string theory

new address

2010-09-03T13:47:00.002-05:00

This is the last post to this blog from the Blogger address. Please visit me here

Thanks!

indigo bunting purse

2010-08-03T15:10:00.002-05:00

Love this little purse! I was able to finish it during the last show of Annie Sunday night, and I immediately moved stuff from my other purse into it and carried it out at the end of the show. I'm having fun using it this week.

crocheting in the orchestra pit

2010-08-01T09:10:00.004-05:00

It's showtime! We're doing Annie, which has some good chunks of time for knitting. Or crocheting, in this particular case. I brought my big orange basket into the pit with lots of yarns for the indigo bunting purse.

I've been surprised at how it has been possible to manage doing freeform crochet and attach it to the purse during the show. There are so few strings in the pit for this show that it's a little roomier than usual, so I've been able to spread out and get lots done. Today's the last day, and I can't help but wonder if I'll have the purse finished when the curtain goes down. Seems possible....

a new freeform purse

2010-07-30T10:54:00.004-05:00

Finally getting all these lovely yarns together to cover another purse. The colors are based on my new favorite bird, the indigo bunting. I saw one in Atlanta in May and was immediately taken with the vivid colors.

Most of this freeform piece was made last night in the pit at Annie. It's almost big enough to cover one side of the purse--it's not a big purse! 5 more shows this weekend, so maybe I'll have a finished purse when Annie closes.

sock knitting

2010-07-14T13:15:00.003-05:00

Here's one, only one, of the Wanida socks I'm working on right now. The second one is really just an idea, a plan, a little thing barely cast on. The yarn is Malabrigo Sock in the Archangel colorway. Yummy!

fiery blanket

2010-07-13T13:27:00.000-05:00

Last summer I made blankets. This summer I did not expect to want to make another, but then Joyce came into Cozy and showed me her granny square blanket, a work in progress using lots of greens. It really got me going, and I decided to make another granny square blanket, but this time I used a granny variation from the 200 Crochet Block book by Jan Eaton. This fiery red blanket is the Chocolate Box Granny, lots of fun to do.

contained freeform

2010-07-12T13:21:00.000-05:00

I like freeform knitting and crocheting. I like doing it, but I don't like trying to plan for it to take a certain shape that will fit a body. For this reason, I've done handbags and scarves only. No garments.
But the idea of inserting freeform lace into a pattern that uses a lace section finally occurred to me a few days ago. OK, this is a way of making a garment that I can control! At least a little.
This is the back of the "Hey Teach" cardigan from Knitty. I saw a customer in Cozy wearing one a few months ago and decided to cast on for my own last week. After I got started, I realized that I could abandon the lace charts and do my own thing.
The yarn is SWTC Bamboo.

International show is on line now

2010-05-21T22:08:00.003-05:00

The International Freeform Crochet group's 2010 show is on line now, click on the link to see http://www.freeformcrochet.com/. The picture above shows my piece in the show. The colors are inspired by a print of a painting by my stepfather, Allan Nance. There's a photo of the print on my page at the show's website.

There are lots of interesting entries to see, lots of creative ideas in the show. I'm looking forward to being able to leaf through a book of all of the freeform pieces. Our group publishes a small book of each show as a fundraiser for an international charity (not sure which one it is this year), and we'll be able to order books in a couple of weeks from blurb.com. Myra Wood is the one who puts it all together, and she always does a beautiful job. I'm glad to have finally entered one of these challenges!

knitting ahead of season

2010-05-16T15:02:00.003-05:00

Too bad it will be a while before I can wear this, it's the Pas d'Arbres scarf by Spirals on Ravelry. If you are a Raveler, you can buy her download for only $2.00. It's a simple design, easy to knit. The way it spirals naturally is lots of fun.
I used almost 3 hanks of Koigu purchased on vacation last year at Purl Soho.

(almost) finished freeform purse

2010-05-13T13:44:00.005-05:00

The Cardinal purse is newly finished, all except for the strap. The one that came with the purse is a bit homely, but I haven't found a replacement. Until I do, it will just have a homely little strap! Must get to the craft store.......
BTW, there is still room in the freeform class at Cozy this Sunday. It will run from 5:00 - 8:00. Call 919-286-3400 to register by tomorrow!

Freeform Class to run this weekend

2010-05-11T06:35:00.005-05:00

If any of my local knitting and crochet friends are interested in learning something about freeform knit and crochet, I'm teaching a workshop this Sunday the 16th from 5:00 - 8:00 at Cozy. It's such a fun and addictive technique! So far, I've used freeform mostly for bags and purses. The picture above is my current work in progress--using freeform crochet and knit to cover an old purse from Goodwill! When I use an existing purse for my base, I don't have to sew a lining or pockets, and it already has a handle. In this case, I will replace the handle because I don't like it, but normally it's not an issue.
In Sunday's workshop, we'll get some hand's-on experience with freeform techniques, and we'll talk about ways to use freeform pieces to create one of a kind projects. Please contact me if you have any questions, and please contact Cozy at 919-286-3400 if you're interested in signing up for the workshop. Join the fun!

sock adventures

2010-05-11T06:25:00.004-05:00

I've started some new socks for John using Berroco Sox. The design formed by the yarn is really cool! I started a toe up sock, then couldn't decide about the heel. Last week I picked up Wendy Johnson's Toe Up Socks For Every Body and found the heel instructions I need. The manly aran sock uses the same number of stitches, even, so I can just jump into that pattern and do a gusseted heel flap on this sock. Excellent!

2010-04-21T21:39:00.002-05:00

It's always fun when a piece of knitting experimentation turns out to be useful. Even better when the piece of knitting has been sitting around for years.

At some point (probably 10 -12 years ago) I did some squares knitted in the round, joined to each other. I liked the resulting fabric, but I didn't particularly enjoy the actual knitting. It was too pretty to throw away, so it went into a drawer with the results of other abandoned knitting ideas.

Then, last month I got a new mini laptop computer and needed a sleeve to protect the lovely purple exterior. I pawed through the abandoned knitted pieces and decided these squares were the perfect thing. The piece could be folded to fit the laptop, more or less, with just a few squares needing to be knitted on to complete the sleeve. When it was not quite snug enough, I lightly felted it until the fit was good. This little laptop envelope has been very useful, and I'm enjoying using it. And the laptop. :)

Citron

2010-04-21T20:45:00.003-05:00

I really enjoyed knitting the Citron from the current Knitty.com. Instead of the lace weight wool, I used some Blue Heron Rayon Metallic. Heavier yarn, different fiber, and sparkly!

