In Progress

I've been knitting a lot this month too - trying to keep myself focused on knitting but also have a lot of time to sit at various sports practices and games/meets/events.  Small project knitting is definitely getting done!

First up, I finished my 3 Colour Cowl (without the cashmere) by Joji Locatelli that was my Holiday cast-on.  Easy travelling project, fits in a purse or bag and is easy to follow, pick up and put down during sports events while sitting on very uncomfortable bleachers. Ends have been woven in and it's blocked now but still looks similar to this:

I also finished a bulky fair isle hat for a colleague at work.   I used a Caron x Pantone braid from Michaels, as she has very sensitive skin and also likely wants to wear this without worrying about taking care of a pure wool fibre.  I knit the hat in less than 3 hours during the 2019 Superbowl.  Game was quite boring unless you love strategic defense in a low-scoring game, but that meant I could focus more on the hat than the tv screen.  This yarn was great to work with.  It's affordable at $10 CDN for a 'braid' of 5 colours, and I purchased it on sale for 50% off.  Whole project was less than $5.00 and I'd knit another at full price.  The pattern is free on the Yarnspirations website.  In the debate about cost versus luxury fibres, I come out as a 'omnivore knitter' (more on that in another post) and use all kinds of fibres, including those easily found at a 'box' store like Michaels.

Speaking of Yarnspirations, I also like the patterns I find there.  They've started carrying Sugar Bush Yarns which are more expensive (for good reason - lovely yarn!) but a few patterns are free on the site.  I started Without A Paddle, a cropped pullover but am using Berroco Vintage Chunky in a dark purple colour instead, as I can buy it from my LYS at a price point that works for me.  It's meant to be knit in Canoe, a chunky wool/alpaca blend that is tweedy.   Mine won't be tweedy but I do like the way the Vintage Chunky knits up.  It's a bottom-up sweater with a yoke construction, so I'm done the body and am ready to knit the sleeves, then join them to do the yoke:

I have a few other projects on the go, or almost done but I'll save those for other posts as they have their own stories to tell.

January Review - Reading

Aside from all of the knitting (see my previous post) I also did a lot of reading this month.  I love my library and get most books from there.  I'm trying to listen to books while I drive, but my commute is short (not a complaint, just a fact) and I only get about 10 minutes of reading at a time so the book feels disjointed.  I've also realized I can listen to non-fiction but lose the thread of the narrative if it's fiction.

I belong to two book clubs and our picks for January/February were very different.  One is historical fiction, highlighting the impact of federal and provincial policies on the most vulnerable people - in this case, children living in care or in mental health facilities in the 1950's.  The book is well written with complex characters, a balance between narrative drive and character development, and a satisfying ending.

 The second is a psychological drama, set in the near future.  The story unfolds in an interesting way, and has one of the most satisfying endings I've read in a while.

I also read two books that are on my list to read to learn more about perspectives beyond my own.  Brother is on the Canada Reads 2019 list this year.  It's set in Toronto, and the narrative moves between present day and and the past.  Race, immigration, and the impact of these factors on the lives of the characters make up the themes of the book.  It's short, but emotional and timely. 

The other I listened to on audio.  I recommend reading a hard copy with a notebook and pen in hand, the book is packed full of thought-provoking ideas and experiences.  Coates writes a letter to his son, describing what it means to be Black in the United States.  I love books that teach me something, and this one has so many lessons to learn.  Rethinking and unlearning are key ingredients to an excellent book, for me.

February's list looks just as interesting and diverse in genre and perspective - more on that in a month (or less)!

January Round-up - Knitting

January felt good.  Productive but in a way that felt creative rather than deadline-driven.  I did a lot of knitting and rekindled my reading life.   More on the reading in the next post, but here's the knitting!

