Miss Marple and Knitted Lace

Knitting before breakfast?

That is the opening line in Miss Marple: Caribbean Mystery.  Miss Marple is on holiday at a Caribbean resort, and some saucy broad comes waltzing past and sees Miss Marple knitting, and asks her "Knitting before breakfast?" I couldn't figure out what she was knitting; at one point it shows her looking at the pattern, and it says "Diddle Dumpling".  I kept pausing to see if I could figure out what it is, but the picture was too blurry.  But wouldn't you know it, I am not the only one curious!  I came across this while in search of the pattern.  Interesting!  There are also a few scenes in which she wears a beautifully delicate, lacy shawl.   I'd sure like to have that pattern!!

I rather enjoyed watching this, and plan to watch some more just to see what Miss Marple has on her needles.  I've heard of Miss Marple before but never read any of Christie's books featuring her.  I don't recall how I came across this, but am glad I did.  (You can rent this from Netflix, or if you are an amazon.com Prime member, it is available to watch instantly for free.)

PieceWork Magazine had an article titled "What Would Miss Marple Knit" in their September/October 2010 issue.  I will have to go back and read this - I believe I just skimmed it the first time around.   I've poked around the net a bit to see if there are any Miss Marple patterns out there with no luck.  I did find that apparently Jennifer Garner will be playing a younger Miss Marple - in which the knitting does not play a part.  Huh?  Say it ain't so!  I liked seeing the knitting throughout the movie I watched the other day;  perhaps this is when she comes up with the solution to the mystery.  Myself, knitting tends to be a time to reflect and think.  I don't think you can have Miss Marple without knitting.

Moving on, I just received Knitted Lace - A Collection of Favorite Designs from INTERWEAVE.  Yes, these have appeared in the magazine over the years, and aren't new patterns.  However, since it would take forever to search through all of the magazines looking for each pattern, plus since I am missing some of the issues, this book is pretty handy.  Here are a few of the patterns I love:

Oriel Lace Blouse by Shirley Paden from Interweave Knits Summer 2007.  This is knit with Alchemy Yarns Silken Straw (100% silk)

Facing Lilies Stole by Nancy Bush from Interweave Knits Spring 2010.  This is knit with Wooly West Horizons (100% wool)

Apres Surf Hoodie by Connie Chang Chinchio from Interweave Knits Summer 2010.  This is knit with Rowan Cashcotton 4 Ply, which is discontinued according to their site.  Elann has a substitution tool to help you find a suitable replacement if you can't get your hands on any (35% cotton, 25% polyamide, 18% angora, 13% viscose, 9% cashmere)

And my most favorite, Forest Path Stole by Faina Letoutchaia from Interweave Knits Summer 2003.  This is knit with Suri Elegance (100% Suri alpaca).  This is absolutely gorgeous, and I must have it!  Adding this one to my Knit-Q!  If you love lace and entrelac, this is for you too!!

That will wrap it up for now.  I am going to do some work on my shawl.  Until next time, Happy Knitting!

Knooking!

No, this has nothing to do with the e-reader from Barnes and Noble.  This has to do with knitting and crochet - knitting with a crochet hook, to be exact!  Knooking is not really new, but the first time I was introduced to it was a couple of weeks ago.  I was just browsing around in Wal-Mart, and happened to see a little kit in the craft area.  Obviously I was intrigued, so I bought it.    You can also purchase this from amazon, if you aren't near a Wal-Mart, or perhaps don't like Wal-mart.

Now, I have only played around with this a little bit; I am undecided if I like this and will continue or not.  I am no crocheter, so this is very awkward for me.  Right now I am very slow, but I guess that is the norm with anything new until you get the hang of it.  If you are interested in learning more about Knooking, you can find an instructional video from the Leisure Arts website or YouTube, or their blog, and there is also a Knooking group over on Ravelry.  I am sure they will be able to answer any questions you may have about this technique.

Here is my video if you are interested.  Enjoy!

Slipping the First Stitch

Back when I first started knitting, I kept seeing "Slip the first stitch for a nice, finished edge".  Well, I slipped the first stitch, but didn't see that it made any difference from when I didn't slip the first stitch.  I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was over slipping the first stitch!

