SistahCraft

This Time, The Moose Tried To Run!

Should I Have Left It Alone?

(Lola's* okay, but it could have been worse; all pics enlarge.)

I revisited this Moose Lace stole a week ago, after abandoning it last summer. A distraction, and it ran from my fingers! The yarn is Berroco's Boho, and the pattern is Star Rib Mesh, (using a vertical double decrease). The first stole, knitted in white, turned out fabulously, and I gifted it to my friend, the fabulous Yvonne Alvarez (happy Puerto Rico Day 'sis)! Seeing it on her, produced a bit of envy of my own knitting––talk about narcissism––so I decided that I needed one in red. Well, don't you just hate it when the same project you knit for other folks…anyway, it became a UFO. So, when my memory of it was revived while meditating upon completion, I figured I had the pattern tamed enough to finish––but you can see what happened.

What The Hell Am I Talking About

Moose Lace, is a description (derogatorily used, by some), for the knitting of lace patterns using very large needles. I became aware of this technique a few years ago, at a knitting circle. An older, experienced knitter who seemed slightly off her gauge, remarked on a stole that a young woman was working on. I thought it was rather pretty.

"Hmmph. It's moose lace," the older knitter said.

"What the hell is moose lace?" I asked, "I didn't know moose could knit."

You don't even wanna know, the look this woman gave me. But her attitude towards the young knitter's lace was worse than toward my smart mouth, so she stiffly explained why she thought the stole so horrible, heightening my interest in this technique; a lace that's a time saver as well––why not?

If It Looks Good, Knit It

Now, I love lace and small needles, but why the narrow definition? Is this a generational thing? Can you achieve a good looking article from a blown up lace pattern? I chose a stole for its simplicity. Keeping in mind the big picture, I considered the optimum effect. First, I wanted a lace that would repair easily if snagged. It also had to compress to be conveniently carried, yet expand enough to wrap cozily, on a cool summer night. The mesh rib won out, and I went to town using size––gasp––11, 24" circular needles. Six balls later––success! What happened the second time?

If You Stick Your Hand in A Moose's Mouth, Have Nice Fingers, and Other Lessons

One: Boho contains 3 types of yarns, two of which will produce visible snags from your fingers; make sure your manicure stays on point. Two: stay focused––don't get caught up in the beauty of the yarn. Star Rib Mesh is a simple, 2 row pattern, but one that can trip you up big time, as there are no obvious clues that you're messing it up; check often to see that you are indeed knitting a star shaped mesh, because, you can't hide a mistake on a moose. Three: please use needle guards!  One of the yarns is rayon, which will fall apart with lightening speed if you drop a stitch. If you do make a mistake, rip back slowly to either the nylon or the cotton section, preferably on a purl row.

Moose Lace Rescue Plan

Notwithstanding the aftermath of the fracas in the photo, the stole is on my needles again. It won't be a constant travel project––too dangerous to get jostled around in my bag, but I should be able to let it out in another week or two at most. Moose lace, using a suitable yarn and pattern, really is a time saver––and beautiful! Just be gentle, and take the proper precautions.

*Lola, is the name of my dress form.

The Home Twister is Back!

Go, Go Gadget––Twist!

(You can even twist outdoors; all pics enlarge.)

A New Generation

Originally named the Daruma Home Twister, I sold beaucoup of these in the eighties, as a sales associate at School Products Co. Its popularity spawned a mélange yarn fad, prompting a few shops to even offer a twisting service for their customers.

Then a decade later, the capriciousness of fashion precipitated a decline in the home knitting market, and the Daruma was cast off by its original producers, the Yokata Co., Ltd..

Hey, nothing lasts forever.

