Knitting progress + treasures

 Lucky, lucky me!!!   The winner of Wendy's giveaway!  The pearl bracelet fits purr-fectly --- Each time I've worn it, I've received compliments!     http://umintsuru.blogspot.com/2018/07/cream-pearl-bracelet.html

Vintage finds while shopping with my sister.      Spool knitters are my weakness.   I think they are fun to own.   And fun to find in vintage stores.   

The vintage sewing ruler.   The older ruler is already in use!

My sister came for a visit (in August) and she brought her vintage beaded necklaces with her!   This is one I chose, from quite an assortment!  A turtle, hearts and crystals!   She enjoys going out to 2nd hand stores and picking up vintage necklaces.  The washes the beads + findings, then puts them back together with a creative twist!

 I've had this kit (from Stitches Midwest) and decided I should finish it!   I think I'm 75-80% done.   The lace knitting slows me down - the results are beautiful!  Angela's Dream Scarf by Jeanette Estee Famulari

This was a class - taken at the Local Knitting Store.

I started my 2nd Mosaic knitted bag.   The first one I knitted came out so nice -- and I had extra yarn for a 2nd one.   Colors will be similar.   Pattern is Mosaic Bag by Cindy Walker.   Yarn I am using is Erika Knight British Blue Wool.   

The last two knitting classes I've taken, at the local knitting store, were taught by Laura Ricketts.  The subject:  Twined Knitting.   

   Such a treat to have Laura's twined knitted pieces in hand.  It is a beautiful technique.   Awesome color and texture.  We learned to use z-spun yarn and create braids and the crook stitch. 

  Maybe one day I'll have cuffs --- I am so glad I know this technique.   I doubt I could have figured it out by videos and tutorials on line!!!   Laura also brought a couple books for us to look thru -- this one caught my eye + I was able to find it on line.   Out of print, and not very expensive. 

The "F" word --- yes, finished.   Woolenberry's Hearald wrap.  

This one took awhile.   I would do a few rows, set it aside.  Knit a few rows, set it aside.  The store in Bloomington, Indiana closed - I'm not sure where to find more of this yarn.   It is a dream to knit with.

 

 I've continued the lace edge from Piecework Magazine.   it is called Lace No. 10 -- from Mary Elizabeth's 1935 book.   I submitted a photo & it was published in the April issue!  

  Imagine that!     

Our DD's kitty enjoys the KnitPicks bag from

Stitches Midwest.   This cat cannot ignore a tote!

 These stitch markers were a 'win' from the Stitches Midwest Scavenger Hunt.   I enjoy going + seeing all the new patterns and yarns.  And toys!!!   It is great to find a bargain here-n-there.   

 This past Spring, I made a few dish dresses for girlfriends.   A fun addition to most kitchens during spring cleaning!    

 I may give up on cup cozy -- not sure I'm crazy about the final knitted results.

Stitches Midwest

DD and I visited two days.   I don't know how anybody can visit for just one day.   We enjoyed spending time together and being inspired by all the wonderful things we saw!

Above:  some of the free things from vendors.  I enjoyed the Clover booth, esp when the tatting was on display.   

Below:  some of the purchased things!   

 The green Lantern Moon ort pouch was grabbed up by me in a hurry.  Was 50% off.   Below - you can see a couple of the free patterns I picked up (hat/mitten set and lace scarf), the Nirvana acrylic "lamb" box for notions (mine currently has stitch markers, tatting shuttles), the beautiful Erin Lane bag, souvenir pin (a.k.a. Stitches GEAR - I feel fortunate as there weren't many to be had), and couple Zoom Loom squares I made with yarn purchases.

The cord in the photos was made on 6-peg knitting spool.   Stitches Midwest has "extreme stash" in the hall outside the vendor area.   There are 10 - 11" cuts of yarns (I wish they were longer!!!) of a variety of fibers.   On our 2nd day - as we were leaving, I noticed so many little pieces still there -- grabbed some and made a 26" cord using 3 fibers at a time.   Enjoyed putting those pieces to use.   I think the idea is to "sample" yarns & colors - not sure how to knit or crochet with such short yarn pieces.   Below - the paper near the yarns.

 

 These are G R E A T.   half crochet hooks on a finding.   Can be hooked to your bag, your project, your tools.   Nice for tatting, knitting, beading ... the list goes on.  They have awesome accessories (incl sport theme).  Etsy store link HERE.

 On day 2, I met Galina Khmeleva + she autographed my book! More information about the author, opportunity to attend workshop, etc. on the Lafayette Lacemaker blog post - LINK HERE.

 This yarn, cord, wool/tencel blend -- link HERE, was marked down to $2 a ball - and I didn't hesitate to try it out on the Zoom Loom!   Lovely colors.   

 This yarn (Artisanal Yarn from Pennsylvania)  was $5 and again, used on the Zoom Loom (pin loom) right away.   The booth was loaded with a variety of colors - fibers - types of fibers spun into yarns.   Very unique!

 Project bag (Makers' Mercantile booth) ... never seem to own enough of them.  This charming bag already put to use.

 Hello Kitty project bag -- and came with stitch markers!    I put my Good For Ewe yarn balls inside.   I may continue making squares on the pin loom (Zoom Loom) or may knit up a blanket with pattern DD has.

 Could not resist . . . Knit baah Purl one of my fav places to visit.  

