Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Twins Stitch n Pitch

Knitting friends at the Minnesota Twins Stitch n Pitch day.

New books

I picked up some new knitting books this last month to add to my already too big collection. I could start my own library.
Knitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush
This is an excellent lace book for someone who is into designing their own patterns. She goes into the history of the people, land and patterns. She then has a how to section that starts off with designing your shawl. There are tips on making special bobble-like stitches, calculating stitches for the edge, joining and finishing. There is also the usual stitch definitions and patterns for beautiful scarfs and shawls. It also includes a stitch dictionary to help design your own patterns.The next books is Norwegian Handknits by Sue Flanders and Janine Kosel
I love this book. I could be because it comes close to my Norwegian roots but whatever the reason the patterns and pictures are from the Vesterheim Museum in Iowa.
It has the usual history, basic techniques but goes on to illustrate how to do steeks, fish tail braids, Kumihimo and other unusual techniques. I love the patterns and the charts are big and colorful.
The last book I picked up is a reprinting of Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting
The copyright is 1988 so some of the patterns are dated but the instruction materials are timeless.
As with all book it starts out with the history and origin of the patterns. It then goes on to explain the different patterns, repeats, and charting involved in making up your own designs.
She has some excellent examples on how to use colors from everyday life to come up with different color designs. There are illustrations of stranded knitting and circular knitting along with illustrartions of different stitches.
This book is good for knitters who are fimaliar with Fair Isle knitting and want to take it to the next step.






Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Skull Cap's


Here are the 3 Skull Caps that I knit up. The black /gray and black/pink are made from Cascade 220 wool the brown/tan is made from Cascade 220 washable wool.

Knitting up North



It was a beautiful Labor Day weekend. I finished Librarian DOA's skull hat and made another with some left over yarn. Here is the view I had while sitting in front of the cabin while I knit.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Fringe

Ok I know that Fringe has nothing to do with knitting but I really love the show and had to add their widget.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Christmas list

Wow it's September already. I need to start thinking about Christmas presents and a new baby is coming in October. I need to get started on making baby things. They know they are having a girl so that will make it easier.
Christmas on the other hand is trickier. We pull names out of a hat on Thanksgiving so that doesn't really give me enough time. I think that this year I will make up a few things and then depending on who's name I get I'll be ready.
I already know that I have to get going on an Dark Mark scarf for a special friend and a hat with ear flaps for my husband who has been waiting for one for the last year.
So much knitting so little time.

Skull cap


I made this skull cap for my husband he saw one on Deadliest Catch and wanted one. I used Cascade 220 wool in black and gray. I have enough left over that I can make one in gray with black skulls.

Pi Shawl


Here is a another picture of my Pi Shawl. I'm trying to work on my photography skills so please bear with me.

August socks


I finally can access the internet. Lately every time I try to post the internet shuts down.
Any way August has my PHD month and I did get two projects half done finished. Here are my August socks. I can't find the yarn tag and I don't remember the name but I love the way they turned out.