Mitts & WIP's

I started working at The Knitting Store in Cherry Hill New Jersey a couple of months ago. What a great job - I get to be around yarn all day. I have found that I really enjoy speaking with the customers and sharing my expertise, such as it is. While I have been giving impromptu lessons at our monthly knitting group and to anyone who asks, yesterday I taught my first formal class - Mittens 101.

The students are either fairly new knitters or those who are returning to knitting after a long absence. They all did a great job making their thumb gussets & next week we will do our top and thumb and then "Bob's your uncle," we'll have a mitten!

While we were chatting about different projects, I realized how many current projects I have on the needles. Here is a selection of the ones that are surrounding my knitting chair and that I knit on at least once a week:

This is Gossamer Stars - a lace scarf from Interweave Knits summer '08 issue made in Blue Heron Yarns Rayon Metallic - Strawberry. This is a dream to knit with. I am about three quarters done.

This is JC Briars Gumdrops pattern from the BMFA Rockin Socks Club - it was the July '08 shipment so it will be available to the general public in July of this year. I may have this pair done by sock camp (fingers crossed!)

This is my EZ Adult Surprise Jacket - the pattern is available in several Elizabeth Zimmerman books and at many yarn stores. I am using Claudia Handpaints Chunky in Black Walnut, Teal Party & Desert Dusk along with Classic Elite Duchess color # 1076 (Brown) and Cascade 220 teal (using 2 strands) I am having trouble pushing the stitches along the cable. It is murder on my poor arthritic wrists. I think that I will add another long circ to spread the stitches out. If that doesn't work, I think this yarn will have to be used for something else, it is just too painful.

On the other hand, this one is a pleasure to knit - the cover scarf from Vogue Knitting Winter '09 issue knitted with 2 strands of Limited Edition ALPACA Bulky from the Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America. I don't know if this yarn is generally available. I bought it at Bay Springs Alpaca Farm - they are a member of the co-op. The yarn is not dyed and comes in shades of Alpaca! (from cream on through the browns and almost black)

Last but not least is the One World Moebius for Peace that I cast on during the inauguration. It is the Elegant Arrows pattern from Sivia Harding. The pattern is available for free from Sivia Harding's web site. I only have three rows left to go on this and then the beaded bind off. This is the project that I am really working on at this point. It is knit in Paca-Paints 100% Superfine Alpaca from The Alpaca Yarn Company in Desert Sunset colorway. Of course this does not include some various other projects, like the "car socks" that I knit on when I am stuck in traffic, etc.
I did finish the February Lady Sweater and it turned out very well. I will post a picture of it soon, along with this other stuff - as soon as I finish.

HAPPY KNITTING!!!

More from Rhinebeck 2008

Allrighty, here are the pictures I promised. I will post the "in progress and FO's as I start and complete. The only thing is, I bought more yarn at work to do a February Ladies Sweater, and that is what I am working on now. Also in progress are September Rockin' Sock Club socks (one sock 3/4's done), Gossamer Stars Scarf from Summer 2008 Interweave Knits (5/8's done), Adult Surprise Jacket (10% done), and couple of other socks that I work on when the mood strikes me.

I'm tired of taking pictures, but I will post pictures of my UFO's next week - Now for the good stuff!!!! First is some beautiful Gnomespun 50/50 Alpaca/Bluefaced Leicester - incredibly soft & given to me by CathyCate.
Next is my weaving project - the class I took was taught by Eileen Easterly from Millpoint Emporium. That cute little ball is my most indulgent purchase - Qiviat/silk from Windy Valley Musk Ox. The photo doesn't do it justice. The color glows like a jewel. Then comes the luscious Springtide Farm cashmere.











Please click on the pictures to get the full effect!






This ceramic bowl, with the sheep design is designed to allow you to knit from a round ball of yarn without having it skitter all over the floor. Notice the "J" shape carved into the side to the side to feed the yarn. Ingenious! From Jennie the Potter.
Next is Briar Rose, my favorite of the show. I even ordered some more that had been sold out. You must click on the link - my picture does not do it justice! All of these yarns are incredibly soft and the colors are to "dye" for. Chris, the owner couldn't be nicer. I'm not sure why I bought the yarn in the next picture, I will probably make a heavy sweater.
It is from Seacolors.
Holiday Yarns completes the purchases. They are formerly known as Vanacler Acres and are home to the Tsock Tsarina. The 4 little skeins in the center make the "Iceman" sock pictured.
Last but not least is the swag that was given to me by my wonderful housemates Socktopus - the cute bag, sock key chain/needle sizer & a skein of Malabrigio sock yarn and Misknits - the adorable Sock Monkey Project Bag.
We all had a fabulous time and I can't wait for next year!

RHINEBECK 2008

So, I am finally updating this blog and isn't it great to be telling you about my wonderful trip to the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck NewYork. The SockStars and I rented a house in the woods of Red Hook and my what a house it was. Here is a picture of the house and the views from the house.

We found a great little coffee shop in town for our morning caffiene and muffins. Taste Budds Cafe & Candy Shop is worth a visit when you are in the area.
We were also lucky enough to get reservations at the Culinary Institute of America in the American Bounty Restaurant. If you ever have plans to visit the Hudson River Valley area, you must make reservations for one of these restaurants. They are staffed by the students and the food is delicious, the prices reasonable and the service impeccable. Here we are with our waiter, Ryan. We were in the last seating of the evening and I am sure that we got a little rowdy by the end of the meal. Those students were great and we got to speak with many of them. I am sure that they will never think of knitters again without thinking of us!
Here's a little yarn tease - I will post the rest of the pictures on Saturday! On the top is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Eggplanted in Twisted, Jabberwocky in LSS and Dixie Chicks in Heavyweight STR. On the bottom is a Merino/Tencel blend sock yarn from Ellen's Half Pint Farm. If you are jealous now, wait 'til Saturday's post!!...................................