Lots of knitting due to my focus on only working on one or two projects at a time and giving each a designated time or location.  By this I mean that I worked on socks during the day or while dinner cooked (when possible) as they required a bit of focus and are more fiddly for me (at this point.  I'm a new sock knitter, so they aren't 'throw in my bag' kinds of projects yet).   I worked on sweaters in the evening as they are less portable and usually require less concentration for me right now.   I am knitting shawls/cowls/hats on the go as they are portable and relatively easy to do in congested locations (like on the bleachers at a sports event or practice). 

My finished objects this month:
Lyndon socks by Alicia Plummer knit in Patons Alpaca Blend - I'm trying to balance economical yarns and more expensive yarns this year - see the post at Knitted Bliss for a more eloquent explanation of how to incorporate different yarns into projects.

Lesley by Hannah Fettig in Cascade Eco+ (just learning about some issues related to Cascade Yarn, but I don't know enough to say more here yet - this has been in my stash for a couple of years) and the pattern was knit in pieces and seamed because I love seaming and like that knitting in pieces makes it less bulky to work on.

I also finally finished Bindrune by Amy Christoffers using the yarn I won from Berroco over a year ago.  It's super-warm and perfect for the Polar Vortex cold spell we just had this week:

This month I've also done some significant reading.  I finished

think, rethink, learn, unlearn

Lots of conversations in this corner of the crafting community (see Ravelry's summary to start) about inclusion, racism, and privilege.  This is not a new conversation for me; as an educator I have been working on examining my own privilege, biases, role in an unjust system, and role as an educator in a position of authority and influence.  I know very little for sure, but one thing I do know is that in order to change my own thinking I have to read, research, reflect, and act.  Reading reviews or excerpts of someone else's learning brings little meta-cognition or internal change.   To read first- hand experiences and to understand the larger context, go to Instagram and look at stories by @astitchtowear @booksandcables @su.krita and others.

The best thing that I can do is to recommend books that help me frame my own understanding.  I have been raised to believe I am White.  I have inherited and benefited from the privileges that those who are seen as White are afforded.   I recommend:

To know more about being seen as White and the privileges this affords:

To learn about those who viewed as "other" or People of Colour (PoC or BIPoC) and their lived experiences:

To understand the historical roots of racism and the impact this still has on individuals today (both are told through historical fiction):

I have read all of these over the past few years (or more recently, for some) and all still stay with me as I continue to grow and learn.

New Year - more knitting, less planning

I'm not going to make too many plans for 2019.  I choose projects, change my mind, and then feel anxious that I've deviated from the 'plan'.  Silly, when the only person who cares about this is me!  So I'm going to join a couple of KALs to start the new year off while focusing on a few simple goals:

1.  Knit from the books I own - I own many knitting books and magazines (Ravelry says I have 48  books and 56 magazines) and want to knit from them.  I love books, having the hard copy in my hands and looking at the pages.

2.  Knit from the stash I have - this is a repeat of previous years' goals but still holds true.  I don't have a huge stash but I'd like to use the yarn I have already, and purchase for specific projects rather than just accumulating.  Not a hard goal for me to meet but it will help me make decisions about what to knit next.

3.  Build up my gift bin - I deplete this every winter for holiday gifts but love having a variety of cowls, mitts, and hats to gift when I need to.  This reduces that 'holiday gift' knitting stress tremendously.

That's it.  I have started off with these in mind and cast on a pair of bulky socks (for around the house) by Alicia Plummer from PlumDandi Knits and a bulky sweater from Hannah Fettig's Home and Away book.  Both are bulky so they will be quick and give some not-quite-instant gratification.  A hat from each book will be up next!

'Tis the Season

It's gift knitting season, and I've made several items to gift.  I enjoy making things to give, and make items for my 'gift bin' all year long.  This makes giving to people like teachers, colleagues, and friends easier with minimal holiday knitting rush.  My gifts are small accessories - not all recipients appreciate hand-made.  This year, I made and gifted:

Old Castle set by Lisa Mutch (teacher gift)

Striped Stitchplay Cowl, my own design (gift for colleague)

Wislawa by Bristol Ivy (birthday gift for friend)

Gramps by TinCan Knits (baby gift)

Not a lot of gifts to give, but all were knit ahead of time which leaves me with lots of time to knit what I want to knit during the holidays.  Just the way I like it!

yarn of my dreams vs. yarn in my budget

I love knitting books and magazines, especially the ones that come with thick pages and lots of photos that come from overseas (Laine, PomPom).  They are more collectors items than recyclable reads for me.  Often, though, the cost of the suggested yarn is far beyond my means, and often quite literally out of reach to purchase even online.  (Note: I've never purchased yarn online, more on that to come).

