Knit Hermit Weekend

I'm enjoying my first "Knit Hermit Weekend" of 2011 - three days of uninterrupted knitting bliss after my family went back to Texas last week.  Except for some brief annoyances like laundry, vacuuming and an unavoidable grocery store trip tomorrow, I have sat like a slug by the fire knitting fiendishly on multiple projects.  I watched lots of History channel tv, The Hangover movie and listened to music (right now some Bing Crosby).  The weather has even cooperated - damp, cloudy and cold - perfect knitting weather.  Life doesn't get much better for this knitter!

I will admit I'm not a particularly fast knitter (being a thrower slows me down for sure), but I try to make up for my speed with quantity.  Being borderline adult ADD, I have to rotate between projects to keep myself entertained, so tend to start a bunch at once, feel like I'm never going to finish any of them at some point and finally wrap them all up almost simultaneously.   I wouldn't recommend this knitting style to anyone else, but it is how I've always churned out my projects.

So, what have I accomplished so far this weekend?  I'm happy to say I did complete the "Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket" (a Lion Brand freebie pattern) that I started a week ago on the car ride to check out the University of Oregon in Eugene (one of my youngest's three potential college picks).  I had 6 balls of white wool/cashmere yarn in my stash that were just enough to do it (see photo on the left).  It was brainless knitting, but turned out well and will make a good baby gift for either my friend Ben's first baby or my newest grandchild, Weaselhead (what Hudson wants to call him/her).

I got all motivated after Harold, my boss and friend, seemed disappointed at Christmas when I didn't knit him a sweater.  I decided to knit him a simple v-neck men's vest in rice stitch out off grey wool/acrylic DK from Two-Stitch Knits by Jane Crowfoot.  It will take me forever to finish this one, but I'm really liking the look and texture of the rice stitch and keep picturing how nice the vest will look under his business suits.

After selling yet another "Oatmeal Hat" in my Etsy shop right after listing, I suppose I should start another to replace it.  I have made (and immediately sold) three of them now and am considering raising the price to slow down having to churn out more.  I make them out of oatmeal Fishermen's Wool and don't like making them anymore.  Speaking of Fishermen's Wool, which I am way too fond of right now, I am starting a little girl's Anthropologie-like cardigan out of it with oversized rustic knitted flowers sprinkled here and there for my Etsy shop.  I'm still trying to decide whether I want the flowers to be bright, or done in the various natural shades of the FW yarn.  I will cast on for the cardigan tonight and see what happens...

And finally, I wanted to make a simple infinity scarf with fringe around one edge like the one I made Sayde, so used some Knitpicks Felici sport in grey and red stripes to start it (see photo).  I will probably put it in the Etsy shop when finished.  I also cast on the "Mona's Jacket" from Spring 2010 Interweave Knits out of Tweedle Dee for me.  It is done top-down and way fun to knit. 

My Knitting Resolutions for 2011

After a crazy flurry of last-minute holiday knitting, I'm finally ready to regroup for the new year.  Among my  completed gift projects were several afghan/throws, multiple scarves, slippers and slouch hats.  Now I can get back to increasing my Etsy shop inventory , finishing several new patterns I'm designing and making random booties, clothing and toys for my next grandchild affectionately known as "Weaselhead" (Mr. Spud's name for him/her).

I barely managed to finish the misty taupe scarf Sayde had requested I knit to duplicate one we saw at Anthropologie in Austin at Thanksgiving to give her when she came for the holidays.  I knit it out of Naturally Caron "SPA" (75% microdenier acrylic/25% rayon from bamboo) for softness and drapability, cast on 50 stitches with size 5 needles and alternated 10 k, 10 p to a 70" length, seamed into a loop and added long fringe down one side.   Love the way it turned out (see side photo), Sayde has worn it non-stop and it inspired her to get back into knitting and make one herself out of apricot Patons "Silk Bamboo."

The charcoal grey newsboy cap I knit for my daughter Jade was a big hit and looks really good on her.  She and Sayde both have excellent heads for hats and seem to look good in any headwear I knit them.  The photo of Jade in her new cap was taken in front of the Christmas tree in Pioneer Place in downtown Portland where we went to check out the new H&M store that opened recently.

I churned out a postal-y heathered blue ribbed scarf for my super postal carrier, Burt, who always goes out of his way for me and my mail.  I doubled Plymouth Encore DK so it was chunky and washable (note picture on the side).  Burt was tickled and it was fun to surprise him with a Christmas gift.

The only thing I didn't finish in time was the Star Afghan I knit for my friend/boss Werner and his family.  I used the pattern out of the Knitter's At Home book which literally starts with 7 cast on stitches and with the help of many increases ends up being 740 stitches per row at bind off.  I made it out of Moda Dea Sassy Stripes that self-patterns in browns and blues, is machine washable and looks good on their new chocolate leather sofa.  I forgot to take a photo before gifting it (although I remembered to sew on a "HipKnitizer Handknits" label). Werner has promised to take a picture of it for me to post on here later.