One day, when I was just playing around trying to think of something to knit, I figured I'd give slipping that first stitch another whirl.  This time, instead of slipping the stitch with the yarn in the back, I slipped it purlwise, with the yarn in front.  As I continued to knit, I was amazed at the lovely, braided edge I had.  All that time I had been slipping the stitch knitwise.  I could have been saved a lot of frustration had I been told how to slip the first stitch, not just "slip the first stitch".  For some reason, the how is never included in instructions, at least not that I have ever seen.  So, here are some pictures and videos on getting a nice clean edge on your knitting.

Picture A shows the edges of a fabric that have not had the first stitch slipped.  There really isn't anything wrong with this edge, it is just a matter of taste.  If you like the bumpy edge, then don't slip the first stitch.
Pictures B and C show the result of slipping the first stitch; there are several ways to get these edges.  For Picture B, you would :

Slip the first stitch purlwise, with the yarn in front, and knit the last stitch    OR
Slip the first stitch knitwise, with the yarn in the back, and purl the last stitch
Either of these methods will give you the lovely, twisted stitch (or braid as I like to call it) along the edges of your work.  This is my favorite edge.

For Picture C, slipping the first stitch purlwise with the yarn in front, and knitting the last stitch through the back loop will give you an untwisted, open edge.  This is looser than the twisted edge stitches, so may not be appropriate for all projects.  (Which is why swatching is an important step!)

A: Unslipped edge stitches

B: Slipped stitch edge

C: Slipped stitch, open edge

I have also made a video demonstrating each of these methods.  Picture B is a wash cloth I knit, and all edges are the same, including the cast on and bind off.  To achieve this lovely border, in addition to slipping the first stitch, you will do the crochet cast on - this matches the standard knit bind off.  Below are the videos of slipping stitches, and the Crochet Cast On.  (And just a side note regarding this cast on - if you were to use waste yarn instead of a needle, this would give you a provisional cast on, in which the waste yarn would be removed at some point leaving you with live stitches.  I have never utilized a provisional cast on because I am scared of having live stitches hanging around.  I plan on overcoming this fear soon, and will post more on provisional cast ons and their uses as I learn about them.) In addition to creating a nice, neat edge, slipping the first stitch is immensely helpful if you will be picking up stitches along the edge, or sewing pieces of fabric together!  I hope this has been helpful.  Enjoy!

Yarn Sales and More

Before getting to the yarn, I wanted to let you all know of a contest being held by my sponsor, Pocket Full of Sunshine.  You can buy soap, lotion, and now jewelry.  You can find details about the contest HERE.  You can choose any item from her shop for FREE.  Visit the Facebook page for details.  Also please be sure to visit her Artfire Shop for all of her great items currently for sale.

And now, on to the sale info.  I always like to check out the sale and closeout items from my favorite shops for great deals on my favorite yarns.  Below are a few of the deals you can find right now.  Hurry, don't miss out!

From the End of Summer sale at WEBS:
Araucania Azapa is only $7.69 a hank - this is the yarn I have been raving about for a while now.  Highly recommended yarn!

Manos del Uruguay Cotton Stria is $3.79 a hank

Berroco Pure Merino is $3.59 a ball

From Jimmy Beans:

Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille is $3.38

Crystal Palace Kaya is $3.11 (I got some of this in Cinnamon to make a Ruana)

Ella Rae Country Tweeds is $4.50

Ester Bitran Hand Dyes Pichasca is $6.30


Happy Knitting!

Progress Update: Handsome Shawl

I've finally finished up the first set of repeats for this shawl, from Victorian Lace Today, and have started on the second set.  I am so excited!  While I think it is beautiful now, apparently lace really isn't beautiful until it has been blocked.  I love this pattern, the yarn (Handmaiden Sea Silk in Pumpkin) and am starting to not be intimidated by lace.  Not to toot my own horn too loudly since this isn't done yet and there is still time for mistakes, but I am proud of myself for making it this far without having to frog.  So here are some pictures of my progress.  Sorry, they aren't too good.  I am no photographer like my sis, whose beautiful work can be found on her site, Photography by Leah Richardson.