It's just a little bigger than the original Citron, and very drapey. Exactly what I wanted. Even though it's rayon, I decided to wet the Citron and lay it out for some blocking. I did *not* expect to see this much purple in the sink after soaking it for a couple of minutes!

Still love it.

Freeforming for spring

2010-03-10T14:59:00.003-05:00

I've been revisiting an old work in progress, this freeform crochet sweater. Joining the lace scrumbles is fun, and very satisfying. Since there's so much open space, it seems to grow quickly.

Before I started joining them, I made a paper pattern based on a sweater that fits me. Then, I laid out the scrumbles and started doodling to join. At this point I'm not sure if I'll do sleeves. It depends partially on whether I have enough yarn, of course. It's hard to estimate yardage requirements on a project like this. I'll wait and see what happens!

Freeform Workshop with Prudence in Philadelphia

2010-02-19T15:58:00.005-05:00

Earlier this month I was able to attend the Freeform Workshop at the Nangellini yarn shop in Philadelphia, PA. Prudence Mapstone gives these workshops all over the world, but she is hardly ever on the US East Coast, so I was very excited to get a spot in the class. There just aren't that many opportunities to see Prudence this close to home! I drove up to Laura's house in DC on Thursday, then went to Philadelphia the next day for the workshop.

This picture shows the shop before the workshop began.

Many people at the workshop wanted to see how Prudence works the bullion stitch, a tricky crochet stitch that is so much fun to use in freeform projects. She grabbed some yarn, sat down on the floor so that everyone could see what she was doing, and started stitching.

It was really fun to see the freeform sample garments that she brought along. I had seen all of these on line and in her books, but seeing them in person was wonderful. Prudence was very generous about allowing people to touch, try on, and photograph. Seeing the projects up close made me realize how much of the yarn used is fairly fine gauge compared to what I have in my stash. For wearable freeform garments, this seems like a great idea. Finer gauge yarns will give a lighter weight garment. Also noticeable is that there is more negative space in the garments (except for the red and purple cardigan). Lots of open work gives the piece more drape, less weight.

After demonstrating the bullion stitch, she showed us her current bullion project. Nothing but beautifully formed bullions here. So much fun!

At the end of the workshop, I drove back to DC (to get snowed in at Laura's!) through their record-breaking snow storm. While that drive was particularly awful, I'm so glad that I went to the workshop. I have lots of ideas for freeform projects, now I just need to pick up the yarn, needles, and hooks!

2010-01-02T13:52:00.001-05:00

Question: what to make as a small gift for a newly pregnant friend?
Answer: well, a tiny baby hat Christmas tree ornament, of course!

Freeform Knitted Lace

2009-11-13T11:14:00.004-05:00

Last week I received Myra Wood's new book, Crazy Lace, which is focused on freeform knitted lace. It's fabulous! If you like lace and freeform, give it a look. She is selling it from her website, www.myrawood.com. I've started 2 projects.

The yarn is Jojoland Melody, and I really like the way this one is turning out. I went ahead and blocked what I had finished over the weekend so that I could see how the lace was going to look. Since the yarn has a slow color change, I decided that knitting it on the diagonal would make a fun design in the scarf.

This last one is actually my first attempt at freeform knitted lace. It's a light worsted weight wool, spun and hand-dyed by Ellen Hall, my friend Carole's sister. I've had this yarn a long time, waiting for an interesting project. I like the yarn in knitted lace, I'm just not sure I like what I've done with it so far. It's entirely possible that I'll rip this out and start fresh.

another fun scarf....

2009-10-28T14:04:00.002-05:00

I seem to be drawn to scarves the past couple of years. Here's the first one of this season, made from a pattern on Ravelry called "10 Fingers Scarf." Mine is made with Purple Mystery Malabrigo worsted.

The pattern is for a traditional long scarf, but I thought I'd get sick of making all those little nubbins (and I did!) so this one is a keyhole scarf. Put a slit in one end, slide the opposite end through it to wear, and the scarf can be shorter. Stays put, too.

Mitered magic

2009-10-28T13:59:00.002-05:00

I find mitered square projects very enticing, and I've admired this particular design for a while. Margaret at Cozy made one a year or so ago, and I've thought about making one since I saw it. A quick trip through the purple bin of the stash, and I was on my way. Yesterday was cool enough to wear a wrap, while today is warm and sunny enough to get good photos of a wrap. Worked out pretty well!

baby gift

2009-10-03T13:52:00.000-05:00

This adorable hoodie goes to Luke, son of my friends Tom and Sherry.

stash project

2009-10-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I posted things from my knitting basket. Today's project lives upstairs, it's not very portable. The mitered square wrap is fun to do in lots of different yarns, so it lives on my bed and I work on it before I go to sleep. It's easy enough that I can avoid mistakes late at night, hehe.

It will have 3 squares and a fun edging--little fingers.

a couple of small projects

2009-10-01T13:42:00.003-05:00

A few things to post.....first a fun Malabrigo scarf in Purple Mystery. The pattern is the 10 Fingers Scarf found on Ravelry.

And this sock is turning out well, it's the Sam Sock from Cookie A's Sock Innovation. Yummy Trekking yarn.....

That's what's in my knitting basket these days!

Girasole!

2009-08-31T11:28:00.002-05:00

Yesterday the Girasole dried as it rested on my bedroom floor. I was pleased to find that I did not need to use pins, I just spread it out and the carpet held on. When I got home last night, it was ready. Can't wait to snuggle up under this during cool weather!

the last of the scrumbles

2009-08-23T21:51:00.004-05:00

Since last July, I've been making scrumbles to send to fellow freeformers around the world. 21 members of the International Freeform Crochet Group on Yahoo joined this list, agreeing to make a piece of freeform crocheting and/or knitting for each member on the list. When we have all the pieces, the idea is to make a blanket.
There have been months that I worked steadily on the scrumbles, and months that I worked on other things instead. Last week I finished the last 3 scrumbles and tomorrow I will mail them out. That's a total of 21 pieces of freeform crochet and knitting---a lot!

