WIPUFOS

Yesterday I tackled the room to see how much spinning fiber is there and to organize yarn not in the cubbyholes...oh, and the WIPs and UFOs.  It took time and I got my 10,000 steps in easily without a walk outside.  While I like the room, it is small and fiber takes up room.  My drawing table faces the window, which is good, and my computer is next to it, but I find the bulky fiber stuff distracting at times.  The art supplies are stored in the closet, organized and out of sight while the fiber-related things are visible and bulky.  Hummm...it's a process and I'm working through the fiber and projects downsizing along the way.

Finishing the almostsixyear project was huge for me.  I started it August 3, 2011 and finished it July 31, 2017.  The yarn is Spud and Chloe Fine, a wool/silk blend with beautiful color and drape.

The photograph below shows the steeks with the red yarn marking exactly where to cut after securing the stitches on either side with machine sewing.  After securing and cutting the steeks, I was picking up the stitches for the band and yarn moved.  That is something one doesn't want to see when cutting the knitting.  Back to the sewing machine I went to re-zigzag and then the vest went in a bag in the corner of the room to be in time out.  I like to think the steeks were healing.  Three years and many projects later, I revisited the vest and finished the band around the fronts and neck and partially hand stitched the facing to the inside.  The only knitting left to do was for the simple armhole bands.  At that point other projects and activities took over, life happened, and just opening the bag and peeking in was enough to make me shudder.

Fast forward to summer 2017.  Determined to finish those pesky projects (the vest included) majorknitter's Ravelry group Finish or Frog It Friday members to finish projects during the month of July.  I managed two sweaters and this vest (just qualifying under the wire).  It was just the motivation that was needed to light a fire under my rear and get those needles busy.

2011

 Ta-da!  It turned out beautiful and I will be happy to wear it on the first day it's cool enough.  I named it Tangled because one of the hanks of yarn was just awful to wind.  It is Kasuri Chanchanko, from Folk Vests by Cheryl Oberle.  Kasuri is the Japanese form of ikat weaving, using resist dyeing before weaving the fabric.  The process gives a softened or blurred effect to the designs on the fabric. This is the fifth vest I made from the book making Folk Vests one of my favorite sources for vest patterns.

I popped a bit of color inside the facing.

The other sweaters I finished are Knitting Pure and Simple V-Neck Neck-Down Cardigan #994 in Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK and Tulgey Wood (so named because of the yarn color--Frabjous Fibers March Hare), which is really Acorn Trail minus the cables.  To find just the right buttons for these sweaters, I took a dive into the button stash and organized the buttons in the process.   I don't remember where I purchased the buttons for the blue sweater, but the three for the brown sweater are from Treadle Yard Goods in St. Paul, Minnesota.  

Rather than making buttonholes, I made button loops on the bind-off row.

The perfect cotton cardigan for cool days.  I had Mary snap a photo by my studio space at Anoka Fiber Works.

The wait is on for sweater weather!

Sheep in the woods vest

Yesterday was a good day to sew.  I finally decided to cut into the twill fabric and make a vest.  I'd found a pattern on eBay that I'd used in the early '90s.  I still have the bolero I made and thought the pattern was still filed away.  It was a good find and one that will be used over and over.  Rather than cutting out the pieces, I bought some pattern yardage (lightweight interfacing) and drafted the two pieces from view 2 in the S/M size.  Plan A was to add a seam allowance on the back pieces, but I didn't like the thought of seaming the fabric.  I visited my closet of good intentions (thank you, putzycrafter, for that saying) and shopped my small linen stash.  I had lightweight brown (intended for a summer dress) and neutral (intended for another summer dress), but figured I could do better.  Off to Joann, ETC.  Sigh, I found the linen and didn't like the linen/rayon blends.  After a bit more searching, I thought denim or corduroy would be good options.  Most denim now has spandex and the corduroy was too light or too stiff.  Back to the linen section, and since it was on sale, a yard of natural color was the choice.