I have learned to pay close attention to the fibre content, suggested gauge, and my own experience to pick something to substitute.  My LYS is a great place to go with a pattern - Tina will suggest something that will work that she has in stock. I also often rely on Yarnsub.com to help me find suitable alternatives to the yarn found in the patterns I want to knit.  I scroll down to see if I recognize a suggestion that my LYS might have, or one I know is comparable.

A few examples:

Nuuk (Laine issue 1) - suggested yarn is Brooklyn Tweed Shelter.  To purchase the required amount of this online from a Canadian store (which avoids exchange rates and international shipping), the cost of the sweater would be $142.38.   Instead, I chose Cascade 220 at my LYS and paid about $55.00 for the materials.

More recently, I knit Lanes (also Laine issue 1) - suggested yarn is Walk Collection DK, a yarn not available to purchase in Canada.  I'd have to buy it online in the UK at 125 GBP or $210 CDN before shipping and customs.  I used an alpaca blend from my LYS (purchased a few years ago) that cost about $60.

My next few projects from Laine, Pompom, or other sources will not use the suggested yarn, either.  I'll find a substitution that works that I can buy locally (or that I already have in stash, also purchased at my LYS).

Up next is Luoto (Laine issue 4) - suggested yarn is Quarry by Brooklyn Tweed. Purchased online, the skein with tax and shipping will cost $45.20.  A bit pricey for a hat.  I'll use Berroco Inca Tweed, purchased for about $22.00.

I know that purchasing online is the only option for some, and realize I'm fortunate to have two LYS within reasonable driving distance from home.  One day, I might change my mind but for now the hunt for a good substitution is part of the challenge (and fun!) of planning a project.

all FOs

Quiet on the blog, busy with the knitting.  Trying to carve out more knitting time and focusing on depleting the stash. 

Finished projects are almost all accessories:

Coastal walk by Joji Locatelli (Malabrigo Arroyo)

Sharman by Bristol Ivy - more like a shrug than an accessory but wears more like a shawl than a cardigan. 

Oldcastle Hat by Lisa Mutch (Malabrigo Mecha)

Tread Hat by Shannon Cook (Juniper Moon Stratus)

Lanes Cardigan by Joji Locatelli (Twilleys of Stamford Mist) - pattern is from Laine Magazine (No. 1), my favourite issue so far.  I've knit 2 items from it so far with a third ready to cast on.  All of the Laine patterns definitely match my aesthetic.  I find the muted colours, classic shapes, and natural fibres fit with what I want to knit right now.  More coming as I queue and cast on (next post?).

Trellis Mitts by Mari Muinonen (Briggs and Little Heritage)

Mittens are from Vogue Knitting, part of my "Then and Now" KAL - challenge was to pick a pattern from 2018 edition, and another from a decade prior (any issue with a year ending in '8').  These are my "then", coming from the Fall 2008 magazine. 

My "now" project is a four-colour shawl from the Fall 2018 issue.  It's knit in worsted weight and again I'm using yarn from stash (Cascade 220- black, Estelle Worsted - cranberry, Cornelia Hamilton worsted - gold, and Berroco Vintage - gray)

It's a lot of garter with a bit of lace and texture to break it up.  Easy knitting while watching tv!


Blogging seems a bit 'past' but I do like archiving the projects and my thoughts here.  May be to an audience of none, but I still have goals for the next few months.  December is here and as I think ahead I'd like to set more of a schedule so that I can get into a routine here. 