I guess the next part of the project is to think about how I will assemble the scrumbles I've received. That may be a more time consuming project than making 21 scrumbles to mail out.

Here are the last 3 scrumbles. For each of them I made a magic ball: lengths of yarn tied together and rolled up into a ball. After I made the ball of yarn, I just started crocheting. No stopping and starting with these, no assembling little pieces of crochet. They're done with a "continuous" piece of yarn (well, it's continuous if you don't count the fact that I tied a bunch of cut of pieces together), which was a new challenge for me. Lots of fun, though.

freeform on the wall

2009-08-07T10:31:00.004-05:00

Finally, the blanket is back and I found a hanger that works to mount it on the wall. I may replace this picture when I have a day with better light!

girasole

2009-08-05T22:20:00.002-05:00

After seeing Jen's Girasole, I needed to make one. It's in Berroco's Ultra Alpaca and it's yummy. I'm about halfway through.....

progress on the scrumble exchange

2009-08-03T21:53:00.001-05:00

I'm in the home stretch of the freeform scrumble exchange project. Over the past few weeks I've made these scrumbles, and only have 3 to go. Woohoo!

for Christy

for Helene

for Deborah

for Chris

there is life here......

2009-06-18T12:55:00.002-05:00

And in the More Portable Projects category, I finished these socks last night. Just need to weave in the ends.

And in the Scrumble Exchange From Last Year That Isn't Finished Yet category, here are the scrumbles I finished last week and mailed out on Tuesday. This first one is for Kerri, who requested fiery colors.

And this one is going to Kathie, who made no particular color requests. I decided to use some favorites.

contest results!

2009-05-09T11:34:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I got the results from the Vanna's Choice Contest, and my freeform baby blanket placed 3rd in the Baby Category! I'll receive a $100 gift card to Michael's by the end of the month. That gives me some time to think about what sort of goodies I'll be shopping for!

Here are some pictures of the blanket. I'm looking forward to getting it back and deciding what to do with it. It's a really good size for a wall hanging.....

malabrigo lace

2009-05-05T15:36:00.000-05:00

Mmmmmalabrigo Lace, what a great yarn. I'm doing the Alpine Frost scarf from Interweave Crochet (a few issues ago), and it is a nice easy project. After blocking, the design opens up beautifully and looks snowflake-y.

sock knitting

2009-04-30T15:28:00.000-05:00

Last month I started a couple of pairs of socks with yarns from Cozy. First, the Berroco Sox, a self-striping yarn that we'd had forever, but I had never tried it out. It's a simple toe-up sock with a short row heel, no official pattern. Here are some progress shots.

And the other pair is Malabrigo Sock yarn in the Velvet Grapes colorway. I'm doing the Waving Lace socks from Interweave's 25 Favorite Socks book. Fun pattern.

spiral pillow class

2009-04-29T15:17:00.000-05:00

Last week I taught the last session of a 3 session spiral pillow class at Cozy in Durham. Mary, Tish, and Laura were in the class, and I have pictures of Mary's and Tish's pillows. Pictures of Laura's soon to come!

If you're interested in taking this class with me, I'll be teaching it at Yarnbirds in Raleigh in June. Come join us! If June is not good for you, watch for it to appear on the Cozy schedule sometime in the future. This is a fun one.

another scarf to save for cold weather

2009-04-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

The bag of black Koigu KPPPM that I bought years ago through Great Yarns has dwindled a bit more. I used 3 or 4 skeins for a mini-Clapotis scarf, and finally finished it last week. This one will be so nice for cold pits and cool outdoor wedding gigs. It turned out very nicely.

malabrigo sock yarn...

2009-04-27T12:43:00.000-05:00

....makes a great scarf! This was a perfect yarn for a Frilly Scarf.

I finished it just in time for warm weather. Oh well, I'll look forward to wearing it next year!

scrumbles mailed out

2009-04-25T11:11:00.000-05:00

Though I haven't accomplished a lot of yarny projects in the past few months, these scrumbles were finished and mailed out to some of the ladies in the freeform scrumble exchange group. I'm a little more than halfway through the list!

blanket update

2009-03-11T14:11:00.003-05:00

No pictures today, just an update on the Vanna White contest. I found out today that my freeform baby blanket (pictured in the last post) has advanced to the finals in the contest! I need to send it in for hands-on inspection and judging. I'm very excited!

contest entry

2009-02-02T13:33:00.003-05:00

Sunday was the deadline for the Lion Brand Vanna's Choice contest, and I just slipped in under the wire. I finished the baby blanket Sunday morning, took pictures, and sent in the contest entry later that evening. The results will come out around May 1.

Here are photos of the finished blanket:

working with a deadline

2009-01-29T14:14:00.002-05:00

It is not my preference to work with a deadline, but I went and entered a contest. Lion Brand is sponsoring a contest featuring Vanna's Choice yarns. I usually knit with a bigger variety of fibers, colors, and textures, but the contest called out to me somehow, and here I am, working on a blanket that has to be finished by Sunday.

Hopefully, it will be pretty cute when it's done. Here's where it stands today:

softest scarf ever

2009-01-21T14:33:00.003-05:00

This picture is a really good example of wearing too many knitted things at once. It may be overload, but it sure is comfortable!

Just finished weaving in the ends of the Just Enough Ruffles Scarf, by Laura Chau. I used 2 hanks of Malabrigo Worsted in Indigo. The color reminded me of blue hydrangeas. This scarf feels great!

Yummy Koigu

2009-01-15T14:52:00.003-05:00

This is a scarf-sized clapotis worked in semi-solid black Koigu. Chugging through section 3 now, and I really like the way the Koigu feels in this pattern. Can't wait to wear it with my fingerless gloves made from the same yarn.

Scarves for the new year

2009-01-14T17:51:00.003-05:00

Finished this scarf over the weekend, and I've already worn it 3 times. The Malabrigo Sock yarn is so soft and yummy, and this pattern works really well with it. I'm very happy to have stumbled on this yarn/pattern combination. It's the Easy Drop Stitch Scarf from Ravelry. Free pattern.