There be sheep in the woods!

 Home again, I washed the linen and hung it to dry in the basement.  In the meantime, itching to get to work, I went back to the closet of good intentions and pulled out a yard of printed linen purchased some years ago at Treadle Yard Goods in St. Paul.  Treadle is a small shop that carries lovely fabrics, patterns, buttons (oh, the buttons!), so much more, and a knowledgeable staff.  Suffice it to say, it's worth the drive from here!  Anyway, when the twill met the printed linen it was a match made in heaven.  Taking the time to think about it and then consulting Mary I knew I had to go ahead and begin the project.

Cutting into the fabric was not easy.  Handweaving gives one a particular appreciation for fabric and because the twill has a diagonal design, I took my time placing lining up the second piece after cutting the first piece since I cut them out one at a time.  Speaking of cutting out the first piece...after pinning the pattern to the fabric I took a deep breath and made the first cut on the side, put down the scissors, took a deep breath, snapped a photo, and then proceeded to finish cutting.  Before sewing, the machine needed a new needle and threading was a bit of a challenge with dark thread and a bit more farsightedness.  Stay-stitching around the handwoven pieces with straight stitches stabilizes the fabric.  Dampening and ironing the prewashed linen smooths out any large wrinkles.  

Cut, breathe, cut, breathe...

The construction of the vest is quite simple--sew shoulder seams on right side pieces and lining, sew lining to the outside pieces leaving the side seams open, clip curves, turn inside out and press.  (Between each step I steam press, keeping the seams tidy.)  The reveal was exciting with only two more seams to sew.  The right sides of the back and front pieces got machine-stitched and then the lining seam allowances are whip-stitched by hand after pressing.  Whoa, I was so excited after giving the finished vest a good pressing and trying it on.  Now I'm excited to plan my next yardage using Harrisville Shetland for the warp and weft in a broken twill for an allover surface design.  

Finished!

I love the curve detail at the center back.

It's worth mentioning that the vest fits better on me than on the dress form.  I am so happy and cannot wait to weave more yardage for sewing projects!

Jiminy Crickets, it's a vest!

I finished hand-sewing the hems and the band on the vest.  It certainly was fun to work with Kathryn, Mary, and Carol.  We used the same pattern as a guideline and each have a project that is unique to each of us.  I like the clean edges at the top and bottom, so at this time I may leave them clean with no knitted edging.  The owl shawl pin seems to work well and I like the vest closed rather than open.  I will take a better photo at some time, but was so excited when I finished last night.  We are planning our next group projects!  Right now an accessory looks good for the next project with a focus on the pattern of the weaving.

Wednesday's projects done and undone

Between all the summer activities there have been plenty of projects to start and to finish.

Cruiser Mittens worked in one of Rowan's new yarns, Hemp Tweed.  I love this yarn!
It has nice drape , color and texture.  

The Mitten Advent Calendar continues.  I will have to be sure to take a photo of 1-9  when I go  to the shop later today.  

The Celtic Rowan Pillow is on the needles--lots of twists and turns with bobbles here and there.  This is the edging.  It was my first time short-rowing a corner with cabling.  This one is worked in James Brett Aztec, a blend of acrylic and alpaca.

The latest pattern from Sally Melville is the Universal Vest, my project is called the Univest.  I love that it is worked in garter stitch and has elements like the Einstein Coat from her book, The Knit Stitch.  the yarn is Rowan Pure Wool Worsted in Hawthorn, a dark blue-green heather with turquoise and red visible in the yarn.  

 The second of the Christmas presents from Jim was a rafting trip on the Kettle River, located in east central Minnesota.  The water was down a bit, so we were in two-person inflatable kayaks.  It was so much fun.  Jim only went in the drink once.  I was extra careful because of my eye, so I managed to stay glued into the kayak.  The scenery was beautiful with interesting rock formations all along the route.  The rapids on the river are rated from II-IV.  We did them all!  It was helpful to have the guides in front and behind the groups to point out the best route through the rapids.  Paddle, paddle, paddle!

