The Skein Is Always Greener

Absent Minded

2012-02-02T15:09:00.002-05:00

I've neglected my blog, this I know. I'm sorry, blog.

If you have any questions about my patterns or just want to drop me a line, I'm therowantree on Ravelry. It may be a little while before I'm able to post much here as I get very little computer time.

Also, I can't believe my baby boy is 11 months old!

Two posts in a week?

2011-04-05T12:16:00.003-04:00

I was recently asked the question, "What's on your needles?" And I thought I'd take this opportunity to talk about knitting something you hate. I'm currently working on a pair of socks for myself. The pattern is easy, it looks pretty, and don't have to invest too much brain power into it. I rather like these socks. I like knitting them. However, I also have another project going... the dreaded hat for my mother. I hate knitting this hat. I hated it before I even started it. The hat itself is perfectly fine and I have no issues with the pattern or designer or anyone who chooses to make/wear the hat. But. I. Hate. Knitting. This. Hat. There's no specific reason I can point to that makes me hate the hat, but I do. Oh, I'll finish it (eventually). And hopefully it will fit my mother's head. And hopefully she will like it- she picked out the pattern and yarn so she should like it. So I ask you- Have you ever knitted something that you just detested but you kept plugging away because someone asked you to knit it for them?

Spring Has Sprung!

2011-04-04T11:35:00.003-04:00

I haven't been around much lately, what with the new baby and all :) So in honor of Spring and new beginnings, here are some budding greens for your needles. From top left: Fleece Artist Sea Wool in Apple Blossom, Squoosh Fiberarts Merino Cashmere Sock in Bud, Dream In Color Smooshy in Happy Forest, Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in Field

Happy Halloween! Happy Autumn!

2010-10-27T16:35:00.004-04:00

Autumn is my favorite season- the changing leaves, the crisp air, warm apple cider- I just love it! So in honor of my favorite time of year, here are some lovely yarns in colors that reflect what I see in the beauty of nature all around me during this wonderful season.

From top left: Madelinetosh Vintage in Copper Penny, Ella Rae fingering in Frizzle, Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Goldrush, Alpaca Yarn Company Paca Peds in Harvest, and Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Satsuma. All yarn and photos from The Loopy Ewe.

My Favorite Things

2010-09-22T16:39:00.007-04:00

Today I have the song Favorite Things from The Sound of Music running through my head. While Julie Andrews' voice and version of the song are incomparable, I recently discovered an interesting version of the song on YouTube by PomplamooseMusic.

So, without further ado, I bring you a few of the things in that song: raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, cream colored ponies, and warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, and something I love- a beautiful green yarn.

From top left: Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage in Rose, Schaefer Yarn Co Nichole in Cobblestone, Malabrigo Worsted in Natural, Dream in Color Smooshy in Malibu Sail, The Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga in Polyphemus Moth, and Dream in Color Starry in Go Go Grassy. All pics from the Loopy Ewe.

Into the Green

2010-08-23T12:04:00.006-04:00

Into the Green
This easy to memorize pattern is fun to knit. I just love watching the leaves appear! The pattern is super stretchy and will accommodate a variety of foot widths.

Materials
•1 skein of Three Irish Girls Beckon Stretch Merino or similar weight yarn 370-450 yards
•Set of five size 2.5mm needles (US 1½)
•Tapestry needle

Gauge
In stockinette: 7 stitches per inch slightly stretched
Pattern will fit an average woman’s foot with an 8 inch circumference.

Abbreviations
CO- cast on
K- knit
P- purl
St- stitch
K2tog- Knit two together
Ktbl- knit through the back of the loop
Sl- slip
P2tog- purl two together
Sl1, k2tog, psso- slip one stitch as if to knit, knit the next two stitches together, pass the slipped stitch over
*___*- repeat sts between the ** until round has been worked

Cuff:
Co 64 sts loosely. With 16 sts on each needle *k1, p1* for TWO rounds. Then switch to *ktbl, p1* for eight more rounds or until cuff reaches desired length. You may also want to weave in the tail at this time as well, but leave a little hanging to show beginning of round. You can also just work the twisted rib pattern for 10 rows, I just find it easier to do the first two rows with a plain old knit stitch.