One more scarf, and another free pattern. This one is mine--- the Frilly Scarf. I'm making it in Malabrigo Silky Merino with an H hook. If you'd like a copy of the pattern, send me your email address and I'll send you a copy.

another scrumble mailed overseas

2008-12-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

I'm still doing the International Freeform Crochet's scrumble exchange, but my progress has been slow. This is the 10th piece I've finished, and it was just mailed off on Monday. It's for Rita in Tasmania, Australia. She requested colors from the forest floor. This is not my richest area of stash, but I like what I was able to come up with. My button stash had some appropriate pieces, so I added them on.

Malabrigo sock scarf

2008-12-30T08:37:00.000-05:00

This beautiful yarn needed to become a scarf, and the easy drop stitch pattern goes quickly and shows off the colors well. Maybe I'll use some of my other Malabrigo Sock colors to make actual socks. But maybe not!

Gift yarn

2008-12-29T17:53:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful thing. The nice thing about freeform knitting and crochet is that you can use all types of yarns. The great thing about that is that people can give you gift yarn without worrying about quantities and matching. Everything works!
Here are some yarns I received for Christmas this year. They will find their way into a project sooner or later.

Christmas knitting finally done!

2008-12-23T10:02:00.002-05:00

And I decided to knit only one gift. Why was this so hard to complete!?! Anyway, the socks are finished, and I really like them. I think that Allan will, too.

The sock blockers are for my size (women's 9) so these men's 10's are a little loose. I'm happy to say that they do look better on an actual foot.

The yarn is Lana Grossa's Meilenweit 100 Tweed, purchased a year and a half ago(!) at the Springwater Fiber Workshop in Alexandria, VA. I had *very* little left over after knitting these size 10 socks on Addi 0's. I'm ready to knit something colorful!

crochet fingerless gloves

2008-12-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

I wondered if fingerless gloves would be quicker in crochet. I've made lots of knitted mitts, but wanted to try some in crochet. A back issue of Crochet Today magazine had a pattern for a pair that looked nice. They did work up quickly, but the strap feature added on a little extra time. If I make more, I might skip that part and the "beltloops" that go with. If you're looking up the pattern, it's called "Spring Fever Glovelettes."

need a quick gift?

2008-12-02T08:00:00.005-05:00

This scarf is a new version of one I crocheted a little while back. Originally worked in Jitterbug, the pattern was written as a way to use that fabulous merino sock yarn some way other than knitting socks. Also, I needed an easy pattern to use in an upcoming crochet class. So the Frilly Scarf was born, and I never really got around to writing it up, at least not officially.

When Malabrigo came out with it's Silky Merino yarn, Madge suggested that it would make a nice Frilly Scarf. With a little refiguring, the pattern adapted well to this heavier gauge yarn. Not a heavy yarn, mind you, but a heavier gauge than the Jitterbug. When the scarf was completed, we agreed that it is a great way to use the Silky Merino! Wearing this one will feel decadent. Yum!

I finally wrote up the pattern, and free copies are available at Cozy in Durham!

ETA: If you live somewhere other than Durham, send me your email address, and I'll forward the pattern to you!

cuteness

2008-12-01T12:52:00.006-05:00

One of my friends from way back has just become an aunt. Sounded like a good reason to use this fabulous super wash pink merino yarn.

The label says that it's Liisu Superwash Merino, but I think this company may have changed its name since I bought the yarn at Quilts Like Crazy sometime last year. Coincidentally, Quilts Like Crazy has also changed its name and location! They are now Yarnbirds, found on Falls of the Neuse Road in Raleigh.

The pattern is Madge's hat pattern, available at Cozy. I love the twin points, and, of course, the crocheted doodads.

ziggy zaggy

2008-11-07T08:36:00.002-05:00

Even though this scarf is still on the needles, I blocked part of it last night just to see how it was going to turn out. Impatient knitter! But I'm glad I did it--I like it so much, now I'm really motivated to finish it.

The Trekking Pro Natura, a wool/bamboo blend, makes a scarf that's light and airy. Feels really good, and it will be even softer once I soak the whole thing in Euculan before the final blocking.

mesh bag

2008-11-01T14:06:00.004-05:00

Last night I finished the 2-color market bag waiting for trick-or-treaters. Although this project got a really slow start, I ended up liking the stitch pattern. Maybe I'll use it in the future.
This bag will keep its shape a little better than the meshy ones, but that means that it will not expand to hold as much, either. I'll just have to try it out and see.

new scrumble for the exchange

2008-10-22T09:20:00.001-05:00

This is #9, going to Jenny in Australia. It goes out today!

freeform projects

2008-10-18T14:42:00.003-05:00

The 3 point scarf is coming along; I'm taking it into the pit so that I can work in the loose ends in the little bit of knitting time there is for Phantom, our current show. Here are some (hopefully) better pictures.

I'm also working on the next scrumble to send out in the exchange. It's for Jenny in Australia, who chose colors that I have in large supply. This one is turning out to be lots of fun--no surprises there!

bad pictures of a fun project

2008-10-17T11:00:00.003-05:00

I've assembled all of the big pieces that I've collected for this project over the last year and a half, and I'm pleased so far. After I weave in the ends I'll add on pieces where needed. Can't wait to wear it!

I may have to wait for a sunny day to get better photos. Taking pictures outside is so much easier for me.

back to freeforming

2008-10-16T12:02:00.003-05:00

OK, I've taken a little break from the freeform projects---both my own and the scrumbles for the exchange. Now I'm ready to jump back in, and just for inspiration, I reread the new book by Renate Kirkpatrick today, "Freeform Crochet and Beyond." It's always fun to see what other freeform artists are doing, and to decide which of their tricks and tips to incorporate into your own work.
To get the creative juices flowing again, I'm revisiting some scrumbles that I made a while ago.

Initally, these were going to become a jacket. Then, they weren't. And then they were going to be a jacket again, and now they are going to be a 3 point scarf. That's something in between a scarf and a cape. I almost have enough to form the entire piece, but there will be spaces to fill in and edgings to consider.
Along with this 3 point scarf, I plan to make some freeform mitts to sell at the Artwalk, and probably some more covered tape measures.
Fun stuff!

another cape!

2008-10-14T08:42:00.002-05:00

This is one of the variations of Jane Thornley's Feather'n'Fan Organic Wrap. Since I'm still dubious about my ability to wear a wrap with any confidence, I thought the cape version of this design would be a good idea. All yarns were in my stash already, so it feels like a free project!