Taking a break.

A large perfect hole in the rock with a view.

WIP Monday

I figure if I post this it will get finished.  Tangled (my name for it because of the yarn--the pattern is Kasuri Chanchanko) is finally back on the needles and in the last stages of finishing.  Once I finish the last seven rows of the inner font band/collar of the vest the armholes will be easy.

To the right of the red section is the purl ridge for turning.  I have to get the curled edge under control before I sew the band to the inside.

Greta is coming along.  The sleeves are ready and I cast on the 231 stitches for the body.  The K1 P1 rib is slow going with size US 2 needles.  I have three more rows of ribbing before I can go up to the size US 3 needles and work the stockinette stitch body.

Sleeves and the endless 1 by 1 rib on size 2's!  The yarn, Rowan Finest, is a dream to work with and the sweater will be gorgeous when it is finished.

Yesterday I cast on for the Timber Mittens.  Plymouth Homestead is a lovely wool yarn.  I chose gray, dark green, and light green for the sample.  The loop stitch is fun to work and when the mitten is finished it will get a haircut.  Buff mittens were worn by loggers and teamsters in the Adirondacks, Canada, and New England.

I took the mitten to knitting group today and now the mitten is ready for the thumb.    I think these would be great as sheep mittens!

Finished Objects!

When I got back from Philmont a couple of projects were waiting for me.  The Goblin Hat is a quick knit and I used stash (the natural color) from a previous project and a skein of Liberty Wool.  The hat can be worn with the button in back or on the side.  The folded fabric gives the appearance of "ears" when the button is in the back.  I rubbed the unfinished button with beeswax and popped it in the microwave for a few seconds to melt the wax and buffed it with a soft cloth.

Goblin Hat

The perfect button gives the hat personality.

The Little Black Vest was on the chair waiting for me to add the zippers.  I went back and forth between brown 7-inch and black 5-inch.  Once I found black ones with brass I settled with them.  The umber is close enough to black and looks good.  The dark green tagua nut buttons blend in beautifully.  Sally Melville's design is a winner and it was a pleasure to knit.  I can't wait to wear it when the weather cools down.

Little Black Vest--I call mine LUV (Little Umber Vest)

I am continuing to work on Greta for the shop.  Rowan's Finest yarn is soft and wonderful to work with and the design is a classic.  The second sleeve is just about finished and when it is done I can begin the body--autobahn knitting!

LUV

I am working on finishing the Little Black Vest.  Mine is LUV (Little Umber Vest).  I decided to press the fabric as Sally suggested and it worked beautifully!  I do not think it would be appropriate for all types of yarn, but for the Rowan Pure Wool Worsted--it worked great.  Press is the key word.  No moving the iron over the knitted fabric!  I pinned the project to size and steam pressed.  After it cooled I sewed the left side and shoulder to the back, picked up 87 stitches for the armhole and worked the trim.  Also, the bottom part below the zipper is finished and I pinned the zipper just to see how it looks.  I still do not have buttons picked out and may check the button stash first.  The reindeer buttons from Shetland would be nice, but I want to save those for something different.

The front edge below the zipper is finished.

A two-row purl ridge is a simple and clean edging for the armhole.

WIPs and UFOs

Ahhh, the never ending projects on the needles.  One hat is ready for beads (I waited for a bead hook to arrive), Greta is slow but sure on small needles, and the vest is progressing nicely.  Tangled is so close!  I finally finished weaving the ends in  and Shwook is blocked.

I have made more progress since the photo.  The yarn is really nice.

Shwook is a great slouchy hat and most likely my new favorite hat!

Now that I have a beading hook I can finish the beaded beret.

The front band has the turning ridge so I can add...

...a lovely red for the facing.