Leg:
Begin using Leaf Lace Pattern Chart. Work rows 1-20 of chart 3 times or until leg of sock reaches desired length.

Heel:
If you have a heel pattern that you love to use, go ahead and do so. I find that this heel pattern fits me perfectly, but you might be different!

Heel Flap:
Place the 32 sts from N1 &N2 onto one needle.
R1- *sl1, k1*
R2- sl1, p31
Repeat for a total of 32 rows.

Turn Heel:
R1- (rs) sl1, K 16, ssk, k1, turn work.
R2- (ws) sl1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R3- sl1, k4, ssk, k1, turn work.
R4- sl1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R5-sl1, k6, ssk, k1, turn work.
R6- sl1, p7, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R7- sl1, k8, ssk, k1, turn work.
R8- sl1, p9, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R9- sl1, k10, ssk, k1, turn work.
R10- sl1, p11, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R11- sl1, k12, ssk, k1, turn work.
R12- sl1, p13, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R13- sl1, k14, ssk, k1, turn work.
R14- sl1, p15, p2tog, p1, turn work. 18 sts remain.
R15- sl1, K8 sts, then k9 sts onto another needle.

Gusset:
With the 9 sts from the heel on the needle, pick up and knit 16-18 sts along side edge of heel flap This needle is now N1. I usually pick up the stitch below the first st on the N2. Knit across N2 and N3 in main pattern. Pick up and knit 16-18 sts along the side edge of heel flap, and 9 sts that remain from the heel. This is now N4. Begin using five needles again.

R1- K to last 3 sts on N1, k2tog, p1. Work across N2 & N3 in main pattern. N4- k1, ssk, k to end of row.
R2- K to last st on needle, p1, Work across N2 & N3 in main pattern, N4 k all sts
Repeat these two gusset rows until 16 sts remain on each N1 and N4- you will now have 64 sts total.

The reason that the last st on N1 is a purl st is to give a “space” between the sole of the sock and the edge of the leaf pattern. You don’t need to do this on N4 because the last two sts on N3 are both purls.

Foot:
Continue knitting across sole sts and working Leaf Lace Pattern across top of foot until the foot measures about 2 inches from end of toe. Remember to purl the last st on N1 for the rest of the sock. I suggest stopping after knitting row 1 or 11. End after working either N1 or N3. Now it’s time to work the toe!

Toe:
I love a round toe, but if you don’t, please go ahead and use the toe pattern you prefer 
R1- *k6, k2tog*
Knit 5 rows
R2- *k5, k2tog*
Knit 4 rows
R3- *k4, k2tog*
K 3 rows
R4- *k3, k2tog*
K 2 rows
R5- *k2, k2tog*
K 1 row
R6- *k1, K2tog*
R7- *k2tog*
You will now have 8 sts remaining. Using Kitchener stitch weave together and then weave in any remaining loose ends. Voila! You have a sock!

Twisting the Night Away Socks

2010-08-23T09:01:00.003-04:00

This pattern creates a nice and stretchy ribbed sock with a sweet little twist stitch to add a little extra interest. With A Twist would be a great first sock project (or 20th sock project for that matter). They knit up quickly and the twists keep you on your toes. For a cute look, work the cuff, heel and toe in a contrasting color!

Materials
• 1 skein sock weight yarn (350-450 yds depending on length of sock leg)
• Size 2.25 mm needles (US 1)
• Tapestry needle

Gauge
In stockinette gauge should be 9sts per inch- this is with fabric relaxed, not stretched at all.

Note: I’m not one for testing and getting gauge. I know this is sometimes a bad idea, but these socks are ribbed, so if your gauge is not exactly the same as mine it probably won’t matter too much. If you know that you tend to knit tight or loose go up or down a size in needles. I generally find that if I am working on a size 1 needle I need a pattern between 60 and 68 sts to fit me properly, depending on the stretchiness of the pattern. Like all ribbed patterns, this one is stretchy.