Space Bags - Yarn Storage

I'm sure you've probably heard me talking about how great Space Bags are for storing yarn.  Not only do they keep your wool safe from moths, but they also squish down the yarn a good bit, leaving you with more room.  These pictures aren't the best, but you can see before and after some of my stash I was cleaning up yesterday.  This particular bag is made for placing into one of those plastic tubs (like Rubbermaid); I usually use the bags that become more flat after vacuuming.

Before vacuuming

After vacuuming

Stash and Burn

No, I am not burning my stash, just giving a great deal of thought to my knitting habits.  In the past, my yarn purchases have been made with little or no thought as to what I was going to actually make with the yarn.  I simply wanted it because it was pretty, soft, squishy and wonderful.  I would buy 6-8 skeins of yarn, and say to myself "This should be enough for what I might make", or "Wouldn't this make a nice shawl/sweater/vest, whatever".  Of course, when I pulled out those 6 or so skeins of yarn and began looking through pattern books, I either didn't have enough yarn, or the yarn I wanted to use wasn't really the right weight or fiber.  Yes, many substitutions can be made in patterns provided the correct gauge can be achieved.  But, some stitches simply look better in a silk lace weight yarn than they do in Caron Simply Soft, period.
As a result of this willy-nilly purchasing, I now have a great deal of yarn that I don't know what to do with.  More recently, I have made an effort to either purchase a suggested pattern for the yarn I want, or have one chosen from one of the many books I have.  This has cut down a great deal on the amount of incoming yarn.  My problem now is, working on one (or two at the most) projects at a time and finishing them before starting any more.
You may have heard me say before that I like small projects that aren't too complicated.  Large projects with cables or lace tend to get to me after a while, and I feel that little progress is being made because it takes so dang long to finish; so I set them aside and start something else that interests me.  And on and on.  I have many unfinished items lying around, stuck in this bag or that, and I have long since forgotten which line of the pattern I have left off on.  I will most likely just frog the majority of them.
Right now, I have 3 big projects that I intend to finish before ordering more yarn or starting anything new.  These are my Handsome Shawl from Victorian Lace Today, the very large beast of an afghan I started about a month ago, and the sweater I am knitting in the round using EZ's percentage method.  I've mentioned these things before several times, so those of you who are regulars will know what I am talking about.   It is my goal to have all of these completed by the end of the year, and I will not allow myself to start any new projects or order any more yarn - after I receive the back ordered stuff from Jimmy Beans and Paradise Fibers.... ahem... - until these 3 are done, blocked, and being used.  
I am tired of having nothing to show for all the money spent on gorgeous yarns, and money spent on pattern books and stitch libraries; I would love to utilize the many techniques I see in the books I have.  What is the point of having so many books that I don't even use?  There is no point.  I want to be a better knitter, and in order to be that, I need to choose a pattern, begin the project, and finish it.  I believe this will not only make me a better knitter, but a happier knitter.   I would also like to have more to share with all of you who read my blog and watch my videos than the latest magazines or books I have purchased.
And so, with all of that being said, I am going to go and work on one of the above mentioned projects.  I usually post a progress picture on my facebook page, so be sure to check there.  Until next time, Happy Knitting!

Picots On The Sides

Picot Cloth

I love picots, and was thrilled to learn the picot bind off a couple of years ago.  And even more thrilled when I learned the picot cast on.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered I could add picots to the sides as well, to create a picot border!  It's the small things in life, isn't it?

The method of adding picots to the sides is the same idea as the cast on or bind off - you simply cast on a few extra stitches and then immediately bind them off.  Easy peasy lemon squeezy!  I have knit a dish cloth or wash cloth with a lovely picot border and am sharing the pattern.  Below is also a video on making the side picots.  If you don't know how to do the cast on or bind off, I have videos for those as well over on my YouTube channel.

Picot Cloth
All you need is some Lily Sugar'n Cream cotton yarn, and US size 7 needles.
I used the color Natural Stripes

Cast on 46 stitches using the picot cast on method.
Row 1: Knit all stitches
Row 2: Make a picot, knit to end

Repeat Row 2 to desired length - I just knit until I was almost out of yarn.  Then bind off using the picot bind off method.