So, after careful consideration, here is my list of 2011 New Year's Knitting Resolutions:

1) Take at least two photos of each finished project (1 close-up and 1 from a distance) and post on this blog, Etsy and/or Ravelry.com.

2) Sew a "Hipknitizer Handknits" woven tag on every project I knit this year, no excuses.

3) Improve on my Intarsia skills and hopefully learn to love doing it.

4) I swear, swear, swear I will actually try steeking rather than just reading about it
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5) I will design a minimum of 6 new knitting patterns this year (at least half of them complicated garments).

6) I absolutely won't buy more yarn until after President's Day (although I have reduced my stash substantially in the last few months with my non-stop knitting).

7) I will only knit for people that want and appreciate my knitting (or are willing to pay for my work).

8) I will manage to take 30 minutes of my daily knitting time to exercise the rest of my body.

9) I will teach and inspire at least 6 newbies to knit this year.

10) I PROMISE to update this blog at minimum once a week (and will try extra-hard to update twice a week).

HAVE A GREAT  2 0 1 1  EVERYONE!

Ready of Not, Here Comes Christmas & My Favorite Knitter Gifts

Wow, the holidays snuck up on me this year.  I have so many people to knit gifts for this year, compared to last year when I was still working full-time on the road.  This year I'm knitting for my three daughters, son-in-law, grandson, grandchild-on-the-way (due in June & probably named June if a girl), two bosses and their families, mailman who has been so awesome this year and friends.  And, simultaneously, keeping this blog somewhat up-to-date, my shop on Etsy.com (HipKnitizer) stocked, adding new knitting designs on Ravelry, prepping my loft for Christmas from scratch (all my Christmas decor is still in TX) and managing to work my full-time job.

If I get everything done it will be a miracle.  Here's my list of current projects:  Star afghan done in the round, fringed infinity scarf like one my daughter saw at Anthropoligie in Austin, postal blue "Dudester" scarf for mailman, several other men's scarves, more "Oatmeal" hats to stock my Etsy store (they keep selling as soon as I list them), hats for Jocey & Luke, the prototype for the silly "Sayde Sunshine" doll and more.

I normally buy myself something for Christmas (usually yarn), but this year I am foregoing this treat.  I will probably be moving again in the next six months and am trying to not accumulate more to move.  It did get me to thinking about the best knitter gifts and knitting treats I like to buy myself.  And, for what it is worth, here is my list:

Under $20 gift budget:

1) The original Stitch 'n Bitch book by Debbie Stoller - the best basic knitting book there is, period...
2) KnowKnits "Go Knit" Pouch -a  brightly-colored nylon pouch with drawstring perfect for sock knitting
3) Several pairs of 9 - 14" bamboo single point knitting needles - preferably in the 3-9 size range
4) Stitch holders, markers & point protectors - I'm fond of the double ended stitch holders, Knitpick's brass markers and blue Boye point protector sets
5) Knitpicks,Elann.com,  JoAnn, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or A.C. Moore gift cards

Under $50 gift budget:

1) Ball winder - the Boye electric winder is the Cadillac of ball winders
2) Yarn swift - see wood swift link above - I have one just like this and I love it
3)  Sock blockers in several sizes - I like Knitpick's heavy blue plastic ones
4) Any knitting stitch collection book - always useful to a knitter
5) 10 skeins Stitch Nation Alpaca Love yarn  (enough for a sweater) - my favorite color right now is "Cobblestone"

My 9 Top Basic Stash Yarns

I just returned from a two-week trip to my East Texas home.  While I was there, I  took a peek at the 20 boxes of yarn and knitting books stashed in my yarn room there waiting to be moved somewhere this summer.  I had forgotten much of the yarn there as I hadn't been back in a year.  Dang!

I am further reminded as I gaze at my Oregon yarn stash today that I have WAY too much yarn.  I am a sucker for a good yarn sale and typically buy 100-200 skeins when I order by mail.  Between the two homes (and two yarn rooms), I probably have well over 1500 skeins or enough to knit at least 200 - 300 projects.  Shocking and I should be ashamed. 

Anyway, it begs the question, how much yarn is enough (but not too much)?  I don't know the answer to this question, but I do think there are certain brands/types of basic, utilitarian yarn that should be in every knitter's stash for last-minute projects or when it is just too darn much work to get out and buy yarn when you're dying to start a new project.

So here's my list of what should be in every yarn "pantry":

1) Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool  (100% pure virgin wool with natural lanolin oil, 465 yd skeins, worsted).  I am fond of the "oatmeal" colorway for the rustic neutrality.  This stuff is great for felting, knitting men's projects and come in ginormous skeins.

2) Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride (85% wool/15% mohair, 190 yd skeins, worsted).  The softness and deep, beautiful colors in this yarn are to die for.  It felts well, has a nice shine and slight halo.  Just great for a fairly economical sweater or accessories.

3) Paton's Classic Wool (100% pure new wool, 223 yd skeins, worsted).  Maybe my all-time favorite go-to yarn for basic knitting, felting and down-to-earth colors.  Fairly economical and the large skeins go a long way.  This is the yarn I recommend to new knitters just starting out.

4) Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian highland wool, 220 yd skeins, worsted).  This is a classic, universally-loved yarn for felting or regular knitting.  It has great stitch definition, comes in a wide range of good colors and is moderately-priced.

5) Plymouth Encore (75% acrylic/25% wool, 200 yd skeins, worsted).  Again, another classic yarn with many attributes of wool, but the washability of acrylic.  This is a softer yarn that is a pleasure to knit with and perfect for the look and feel of wool but easy to care for in kid's clothes, afghans and pillows.

6) Lily Sugar 'N Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd skeins, worsted).  Who doesn't love using this basic cotton for dishcloths, home accessories and summer items?  It washes well with no special care, comes in a wide range of colors, easy to locate and very economical. 

7) Paton's Grace (100% mercerized cotton, 136 yd skeins, sport).  I'm starting to fully appreciate the beauty and usefulness of this smooth, slightly shiny basic yarn.  The stitch definition is excellent and it is perfect for lighter-weight, summer projects.  It has a surprising drapability and pretty colors.

8) Stitch Nation Alpaca Love (80% wool/20% alpaca, 131 yd skeins, worsted).  This relative newcomer is gorgeous and has the attributes of a high-end yarn in a very economical form.  The colors are exceptionally bright and vibrant and it can be found at regular craft stores.  The yarn has good stitch definition and adorable free patterns, and will also felt well.

9) Red Heart Heart & Sole with Aloe (70% superwash wool/30% nylon, 213 yd skeins, sock).  I'm a sucker for this inexpensive, self-patterning sock yarn.  Maybe because it's easy to find at most craft stores, feels good and softens your hands while knitting (and later your feet in the socks).  It comes in a limited range of colors, but  the ones they offer are pretty appealing.  I've knit socks, kid's clothes and accessories with this yarn and the washability is excellent.

What are your go-to yarn basics?

Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Book Signing with the Superstar Herself

I'm here to report that Debbie Stoller's book signing at Powell's City of Books in downtown Portland, Oregon last weekend was a great success!  There were 50-60 attendees and lots of them purchased the book and had it signed.  Knitting needles clicked in the awe-struck audience as Debbie spoke about her knitting inspiration, knitting tips (stitch positions involving audience participation was priceless) and background about her new book, Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting which was officially released 11/01/10.

Debbie had brought a trunk show of some of the book's projects, including my design, "Baby Corn", and "The Life Aquatic" pattern designed by Serena Murphy, also from the Portland area.  We were introduced to the audience, too.  The project models featured in the book were passed around and it was interesting to see the models in person.  I cringed when "Baby Corn" was passed to me, dreading how the model I knit might be faring through all the modelling, handling, etc.  There were a few loose ends and pulled stitches, which I remedied as best I could.

It was fun to meet Debbie's mom, Mrs. Stoller (I'm sorry I didn't catch her last name).  She was along for the ride on Debbie's book tour on the train.  She told me she would rather fly than ride a roller coaster after having been traumatized on a roller coaster years ago.  Debbie prefers riding the train on her book tours and still had Seattle, WA and several cities in California to hit before having to fly home to Brooklyn for the holidays.

I went to the signing with a couple of friends and was pleasantly surprised when my day job bosses and their families attended to show their support of my first published pattern (and hopefully not the last).  The kids, Jocie and Luke, were wearing sweaters I had knitted both of them so it was really special.  I've put their pictures on the left.  I even got to sign some books myself and got Debbie's signature on my book copies. 

I was wearing a black wool/angora version of "Coco" from the book I whipped out for the occasion.  I wasn't feeling the sequins in the original "Coco" so used a selection of random buttons along the bottom and sleeve edges.  I was sorry several times as it was overly warm and the angora kept going up my nose!

The next day, Debbie was featured on local TV on "AM Northwest" and showed the projects we had seen at the book signing.  Several of my friends saw "Baby Corn" and my name mentioned as the designer and contacted me afterward.  What a fun experience and Debbie is an excellent, clever speaker.  I would highly recommend making the effort to see her if she comes to your town!