Abbreviations
CO- cast on
K- knit
P- purl
St- stitch
K2tog- Knit two together
Ktbl- knit through the back of the loop
Sl- slip
P2tog- purl two together
RT- right twist: Knit the first and second sts on the left needle together, leave both sts on the needle and knit into the first st on the needle.
LT- left twist: Skip the first st on the left needle and KTBL of the second st, then knit the first two sts together through the back of the loop.
*___*- repeat sts between the ** until round has been worked

Pattern
Using preferred method, CO 64 sts. Divide sts onto 4 needles evenly and join in the round.

Cuff:
With 16 sts on each needle *k2, p2* for ten rounds. You may also want to weave in the tail at this time as well, but leave a little hanging to show beginning of round.

Main Pattern:
Twists going in the same direction-
R1- *k2, p2*
R2- *k2, p2*
R3- * RT, p2, k2, p2*
R4- *k2, p2*
R5- *k2, p2*
R6- *k2, p2, RT, p2*

Statring on R3 of pattern, work in pattern until leg reaches desired length. You are now ready to start the heel

If you would like for the rows of twists to go in opposite directions, follow the instructions below.

Twists going in opposite directions-
R1- *k2, p2*
R2- *k2, p2*
R3- * RT, p2, k2, p2*
R4- *k2, p2*
R5- *k2, p2*
R6- *k2, p2, LT, p2*

Heel:
If you have a heel pattern that you love to use, go ahead and do so. I find that this heel pattern fits me perfectly, but you might be different!

Heel Flap:
Place the 32 sts from N1 &N2 onto one needle.
R1- sl1, k31
R2- sl1, p31
Repeat for a total of 32 rows.

Turn Heel:
R1- (rs) sl1, K 16, ssk, k1, turn work.
R2- (ws) sl1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R3- sl1, k4, ssk, k1, turn work.
R4- sl1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R5-sl1, k6, ssk, k1, turn work.
R6- sl1, p7, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R7- sl1, k8, ssk, k1, turn work.
R8- sl1, p9, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R9- sl1, k10, ssk, k1, turn work.
R10- sl1, p11, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R11- sl1, k12, ssk, k1, turn work.
R12- sl1, p13, p2tog, p1, turn work.
R13- sl1, k14, ssk, k1, turn work.
R14- sl1, p15, p2tog, p1, turn work. 18 sts remain.
R15- sl1, K8 sts, then k9 sts onto another needle.

Gusset:
With the 9 sts from the heel on the needle, pick up and knit 16-18 sts along side edge of heel flap This needle is now N1. I usually pick up the stitch below the first st on the next needle. Knit across N2 and N3 in main pattern. Pick up and knit 16-18 sts along the side edge of heel flap, and 9 sts that remain from the heel. This is now N4. Begin using five needles again.

R1- K to last 3 sts on N1 k2tog, p1. Work across N2 & N3 in main pattern. N4- ssk, k to end of row.
R2- K to last st on needle, p1, Work across N2 & N3 in main pattern, N4 k all sts
Repeat these two rows until 16 sts remain on each N1 and N4- you will now have 64 sts total.

Foot:
Continue knitting across sole sts and working main pattern across top of foot until the foot measures about 2 inches from end of toe. End after working either N1 or N3. Now it’s time to work the toe! If you are using a different color, go ahead and weave in any ends at this time to make things a bit easier on you! Seriously, do it now 

Toe:
I love a round toe, but if you don’t go ahead and use the toe pattern you prefer 
R1- *k6, k2tog*
Knit 5 rows
R2- *k5, k2tog*
Knit 4 rows
R3- *k4, k2tog*
K 3 rows
R4- *k3, k2tog*
K 2 rows
R5- *k2, k2tog*
K 1 row
R6- *k1, K2tog*
R7- *k2tog*
You will now have 8 sts remaining. Using Kitchener stitch weave together and then weave in any remaining loose ends. Voila! You have a sock!

