Vegetables

Vegetables
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Look at this amazing basket of vegetables. It's a wonderful bounty.









ok. I'll be honest with you. This is a basket of fake vegetables. I just finished hot gluing them to the basket so they done fall out during an upcoming performances of The Dinosaur Musical.

I enjoy doing props. :)

Historic Trades Weave Room Yarn

While at Colonial Williamsburg, I bought some yarn!

The tag on the yarn says "Wool Yarn Dyed by hand in the Eighteenth Century Manner using Cochineal and Madder by the staff of the Historic Trades Weave Room." The wool is from  Hog Island and Leicester Longwool sheep raised in Colonial Williamsburg manner. 
These are the options I had from which to choose.
 
I snapped this photo of the lambs while on a quick walk knitSB and I took.
 These are baby sweater on the hoof. :)

I was told each skein is approximately 170 yards.  That means I have approximately 1,190 yards. I think a few of the skeins are a bit (a lot) less than 170 yards. I will proceed carefully.


What will I do with the yarn? I don't know yet.

Spot My Knitting

Can you spot my knitting while we watch an event in Colonial Williamsburg?

She Can Walk!

Sometimes, silly things happen on vacation. (Most of the time if you vacation with me).
EveryoneDeservesAQuiltJoanne is afraid of heights. This means she doesn't like standing on things that show the ground beneath them.  While at the Jamestown Fort, we found an area of the floor that was clear.  Of course, I walk on it and start jumping up and down...like younger brothers often do.

See the fear in her eyes? To overcome her fear, she decides to walk on a section of the clear floor that is over the original foundation of the Jamestown Fort. I had to record it for the blog.

I would recommend a visit to Jamestowne if you visit the Williamsburg area. Historic Jamestowne Site was more enjoyable than the recreation. The Ranger giving us the tour was quite good. She engaged the audience and told the story well.  I stumped the Ranger by asking what was the name of the first child conceived and born in the colony of Jamestown. She didn't know but promised to get back to me. We were able to add a stamp to our National Parks Passport. :)
I enjoyed walking the site, knitting on knitSB's Orange Jazz Socks.  Even some of the locals took notice and wanted to hold my knitting. I snapped a picture.

EveryoneDeservesAQuiltJoanne Shows Us Hers

A while back I vlogged and showed you mine and asked me to show me yours. Well, EveryoneDeservesAQuiltJoanne shows us hers.

She's doing some English Paper Quilting.
The event that she's doing is Bras for a Cause for Girls Night Out Charity.

Monticello Knitting

knitSB and I went on vacation last week to Williamsburg, Virginia. My sister, EveryoneDeservesAQuiltJoanne and my BIL, Jack joined us. It was a delightful trip, filled with unexpected joys, great conversation and relaxation. We started with a trip to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home.  Have you ever been there? We went on a tour of the house and the gardens. I took this video while on the grounds and knitting the Rustic Jack Socks.



The gardens were wonderful to see.  The effects of the rather warm and dry summer could be seen throughout the garden. Did you know that Jefferson loved peas? He had fifteen varieties at Monticello. We picked up both flower and vegetable heirloom seeds from the gift shop. Perhaps I will be more successful at gardening next summer.

I snapped this photo of Monticello while resting in front of the fish pond. His "staff" would catch fish and bring them to this pond to wait until cooking time so they would be fresh.

Here's a picture testing the Rustic Sock length.

More about the Rustic Socks later. They were finished on the trip but not exactly as intended.

Rustic Socks Update

More about those Rustic Socks I mentioned yesterday.



More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch
Uneven Ribbing is a 4 stitch repeat.
Using Rustic Wool from the Queensland collection. I blogged about these socks here and here and here.
I don't like the short row heel. Ick. I'll have to use some more research. Perhaps another resource would help with my toe-up socks. I move to top-down on a size 4 needle. I'm using the (St) Ann Budd Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns as my guide.
knitSB footies on a size 2 using Twisted Sisters Jazz. I'm using the sock cal app for the iPhone mentioned in this blog post.  I'll keep you updated on how it goes.