I have to admit that there is a dropped stitch on one side of the cape, carefully hidden from the camera's view. As soon as I clean that up, it's ready to wear.

finished capelet

2008-10-13T13:42:00.003-05:00

I'm really please with this capelet in a few ways. First, it was a fun pattern to knit. I all but copied the shop sample at Yarnbirds in Raleigh, so choosing yarn was easy, and the knitting was fun and easy, too.

Second, it went quickly! It beat the cold weather, which hasn't quite arrived yet.

Third, it looks quite nice on my new dress form. Ive thought about getting one a few times over the last year, and I'm glad I did it. This is the first project to benefit from its use. It's been a treat to "try on" the capelet by placing it on the form, and I was able to sew on the buttons while it was hanging there, making that job much easier. Also a treat? Photographing! Not a treat? Measuring myself and adjusting the dress form to my own size. A sobering job, that was. Yech.

One of these days I'd like to make another one using bunches of yarns from my stash. I would have done that this time, but the allure of the shop sample was too great. I had to have one like it!

what I'm doing and what I should be doing

2008-10-01T08:42:00.004-05:00

I'm participating in my neighborhood's Artwalk in November, and I should be making some small items to include in that sale. I have things in mind for this event, and I know what I want to make.

What I seem to be doing instead, though, is starting a bunch of fall outerwear. I've started 3 capes/capelets in the past week. I couldn't help it. Really.

This one is a modular capelet designed by Catharine Hennessy from Yarnbirds in Raleigh. The yarn is Noro Silk Mountain (the boucle) and the plainer yarn in between is by the Unique Sheep in North Carolina. I tried on the sample in the shop a few weeks ago, and I fell for it pretty hard. Started it Sunday.

This one is a "freestyle" knitting design from Jane Thornley. She writes a basic pattern, encourages knitters to use any yarns they like, making each one an original. The pattern is really for a wrap, but there's a cape variation that looked really cute, so I started it. This one will be finished soon, so I'll be able to wear it in the pit if it's chilly for the next show, Phantom. All black, you know.

No progress photo yet, but I started another Thornley cape that will have purple/orchid colors. I'm using yarns from Koenig Spinning Farm in Kentucky as the starting point, and I'm adding in many other yarny friends. Here are the Koenig yarns:

Luckily, I already have a large bag of things I'm planning to set out for the Artwalk. But, I do need to add to it! Soon...................

scrumbling continues

2008-09-30T07:23:00.004-05:00

It's yet another scrumble! Sophia in the UK requested pinks with a little red, which made me feel Valentiney. I didn't think I had that many pinks in my stash, but I was wrong!

tiny projects

2008-09-18T13:54:00.001-05:00

These little tinies have been perfect pit projects this week. The current show, "Whistle Down the Wind," does not really allow for much knit/crochet time, but there are a few moments to work these little spirals.

Yarn!

2008-09-10T07:33:00.006-05:00

The 7th Anniversary Sale at Cozy happened over the weekend, and it was great fun. On Saturday, lots of clothing, shoes, and gifts were on sale in the main part of the store, but the anniversary festivities, like cake and live music, were curtailed by the storm. Still, lots of shoppers came and found some great buys.

On Sunday, the yarn department joined in on the fun as the big sale continued. With better weather, the shoes, clothing, and gifts moved outdoors into the parking lot. This left lots of room inside for knitters and crocheters! We also had a special guest for the sale--a local spinner who makes and dyes her own line of yarns.

Meet Rochelle!

Notice that skirt she's wearing--yes, she knitted it. The pattern is from Knitty.com, but I don't remember the name.

She gave demonstrations of wheel spinning as well as drop spindle spinning all afternoon. She also brought loads of her beautiful yarns to sell.

I was powerless in the presence of this stuff. Now some of it lives at my house.

If you didn't make it to the sale, and you're interested in Rochelle's yarns, visit her Etsy shop.

Back in the yarn section, the fiber was flying. I was not there for the very beginning of the day, but I was told that 12 people had lined up waiting for us to open! Quite a frenzy.

As the day went on, shelves were emptied as shopping bags were filled with new yarn purchases.

No pictures to show, but now those empty spaces have been filled with a fresh shipment of yummy Malabrigo yarns. We have their Chunky, Worsted, Silky Merino, and Lace. Just beautiful!

We're already looking forward to the 8th Cozy Anniversary Sale in 2009. Thanks to all who came and helped make this year's sale so fun and successful!

scrumble to send

2008-09-08T09:22:00.004-05:00

I got a really slow start on this one, but once I finally got going, it didn't take long to complete. It's for Perry in Massachusetts, and New England made me think of fall colors. Always happy to include blues and purples, I decided to combine warm and cool colors for Perry. I think this may be one of my favorites!

wishing for cooler weather

2008-09-06T10:31:00.000-05:00

Here's some more cool weather knitting done in the heat of summertime:

It's nice to knit in advance, rather than feel like I'm lagging behind. The yarn is one hank of 100% Wool from Manos del Uruguay. Veeerrrrry little left over.

friends knit and crochet together

2008-09-05T07:50:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of this year, Cathy suggested a group project for Carole, who was dealing with ovarian cancer. A bunch of us knitted and crocheted 8-inch squares and mailed them to Cathy for assembly. She knitted I-cord to go in between all of the squares (yikes!!!), and then put a garter stitch border all the way around.

The project has been completed for a while now, and Carole is cancer free. I saw her recently, and she looks fantastic. She was nice enough to bring the afghan to our meeting, and I took pictures. As good as it looks here, it's even more beautiful in real life.

Done! And what's that about a yarn sale?

2008-09-04T10:38:00.003-05:00

I really love this Clapotis. It's actually much darker than it looks in the photo, but I couldn't get an accurate color that day with my camera. I'd call the color aubergine. Very rich! The yarn, Goddess Mary wool/rayon blend, has wonderful drape--totally yummy. I'm not sure it's still available, but a comparable substitute would be Berroco's Softwist. Also available in lovely colors!

