Tic Toc Knitting

Tic Toc, the clock is getting louder.  It is deafening to my ears and translating into a headache.  I'm in hopes of completing this project in time to wear on the 4th.  The insane side of my knitting brain tells me to complete in time for a party this Sunday.  That is 2 1/2 days away readers.  I doubt that I will meet my self-imposed deadline. 

There are 62 stripes and I have 20 completed.  To my credit, I started knitting this shawlette 1 1/2 days ago so that is really good progress.

The pattern is free on Ravelry.  "Protest Is Patriotic Shawl".  I hate the word protest.  It sounds so combative.  I prefer the word "Activist" or perhaps "Demonstrator".  

I am a political junkie.  I try to limit my views on social media.  I did march in the "Pussycat" event earlier this year.  I did not agree with all the group supported but I did agree with enough to show my support.  After all, this is not a "black and white" world.  There are grey areas.

Knitting this pattern is a "feel good" recreation.  It is difficult to put down.  Sleeping seems like such a waste of time.  See my previous post for my yarn selection.  It is so wonderful that I'm thinking I want to return to the yarn shop to see what colorways they have that would be suitable for a summer short-sleeve top.  

The edge on the shawl needs a little tweaking.  That red zig zag edge will fall into place.  

I'm knitting in the ends as I go along and a little further tugging will take care of this.  Knitting in the ends as you go is the best way of doing it.  

Protest Is Patriotic Shawl

The pattern, "Protest is Patriotic Shawl", is free at Ravelry.com.  I'm invited to a party for the 4th, and wanting to show my patriotism,  I may have had a delusional moment in thinking that I can wear this shawlette to the event.  Ha!   It may be for 2018 but I will give it a shot.  I'm going to a party and would love to wear it.  No stress but then I thrive on deadlines.  

I looked everywhere, including the web, for the yarn.  I was on a quest for summer weight yarn and had difficulty finding the right shade of red or blue with the same fiber content at various shops or on the web.

I went to my "not so local yarn shop" in Montpelier, Vermont called "Yarn".  I always find what I am looking for and the friendliness and customer service is superb.  

I love the fiber combination.

Wish me luck!

Happy Knitting!

Frosted Leaves Scarf

I'm a member of the Twist 'O Wool Spinning Guild (Middlebury, Vermont) and a few of us attended SPA-New England Textile Arts in Freeport, Maine earlier this year.

The event is sponsored by three of the hotels in town and is always successful.  My daughter and I, along with my fellow members stay at the Harraseeket Inn and we are treated like royalty.  Dining is affordable and absolutely delicious with a multitude of entree selections.  

This event has no classes, just very relaxing gatherings in various lounges and conference rooms where folks share ideas, skills and form new friendships.

My group selected "Frosted Leaves" by Louisa Harding to knit and model at the Saturday night fashion show.  Due to fire regulations, the crowd is limited to 250 people and there are people standing outside hoping to get in if there are "no shows". 

There's a real feeling of camaraderie.  We received a standing ovation accompanied by cheers as we walked on stage as our group was well-represented and probably the largest group there. 

My daughter and I were all smiles as folks complimented us on our scarves.  It is so much fun to have a daughter that knits and spins as I do.  I am quite proud of her for many reasons. 

There were many, many wonderful gifts from various vendors who sponsor this event.  It is exciting, absolutely exciting especially when I won one of the top prizes....a one night stay at the Hilton.

I have no shame.  I will soon brag and show you the two shawls that my daughter knitted and were modeled by the two of us.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Happy Knitting!

Aviendha Shawl

Pattern:  Aviendha Shawl (can be found at Ravelry.com)

Needles:  Size 4 

I retired recently.  A co-worker gave me a gift certificate to my LYS.  She's also a knitter and we've had many fun conversations about knitting and patterns over the years. 

Thinking of "Y" words for this project, "yummy yarn" and "yak" come to mind.

The yarn is lace weight and a little slippery to knit with.  Bamboo needles might be easier but I prefer the tips on "Knitters Pride" needles.  Knitting stabilizes and gets easier after the first couple of rows.  

The pattern requires a cast-on of 372 stitches.  Garter stitch is very easy knitting but I find that tension is very important. Stitch markers are used to track decreases.

Because I am using a center-pull cake, and because the yarn is so slippery and would fall on itself as the cake gets smaller and   knot itself, I am using a "yarn bra".  The bra keeps the "cake" compact.  These can be purchased at your local yarn shop.  You can also use an onion bag or a nylon stocking/knee high.  (The color way is aqua and not blue.)

I was inspired with the color way after seeing my daughter, Amy, wearing one of her hand knits a a knitting retreat we attended earlier this year.  

It is so much fun to have a daughter who shares my knitting passion and has become a very accomplished knitter herself.  Her yarn stash will soon rival my own.

We have traveled together to three major knitting events in recent months.  We inspire each other.  Having 1/1 time with my daughter is wonderful.

I have several completed projects that are awaiting blocking and I will post again soon.

Happy Knitting!