 Thank you Skacel!  The yarn, hook, instruction from the FREE Crochet class.   DD and I did okay.   We hooked, ripped out, hooked, repeat.   I think we learned a lot in an hour ; )

Already have 2017 on the calendar ....

knitting .... toys .... practice .... etc.

While I was doing some house sitting - and kitty watching .... I brought along knitting.

I'm 1/2 way thru this pattern.   It is Ilwaco Shawlette, Kelli Slack Designs pattern.   c.2015.  I am using Lilliput Yarn, Sasha.  80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon.  

I had a new row counter - was very useful for practicing a new pattern.   And, I lost track of where I was in the pattern.   Had to pull off the knitting and start over.

Then, I noticed the littermates - they were circling and playing, and chasing their kitty toy from one room to the next.

 Yep - my row counter.   Row 16.  

London wants to know if I need that back.

She watched me knit for a long time and eventually nodded off.

My first try in the back -- I did make it thru 2 'leaf' motifs in the pattern.   I think, once done with the current shawlette, I can launch into this one.   It is Leafy Lisa Shawlette by Kelli Slack Designs.  yes - have the pattern and the yarn!

 Above: knitting spool found at a local antique mall.   Too charming to leave it behind.   Below:  wooden knitting spool made in Canada.  Bought it at Stitches Midwest, day 2 -- it is spectacular, a lot of fun using chunky yarns.     The other spools I own are for medium sized yarns.

Below:  My GF gifted me this awesome Vera Bradley tin.   It has a tray inside, and GF added a magnetic strip.   Eventually, will load it with needlework tools / notions.

 Meanwhile, tossed in my crochet hooks so you could see the size.  Probably had been a tin for pencils,  pens, or something like that.

 Speaking of crochet - I picked up the (above) kitchen pot holder at the antique mall.   I would really like to make one - some day.   It is in good shape & hanging in my sewing room.   I suppose it could be used in the kitchen .... naw .... too pretty ....

Lastly, found this lovely book at Mitsuwa's book store.   The patterns are diagrammed well and the step by step photos a bonus.   maybe I'll figure it out, maybe not!

Enjoy the day.

... continued Stitches Midwest

This was the last booth we visited -- the first day --- and the first booth we visted the 2nd day.    DD + I really liked the yarns - and the projects knitted up on display.   I noticed a lovely wrap with beads.   It is Boo Knits, Fragile Hearts.   DD selected the yarn.   The color yarn is called Galato Shop - Destination Yarn.     The lovely wrap [photo from book] pattern is in Sunday Drive by Kate Jackson.   Yep - bought the book + author autographed!  

I am grateful to the staff of Yarn Culture [from Fairport, NY] and their ultimate patience!!!   The first day, DD & I visited this booth.   Their yarns, displays, patterns were spectacular.   And, I wanted to make a lace wrap - even had the pattern downloaded from Ravelry.   Didn't know what yarn or needles I should use.   So, came back the next day with my pattern & got oodles of help selecting yarn, brief tutorial on 'ply' of yarns, types of yarns, types of yarns for wraps.   So helpful.   I ended up with Titus, 4-ply in a color called Whispering Grass!   Machine washable - imagine that?   I had needles, so gave the pattern a test drive with Patons / from JoAnn sale bin.   It is a little different to knit, think I am getting the hang of it.    DD also has some new yarn and a pattern - very plush yarn skeins [2 skeins].   Looking forward to knitting this wrap.

This was a kit I purchased at the LYDIA yarn booth [Luxury Yarn Dyed in America].    I admit, it was really - really - really - a challenge to choose just ONE.   The colors were beautiful.   I don't have anything this cheerful, so, picked it out.   Nice kit with yarn, pattern, bag, Jasmine wash.    I didn't own any size 5 needles.   Walked down the row of booths + stopped at Blue Ridge Needleart.   Selected beautiful Moon Lantern needles.   Wow - so nice to use!   Giving the needles and sale-bin yarn a test drive - I think I've got the pattern rows knitted.   Really a pretty pattern IMO.   It is Angela's Dream Scarf - link HERE.

Oh My ... this yarn.  From the North American Suri Company.    I could have 'pet' the projects Liz had on display [and yarn] all day long.     Saw so much in each booth - but, this one I HAD to go back and buy.   And of course, couldn't find the booth until noon!!!  DD didn't have to twist my arm too much.    It is incredible soft Suri.   This is a skein & a half.    I took a bunch of photos as the color is kinda hard to see .... thinking Autumn/Winter scarf -- yarn so pretty, I need to take my time choosing a pattern.

Another, incredible yarn was Llama.  I bought this on day one - with no clue what I'd make with the sport weight.   Ea is 190 yds.   Initially, the photos on the business cards caught DD's eye.  The ladies were so nice to us, gave us a couple cards.  From Roving Acres L.L.C. booth.    While DD was enjoying the lamb photos --- I was into a small bowl on display, and pulled these two off the bottom.   Rich.   Exotic.   Autmnal.    

These beautiful yarns were in the 2nd booth we visited on day one, another crafty girl.  And, selling quickly.   I wasn't quite sure about making socks - haven't taken a class yet.   As we ventured into other booths, I saw limitless possibilities for these beautiful yarns.   So, day 2, we were back - and I chose these [middle one colors my MIL would like].   Also in the booth were beautiful things from by Jelby and woolpierogi.   Check out the etsy stores.    

Following our 2nd shopping day - we stopped at Mitsuwa for carry-outs and headed home.   What fun.... and we have projects for the next 5 years!!!