Soon we will be headed back to 87714--Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.  I am excited to go on my first "official" trek.  I feel ready for the challenge of hiking at altitude.  My legs can go forever and the challenge is hiking at altitudes from Base Camp 6,696 feet above sea level to 9,003 feet on the Tooth of Time.

Ready to hike again.

The tin ceiling at the St. James Hotel in Cimarron.  Yes, those are bullet holes from the days of the wild west.

The Tooth of Time at Philmont.

A little more Shetland and Grey Wolf

Before I left for Grey Wolf NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) I intended to post more photos from Shetland.

We returned from camp on Saturday (June 28).  It never ceases to amaze me when I see the youth staff develop over a five-month period during developments, and then work with the participants to put on the best program possible.  There were 72 participants that came into the week and 72 graduated!  This was the first opportunity Jim and I had to serve together on staff after 8 years of Grey Wolf.  He is a good leader and mentor for the staff and participants.  Even though I have been with the program for some time, it was an honor and pleasure to be on the same course with my husband.  Ben was on Week 1 and we were able to see him a few times.  It does not seem so long ago we dropped him off for leadership training!

Mr. C. watching the action.

Gery Grey Wolf our mascot looking sharp with his uniform.

Mr. C. living it intensely (note the bracelet--it says "live it intensely," referring to the Scout Oath and Law.  This happened during the ballista event.  

I finished the replacement Urchin.  It is not hand spun, but will be a nice hat.  I feel badly about losing my hat, but it is in a lovely place--Shetland!  Perhaps one of the local critters will find it and wear it at a jaunty angle.  The ends of the project bag are woven in, the lace is finished, and the handle is about halfway finished.  Washing, blocking, and then sewing up are next.  I will make a lining for the bag and sew a facing on the handle for stability.  It would be nice to incorporate the little button that Jane gave to each of us, or make a Dorset button closure.  Next up is the Little Black Vest, which turned into a KAL (knit along).  I decided to go with the triangle design instead of the tumbling blocks for the texture stitching.  I cast on for the Greta, by Rowan.  I am thankful it is a shop sample and not for a class because of the fine yarn and small needle size it will take some time to make.  Shwook is my personal project.  I love knitting color work and I think about Shetland as I knit.

Going through the UFOs I was surprised I did not have as many as I thought, which is good.  Summer is flying by and it would be nice to finish up projects for me and for gifts.  Lots of little ones to knit for this year!

Spinning up a storm with the drop spindles with focus on Iceland and Shetland.  I have to come up with something for Spin-Off and maybe even Knitty!

Speaking of Shetland...

Elizabeth spinning some fine Shetland wool. 

Her lovely little Shetland spinning wheel.

The Shetland Designer was bursting with colorful knitwear.  The color ways shown here are the ones from which the volunteers at the Shetland Museum and Archives chose for their uniform vests.  The vest at the top left is one of the vests the volunteers wear.  

Neila's studio has a lovely view and her innovative designs were such fun to try on.
My favorite piece is Toog.

The flowers and colorfully painted spinning wheels add charm to the shop exterior.

Textile Museum 

Hazel Tindall was a pleasure to meet.  She was knitting away on this beautiful sweater.  Watching her work is a wonder!  Her quick, efficient movements create magic.

The photo before the loss of my beloved hat.  Taking a walk on a beautiful day in a beautiful place was worth the loss.  The wind was blowing and the air smelled so sweet.  Wildflowers abloom and the waves splashing on the rocks...I was in heaven!

Halfway through the project, Jane taught us how to make Dorset buttons.  

A little friend joined my on my walk around Lerwick.   I believe the colors of the cat, pavement, and wall might work as a nice colorway...mmmm...

I bought the pattern and some yarn to make the Eid top (in front) designed by
Hazel Tindall for Wool Week 2011.  I will post photos of my color choices soon!

This treasure was at the Shetland Museum.  How sharp the Boy Scouts look in their uniforms!