(Mélange magnifique; twisted balls)

Or does it? When my own appliance started approaching its end last year (its housing now glued together), I started searching for a replacement. Ancestors! I learned that interest in this device had attained cult status among fiberphiles. Sightings on Craigslist and Ebay were but a blink of an eye, being snatched up. Vintage sewing and needlework sites, who knew the value of this doohicky, listed prices as high as $100 (for serious collectors, the Daruma in it's original red housing, can be purchased at the fabulous site for vintage housewares,  Pinky LaRue. )

Well, I posted about my own, in the hope that the laws of attraction would bring one to me––and it did. Now, I bring it to you!

KrisKrafter To The Rescue

(It's jim dandy; the new Home Twister)

My girl Kris is now manufacturing and selling the Home Twister! It's a fraternal twin to the second iteration, the only difference is the casing's coloring. It still holds several strands of yarn in a slit in the cone's top, enabling you to create marls and mélange's in weights from lace to bulky. Simple to assemble (just 2 parts), it stores easily.

Now, some of you may find the price of $70.00 not very frugally fabulous. Check this out.

If you're a machine knitter with cones of yarn that are too thin to hand knit with, the twister can extend your creative range. Ply together small amounts and knit mini swatches until you arrive at a pleasing color combo; it's how I came to knit my V neck. I wanted to hand knit a sweater, looked at all of the cones of yarn I had, then said "Gee' maybe I'll twist some strands together and see what happens"; it's like painting!

(Happily twisted; for details see my projects on Raverly; there's a tutorial in the sidebar too.)

Now, if you're not inclined to spin yarn, this is the next best thing; experiment, throwing in lengths of yarn to catch in with ones being twisted. Ply together different weights and textures. You can create blends just as nice as many handspuns; this super device, is designed to ply your yarns together evenly, no matter what weight or type.

The Home Twister is a great way to extend your stash, and to create new fabrics. And it won't fall apart on you. There aren't any parts to break, and trust me––mine has lasted 23 years. How frugally fabulous is that?

Ready everbody? Let's twist with Kris!

Greetings From Cape May––Wish You Were Here

In A Nod To Victoria, I Brought My Wheel

 (Fitting in with the decor; all pics enlarge)

As I compile my notes for the next post, I thought I'd ramble a bit on my doings here on this lovely cape, and during the time I was away from the blogosphere. First, about the spinning. Soon after my major peeps Chante´ revived my interest (I learned over a decade ago), I've been at it full force. Pictured, is a knitted sample of an Icelandic fleece from Bryna, a sheep at Sunrise Sheep & Wool, in Minnesota. The knitted sample on the chair is mine; the one I'm about to spin and knit, is for the owners. The scoured locks were opened with a flick carder, to spin both the tog (outer hair), and the thel––the inner hairs that feel as soft as cashmere––together for warmth and softness.

(Hail Victoria!; a lovely period home)

Cape May is a lovely place to ride around (go to Sheild's  Bike Rentals at 11 Gurney; 609-884-BIKE). It's flat terrain is easily negotiable, and the drivers conscientious. While shooting these ornate residences, I surmised about the ladies of the time, sitting under the grand awnings that shade their porches; would they be knitting or crocheting the latest pattern from the Godey's Lady's Book? Or would it be just too damn hot, especially wearing all those clothes? Currently, a few of these homes are now for sale––they certainly look nice, but I bet they're  a b***h to heat during the winter.

(The Fiber Arts Yarn Shop carries some outrageous yarns; would Vikki approve?)

No trip to this town would be complete without a stop at the local yarn shop (LYS). The photo foreshortens the store, but believe me, it's not messy. Actually, it's easy to walk around in, has an abundance of natural light, and Kathy is welcoming and lovely! Yes, I bought a few things; my purchase was so small, Mr. K would approve. Please go to the above link for more details about this great shop.

(Keep these artisans going; hand carved circulars from Nepal)

I thought these were fabulous! They're 12mm circular needles, connected to a fabric tube. The photo doesn't do justice to the exquisite carving.

