Category Archives: Inspiration

Knitting History

  I took the ferry to Victoria, British Columbia yesterday for an extended Labor Day weekend.  I had a great time, walked all over town, and had tea at the Empress Hotel.   But what was particularly cool were the shops that sold authentic Cowichan handknit sweaters, bulky yarn if you want to knit your own version, and unspun roving.  My friend snapped a picture of me holding a single skein of this bulky yarn.  

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Another treat from the Yarn District in Buenos Aires

My friend Jody sent such a wonderful bag of yarn goodies to me! This is a decadent collection of alpaca, laceweight yarn. It is a warm-toned brown and is unbelievably soft. I can’t wait to cast-on a shawl but I’m not sure about the design. I don’t want to make my usual Pi shawl because the alpaca yarn is going to be very warm. It certainly doesn’t need to be doubled over like you do when you where a Pi shawl. I also think I want a relatively tight stitch pattern. Textured rather than lacy. Umm, what to do, what to do. I’m open to suggestions.

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A gift from another knitting enthusiast

  Apparently knitting is extremely popular in Argentina. In fact, there is a Yarn District in Buenos Aires! My friend Jody lives in Argentina.  She sent this yarn to me because she thought I would appreciate the uniqueness of this yarn, and she knew I would love the autumn colors!  This yarn is a bulky thick and thin yarn, with orange felted flowers tied to this really interesting art yarn.  

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Let me introduce you to my drop spindle

Of course, introductions require names. I’ve always named my spinning wheels. My Kromsky Sonata is Elizabeth. My Joy is Amy. But, I never thought about naming my drop spindles.   The last couple of years I’ve become enamoured with drop spindling. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty and personality of each of my drop spindles. The surprising productivity that comes from the portability of drop spindles. I am just as likely to grab a spindle and fiber as I head out the door each morning as I am to take along a knitting project.

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EZ 100th Anniversary Pi Shawl – Gull Wings

After starting two different lace shawls, each rectangular shaped, I've come to the realization that I am a Pi Shawl woman. Or, circular shawl, if you prefer. Perfectly timed as the knitting world celebrates Elizabeth Zimmermann's 100th birthday. There are three Pi Shawls on Ravelry - I chose the Gull Wings Pattern althought the Camping design was very tempting. Here is the designer's sample from the Ravelry page.

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I received my “20 Colors” for my Colors by Kristin knitting!

Kristin Nicholas asks her students to bring at least twenty colors of yarn to her classes. So, I took her advice as my first step towards enjoying several patterns from her book - Color by Kristin. Since we have expanded our color selection in Wool of the Andes - Worsted, I decided to make that my yarn line of choice. No, I am not going to give you a list of all twenty colors! This is supposed to be an exercise in your own color sensibilities.    

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Knitpicks.Com x DressHead Floral Casual Dress

Knitpicks.Com x DressHead Floral Casual Dress – Coral Pink Base This knitpicks.com x http://www.dresshead.com/c/casual-dresses/ floral casual dress creates all the joy of spring and summer time freedom. A coral pink base is complemented by multicolored flowers and a contrasting trim waistline. Made of soft and breezy polyester, this romper dress will suit all body types and create quite the interest with its unique style of tailoring. Perfect for sea side and beach wear, casual lunch in the sun, or a garden picnic, this dress will look best paired with small sandals or beach foot wear. Sure to be one of your favorite and most repeated casual dresses this season! Garment measurements with reference to a Ladies size XS are: bust circumference of 84 cm, waist circumference can expand from 64 to 90 cm, and total dress length from shoulder to hemline of 81 cm.

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