And here is the video demonstrating picots on the side :

This cloth is my own design.  You are free to use the pattern to knit cloths for yourself and friends/family; if you would like to share the pattern with others via your own blog, please link back to me.

Interweave Knits - Fall 2011

It's here!  One of my favorites, as they all are.  

On the Cover:

1. Fall into place - 22 classics to knit right now
2. Discover and Create - Ethereal Lace, Chunky Cables, Rustic Colorwork
3. Courtney Kelley and Kate Osborn - Get to know fiber life
4. More Double Knitting Explained

On the Inside:

1. Cardigan Bay Jacket by Carol Feller knit with Rowan Big Wool
2. Honeycomb Jacket by Laura Grutzeck knit with Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed
3. Dahlia Cardigan by Heather Zoppetti knit with Manos del Uruguay Serena
4. Fern Lace Stole by Mareike Sattler knit with Filatura di Crosa Superior
5. Varsity Stole by Annie Modesitt knit with Louet North America Eastport

Sapphires-N-Purls Podcast: Episode 12

I have decided to post this episode on YouTube, because once again I have run out of space on my Podbean account, and another upgrade just isn't in the budget right now.  (For those who may be new to the blog, the pod cast started out just as a show to listen to; recently I decided to switch to a video pod cast.  You can find all prior episodes of the show on my Pod Bean Page.  For now, until I find a better solution, the show will be posted to YouTube.)

In this Episode:

I show you the progress I am making on the cable afghan I have been working on using Araucania Azapa. It's coming along pretty well, although slow.  I am just picking a color and knitting until I run out, and then starting a new color.  So far I have green, and just added a new skein of purple.  I really like how the cables are turning out!

I show you the yarns that I got recently at a shop called Bloomin Yarns, which is located in McMurry Pennsylvania.

Also, Patons Lace yarn from Joann's.  I can't seem to find the Patons pattern booklet for this yarn, or the beads I talk about on their website.

As always, I have magazines!  You can find links for the magazines in the Magazine Tab at the top of the blog:
Knit'n Style
Simply Knitting
Let's Knit
Knit Today!
Verena
Knitting
Knit
Knit Scene

Lucy Neatby's DVDs:
Knitting Gems 1
Knitting Gems 2
Knitting Gems 3
Knitting Gems 4
Knitting Venus 1
Knitting Venus 2
Double Knitting Delight 1

That about wraps it up for this episode.  I hope to have the next stitch pattern up this evening for The Weekly Stitch, along with the video.  Hope you enjoy the show - thanks for taking the time to watch.  Please come back for the next episode!

This and That

Interweave Knits is kind of getting on my nerves.  A while back, they sent me a DVD - Secrets for Successful Knitting: Intro to Fair Isle: The Ivy League Vest with Eunny Jang.  I watched maybe the first 10 minutes, and then forgot about it.  Now, I did not order this thing, and the paper they sent with the DVD clearly states that since I didn't order the DVD, I was not obligated to participate or send the DVD back, and could consider it a free gift.   They have now sent me 3 "reminders" to either pay for or send back the DVD.  However if I may also keep it as a free gift since I did not request it.

Please.  Stop sending me these reminders.  I really wish I knew what I did with the damn thing so I could send it back.

Today is a cranky day.

Without Internet service!

Once again I am having service issues. The wonderful folks at Comcast can't send a tech out til Tuesday. Fabulous. So. I will be spending a good portion of the next few days knitting, as there will be nothing else to occupy me. At least I have my phone to keep me in contact with the world.

Knit the Knits, Purl the Purls

Perhaps you have come across this phrase in your knitting, maybe not.  These instructions used to confuse me to no end. The first time I saw this was in a cable stitch pattern.  It was the first time I was attempting a cable, which can be daunting enough for a new knitter.  This was before I had discovered the wealth of information available on the internet, so although unsure of what I was supposed to do, I forged ahead in the manner I thought was correct.  I thought I was supposed to knit the stitches that had been knit on the previous row, and purl the stitches I had purled.