Any readers in the NC Triangle area are welcome to come to the yarn sale at Cozy this Sunday from 12 - 5. Anyone living farther away is also welcome! All yarn, patterns, magazines, needles, and knitty notions are 25% off. Be forewarned: it gets crowded! It's a good idea to come in before Sunday to scope out your possible purchases. Also, we won't be winding yarn that day, but you are welcome to bring the yarn back in after Sunday for winding. Hope to see some of you there!

catching up with scarves

2008-08-28T11:13:00.000-05:00

My fascination with scarves continues on into a new scarf season. Here are 2 that I've just finished this week.
First is another Frilly Scarf. This is a pattern I made up to use in crochet classes--it's that easy. Uses one hank of Jitterbug.

And next is a little Clapotis done in Berroco Zodiac. The ribbon-like quality of this yarn seemed very well suited for the Clapotis, and I really like the result.

No picture yet, but I'm also working on another full size Clapotis in Mary, by Goddess Yarns. It's close to being finished!

catching up

2008-08-27T10:09:00.000-05:00

So, vacation and rainy weather have kept me from taking photos to post. They have not kept me from knitting, however, and I have a lot of catching up to do with the camera.

This little hat was knitted on vacation, and almost used up the last of a favorite additive yarn for baby hats. There is probably enough for one more, but that's what I thought when I knitted this one! Main yarn, GGH Java. Additive yarn, diVe Butterfly.

This is a scrumble for Linda in South Carolina. She requested all shades of green plus a contrast color. Looking at it in this photo, I'm seeing an awful lot of the purple. Hope I haven't done too much of the contrast color!

scrumble exchange

2008-08-17T16:34:00.002-05:00

Here are a few more scrumble for the exchange. Now it's time for a trip to the post office!

portable Clapotis

2008-08-13T10:04:00.002-05:00

I keep thinking of other yarns in my stash that would be great as a Clapotis. In most cases, there is only enough yardage for a scarf version, a skinny Clapotis. I couldn't resist starting this one in Berroco's (discontinued) Zodiac. The ribbon seems perfect for the drop stitch pattern.

joining the masses

2008-08-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

I'm joining the thousands of other knitters who've made the Clapotis, a scarf/wrap featured a few years ago in Knitty.com. A few of the knitters at Cozy are making them in our new Silky Merino Malabrigo, and they're so pretty that I decided I needed one, too.

But I had this wonderful wool/mohair mystery yarn in my stash from a trip to New England a few years ago. My mom took me on a tour with her, and we were strolling around Plymouth, MA when we saw Knitting Treasures, a lovely yarn shop. This yarn is my Plymouth souvenir! The label is long gone, but I was able to guestimate the yardage at 600. Probably enough for a slightly altered version of Clapotis! I'm about 2/3 of the way through.

more scrumbling

2008-08-10T09:57:00.000-05:00

Have been working on this scrumble for Carlyn, another FF exchange member. I hope to finish it in the next few days.

freeform works on market bags, too

2008-08-09T10:13:00.000-05:00

After doing a regular mesh market bag, it occurred to me that freeform filet crochet would be awfully nice in a bag. Here's the result! The yarn is Cascade Sierra, and it makes a very stretchy bag. I could have done fewer rows.

scrumbles go to Arizona

2008-08-08T10:09:00.003-05:00

Today I mailed these scrumbles to Paulette in Arizona. She's another freeform exchange person. Instead of one large piece, Paulette requested that we make smaller pieces for her so that they would be easier to assemble in the end. Wish I'd thought of that!

I like these colors so much, it was hard to part with them.

let the exchange begin!

2008-07-31T08:02:00.006-05:00

Finally finished the first scrumble for the FF Crochet list exchange. It will be heading out for California by tomorrow afternoon!

freeform exchange

2008-07-30T07:13:00.000-05:00

There's a group of us at the International Freeform Crochet group (on Yahoo) that decided to do a scrumble exchange. Each of the 25 people in this sub-group will make a 10 inch scrumble for the other people on the list, mailing them out as they are completed. We have a list of names, addresses and color/fiber preferences to use as a guide.

Some industrious souls have already mailed out quite a few pieces, but I'm just getting started on my first. When this one is finished, it will go to Marie in California.

spiral pillow class projects

2008-07-29T09:06:00.003-05:00

Last night was the final spiral pillow class at Cozy, and there are some great projects in the works! Even though the class was directed at a pillow project, we talked about the fact that you can make anything with spirals. One student is planning to do a spiral blanket, and another is undecided so far. The 2 who are making pillows have assembled their pillow tops, and they allowed me to take pictures.

This one is Mary's, and I love its wonderful muted quality.

Here's Debbie's pillow front and back. She was able to make really quick progress on the festive pillow by doubling some of her yarns, especially on the back. Big impact, instant gratification.

I'm looking forward to seeing the other projects take shape. Thanks, ladies, for a fabulous teaching experience!

in its new home

2008-07-28T10:40:00.003-05:00

I'm glad Linda likes the pillow; it looks right at home in her house! Emma gave it a thumbs up as well, calling it the "snail pillow."

spirals on the road

2008-07-24T09:29:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow Linda's pillow will travel to her house! It was finished a few minutes ago. I've decided that the square spiral pillows are really cool.

another type of freeform

2008-07-23T11:20:00.002-05:00

This is the project I worked on in the pit during Peter Pan. The pillow wasn't good in the pit, and neither was anything else, so I hauled my large bag of yarns in and started this wrap. It's Jane Thornley's pattern called Feather 'n' Fan Organic Wrap, and while it is technically a pattern, there is lots of room for improvising. Especially with yarn selection.

I "went shopping" in my bin of blue yarns and came up with a nice assortment. I started with a few balls of novelty yarns that my mom and Alan had picked out for me while they were in Maryland. I kept adding anything that looked good with those 2 yarns, and the pile grew very large.

After starting the wrap, I discovered that it's extremely addictive knitting, and I got a LOT done during Peter Pan. I've already thought about the next one, even though I'm not accustomed to wearing wraps. These are an exception! There's a big bag of purple yarns waiting to become wrap #2.

I'm experimenting with picture size since I discovered that I can import directly from Flickr. Importing through Blogger, I found that using large pictures was cumbersome for the site. These seem to come out just fine, but maybe they're alarmingly large? I don't know. Comments?

picture posting test

2008-07-23T10:34:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to see if I could import pictures directly from Flickr to the blog.