While at Monticello, I snapped this photo of the life size Thomas Jefferson statue. Can you spot the knitting?

Stuck In Traffic Vlog Update

Yep. I'm stuck in traffic and thought I would use the time to update you on my knitting progress and recent knitting related print items.

We did see what caused the accident. A cattle truck overturned on the highway. Nuff said.

Rustic Jack

Rustic Jack
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Rustic Jack

I finished the socks formally known as Rustic Socks. They are now called Rustic Jack.

I'm so pleased with the outcome I wanted to post a photo today. The feel of the socks is very nice. I think the fabric created is very nice. It's firm and should wear very well.

I will post a vlog and more photos soon.

Knittingbrow Learns to Use A Drop Spindle

Knittingbrow Learns to Use A Drop Spindle
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I took a drop spindle class this evening. I am using a bottom whirl and an unknown type of roving.

I am inconsistent with the twist and my hands don't quite get understand what to do yet. I'm thinking I need to do a bit of spinning each night to get better.

I'll give you details later on how I came to take this spinning class.

Do you spin with a drip spindle? What is your favorite resource that you used to learn to drop spindle?

Branching Out

This is the branching out scarf I did when my knitting group did a KAL. I donated this to the silent auction to generate funds for the KeepCMLstrong campaign.

Knit using Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in Spruce (color #65).  It was a dream to knit. The pattern was wonderful and the yarn delightful.

Baktus Rainbow

I was really pleased how this project turned out.
This was my 4th baktus.
I knit using the Noro Kureyon Sock yarn. I put the skein into two separate balls and switched the yarn every two rows.
I like the colors a lot. The Kureyon Sock yarn is a bit scratchy to knit but soften up nicely using eucalan.

I vlogged about the karius version in August 2009. Those details can be found here.  This post has good links to the yarn and such. :)

Wildflowers Shawl Completed!

Back in August I blogged about a shawl I knit for a silent auction.
I'm happy to say I completed the shawl in time for delivery.


I made up the pattern. I used a size 15 mm circular needle
CO 3,
K1, KFB, K1
*SL 1 wyif, K1, KFB, K the remaining sts.
Repeat from *
After it got to be about the correct size, I picked up the slipped sts on the edge and made a simple YO, K2tog border.
Don't try to follow the pattern. I was making it up as I went along.

BTW: I hated knitting with this yarn. This yarn was made up of three separate yarns, each having its own stretch so knitting stretched out each ply. One yarn was mohair, one cotton and one rayon (chenille, no less). The rayon was the worst offender for stretching.  It was so bad that I put the hank on the swift and knit right from it. I had to cut the yarn twice and tied knots just so get rid of the extra yarn. Bleck. yarn hate. It's really disappointing for me to not like knitting with a special yarn. I bought the yarn on my first trip to San Francisco. I was a newish knitter.

and a little silliness ensued while we snapped a few photos.

Vanilla Jazz Socks Finished!

Yes! They are ready to be worn!
Vlogged about them here and here.
Restarted them here.
Enjoyed the heel here.

This is the the skein that really caught my attention.

I thought the colors were amazing. I had them on hold for 6 months at the LYS and then put the skeins back on the shelf for another 6 months before I bought them. This yarn really caught my attention.

Super Secret Test Knitting

Ssssshhhh
I'm test knitting a pattern for someone.
It's super secret.
It has a cable pattern.
I'm using Jamieson Chunky in color 3018 Turquoise (100% Shetland Wool Grown and Spun on the Shetland Isles) replaced by Shetland Mari




Here's a close-up of the cable.
 
I'll be knitting on this a lot over the next week. I hope to have this finished soon.