The first attempt was not good; I ended up with an ugly, lumpy thing on my fabric that did not look anything like the beautiful, winding cable in the picture.  I decided to try again.  I had not yet learned to recognize how each stitch looks, so I copied down the previous row on a piece of paper so I could mark off each stitch as I came to it, to make sure I got it right this time, and started again.  Of course, I got another lumpy mess of yarn instead of cable.  I was beginning to get frustrated at this point, and after a couple more attempts, I just gave up.  It didn't dawn on me to do anything different; I just thought I somehow kept making a mistake with only one stitch, which was causing errors in the rest of the row.  Having nobody to ask for clarification, I avoided all stitches and patterns that contained this phrase for a long time.

I can't remember what made the light bulb go off in my head, but one day it just hit me.  And now I understand what it means when the pattern says to knit the knits and purl the purls, or work each stitch as it appears.  So, if you also are confused by this, here is a video and picture that will hopefully help the light bulb go off for you.

If you are to knit the knits and purl the purls in this row, the stitches that are marked with blue arrows would be purled, and the stitches marked with red arrows would be knit.

Bloomin Yarns

**AS OF 11-10-2012, BLOOMIN YARNS IS CLOSED**

As if I haven't bought enough yarn lately (if you follow me on Face Book, you know what I mean), I discovered a lovely little yarn shop today!!   It is Bloomin Yarns in McMurray PA.   Small but well organized and packed with lots and lots of gorgeous fiber to feed your addiction.  Of course I couldn't leave without buying anything, so I got 4 hanks of Jojoland Cashmere and 2 of Asland Trends Class.  I have no immediate plans for this gorgeous fiber yet, so it's just going to hang out in my stash for now. And of course I really should finish a few of my UFO's that are hanging around begging me to pick them up and finish them.  Like..... the sweater I have been working on for a few years now.
Now, I could swear the girl in the shop told me her name, but now I simply cannot remember.  I do have the link to her blog - Have Projects, Will Travel, so check it out.

I was also at Jo-Ann's today, where they cruelly made me buy some more yarn... and beads for that tutorial I am planning.  Anyhow, they had the Sensations Boucle on sale.  Not that I need any more, but I went ahead and got two skeins -- but with a purpose.  My very first YouTube video was me working on a double knit triangle shawl.  It wasn't really instructive, I just wanted to see what would happen if I put up a video on the WWW.  I have had a number of requests for the pattern for the shawl; unfortunately I don't have a pattern.  I was just doing it from my head.  Scary, huh?  Also, I got bored with the project and actually frogged the whole thing.  Looking back, I wish I had finished it.  So the purpose for purchasing more of the Sensations Boucle (which I was using for the ill fated shawl) was so that I could start over, write up the pattern, and share it with anyone interested.

 I hope to get the next podcast recorded tomorrow and posted by next weekend; I have a ton of new books and yarn to share!  I also need to get my needles in gear and work on the next stitch for The Weekly Stitch - that should be up by tomorrow evening.

Well, I think I have blabbered on enough for now.  Here is a picture of the yarn I got from Bloomin Yarns today, as well as a few shots of the shop.  Enjoy!

Zimmermania

Did you know there is a blog called Zimmermania?  This is a blog dedicated to all of the 'unventings' of Elizabeth Zimmermann, or EZ.

The latest post is regarding the new book, Knit One Knit All, which is full of Elizabeth's garter stitch designs.  I love the hat on the cover, the Chambered Nautilus Tam.  That is the first project from this book that I am going to be knitting!  There are lots of other great patterns; if you are an EZ fan, I recommend adding this book to your knitting library!

Knit Simple Fall 2011

Hot off the press!  The latest issue just came today!

Lots of stuff to win with this issue.  To name a couple, you can win a cover kit, which is some Shepherd Bulky from Lorna's Laces to knit the beanie designed by Faith Hale.

Win some Kool-Aid, a skein of yarn and some Eucalan wash along with a neck warmer pattern to dye your own yarn!  I absolutely love dying yarn with Kool-Aid!  I have done this a number of times; it's so much fun, and you don't have to worry about any hazardous chemicals while dying.