Finished Tee

I finished my Nasreen sleeveless striped top from the Summer 2018 issue of Pompom Magazine.  I love the construction, which is modular with some seams (which I don't mind at all).  The yarn is Berroco Remix Light.  It's light and almost sport-weight in the way it knits up.  It's also 100% recycled fibers.  I love the way it drapes when it's blocked and I know it will get a lot of wear in spring, summer, and early fall.

The boat neck is a little less 'me' than other necklines, and even though I made it longer by an inch, it's still shorter than the 'tunic length' described and modeled in the magazine but given the modular construction I didn't want to add length to the striped section so only added to the bottom ribbing band.   Very pleased with how this turned out.

Working On... more Bristol

Started the Sharman garment from Bristol Ivy's Knitting Outside the Box.  Like all projects in this book, the construction is unique.  This is a shawl that will be folded so that the sides become 'arms' with ribbed cuffs at the end, and a bottom band to resemble the waistband of a sweater.  It is not a sweater or cardigan though; it drapes over the shoulders like a capelet/shawl.  Many knitters on Ravelry have commented on this (some positively, some less so) but I think it's the mindset that matters.  If one wants to knit a cardigan, there are two of those in this book that are designed to wear like a sweater.  If you want a shawl, there are several of those as well.  My expectations are for a loosely fitting, shrug-like layer that I can toss on in my always-cold workplace so I think I'll be pleased.

The yarn is Estelle Yarns Eco Andean DK, a pure wool from Peru.  It's from my stash, purchased originally as part of a Soper Creek Yarn Challenge.  I made the Tanager shrug with it from Alexis Winslow's book Graphic Knits.  I don't wear it often, mostly because it's short and not practical most of the year.  I'm hoping this one will be worn more often as it's more substantial (longer) and should work as a layering piece for three seasons. 

Top two photos are from the book, bottom one is the one I'm working on:

Finished

My Wislawa Cowl from Bristol Ivy's Knitting Outside the Box is complete.  This is my second project from her brilliant book.  I love it, and will wear it when the weather changes from hot and humid to cool and frosty.  This change will come more quickly than I'd like, I'm sure.

Pattern:  showcases short row lace motifs inserted into an otherwise simple background of knit/purl garter pattern.  Easy to follow chart (I use chart instead of written instructions) and clear instructions made this a relatively easy knit

Modifications:  I knit fewer repeats than the pattern calls for, as I reached the stated length well before.  It calls for another 4 repeats.

Yarn:  Manos del Uruguay Alegria (75/25 wool/nylon sock yarn)

Overall, this was a quick and satisfying knit, much easier than I anticipated and relatively fast given that it's fingering weight yarn.

Working on...

I’m mid-way through a few things, but all are at the ‘less thinking, more knitting’ stage.  I need something that requires some concentration to keep my attention right now.  Any of Bristol Ivy’s patterns fit the ‘thinking Required’ category.  I have yarn in stash for Sharman, a shawl with sleeves (not quite a shrug, but similar), so I’ve cast on.  Yarn is Estelle Eco Andean DK.  I’m already enjoying the unique construction and the charts are easy enough to follow but still require some attention, which is what will help with the ‘restless brain’ that comes in mid-August.

Mid-point Motivation

Trying to motivate myself through the mid-point of my project.  I’m past the excitement of casting on, worked through the thinking part of learning the pattern/construction, but still too far away from the rush of being almost done...

So, determined not to cast on a new sweater til this one is closer to being finished but planning ahead so that I’ll have one ready to go.  I’m thinking of Magnolia from Laine Magazine Issue 4.  Instead of holding two strands (fingering and lace mohair) I will use some dk alpaca I’ve had in stash for a long time.  The gauge will work (I think) and the sweater is designed to be drapey with positive ease.

Alternatively, I could knit Joji Locatelli’s Lanes using the dk alpaca, as that’s what the pattern calls for.  Both are pictured below.... not sure which one will be next but either will motivate me to keep knitting the current WIP!

Magnolia: