Archives for January 2011

Clepsydra in Berroco Ultra Alpaca – Raveled

Lately I can't get enough of neutral yarns – ivory, gray, taupe, camel -  if they are heathered even better. So when I ordered yarn to make my second Ida's Kitchen from Webs back in December I added in a few skeins of Berroco Ultra Alpaca Worsted in Winter White & Steal Cut Oats to my shopping cart.

I've wanted to re-knit Clepsydra for a while. I thought they'd really shine in a neutral with the cabled i-cord cuff highlighted in a contrasting color. These are colors that I know I'll wear a lot and the alpaca yarn is warm enough to brave frigid  NJ temps in January and February.

I'm heading out to Vogue Knitting Live in a few hours. These mittens and a bag filled with other samples of my designs are coming with me. I'll be at the Down Cellar Booth (#1601, 1603 & 1502) on Saturday from 11-12 & Sunday from 12-1. If you're at the market on either day stop by and say "hi".

Now that these are done I'm off to find a project to take with me. I think it might be a hat to match these mittens.

Check out the Never Not Knitting podcast this week. I'm thrilled to share a knitting story with Alana's listeners.  Dancing Ewe Yarns is offering a discount on Blue Sky Alpaca Yarns for Never Not Knitting listeners. This is a great opportunity to stock up on Blue Sky Melange and Sport Weight for Ida's Kitchen! There's also a contest to win copies of my Ida's Kitchen & Washington Square patterns. Listen to the podcast for details.

So who is going to Vogue Knitting Live? I can't wait. I've signed up for a class with Cat Bordhi. Cat is highly innovative in her approach to knitting design. I'm excited to have the opportunity to learn from her. I'll also spend time with my friends from Down Cellar – booths 1601, 1603 & 1502. I'll be there with my patterns and samples on Saturday from 11-12:00 & Sunday from 12:00-1:00. Please stop by to say "hello" & check out Down Cellar's amazing selection of yarns.

Several months ago I designed Ilsa's Socks for the Yarn 4 Socks Club. I was delighted to work with Wendee from Hazel Knits and her beautiful yarn again. The theme of the Month was Casablanca. Inspired by Moroccan spice markets Wendee came up with an exquisite colorway – Rick's Cognac.  In a nod to the Moroccan theme I gave Ilsa's Socks sumptuous cables and delicate beading at the cuff.

The back of the leg features a simpler cable and a ribbed heel flap.

Ilsa's socks are now available to everyone.

Ilsa's Socks

Sizes: One Size

Measurements: 7.5” circumference at foot and leg, relaxed. The foot length is customizable.
 
Gauge: 35 sts and 48 rows = 4” in “Bergman’s” cable pattern

Yarn: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, 90% superwash merino, 10% nylon,
400 yards per  125 gram skein, Color: Rick’s Cognac, 1 skein
Needles: US 1 (2.25mm) 32 or 40” circular or size to obtain gauge

Additional Materials: 36 6/0 “E” beads, sewing needle that will fit through the hole in the beads, sewing thread, Stitch Markers, Tapestry Needle, Cable Needle

Price: $6.00 US

 

I had so much fun with the first that I made a second Ida's Kitchen. This time I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light which has a most spectacular selection of colors. Ah those heathered shades, how they woo me.

I purchased 9 hanks of Ultra Alpaca Light for this project from Webs because I just couldn't choose. After discussions with the resident slouch wearers we came up with this combo:

A=Pea Soup Mix #4275
B=Winter White #4201
C=Turquoise Mix #4294
D=Buckwheat #4204
E=Candied Yam Mix #4268
F=Dark Chocolate #4205
G=Blue Glasynys #4213

I could make 20 of these hats and never repeat a color combo because there are some many fabulous yarn choices out there. Check out the Ida's Kitchen projects on Ravelry to see some fun versions. I'd love to see one in handspun. Hmmm. Must search stash.

My girls (and TTL's models) turned 17 today (technically at 12:56 & 12:58 last night). Here in NJ that means drivers licenses. For me, this is by far the most worrisome part of parenting. However a lovely snow storm has given me a reprieve. The tests will be postponed until a later date.

So who's going to Vogue Knitting Live? I'll be there all weekend. I'm taking a class with Cat Bordhi, plan to spend lots of time drooling over the goodies in the marketplace and will also spend some time with my friends from Down Cellar at their booth (1502, 1601 & 1603). You can find me at the Down Cellar booth on Saturday from 11-12 and on Sunday from 12-1. Stop by and say "hi".

From the moment I sewed the last button onto Washington Square in October (in the car on the way to Rhinebeck) it has become part of my uniform. I think I've worn this cardigan more than any other sweater I've made. The yarn, Schaefer Miss Priss, has a combination of warmth and softness that makes it perfect from October through April here in NJ. In the photo above I'm wearing it with a short sleeved tshirt in October. There is no itchiness, I assure you. The color, Thistle,  is a lovely muted violet that seems to look good with most of my wardrobe.

It's fun to see how the same sweater works on me with zero ease and on Sofie with about 5" of ease. I think it's the ribbing that makes Washington Square work for both of us. The 3×1 ribbing gives a bit of contour to the body without the addition of actual body shaping in the pattern.

Washington Square is worked flat, in one piece from the bottom up to the underarms. The sleeves are then worked in the round and joined to the body at the yoke. Simple slipped stitch ovals begin the yoke, with a ridge stitch completing the yoke. Finishing work is quick with only button bands added and small openings at the underarms that are stitched closed.

Huge thanks go out to Bich-Thu, Elizabeth and Tonia for test knitting and to Karen for editing. Thank you also to Laura Nelkin at the Schaefer Yarn Company for being so generous with yarn support.

Washington Square

Sizes: 30 [32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52]  Shown in size 40
Finished Measurements: Bust – 30.5[32.25, 34, 36.75, 38.5, 40.25, 42, 44.75, 46.5, 48.25, 50, 52.75]”
Gauge:  18 sts & 29 rows = 4” in (k3, p1) ribbing, blocked.
Yarn:  Schaefer Yarn Miss Priss, 100% Merino Wool, 280 yds per 4oz. skein, Color: Thistle, 3[4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7] Skeins
Needles: US 8/5mm 32 or 40” circular and one set US 8/5mm DPN’s or size to obtain gauge
Other Materials: 8[8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 10] buttons, Place Markers (PM), ScrapYarn in two colors, Tapestry Needle

Price: $6.00 US