You can also win Tulip's Carry C interchangeable needle set. The set has eleven pairs of bamboo needle tips (US sizes 3-13) with the cables.

Q and A with Jil Eaton - Instructions on how to knit a stitch in the row below.  Her answer contains instructions for knitting the Bee Stitch, which is a very lovely stitch.

Lots of gorgeous patterns, including:

• Turtleneck Cowl designed by  Lori Steinberg and knit with Artyarns' Supermerino
• Hooded Cardigan for a college bound (or not!)  girl, designed by John Brinegar and knit with Montana by Tahki Yarns/Tahki Stacy Charles
• Men's Hoodie for the college bound (or not) guy, designed by Dorcas Sokolow and knit with Berroco's Vintage Chunky

There are also some patterns that combine crochet and knit, such as  a beret designed by Patty Nance and knit with Northampton by Valley Yarns  (I have some of this in my stash to make a cabled blanket designed by Melissa Leapman, and it's very nice yarn!)

If you are interested in dying yarn with Kool-Aid, here is a video demonstrating the process:

If you would like to learn the Bee Stitch, you can find the written pattern HERE, and below is a video demonstrating this stitch

Sapphires-N-Purls Podcast: Episode 11

Episode 11 is up and running.  You can find links to the magazines I talk about in the magazine tab at the top of the blog, with the exception of the Baby Knits Collection.  I couldn't find a link anywhere for this magazine, sorry.

The Books:
Power Cables by Lily Chin
The Gossamer Webs Design Collection: Three Orenburg Shawls to Knit by Galina Khmeleva
Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman
Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd

The Yarn:
Butterfly Super 10 Mercerized Cotton Yarn from Mouzakis
Sublime Bamboo Pearls DK Yarn
Araucania Azapa  (And I say that I don't know what the colors are of this yarn, because there is just a number on the tag... color names are given on Jimmy Bean's website.  Duh!)
Cascade Ultra Pima 

The Cool Knitting Tools:
Addi Turbo Circular Stitch Holders
Susan Bates Handi Tool

New EZ Book: Knit One Knit All

I don't know how this one slipped past my "New Knitting Book Radar", but it did.

This is a book of unpublished patterns from Elizabeth Zimmermann - all done in garter stitch! Just released in May of this year, patterns include sweaters, vests, hats, baby items, sideways gloves, jackets, knitted clogs and lots more.

I love the hat on the cover!!!  I have some yarn that I have been wanting to make a hat with, but haven't been able to find a pattern that I liked, or that seems appropriate for the yarn.  I think this one on the cover is "it"!  I have also been thinking of knitting myself a vest, so another reason for getting this book.  And I was just talking to my sister the other day about knitted clogs.  I'd say this book is definitely what I have been waiting for and didn't even know it.  I didn't think twice about ordering this when I saw it this morning.

If you are an EZ fan, you may want to add this book to your library.  I will review it once I have it in my grubby little hands, so be sure to come back in a couple of weeks.  Yay!

This and That

Hi all.  Just thought I would take a minute to post about a few things.  First, I received 4 knitting books yesterday (from Interweave's "Hurt Book and Overstock Sale") that I will be reviewing soon!  I am so excited, because these are all books that I have been wanting but were not really in the budget.  If you didn't know about this, then hurry over right away because it won't last much longer, and you can get some absolutely fantastic deals.  50-80% off knitting, crochet, weaving items, and a lot of other crafts.  There are books, patterns, etc.

I have also ordered some yarn coming hopefully next week that I will be sharing with you, as well as a nifty little gadget I discovered.  Lots of things coming up for review!!

I recently purchased a video camera so that I can make better videos.  All of my videos until now were filmed with a digital camera, which only records for 3 minutes at the most, and it was extremely difficult to get good lighting.  Being technically challenged, even armed with the manual, it is taking me a while to figure things out though.  I try to get the best lighting possible so folks can see what is going on, and hopefully with the new camera, I will be able to shoot better videos even if the light isn't ideal.  I already have a few new videos up, which I talked about in the last pod cast.  You can find the videos on my YouTube channel - there is a link in the left side bar.

