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.

knitted wraps + trims

 Guess what is  F I N I S H E D ....   Portfolio wrap.  I bought the yarn in Philadelphia - it is called Loop Studio Yarn.   Per web site:  "Studio is a bouncy 3-ply yarn made from 100% American merino wool that's spun and dyed right here in Pennsylvania!".

 In addition to the blue yarn, I purchased a couple more colors - Easel and Glaze.   Perhaps I will use the same pattern in those colors.

The new project I started in October is called Hitchhiker.   

 I am using Color Celedon  -- Madelinetosh  tosh merino light.   .    

I found some very nice vintage pattern books - and started a charming leaf trim:  

  

The yarn is from Bloomington, Indiana - called Panda, from Crystal Palace.

I added a few more inches on the trim from Piecework magazine, too. 

 New to me knitting spool - Knitter's Pride

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.