Bluegrass

2010-07-21T10:49:00.003-04:00

Today I'm listening to Allison Krauss & Union Station and I'm loving the bluegrass. So I figured I'd find some pretty yarn that is evocative of this music- rich, beautiful blues and greens. I'd like all of these please.

In a circle starting from the top left: Dragonfly Fibers Djinni Sock in Robin's Egg available from The Loopy Ewe; HandMaiden Casbah Sock in Hemlock 2 available from The Backwards Loop; Three Irish Girls in Rhiannon available from Three Irish Girls; Yarn Love in Lagoon, Pagewood Farm Alyeska in Bird of Paradise available from Eat.Sleep.Knit; and HandMaiden Casbah Sock in Rainforest available from The Loopy Ewe.

Hello, Cowboy.

2010-07-12T09:27:00.003-04:00

Today I am thinking about old Westerns starring Sam Elliott. Hence the desert color scheme- blue, sand, orange, brown, and hints of green. I think I'll go and watch The Quick and the Dead now.

From left to right: Becoming Art Outlaw on Suave, Madelinetosh Napoli on Tosh Sock, and Yarn Love Tranquil Waters on Juliet.

Inspired

2010-06-21T16:23:00.003-04:00

Today I am feeling inspired by a post from last week on Katie's blog, Today I Want, that featured vintage swimwear. It's hot outside and these colors make me feel all cool and happy. I seem to be in love with blue yarn lately.

All these yarns are available from Eat. Sleep.Knit. From top left: Dream In Color Smooshy in Beach Fog, SweetGeorgia Tough Love Sock in Saltwater, Scarlet Fleece Painted Merino in Pacific, Yarn Love Marianne Dashwood in Shipwreck, MadelineTosh Tosh Sock in Cove, and Squoosh Fiberarts Ultra Sock in Beach Comber.

Self Restraint... ha ha ha!

2010-06-17T09:07:00.007-04:00

That just happens to be Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in the Tomato colorway. And yes, I am such a dork that I just had to compare the color of the yarn to the cherry tomatoes we're growing in the back yard. It is the same color. I always thought that tomatoes were pretty much red, but now I see that they're really rather orange. Although, my favorite tomatoes are purple. Anyway, back to yarn. I love the feel of Tosh sock. I have two skeins in my stash but have not done any knitting with it yet.

I've been on the hunt for some good, true yellows. Not orangey, not greeney, but true yellow. And voila! Madelinetosh does some amazing yellows. Oh, I am so in trouble.

This is Butter. Isn't she beautiful?

And this is Chamomile. Oh, my, aren't you cheeky?

Purl, Purl, Purl

2010-06-01T15:01:00.005-04:00

I did not take the above picture- I wish I could make that claim.

Today I am waiting for my monthly shipment of yarn to arrive from Three Irish Girls. Notice how I did not say "patiently waiting." I am anything but patient at the moment- chomping at the bit might be a more accurate description. It's not like I have anything planned for the yarn that is currently in my mailman's bag, I just want to possess it. I want to open the plastic envelope, remove the chocolate brown paper bag with the Three Irish Girls seal on it, break that seal and touch the yarn.

I also have a set of needles coming to replace the one I broke working on the Cattywampus socks. So I have all kinds of knitting goodness coming in the mail. Today I am the long suffering yarnaholic.

The Tale of Cattywampus

2010-05-26T11:27:00.006-04:00

One of these tomatoes is not like the other ones.

I believe that all knitting has a story to tell. Sometimes the story is about what was happening in the knitter's life when she or he was knitting the item. Sometimes the story is about the person the item is intended for. And sometimes the story is about the item itself. For example: Cattywampus.

I just finished knitting the first sock of the pair and this is the amount of yarn I have left over. That's 3 grams. Yes, the ball is in fact slightly larger than a quarter. Happily, I was smart and divided the skein into two equal sized center pull balls before I started knitting. Not that this yarn likes to stay in a nice, neat center pull configuration.

