in luck!  Dishcloths make great blanket squares. If you finish enough to sew together for a blanket, huzzah!  If not, wrap those handmade, 100% cotton cloths around some fancy soap and give the cloths themselves as a gift.  Pick one or two cloths with a theme your recipient will love, and make several of them.  Then make some plain squares (much faster to knit!) for the rest of the blanket.  The pattern squares make a fun accent!  Check Ravelry.com (you'll have to join) and Knitting on the Net for hundreds of dishcloths and blanket squares to get you started.

Baby Blanket in a Snap

Bunny Hop Moon and Stars

Crystal Palace Yarns offers the Bunny Hop Moon and Stars blanket.  It's a simple knit, and can be made in any solid color.  Pick a color in coordination with the rest of the baby's bedding, or any color that you love.  This particular pattern doesn't have open work for tiny fingers and toes to get tangled in!  It's a quick knit in knit and purl only.  Most of the major yarn manufacturers offer dozens to hundreds of free patterns featuring their yarns, so if you're in need of ideas, visit the website of your favorite yarn company, and browse through their patterns. 
Afghans and Lap Robes


Lacy Waves Afghan

Most of us saw handmade afghans and lap robes growing up, over the back of the couch, on Grandma's favorite chair, or across the end of the bed in the guest room.  They saw a lot of action, too.  Drafty nights, bouts of the flu, and games of "tent" with the cousins at holidays were just a few of the things making these blankets a family essential.  If you're looking to add one to your family, consider some of the classic designs.  The Lacy Waves Afghan comes from Bernat Yarn Studios.  It's a lovely variation on the classic striped feather and fan lace afghan.  It's a quick and simple knit in big yarn with big needles. 

You don't have to match the yarn type, brand, or fiber in these blankets.  Make what works for you.  If you need it to be washable, try superwash wool or acrylic.  If you want it to be hypo-allergenic, baby alpaca, cotton, and most synthetics will work.  Just match the yarn weight and needle size and you'll be fine.  Slight variations in gauge aren't so important here, as fit isn't a concern.

More of a Challenge


Argyle Cable Knit Afghan

Ready to show off your best needlework?  Then try Spinrite's Argyle Cable Knit Afghan.  Intarsia, cables, duplicate stitch and finishing skills are all on display on this beautiful blanket.  Varying the colors will make it perfect for any man, woman, or children on your list.  Make it as vibrant or subtle as you like. 




The Over the Rainbow Blanket from Drops Design will also present a challenge, and though it looks harder than it is, it will definitely impress.  It's made with color-pooling variegated yarns like Classic Elite's Liberty Wool, Universal Poems, or the various Noro offerings.  Check with the staff at your Local Yarn Shop to confirm if your yarn choice will work for the rainbow effect.

What are you making this year?

Yarn Bombing

Moscow Yarn Bomb

Yarn bombing is becoming more and more popular.  What is it?  Why is it gaining popularity?  Who organizes these things?  How does it fit into the definition of "art"?





Copenhagen, Denmark



Outside Cleveland, OH City Hall, 2008

A yarn bombing is an installation of knit or crochet work in a public place.  Some yarn bombings are done with permission, others without.  It is done for a variety of reasons.  In the Moscow bombing, it's done to advertise a knit and crochet shop.  (Follow link to article.)  In the photo of the tank, a more political motive is involved, to contrast the inhumanity of war against the humanity and comfort of handcrafts.  It was installed as a protest against international participation in the recent/current Iraq war.  The project was organized by Marianne Jorgensen, and knit and crocheted by crafters around the world.  Still others are done to promote a charity, or as art for the sake of art.



London Phone Booth

The London Phone Booth was done by Knit the City, a knitting collective that exists for the sole purpose of installing "Knit Graffiti". They have been prolific in their short existence, and their installations are joyful.  Their art encourages viewers to see their world in a humorous way.

Is yarn bombing here to stay?  Sure.  It's street art.  Graffiti, chalk art, Lego art, and yarn bombing are the visual art cousins of street performers who sing, dance, make living statues, and more.  Every way that people find to express themselves makes its way into a public venue.  Graffiti dates back to cave paintings.  Protest songs were documented in medieval times.  It's not going anywhere.



