The process of choosing a new knitting project is always an interesting time. There’s so much potential there, especially when you aren’t knitting to some constraint or another (using up stash, only using the needles you have, to a deadline, etc.). I’ve spent dozens of hours poring over Ravelry looking for my next project. I’ve also had projects fall into my lap, via a variety of means. (more…)
(Actually, even if you’re not a knitter, but you’re a dude (or someone who prefers unisex / masculine to the feminine) who would like a cowl, your input is appreciated as well.)
Those of you who follow me on Facebook know that I’ve been on something of a rampage when it comes to knitting cowls for folks. I think I’ve made 5 or 6 to date, and I’m having a ton of fun. However, the pattern that I’ve been using (Robin Ulrich’s Greyhaven Cowl) is decidedly feminine. I would love to have a go-to pattern for cowls for the men in my life. I would prefer that it be worsted weight, and use less than 200 yards of yarn. (Not because I’m a cheapskate, but because I’ve found that it’s the right balance of interest / yarn investment / time for a project that I’m going to repeat multiple times.)
I’m thinking that Melissa Beach’s Tom’s Crossed Cowl might be a good choice, particularly when loosened up a repeat or two, but I’m definitely open to suggestions.
Thoughts?
At sit & knit last night, I was talking about an almost finished project of mine. With the weather changing, I’d really love to be wearing it. It’s the Clara cardigan by Versaci Knits. All of the knitting is done. All that’s left is to seam up the sides and sleeves. Unfortunately, I hate seaming. This resulting in me wondering if anyone knows of a service (or person!) out there who just loves finishing projects. At this point, I would happily pay someone to sew this cardigan up for me.
I have reached a point in my knitting where I’m pretty pleased with my existing skills, but want to expand on to new things. I’ve noticed that most of the projects I’ve wanted to do but don’t have the skills to do are colorwork of one sort or another.
Do any of you have any recommendations for a beginning colorwork project?
This may be known to the world far and wide already, but I just discovered it, so I thought I’d share it with you.
The good folks at Ravelry now have a road trip planner. You put in your start point, your end point, and how far you’re willing to detour for yarn shops, and it will tell you all the shops it knows of that meet your parameters.
Now if only I was going on a road tri… hey wait! I am!
Oh dear.
TL;DR: Where can I find the colors of all the stars in various constellations? (more…)
If you’ve paid any attention at all to my posts, you know I’m something of a knitting nut. Really and truly. I freely acknowledge this. However, even I do not have the words for this: (more…)
Joann is having a 1-day sale that consists of 4 items:
They’re also offering a coupon for 10% off your total purchase (regular- and sale-priced items, some exclusions apply) through Saturday. And finally, 4¢ flat-rate shipping, today only.
Enjoy!
I’ve always been a crafty chick, going back to childhood. Over the years, I’ve been engrossed in any number of different crafts. Until knitting took over my brain, I was really in to cross-stitch. Really in to cross-stitch.
Since I’ve had a couple of knitting disappointments over the last few months, I’ve decided that I need to rediversify my crafty time. Thanks to G (flooring) and Jenn (stitching stand), I have an awesome setup for returning to cross stitch. I figured I’d start with a simple project, since I already have a horribly complex one that’s been going for years now. Apparently, my idea of simple is all sorts of skewed, as I ended up with this kit. (more…)
Saturday’s excursion to Maryland Sheep and Wool was a success. Terri and I got there very early (as in, an hour before the show even opened), so parking was a breeze. (Even though we were misguided when we asked to be directed to handicapped parking.) The weather was fantastic. My knee mostly behaved. We were able to find seating when I needed it. And, best of all, there was lots and lots of beautiful yarn.
After a few hours of tromping around the fair, Terri and I made our way back out to the car. As we were leaving, we discovered that it was a very good thing that we arrived early. The fairground’s parking lot was overflowing, and they were parking people across the street. And that doesn’t even begin to cover the 3 mile backup on the one-lane road to get to the fairground. It has been decided that an early arrival will always be part of our plan in the future.
Upon arriving home, there was napping, and dinner, and then sleeping. I had really hoped to go to a little party at a friend’s house last night, but it seems it was not to be. I was tired, and don’t even remember waking up in the middle of the night, which is very rare for me.
I expected waking up this morning to be a painful experience, what with all of the walking yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a bit of stiffness, but no extra pain. I spent a couple of hours hooked up to the Magic Ice Machine™, and I could walk up and down stairs like a (reasonably) normal person. (Yes, yes, clearly an act.)
I have a productive day lined up today, with laundry, and a project, and preparing for a very busy Monday. The house is a lovely chilly temperature, thanks to open windows and a drop in outdoor temperatures. I’m feeling somewhat energetic (a surprise), and I’m staring to ponder lunch (also something of a surprise). I got in a couple of hours of knitting on my Clara while hooked up to the ice machine.
I’m hopeful for the day, and am smugly pleased with yesterday. Can’t really ask much more of a weekend.