(The separate guest house at Buttonwood; its two mini apartments are cute for a small family, or friends)

Before I sign off, I gotta tell ya'. If you are either allergic (as I am) to mosquitoes, or have a phobia of them, you won' t do well at Brothers II Pizza, on Sunset and Broadway. They had the door open, and as I was waiting for my outgoing order, I looked around and realized I was surrounded by mosquitoes––hundreds of them––on the floors and walls; I programmed myself out of panic, and, in a testament to the power of Off! Deep Woods I was not bitten. In fact, when a fly landed on me, I was grateful.

Meditating Upon Completion––It's The Dog's Turn

The Empress's New Clothes

(Della, the "it" bull, in her new sweater; all pics enlarge)

First, I want to thank my friend and new subscriber, the creative and astutely sagacious Veronica Mitchell, for helping me re-discover the practice of meditation, to actualize my flights from chimera into reality; my UFO shelf is almost empty! Here's the latest.

Della's two-piece sweater (underside not shown), is from one of my all time favorites, "Dogs In Knits" by Judith L. Swartz. The yarn, Cascade 220,  is from my stash. I used two skeins of color 9404, and one skein each of 8010, and 9471. The slip stitch stripe, what I call the lazy man's fair-isle, is from "A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns" by Barbara G. Walker. 

 A Dog––The Knitter's Best Friend

Do the sweaters you knit for your mate, lie at the back of the closet, while he/she claims they are worn, it's just that you're not around to see? Does your choice of yarns and styles consistently spark protests from your loved ones? Here's a suggestion. Get a dog. In particular, a short haired one.

I love to knit for Della. She wears my sweaters with enthusiasm. I can try out new yarns and patterns, and she doesn't complain. Sometimes, it's not easy. She's not small. Her chest is 32" in diameter (about the size of a ten year-old's), she's 23" from base of neck to butt, and her neck itself is a good 16" (her hind section does narrow to 17", giving her a beautiful frame in standing profile; she's a sexy beast). But I don't have to worry about sleeves, and her outre´ fashion sense, is great for stash-busting. Another plus––unlike some of my neighbor's children, Della senses when she's wearing something nice, and doesn't wallow in mud or other detritus. She becomes the neighborhood fashionista, accepting compliments with an outstretched paw. Good girl.

My attraction to the aforementioned book, was the author's statement that "dogs do have a sense of dignity." You're so right Judith, they know when they're wearing something silly. Her designs are sophisticated, photographed on a variety of breeds. There's instructions for measuring your dog (great for larger canines), and a basic sweater pattern to start, both in knit and crochet. In Della's case, I limited myself to using four colors, selected with my eyes closed. I then had to make the combination work. We're both pleased with the outcome, and even Mr. K feels he can walk her without looking foolish (read un-masculine).

(Her mistress's voice; underside view)

Big Dogs Need Sweaters Too

If you own a large dog and haven't knitted or crocheted for it yet, consider this. It's bad enough the majority of sweaters sold, are for dogs from 8" to 20". But why do folks think certain breeds––Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Cane Corsos, to name a few, don't need a coat because of their supposed toughness? Are you kidding? I've seen way too many leashed outside in the cold freezing, while the owners are in a heated store leisurely doing whatever–––it's irresponsible!  Sweaters for large dogs aren't wussy––they're necessary. Remember, in their natural environment, they'd be in a den, if they weren't hunting.

A nice hand-knit sweater, can turn your big dog, into a big deal––they'll love it, and you too.

 

Knits And News

And The Knits Just Keep On Coming

(The Purple Haze Tweed; All pics enlarge)

Occasionally, I like to make my own tweed combinations. For me it's like painting, combining different yarns in order to achieve an amalgam of luminosity, texture, and color. It also uses up some of my machine knitting yarn stash––that I have pounds of.

The sweater Lola's wearing, is made up of one end of 2/32 Linea PIU mohair (the haze) and the remainder: 2 ends of 2/18  wool/silk, 1 end of 2/24 wool/alpaca and 1 end of 2/18 merino, from my all time favorite supplier,   JaggerSpun! Here's a huge shout out to Chuck! The tweed effect, was made using the amazing accessory shown.