Rustic Socks progress

Rustic Socks progress
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I decided to use a mistake ribbing type pattern for my Rustic Socks which are made using Rustic Wool. I like the way it is turning out.

I'm worried that I might not have enough yarn. I have just under 300 yards and I'm a bit panicky about using a stitch pattern that will eat up yarn. I ran out of yarn in the Vanilla Jazz Socks...so it will happen again! ack! So I sent DH to the LYS on Thursday to pick up another skein. The yarn was on sale and they had two skeins. I asked him to get both. I like the color and how it knits up.

300 yards probably would have been plenty. 500 yards should mean I could do knee highs I'd I want to. I don't. I like the legs of my socks to hit about mid-calf. After all, I am knitting then toe-up using magic loop. They should be perfect, right?

Jazz Vanilla Socks just got "jazzier"

I used Pumpkin Spice to finish the toes on my Jazz Vanilla Socks.  Here's a picture of this the yarn that will eventually become short socks for knitSB.

Morning Glories

Late in the spring, knitSB and I decided to plant some wild flowers in a garden area in the yard. He selected three colors of morning glories that we were adding to the chain link fence. I thought this was a great idea. The morning glories would climb up and cover the fence. The image this brought to my mind was wonderful. We bought 8 packets of seeds and planted them. They got watered occasionally. June and July passed without having any blooms on these plants. The end of August brought a few blooms. Finally, in September, we finally have more blooms.


I think we planted too many seeds and the leaves are overwhelming the blooms. I paused the morning I snapped this photo. The colors mingle beautifully in my vision. I like the twist of the vines around themselves.

Dr Gemma Appreciation Day!

I going to take time to express gratitude for the wonderful things in my life.

I introduced PhotoSteve to the cogKNITive podcast with Dr. Gemma about 3 months ago. I thought he might enjoy some of the strategies.
Find the iTunes link to the podcast here. Libsyn link is here.
Her blog is here.



Knitmore Girls Podcast iTunes Link, Blog link.
History of Rome Podcast
Little Box of Socks
CogKNITive Fiber Retreat Rav Link
I actually have 12 people following me, not 6 (**grin**)

PhotoSteve and I met back when I was in 7th Grade and in a Jr High School Play and he was covering the performance for the local newspaper. Our paths crossed over the years and I've been very fortunate to have his friendship.

Really? That's a serving?

Last Friday someone at work brought in brownies to share at work.
After the initial cut was made by the cook, we all headed over and circled the brownie pan. I thought we were really nice for waiting. :)

Being the gentleman that I am, I let the ladies take their pieces first. (stop snickering, I am a gentleman...even when it comes to chocolate) Please examine this photo for the results.

MBK's slice is on the left, mine on the right.

I ask you, is that a serving? Really? MBK's response was "Yes." This is the recommended serving size.

Jazz Vanillia Socks Update

Knitter's Handy Book of Knitting Patterns by (St.) Ann Budd. I wonder what Ann would think about my referring to her as a "saint." I mean it in good humor. If you see her, please let her know.

I'm using Twisted Sisters "Jazz" on size 3.0 mm dpns.
Next time I need to decrease a needle size for the cuff. It says I should do that in the directions. I just didn't read that correctly.
On this pair of socks, I've dropped to size 2.25 mm for the heel flap, heel turn and toes to help give them some strength. That is a drop of 3 needle sizes.
Argh. I ran out of yarn for my socks.  These skeins have (about) 163 yards per skein. I could have made the leg length shorter, but I like the length, so I'll have to keep some extra yarn.

(You'll notice the hacking sound in the background.  That's Hugo chewing on some grass.)

Jazz Heel

Jazz Heel
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I love turning a heel when I knit a top-down sock. This is a picture of the second Jazz Vanilla Socks just after I turned the heel and picked up the gusset stitches.

After I turned each heel of my first 5 or so pairs of socks, I paused and admired the amazing ability of turning a flat piece of knitting into a heel. Who thought of how to turn a heel? It didn't make sense to me. I simply followed the instructions each time with blind faith.

