by Kelley on December 9, 2010
Just like nearly every knitter I know, I was thrilled when inventive knitters began to find ingenious ways to use the flexibility of circular needles to use instead of double pointed needles (DPNs). For a while, I used only two circular needles or one long circular needle (Magic Loop Method) whenever I knit something with a small circumference - socks, mittens or hats. Now I've gotten so that I choose between my options depending on what I'm knitting. As you know, I just finished my Tic Tac Toe Socks. I always overcompensate when it comes to making sure I won't run out of yarn for a project. I ran out of yarn when I was first learning how to knit. On a Pi Shawl, no less. I was traumatized! Now I always end up with leftover yarn. I had a skein and most of a ball of Gloss to use for "something". |
Category Archives: Inspiration
by Kelley on December 6, 2010
Just a couple of weeks ago, Bob and I were in Philadelphia to celebrate his nieces's wedding. Over the years, I have enjoyed attending family celebrations and learning about Jewish traditions. We've never been able to celebrate Hanukkah with Bob's family. It's a long way to travel in the middle of the winter. But, I've done some reading and there are a few things that I admire about Hanukkah. |
by Kelley on December 1, 2010
EZ's shawl hasn't been the focus of all of my knitting attention but it hasn't been neglected. Each section has only a four-round repeat pattern. That means no chart and just a 3 x 5 index card to keep track of the rounds. I'm at the 576 stitch segment. It's still lace knitting so you have to pay attention, but I've actually been dragging it around with me as my "social" knitting - dinner with friends, parties, etc. I also think that the ethereal quality of Smoke Heather in Alpaca Cloud is irresistable. I just can't wait to see it finished. |
by Kelley on December 1, 2010
I have absolutely no explanation for my current mania for bread baking. It isn't something new. I've known how to bake bread since I was a teenager. But, I have a sourdough started happily stewing in my refrigerator. I made two loaves of sourdough on Monday. Then, I decided to make Some Sort of Raisin Bread. Right now I'm thinking of starting a plain dough to use for making Some Sort of Cinnamon Bread. |
by Kelley on December 1, 2010
A few years ago I was absolutely devastated when the J. Peterman Company stopped sending out their catalogs. I had been collecting them for years and even made an occassional purchase of something special. When I received a new catalog a couple of years ago I was absolutely thrilled! The same romantic stories accompanied each item. I vowed that I would treat myself to a couple more treasures each year to help keep those catalogs coming to me. They also send out e-mails. The last one reminded me that I also find a lot of knitting inspiration in the J. Peterman catalogs. There has got to be a way to design a knit version of these Scalloped Gloves. Maybe a narrow band of ribbing at the wrist and then a sideways border like on a lace shawl. Or, even something as simple as a shale lace pattern? |
by Kelley on November 17, 2010
We have been focused on holiday knitting around here the last couple of weeks. I knew that we were going to be sharing ideas, books and tips. So, I kept a list of "stuff" that kept popping into my head as we geared up for the holidays. I'm taking advantage of Bob's and my dual backgrounds to give you an idea that I definitely like as the holidays become frightening close to being right around the corner. Remember when I started this scarf a few weeks ago? It's the Extra Long Scarf from Color by Kristin by Kristin Nicholas. |
by Knit Picks Podcast on November 3, 2010
Kelley chats with Kate, Angela and Kerin about their favorite books and patterns for holiday gift knitting. Books Reviewed CowlGirls by Cathy Carron Boutique Knits by Laura Irwin 3 easy ways to listen… |
by Kelley on November 3, 2010
This is my first project published in a magazine! It is Love of Knitting - Fall 2010. I have always loved how Suri Dream knits up into a light, airy, surprisingly warm throw or wrap. |
by Kelley on October 12, 2010
Football and cool weather are setting off my autumnal nesting urges. I want to settle in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea and knitting. But, what knitting? Part of my nesting urge is to finish off WIPs. A version of tidying up my cave before settling in for a long winter's nap. |
by Kelley on September 28, 2010
For all intents and purposes, I was off the grid last week. I was on the east coast visiting Bob's family and then I spent four days on the Jersey shore. Bob's brother and his wife have a lovely home that I begged to borrow for a knitting retreat with a friend. My friend has recently moved from Europe to Puerto Rico. That climate change threatened to put a damper on Jody's knitting passion for knitting. I suggested she focus on socks. You can use practically any stitch pattern on a sock that you would use on a sweater. No worry about becoming bored. Jody and her husband also travel a lot - A LOT! What could be more portable, or airport security friendly, than a sock(s)? In the interest of full disclosure, Jody has not exactly had positive experiences knitting socks. She is a relaxed knitter like me but she gets even more relaxed as she knits. So the socks magically grew. I was convinced that if she worked on her socks from the toe-up, she would be more successful. |