Boogie Shooz #1 Released To the Public

I FINALLY finished the Boogie Shooz #1 pattern and posted it on http://www.ravelry.com/ late last night.  It took w-a-y longer than I had expected, as I decided to do two other versions simultaneously (#2 & #3 natch), while I was finishing up several  projects and whipping out "Coco" from Superstar Knitting in record time to wear today.  Oh, and I wrote the pattern and am half-finished with "Sleet", my latest new scarf pattern which will be offered for free download on this blog (hopefully this coming week, if I can finish the prototype to photograph).  It is my favorite scarf pattern yet.  And there's the interruption of having to stop my knitting and go to work outside Knitworld 35 hours a week...

Boogie Shooz resemble quirky baby booties as you can see from the photos to the left and come in 3 sizes for grown a** women.  They are pretty quick and easy for some instant gratification.  I definitely let my freak flag fly on this one - why the heck not??  This is my first foray into selling patterns on Ravelry.  I've been giving away "Big Honkin' Bag" and the "Elusive Blue Rose Hat" for almost a year now and they've had a good response, as well as the two scarf pattern downloads on this blog linked to Ravelry.  This may prove if the hundreds of patterns were downloaded because they were awesome or because they were ....  free.

I chose Debbie Stoller's Stitch Nation Full 'o Sheep to knit them in as it comes in an array of bright, interesting colors and is my current fave yarn.  Debbie's book signing is at Powell's City of Books in downtown Portland today and I will be in attendance.  I 'm taking all 3 prototype pairs of Boogie Shooz for Debbie to see knit from her yarn and my next design sketches for "Sayde Sunshine", a bizarro doll also out of Stitch Nation yarn.

If you're interested, each Boogie Shooz pattern download can be purchased for a mere $4 on Ravelry.  I will do my best to get #2 and #3 on there this coming week.   I would love your opinion on these so feel free to post your comments.  I will also be posting the rules of the drawing for 3 copies of Superstar Knitting (one signed by Debbie) soon. 

Book Review: Design It, Knit It, Babies by Debbie Bliss

After buying and enjoying Design It, Knit It published in 2009 by Debbie Bliss, I was excited to check out her "sequel" for babies which came out Summer 2010.  My interest was definitely piqued in the first volume by several inexplicable photos of darling baby garments not included in that book, which proved to be teasers of patterns in this book.  Clever marketing idea, along with several other novelties which are included in this book.

PROS:  I like knitting books that feature a spiral wire binding like this one - it easily lays flat and is infinitely more useable than a regular binding when referring to pattern instructions.  The pattern instructions are clearly-written and easy to follow with plenty of diagrams and photographs to illustrate each.

The eighteen projects included in the 158-page book range from easy (tiny unisex Garter-Stitch Cardigan with minimal shaping) to more complicated, but still not overly difficult (boy's Shawl-Collar Jacket with clever northwoods styling).  My favorite pattern is the precious Hooded Cardigan which is charming in its simplicity or as a blank slate for design customization.  I can see using this pattern again and again.

There are also several baby afghans, accessories like a fair isle beret, several dresses, cardigans for boys and girls, and imaginative pullovers.  I'm intrigued by the colorful little girl's Chevron Cardigan as it is similar to a design idea that had been floating around in my head and appeals to my affection for ripple stitch patterns.

The photography is soft and beautiful, a hallmark of Debbie Bliss books and showcases the pretty babies and muted colors of the Debbie Bliss yarns utilized in the designs.  Really makes you want to grab some needles and whip out a baby project on the spur of the moment, even if there isn't a baby to knit for right this minute.  Even though it may be purely staged, I enjoyed the glimpses of Debbie's design studio (and Debbie herself with a tape measure around her neck) sprinkled throughout the book.

CONS:  If you are into designing patterns for babies (like Debbie Bliss clearly is), there is some helpful creativity advice, but little about the actual mechanics of calculations and the like, as she mentions herself in the book's introduction.  This is purely soft core knit design information.

When I buy a knitting book, I calculate the value of the book by dividing the cost by the number of usable patterns in the book.  Only 18 patterns in this book is a little on the skimpy side (although I found few page fillers) and the value of  "design inspiration" is subjective.  I admire Debbie Bliss and what her talent has accomplished in the knitting world, but I either want my knitting books to be either a knitting pattern book or a design inspiration book.  Or, contain enough of each in a hybrid to make me feel like the book was a good investment of my knitting dollars.

The jury is still out on whether the 15 pages of "Design Workbook", composed of grids and sweater outlines to embellish with one's own ideas was all that necessary.  I don't like writing or drawing in my books, so that was not something I would ever use.  Including a tear-out tool in the back for measuring knitting needle, gauge and knitting abbreviations is an interesting idea.  The flimsy laminated page clearly won't take the place of any of these more permanent tools you currently own.

Overall, I give Design It, Knit It, Babies by Debbie Bliss a 3 1/2 * rating (based on a 5 * system).