Still after 7 years of knitting socks I stop and gaze upon a correctly turned heel and smile.

What do you think?

Answering August Questions

Sue and Yarmando commented on my Family Clock
BestestMama hasn't ventutred into socks. I find knitting a heel fascinating.
Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Knitting Patterns is a great resource for
Mearl shared the Show-off Stranded Socks by Anne Campbell for my self-imposed sock club discussed here with KnitMary. Here's a link to my Ravelry favorites for the sockclub
Sue agrees that bread tags work great to keep the tails out of the way. I collect bread tags and give them to some of my knitting class students.
Nancy McCarroll is pulling her copy of the Little Box of Socks off her shelf.  I agree. It took a couple of times through for me to see the potential of my sock yarn in these patterns.  Gigi from Knitmore Girls podcast knit almost all of the socks in the box early on in their podcasting career.
The Sock Garden yarn isn't available anymore from KnitPicks. They've moved on to other yarns.
Thanks Lindsey for showing me yours. :)  I wish more people would show me theirs. KnitMary and knitSB did.
Continental knitting videos can be found on youtube and knittinghelp.com. Try those rosegaither. I learned by watching someone knit continental.
I think the best phone app is the one that is used most. Nancy mentioned IMdb, Dropbox, Art, & Stanza. I do use IMdb & Dropbox. Art and Stanza are new to me.

I feel like a commercial for the Evil Sock Genius Pattern.  I like the designer and the pattern. Cat and I recently interviewed Evil on our knitrific blog.  See the post here.

whatcha knitting?

whatcha knitting?
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

It's been hot here the last week and I've been knitting small projects, mostly socks. The progress has been great on two pairs of this socks and I cast-on for another pair. As I knit tonight, Hugo is rather interested in what I'm knitting.

Hugo's a bit excited with the temperature breaking so he wants to play. The look I'm getting is that "is why you're doing interesting enough for me to pay attention to or can I go back to playing with Maddy?" look.

He's a good puppeh and enjoys playing with Maddy, his roommate. (Question: What do you call two dogs living in the same house by different parents? Brother/sister?)

I've got another vlog for tomorrow that is about answering questions from comments last month.

Rustic Socks

Rustic Socks
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I have startitis.

I cast-on a pair of toe-up socks. I'm using Rustic Wool using 3.5 mm needles with a magic loop. I think I'll get this toe finished and then cast-on the second toe so I can knot two at once.

I don't know what st pattern I'll use Got any suggestions?

Jazz Slip-Stitch Rib Sock Redo

Well, the best laid plans don't always work out. I've been working on the Slip-Stitch Rib Socks from the Little Box of Socks. The knitting has been going well, but the size of the sock isn't working out. What to do? What to do?

 
Ripping=Frogging details in a knitty post here.

Right after I shot this video on Saturday, I did a gauge swatch in the round to find out exactly how many stitches per inch I actually get with this yarn/needle combination.  I'm happy with the 7 sts per inch and have started a pair of Jazz Vanilla Socks using the Knitters Handy Book of Patterns by (St.) Ann Budd. I believe a simple pattern will highlight the yarn. Afterall, I fell in love with the colors of this yarn in the hank.  I wish I had taken a photo of this yarn in the hank. It was really beautiful.

I snapped a photo of the sock progress.  I knit on Saturday evening while watching The Women at Songferret's how with DH. Wow. The film was made in 1939. I think I've heard people act like this backstage, but I try to ignore all that. ;) We also watch a bit of The Best of 'So Graham Norton.'  That's not for the faint of heart but funny.
I'm please with how they are turning out.  What do you think?


This photo shows the right colors. I just keep wanting to knit on these socks to see what happens next with the yarn. I expect the heel flap and turning the heel with change the way the colors are knitting up. I'll post a picture to let you see