The Daruma Yarn Twister, has been around since the eighties (in my memory). I don't t know when the company ceased to make this gadget, but it was a damn shame, that they did. The twister allows for the the threads or yarns to wrap around each other evenly; you don't get "runs" of one color or another, as when you either knit or crochet, slipping the strands through your fingers. And the twist doesn't bias when worked. Valerie, I'll have the full instructions for assembly and use under the Project Working Notes in the sidebar tomorrow.

I've put up the first part of the blocking tutorial in the sidebar  for Twist, speaking on the why and what of blocking; The how is next. Stay tuned.

Big Up Time

My sistahfriend Trina Michelle Robinson, knits together phenomenal occurrences throughout the African Diaspora and presents them on her blog The Passage Project. It's my go to for an aggregation of awareness and consciousness lifting news and events; check it out. It'll become yours.

It Hasn't Unraveled Me

Yes, I'm finally on Ravelry! Now I can see what all the fun is about. I very excited to be a part of this sub-universe, and maybe that's what's motivating me towards completion. I can't wait until I'm finished with the spring publishing cycle at work, and I get some time off; then I'll time to revel!

The Last Twister

Slow and Steady, Made The Cardi

(Colored pearl and semi-precious stone necklace, Shimoda Accessories; suede and mock croccodile satchel by Marie Elanne; boots, Dumond; photo by Mr. K; all pics enlarge).

Bonne Marie's Twist, is the first sweater, not of my own design, I've made for myself.

During the 23 years I've been knitting, I generally supported the work of sweater designers by purchasing their garments. Knitting patterns involved labor, and at the time, I had enough of my own work to do. But, once I changed careers, I found I could relax my mind to faithfully and uncritically knit another designer's pattern––and the timing couldn't have been better. The blogosphere has given rise to some very good knit designers, the major benefit being,  I haven't worked for any of them! Now surrounded with a plethora of interesting knits, I looked for precise instructions with no errata (pattern mistakes make me crazy), and a good schematic and/or pattern chart. Twist, gave me exactly what I was looking for.

Twist is a well balanced design in terms of knitting interest, the fringed cable collar giving it a youthful sass. And, it was classic enough not to date by the time I finished. Given the numerous daily deadlines I face at work, why impose any on an art I enjoy? 

I did resist a strong urge to run the cable pattern along the sleeve, and stayed true to the pattern; the discipline was not to re-design or embellish. If you are already knitting someone else's idea, why create more work for yourself?

Anyway, I started knitting this almost a year ago, and finished this past fall. I've worn it on a number of occasions, and it is indeed a chic-knit, receiving many compliments. Now, to elaborate on a few details.

Penny Wise and Button Foolish

I wanted to prove to some of my thriftier knitting friends, that you can make a beautiful and inexpensive garment out of 100% wool, if you're not too lazy to take care of it; knitting is too much of a labor of love, to use a cheap acrylic. Panda Woolbale 8 ply, an Aussie import from the famous Smiley's Yarns, was my choice, and this baby clocked in at $36.00US. So I splurged on the buttons!             

They are copper, with a green patina finish, from an Italian boy's military academy, circa 1940's (no, they are not fascist); from Tender Buttons, 143 E 62nd St NYC, 1-212-758-7004, my favorite source in New York (in Chicago, 946 N. Rush, Chicago, IL, 1-312.337.7033).

Here is a close up of the collar, and my friend's necklace.

The knitting pattern contained no errata, and Bonne's instructions were very easy to follow, accompanied by a nice cable chart and a good schematic drawing, especially important when you are ready to block your finished pieces. I gotta say, it was a good knitting experience, for a pattern virgin––although of course, the key––was to knit a large (8" x 8") swatch in the cable pattern first! Remember, if you don't ignore this step, your sweater won't ignore you!

For a blocking tutorial and a novel way to attach the collar, my tutorial page will be in the sidebar shortly.