Monday, May 06, 2019

Meet Guthrie

I thought about writing yesterday. Thought about it but couldn't bring myself to sit in front of my computer. I was way too busy. Out and about in the car - Dairy Queen called and I had to go visit. I was working on a new project too.
Guthrie is a round yoked sweater knit seamlessly from the top down with an all-over colorwork design and 3/4 length sleeves. The bottom and sleeve hems feature a simple cable ribbing pattern. Instructions are given for cropped or full body length versions, and the sleeves can also be knitted to a longer length if desired. 
This design is named for iconic folk singer/songwriter Woody Guthrie, one of my favorite artists. The rustic nature of the yarn and the mix of patterns in this design remind me of American folk art and inspired me to name this sweater for the king of American folk music.
I'm using Primrose Vintage DK (cedar) for the main colour and Hedgehog Merino DK (concrete) for the contrast. Both colours will be back in stock sometime in June. I became a bit obsessed yesterday. I love Fair Isle.

We like the juxtaposition of a modern, boxy shape and feminine lace motifs knit on a slightly grand scale. With shaped shoulders, a gently dipping neckline, and options for two different lengths, this lacy top is so easy to pop on, and feels both comfy and really pretty.
This is the Boxy Lace Tee from Churchmouse Yarns (pattern purchased on Ravelry).
The Boxy Lace Tee was designed at a DK-weight gauge. Choose something soft and fuzzy, like Rowan Alpaca Classic, for a lightweight, airy top. 




I have been emailing with Tiffany from Twill & Print. More pins are coming very soon.
 Here are a few - there are a lot more.
There is hockey and baseball on and Guthrie is calling my name.


Saturday, May 04, 2019

Sideways Tee

This deceptively simple top is cleverly knit from the center out to each side, rather than from top to bottom or vice versa. A modern pivot to a familiar style! A tapered shape allows for plenty of ease at the bust, while providing a relaxed and flattering bottom edge at hip length.
Introducing the Sideways Tee from Churchmouse Yarns.
With a simple shape and stockinette stitch, this tee is all about the yarn. Choose a yarn (or combination of yarns) that will give you a soft draping fabric. And be sure to pay special attention to your swatch on this one! Unlike a typical knitted garment, this tee is knit sideways, so your row gauge will determine your fit and your stitch gauge will affect your length. Work a nice big swatch, and note your unblocked gauge for reference while you knit.



My Nightshift is growing.

How do you like my new knitting bag? I am happy to announce that we will be carrying knitting bags from ZigZag Stitches later this summer. My guess is that they will arrive in July. Here are some of the fabrics that I chose.




Catherine makes all the bags in her studio in Sarnia, Ontario.
I got caught up in the hockey and baseball and was on my way to bed when I remembered that I hadn't finished my post. Now it's done and I can get some sleep.

Friday, May 03, 2019

New Patterns

Our very good friend Fiona Ellis has a new pattern out on Ravelry. Meet Bellahouston.
The Back Yoke of this cardigan is worked in two pieces side to side from the center out then grafted together. Stitches for the Lower Back are picked up along the Yoke and worked down. Stiches for the Upper Back are picked up along the other edge of the Yoke and work up to the shoulders. The Fronts and Sleeves are worked in pieces from the bottom up. All pieces are then sewn together. You may work the stitch patterns from text or charts.



It is awesome seeing Fiona modelling one of her designs. Fiona has taught many times at Knitting Camp and brings garments for the fashion show. These garments are very small because they are knit for photography. Our smallest models (who are small) can barely get into them. I asked Fiona why she never knits anything in her size so that she can model them. Yay Fiona. A beautiful garment on a beautiful woman.

I asked Fiona how she came up with the name of the cardigan. There is a story but Fiona is teaching today so I won't have it until tomorrow. When she shares it with me I will share with you.

Fiona messaged me late this afternoon to tell me that she had updated her Ravelry description.
Combining wearability with a dramatic arts and crafts inspired motif and detailing, this design will delight when both knitting & wearing it. The design on the back panel draws its inspiration from Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s “Argyle” Chair. It combines simple and sculptural elements with an emphasis on natural forms, to produce an intense and elegant patterning. This cardigan that would look as fabulous in the Willow Tea Rooms as it would on an afternoon a stroll through Bellahouston park! 
The Back Yoke of this cardigan is worked in two pieces side to side from the center out then grafted together. Stitches for the Lower Back are picked up along the Yoke and worked down. Stiches for the Upper Back are picked up along the other edge of the Yoke and work up to the shoulders. The Fronts and Sleeves are worked in pieces from the bottom up. All pieces are then sewn together. You may work the stitch patterns from text or charts. 
For more information on Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Argyle chair: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/rIIq5TraT...
Bellahouston Park is in Glasgow.

Our friends at Churchmouse Yarns have five new patterns out. Our printed copies are on the way to us and we should have them next week. You can purchase them on Ravelry now.
This is the Wrap & Turn Apron Vest.
We love the versatility of this piece—its look changes by simply adjusting the ties. Wrap and tie it across the front for the charm of a worker’s apron or kitchen coverall. Or wear it open for an elegant, elongated drape. Or lower the tie placement for more asymmetry. And with a stitch pattern that’s attractive on both sides, we’re touting its reversibility! 
The Wrap & Tie Apron Vest is designed at a sport-weight gauge
You can also knit the vest using one strand of fingering weight yarn with a lace weight mohair. Think GarnStories Singles and Rowan Kidsilk Haze. Or Hedgehog Sock with Kidsilk Lace. The possibilities are endless.




I will share more Churchmouse patterns over the weekend. This way I know I will have pretty pictures every day.

Lynn and I were putting away the last bits of yarn from the Frolic this afternoon and I came up with this combination for Nightshift. Could this be my Myrtle Beach knitting?
Now I'm going to put my feet up and knit. Hockey and baseball - the perfect evening.

Thursday, May 02, 2019

Butterflies

Mr. Canpar brought 4 brand new colours of Urth Yarns Uneek Fingering today. We used Uneek Fingering for our Butterfly Shawl. You need 2 skeins of Uneek Fingering and one skein of a solid (or semi-solid) fingering. Alex and I put together some combinations today. We picked two different solids for each Uneek.

The green is Uneek Harvest Fingering colour 9.
The mauve SweetGeorgia is Moon Phase.
The Uneek Fingering is 3020.
Uneek Fingering 3018
Urth Harvest Fingering 09
HH Sock Plump
Uneek Fingering 3019
SweetGeorgia Racing Green
HH Sock Wish
Uneek Fingering 3017
HH Sock Rusty Nail
SweetGeorgia Apple Pie

We also received new pompoms.
New Snap On Pompoms feature a snap pre-sewn to the pompom, plus a snap that can be sewn to your project - making them easy to remove or change!
Each pompom measures approximately 12-14cm (4.75-5.5"). 
100% Faux Fur, with metal snaps

My Nightshift is growing but I had to put it away for the evening. I really wanted to keep going.

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Kitties and Squirrels

I dreamt about Slow Curves last night.
Photos ©Joji Locatelli
I quickly put together a few colours combinations when I got to work this morning.
I picked some Long Dog Singles.
First Blush
Wildflower Bouquet
This Delicate Thing
Sucker Punch

Sorry for the slightly fuzzy pictures. I think it could be because I knocked over my tea this morning and my phone was soaked.
Daydream Believer
Octopus' Garden
Hydrangea
Fresh Bloom

Using LITLG Singles
Damask
Rosegold
Thornberry
Wild Rosebay
Lightbeam
Ocean Flight
Shack
Evergreen

Using GarnStories Singles
Catch Me
First Flush
Chasing Birds
Pesto
Here are a few of the colours coming very soon from Uschitita. These are colours that we haven't seen before. I'm excited.
Aura
Cloudbusting
Kitty
Patisserie
Squirrel Kids
Braveheart

Lynn and Alex spent most of the day getting yarn back in order. Now I need to get all the garments and bags back to their homes.

We just finished watching Survivor. It is amazing how confident some of the people can be. I'm on a roll on my Nightshift. A few more rows and I get to introduce the last colour. I should be joining it in before the end of the hockey game.