"Lego" Bridge, Germany 2012 by MGEX


This Lego bridge in Germany was painted with permission from city officials, and took almost 4 weeks to complete. 

The city of London has allowed installation of Lego Underground maps at 5 subway stations.

Lego Map, London Underground

So is it art?  Art has always been in the eye of the beholder.  That said, many well known artists began their public careers as "guerrilla" artists.  Keith Haring and Shepard Fairey immediately come to mind. 


Keith Haring - Brooklyn Subway Art

 
Other artists, like Christo, Picasso, and many more, begin their careers indoors, and move to outdoor installations after they've made a name for themselves.

We are witnessing the birth of a new form of public expression.  Some of these artists are already receiving invitations and commissions to install their art by invitation. 

Mural by Shepard Fairey

If you see some yarn bombing, snap a photo.  Post it on your Facebook page.  Share the experience!  Organize a yarn bombing of your own.  Or scan Twitter and Tumblr for artists who are looking for support for a planned yarn bomb.  Join in!



Breast Cancer Awareness Month

After a quick poll of friends, relatives, and acquaintances, I was unable to locate a single person who had not either had breast cancer or had a close friend or relative with it.  It is a pervasive issue that touches lives in ways as unique as the women and men who contract the disease, but it is always painful and disruptive.

I've never done this before, but this year I'm devoting a post to the various wonderful things you can knit and wear to show support for the fight against this disease.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and pink is the color designated by Susan G. Komen for the Cure as supporting research to cure the disease.  You may want to knit ahead to have something ready as a gift.  If so, these patterns may help.

If you have are a survivor, or have a friend, relative or acquaintance who is a survivor, consider knitting one of these patterns.  If your friend is a knitter, you could also consider building a personalized kit for your friend to make their own project.  These are not fund raising patterns; they just show support for the fight.  If you wish to make a donation, please use the link above to contact the SGK Foundation directly. 

First up, the Pink Ribbon Hat from Carissa Knits.  Make it in a variety of fibers to match the needs of the recipient.













Pink Ribbon Mittens, from Nancy's Knits.com  They're made in colorwork on small needles, and will definitely be a labor of love.  Beautiful, aren't they?

For the sock people, Pink Ribbons, socks from the agile mind of Lisa Lloyd.  Again, I see these in a variety of fibers and heights to meet the needs of the end-user.


Any of these three patterns can be made in any of the support ribbon colors to suit the needs of your family or loved ones.  For color options, please click here.

This last one is a godsend to those who choose not to have reconstructive surgery, and want the option of a comfortable prosthetic.  It's called "Tit Bits", and it has received consistently amazing reviews.  It was designed by Beryl Tsang, and thoughtfully made available in Knitty.com.



 

A Change in the Weatther

The weather here in Buffalo NY is right on schedule.  Labor Day weekend brought daytime highs in the 60's F/low 20's C and lows in the 40s/single digits.  This tends to make two things happen in my mind: I crave heavier knitting projects and delight in the wools and tweeds that suddenly populate the knit shops, and I am thrilled with the sales!

It's a tough choice.  I tend to go stash diving at this time of year, and pull out some orphan yarn or some un-realized pattern, and then scour the shops looking for the answer to make these things whole.  Maybe my skein of mohair will mesh beautifully with some new silk/merino blend and become decadent gloves.  Maybe the pattern I can't get gauge on is just the thing for the linen yarn that's now on sale.  Maybe not.  The point is, I go in with a purpose or two, and find the process less overwhelming.  Otherwise, I want to take everything home. 

Another thing I find myself doing every year at this time is going through all my project bags and passing sentence: knit, purgatory (rarely), or rip.  I like to free up my needles.  Projects are no longer abandoned, but just gone.  Clearing the backlog feels good, no matter what the resolution.

I sort my needles, and make sure they're properly labeled and stored.  I sort my stash, and update and reorganize the labeling.  On rare occasions, I even update my inventories on Ravelry.  They are wonderful tools. 

This change in the weather is inspiring.  All of a sudden I have quite a bit of work to do!  If you need me, I'll be buried under my stash.