I have a couple tutorials that I would like to do also, so those are coming up in the future.  (Knitting with beads and entrelac, to be specific)  So I hope you all will keep coming back.  I love getting comments, so be sure to leave one if you wish.  Until next time, happy knitting!

Sapphires-N-Purls Podcast: Episode 10

Hey everyone!  The latest episode of the podcast is up.

Links for all of the magazines I talk about are in the Magazines tab at the top of the blog.  Also, I talk a little bit about the shawl and entrelac throw I am currently working on, as well as the new knitting videos up on YouTube.  You can find the link to the YouTube channel on the left sidebar.

Magazines covered in this episode:

Sandra Knit Trends Issue 2, Vogue Knitting, Simply Knitting, Love of Knitting, Knitting Today, Knit'n Style, Verena, Knitting, Let's Knit, Knit Today, Filati Handknitting, and The Knitter

Knitting Books June and July 2011

I haven't posted about new knitting books due out for a while, so here is a brief list for this and next month.

Due out in June:
Custom Knit Jackets: Casual to Couture, by Jean Frost (Elaine Rowley and Rick Mondragon, Editors and Alexis Xenakis, Photographer)

Little Red in the City, by Ysolda Teague

Due out in July:
Knitting for Little Feet: 40 Booties, Socks, and Slippers for Babies and Kids, from Trafalgar Square Books

Sock Knitting Master Class: Innovative Techniques + Patterns from Top Designers, by Ann Budd

Fourth of July Knitting Patterns 2011

I thought I would get these patterns up early this year, so you actually have time to knit!  Below are a few links for some patriotic knits.  For more July 4th Patterns, check out the archive for June of last year.  Enjoy!

America Star Coasters
American Flag Placemat
Americana Knitted Evaporative Beverage Cooler (you will need to register to view this pattern.  Registration is free!)
Let Freedom Ring Towel
Patriotic Mini-Sock Pin

Happy Fourth, everyone!

bigfoto.com

Ball Winder Review

I recently posted a video on YouTube of the swift (and ball winder, the New Wool Winder from Royal) I got from Paradise Fibers, the Super Swift II.  Someone commented that they were thinking of getting a ball winder, and would it hold a standard skein of yarn, specifically Lion Brand Homespun.  I had never used the ball winder for anything other than in conjunction with the swift to wind hanks.  As you may know, Homespun comes ready to use, it is not necessary to wind it into a center pull ball.  I do know some people who prefer to rewind yarn, and while I have never done it, this question made me curious if the ball winder would accomodate your average skein of yarn, should I ever choose to rewind.

So I performed a test, using the LB Homespun in question, which is a bulky yarn and comes in 6 oz/170 gram skeins (that's 185 yards) and a skein of Mainstays yarn.  Mainstays is a brand  marketed by Wal-Mart; it is a 4 ply worsted weight yarn and comes in 7 oz/198 grams.  Don't ask me how many yards it is, because I am not mathematically gifted enough to figure it out.

The Homespun resulted in a super sized ball, which did fit on the ball winder, however as I neared the end, it began to wind itself around the bottom of the disc the yarn sits on as it winds.  I didn't have much trouble removing it from the ball winder though.  The ball of yarn is much too loose in my opinion, but I suppose that isn't of importance.

The Mainstays yarn, I decided to hold in my left hand just to give it a little drag as I wound with my right hand.  This resulted in a tighter ball of yarn, but it was still a fairly good sized ball.  Not something I can imagine conveniently fitting into a knitting bag along with a book or half finished project.  Unless you have a very roomy bag!  At the end, I also had an issue with the yarn beginning to wrap around the winder, and I had a bit more trouble removing it.

After this unscientific test, I think I prefer to leave my average skeins of yarn as they come and only wind hanks.  Now, if you do like to rewind your yarn, there is the Jumbo Ball Winder V2, which would probably be a better choice as far as preventing the yarn from winding around the machine.  But, at $199 a pop, well, I'd rather spend that much money on yarn!  Depending on how much and and how bulky the yarn you want to wind, perhaps you will find $199 a good investment.

Here is a picture of the results of my experiment.  The LB Homespun is on the right, Mainstays on the left.