This is a finished Eden Scarf from Larissa Brown's book Knitalong. Fun project! The yarn is Mille Colori from Lang.

ETA: Yippee! It worked! Now I can control whether the pictures are right side up or not. I've been having trouble with the Blogger picture downloading.

pillow on a deadline

2008-07-23T10:16:00.006-05:00

This spiral pillow is so close to being finished! A little more surface embellishment, a little more squaring off, and it will be ready to assemble. Good thing, because I'll be seeing Linda on Friday, and I'd like to deliver it to her then. More pictures coming soon.

spiral pillow, square shaped

2008-07-14T15:30:00.002-05:00

Yay! Another spiral project! It's another pillow; this time it's for my sister. The colors are a slightly tamed version of my dining room chair cushions, but I promised not to use the oranges and yellows.

Update on the crocheted socks: so far, not much progress. There's no need for a new picture, since there's not much more than shown in the last picture. But, it's my pit project for Peter Pan. Progress shots coming up later in the week.

little bitty spiral

2008-06-30T12:03:00.001-05:00

This new tape measure cover is a little something for Madge's birthday. It seemed to want to blend into this blue-green hosta.

pillow rescue

2008-06-29T09:59:00.001-05:00

I knitted this pillow years ago when we moved into our house, and it was pretty plain and boring. Nice, but boring.

The Freeformations group on Ravelry has challenges every month for fun, and this month the name of the challenge was "lines." First, you draw a design with lines on paper (OK, I skipped that part. I do better making things up as I go along), then you transfer it to the surface of a knitted or crocheted fabric using beads, yarn, anything at all.

All month, I read the posts about the challenge, but hadn't planned to participate. But, this past Thursday it suddenly occurred to me that this pillow was the perfect canvas for the lines. I shopped for yarns in my stash, and got busy. I like doing surface crochet, so that's what I used. Now I like this pillow a lot more.

a new afghan square

2008-06-28T10:12:00.001-05:00

Mmmmm, Malabrigo! Such a nice yarn to work with. The color has much more red in it than the picture suggests. Eventually this will be another square for Caroline's blanket.

fresh stashbuster

2008-06-27T12:41:00.003-05:00

On a recent trip to Bella Filati, the yarn shop in Southern Pines, the ladies showed me a really cool throw made with Tunisian crochet using many strands of yarn at once. I immediately bought the very large hook the project required, and drove home thinking of various possibilities.

I decided to start small with a pillow. It won't take long to work this up since the hook is about Q sized. It's a really nice wood hook, and it has a sturdy wire "tail" with a wooden knob at the end so that you can have enough stitches on there for a throw. Yarns that are in here so far are an unidentified grey sport weight wool, 2 different colors of Manos silk/wool blend, and a couple of unidentified ribbon yarns. This should work well on the new couch.

This technique is so easy and fun. I'm thinking of lots of projects already. Going through my stash mentally!

new territory

2008-06-26T12:25:00.004-05:00

Trying something a little different. A month or so ago, a crochet customer asked me about crocheted socks. I've knitted bunches of socks, but I hadn't tried crocheting them. I told her about a pattern I'd seen on Ravelry that seemed to be very popular called Ultimate Socks. I had thought about trying them, so we decided that we would embark on the project at the same time.

She's working on the foot part, also, but she'll be away on a 2 week trip to Alaska. We'll catch up on each other's progress when she gets back.

In the comments a few days ago, TracyGP asked if I have considered using a template for a freeform sweater. And, yes!! I have. In fact, I'm going to use the template technique for the freeform crochet lace sweater that's only in pieces so far. When I start assembling, I'm going to use pattern pieces as a guide. I'll post progress pics when I get that far.

squared off

2008-06-22T08:41:00.005-05:00

The afghan square now looks like a square. I used a cardboard cut out 8" square to help determine where I needed to add stitches. The cardboard square is really the way to go when you're making something to be a particular size. It's quicker than measuring, and you can see at a glance how the piece is progressing. I'm going to use it again when I make another freeform square for this project.

spirals to be squared

2008-06-19T08:40:00.008-05:00

Alright, I officially have too many projects going. Last time I looked at my Ravelry page, there were nine works in progress. Ugh.

But I like them all. This one is another group afghan project for Caroline, who will graduate from high school in 2009. Last year Laura (Carolin's mom) and friends and family made a green afghan for Elizabeth (Caroline's sister) when she graduated. It's now a tradition in their family. I was excited when the color for Caroline's afghan was announced---purple! I think I'll be able to come up with some good squares.

All 3 photos are the same square--it's amazing how the light and the background change the appearance of the colors.

red purse

2008-06-17T08:30:00.007-05:00

I found this purse at Goodwill in great need of being covered with freeform. I think it will be kind of cute. I'm starting to look at purses in shops in a new way--is there anything to sew into? Yikes, I don't need to start collecting a new material, but this is so much more fun than lining and designing from scratch. Good for the landfills, too. Right?

Knitalong scarf

2008-06-16T10:08:00.001-05:00

One of my new favorite knitting books is "Knitalong" by Larissa Brown. It's a lovely little book, perfect for sitting down and actually reading.

The project from "Knitalong" that I wanted to do before I ever saw the book is the Eden scarf. I love the casual look of this scarf with cascading leaves. On Ravelry I saw a few photos of the scarf done with yarns that feature a slow color change. I had some Mille Colori by Lang in my stash, so I started as soon as I got the book.

I'm hoping that this yarn will work well for the scarf. There is some acrylic in it, so it may not block as nicely as 100% wool. Instructions say that some curling is preferable, so it may be OK.

These colors aren't typical leaf colors; maybe more like colorful Coleus leaves?

forgotten project

2008-06-16T09:43:00.000-05:00

Just ran across this triangle shawl when I was going through some stacks of unorganized stuff. I made it a few years ago, probably inspired by something I saw in a knit blog. The yarns in it are mostly hand-dyed.

It's really cozy, but I've never used it. I don't wear shawls, yet I made this anyway. Maybe I'll try it out next winter.

easiest socks

2008-06-15T21:22:00.000-05:00

Full disclosure: I did not knit these socks! I sent my own sock yarn to Fernwood Woolworks , and they knit them on an antique sock knitting machine. Lynette kept in contact with me after I place my order, and she let me know the time frame. She was so friendly, and the socks are wonderful. It feels a little bit like cheating, but I must admit that if I ever get overwhelmed with the size of my sock yarn stash, I will not hesitate to enlist her services again!