Yes, that is a broken needle. When you knit with needles that are slightly thinner than a toothpick, sometimes breakage happens. As it did in this case when I was on the last row of the last pattern repeat. No big deal, I just started using 4 needles instead of the usual 5. I can order another identical set of size 0 (2mm) needles and I'll have extras incase of more breakage.

This is the first sock. I love it. The picture does not do it justice at all. The yarn color is Cattywampus and it is on Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Lightweight. It is a delight to work with. The pattern is Nanner Socks by Wendy Johnson. I love it too.

And just look at this bind-off! I mean who wouldn't want to put their foot in that?! I just love JSSBO (Jenny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off).

Thoughts, I'm just full of them

2010-05-14T18:10:00.002-04:00

This is Beckon Merino Sock yarn from Three Irish Girls. The colorway is Lagoon. I love this colorway. In fact I love this yarn so much that I am having a really hard time using it. I know, that sounds counterintuitive. But like the Yarn Harlot said, "yarn is forever, socks get holes." I'm paraphrasing, but that's the gist of what she said.

This yarn is currently destined to be knit into a pattern that I have devised. The pattern has a leaf motif, and I need a name for said pattern. I need to stop calling these socks- that have yet to be knit- Leafy Socks.

More Yarn, Please

2010-04-23T10:19:00.004-04:00

After getting a quote of nearly $20,000 to replace the cabinets in our tiny galley kitchen I decided that I'd rather spend the money on yarn :) Just kidding. I must admit that this HandMaiden Casbah yarn in Dandelion makes me want to spend tons of money on yarn. I think I need to get my hands on some of it...

http://www.thebackwardsloop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_177_178&products_id=1496

Bright and Sunshiney

2010-04-22T09:24:00.003-04:00

Circus Dancer is so cheerful with shades of orange, yellow, blue and reddish pink. I've used Claudia Handpainted Sock and it is very nice to work with- and it seems not to pool!

http://www.eatsleepknit.com/cshop/product/Claudia-Handpainted-Yarn-Fingering--Sock-Yarn/26/#

Hello Sunshine

2010-04-21T09:33:00.005-04:00

Today needs something bright and warm. Here is some cashmere and silk laceweight yarn from Sweet Georgia in Goldmine.

http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/yarn/sweet-georgia/cashsilk-lace/goldmine/

Of A Tuesday

2010-04-20T09:14:00.003-04:00

Wild Berry handspun makes me think of summer berries from the Farmer's Market all cooked up in a delicious cobbler. Now I'm hungry and I want yarn.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42205591/kitty-mixers-2ply-yarn---wild-berry---ha?ref=cat3_gallery_1

Dear Monday,

2010-04-19T15:15:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you just need something really happy and PINK! Willenstudio Superwash Merino Sock yarn in And A Pink Carnation.

Sparkle Peach

2010-04-12T16:16:00.003-04:00

Dream in Color Starry in Giant Peach. And it sparkles! The fastest way to my heart is with glitter :)

http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/yarn/dream-in-color/starry/giant-peach/

You look delicious

2010-04-09T17:45:00.003-04:00

Meet Zuzu's Petals (on Kells Sport from Three Irish Girls). I want to take a big bite out of this yarn.

http://www.threeirishgirls.com/

Saphire Green

2010-04-08T08:34:00.000-04:00

If you've never knitted with Malabrigio Worsted Merino, you are really missing out on something special. This yarn is delightfully soft and knits up beautifully. It's like knitting with clouds.

http://www.eatsleepknit.com/cshop/product/Malabrigo-Worsted-Merino-Yarn/835/#

La Vie Boheme

2010-04-07T17:35:00.000-04:00

I seem to have fallen for Boheme. I mean, who wouldn't?

Yarn, How I Love Thee

2010-04-06T14:57:00.000-04:00

Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock in Kelpie. There are no words to describe just how beautiful this truly is, so a picture will just have to do.