You can contact Lynette at www.fernwoodwoolworks.com

yummy silk

2008-06-14T00:07:00.003-05:00

I like to have a project to work on when I have time during my shift at Cozy. Right now, that project is another (yes, another!) freeform filet scarf. This time, it's Colinette Tao in a beautiful red called Vatican Pie. There's no pattern to follow, so it's perfect for a setting where I might have a chance to work a few stitches in between other tasks.

Friday I was at Cozy just hanging out. Crocheting a little, helping put some yarn out a little, socializing a little. When one of the bins was empty during yarn rearranging, I took advantage of the open space to take this picture.

new class at Cozy

2008-06-13T11:06:00.002-05:00

This summer I have a new class to teach at Cozy, but first I'll have to write up the instructions! I made 6 spiral pillows like the one in this picture, and people asked for a class. I'll have to get the pattern ready quickly--the class starts July 7th.

If you're interested and you live close to Durham, come on in to Cozy and sign up. We also have other classes available this summer like socks, crochet, baby projects, beginning classes, and a build your own afghan workshop. We're at 770 Ninth Street in Durham, 286-3400.

more lace scrumbles

2008-06-13T10:22:00.001-05:00

A few more scrumbles for the jacket.

If I haven't said so already, these are great to work on when you don't want to follow a pattern, you just want to doodle around with the yarn. The only real rule to follow is that the pieces should lay flat. Since they're small, that's easy enough to manage. Most of the time I just spread them out a little bit on my leg.

jumping right in

2008-06-12T17:09:00.012-05:00

I've been admiring the projects in Myra Wood's new book, Creative Crocheted Lace. Freeform knit and crochet is a big favorite of mine, and the idea of using lace in a freeform style has turned out to be more appealing to me than traditional lace forms. Even though I've never made a freeform garment of any kind, I decided to jump in and make a lace jacket with these scrumbles.

Originally, I was going to cover a denim bag with these pieces, and I'm sure that would have been a great project. But the way this Araucania Pomaire yarn is dyed works so well with the freeform lace made me want to wear it on more than just a bag.

There are not quite enough pieces for the back yet, but they work up quickly. I started them last week during a chamber music concert at the UNC Chamber Music Workshop and kept going through all of the concerts I attended.

There are more, I'll post them later!

fun little gift

2008-06-11T17:50:00.001-05:00

I have a friend celebrating a milestone birthday, and her sister has organized a campaign of small red gifts. Her friends from all over will send these little gems to her in her new location in an effort to shower her with birthday fun. I don't remember how I got the idea to do this spiral tape measure cover, but it was fun and easy. Yarns are from stash. Ooooh, how I love the stash.

tagged!

2008-06-02T22:21:00.001-05:00

OK, I've been tagged by Patrice in Hawaii. It's taken me a long time to respond, but here goes:

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
In 1998 I was living in Durham, just like now, but we had not bought a house yet. We lived in a rental on a quiet little street with really nice neighbors. I was teaching violin with a Suzuki program at a college, and doing a lot of the same freelance work that I'm doing now still! I was driving my cute little purple car. Of course, I was knitting a lot, but I hadn't gotten into freeform knitting and crochet.

2. Name 5 non-work things on your to-do list today.
-bank deposit
-answer emails
-pull a few weeds (this really should on the list every day)
-buy food for dinner
-put away the laundry

3. Snacks I enjoy:
Good grief, this could be a long list. Some favorites are popcorn, chips and salsa, and regular potato chips. In other words, salty stuff.

4. Things I would do if I were a billioniare:
Help anyone that needs it in my family, support my favorite charities, buy my favorite car and house (don't know what those are, but I'm sure I could figure it out!), and lots of travel.

5. Places I have lived:
As an adult, I've lived only in NC: Wilmington, Chapel Hill, and Durham.

6. Jobs I have had:
The obligatory fast food job as a teenager, frame shop, CD store. Currently teaching violin and viola, freelancing on violin and viola, teaching Music Together, and working in a yarn store.

7: People I want to know more about:
Rather than tag anyone else directly, I'll ask that anyone who is interested to please consider yourself tagged!

new purse goes to the opera!

2008-06-01T11:40:00.008-05:00

Well, I wanted to use this purse Friday night for the opening of Madame Butterfly, but it wasn't quite ready. So, I'm just as glad to be able to use it today for the 2nd and final performance.

And it was nice to have a sunny day for pictures. Photos of a black project taken inside the house are not so great.

string theory

new address

indigo bunting purse

crocheting in the orchestra pit

a new freeform purse

sock knitting

fiery blanket

contained freeform

International show is on line now

knitting ahead of season

(almost) finished freeform purse

Freeform Class to run this weekend

sock adventures

Citron

Freeforming for spring

Freeform Workshop with Prudence in Philadelphia

Freeform Knitted Lace

another fun scarf....

Mitered magic

baby gift

stash project

a couple of small projects

Girasole!

the last of the scrumbles

freeform on the wall

girasole

progress on the scrumble exchange

there is life here......

contest results!

malabrigo lace

sock knitting

spiral pillow class

another scarf to save for cold weather

malabrigo sock yarn...

scrumbles mailed out

blanket update

contest entry

working with a deadline

softest scarf ever

Yummy Koigu

Scarves for the new year

another scrumble mailed overseas

Malabrigo sock scarf

Gift yarn

Christmas knitting finally done!

crochet fingerless gloves

need a quick gift?

cuteness

ziggy zaggy

mesh bag

new scrumble for the exchange

freeform projects

bad pictures of a fun project

back to freeforming

another cape!

finished capelet

what I'm doing and what I *should* be doing

scrumbling continues

tiny projects

Yarn!

scrumble to send

wishing for cooler weather

friends knit and crochet together

Done! And what's that about a yarn sale?

catching up with scarves

catching up

scrumble exchange

portable Clapotis

joining the masses

more scrumbling

freeform works on market bags, too

scrumbles go to Arizona

let the exchange begin!

freeform exchange

spiral pillow class projects

in its new home

spirals on the road

another type of freeform

picture posting test

pillow on a deadline

what I'm doing and what I should be doing