Shawl Inspiration: Andrea Rangel

I've come to know Andrea Rangel as a very thoughtful designer.  Each of her designs and patterns are crafted with a lot of intention and inventiveness, and I think that comes through in each of her pieces.  (Psss... she's also working on a book!  I personally cannot wait to see it!)  You can find her on Instagram HERE and Ravelry HERE.

First, would you tell us about your knitting history- ie., where did you learn to knit and how long have you been knitting?

My grandmother taught me to knit when I was about 8. She died shortly after she taught me, though, and I didn’t know any other knitters, so I didn’t keep it up. On a Thanksgiving trip during my first semester of college I saw my aunt knitting and she inspired me to try it again. She gave me yarn and needles and my hands just remembered how. I’ve been pretty obsessed ever since then. There hasn’t been a period in the past 14 years or so when I haven’t been knitting almost every day.
 

Where does your love of shawls come from, is there anyone in your memory who wore or knit them, or is it something that happened when you started knitting them?

I started designing shawls because they were another thing to knit. The way I love knitting is that I want to explore every part of it, so I’ve knit socks, scarves, and sweaters, but also leggings, bloomers, dresses, and a tiny elephant. My first shawl design was a super bulky lace triangle that’s still one of my most popular patterns (Pembroke.) Since then I’ve come to really love designing and wearing shawls. They’re this wonderful opportunity for creativity and they’re one of my favorite mediums for exploring lace. 
 

Is there a shawl in your personal collection that stands out as most-worn or favorite?

A lot of my samples are currently on the road for a trunk show, so the ones I want to wear aren’t necessarily available to me. But, I knit myself a version of my Sunlight on the Forest Floor shawl in Anzula Oasis, this incredible silk/camel blend. The colors are really neutral, so it goes with everything and is probably the warmest neckwear I own. It’s definitely been my go-to this past winter.

Do you have any favorite patterns or yarns when it comes to shawls?

Shawls are so versatile that I love a lot of really different patterns and yarns. I think it’s really fun to do a super bulky blanket-like shawl - those giant stitches are so fascinating. (I’m thinking of Sentiment worked in Malabrigo Rasta.) But then the squishy joy of garter stitch worked loosely on a fingering weight yarn is irresistible too. (Ume in Hazel Knits Artisan Sock is a great example of this.) This is a theme in my knitting life - I love all the things!
 

Finally, any tips for styling or wearing a shawl?

I have two shawl-wearing styles. I usually just wear them as a part of my everyday outfits (even the frilly, lacy ones) by wrapping them a couple times scarf-style and tying the ends at the front. I love this look because it gives little peeks of the lace, but looks pretty casual and cozy (and it’s really warm!) My other style is to dress up a cute or fancy outfit by wearing the shawl sort of kerchief-style with the lacy bit draping in the front and the ends draped around my shoulders. I find that’s a great solution if it’s too warm for a sweater, but too chilly for completely bare arms (pretty much all my dresses are sleeveless.)

Lieselotte Cowl

This is the cowl sister to my Lieselotte Shawl!  My local yarn store owner introduced me to this delightful and local to me, Maine grown, Maine spun, yarn.  She had a vision for a local designer to design a pattern with the yarn, and so I found myself walking out of the store with a skein of the softest, sunniest alpaca blend yarn.  This pattern is great for that special skein (or two) that you've been saving for just the right project – that skein you drooled over at the local fiber show but wondered what to do with!  (And should be available at KnitWit in Portland, ME very soon!)

Lieselotte is worked from the top down.  The smaller size has a more "neck warmer" type fit, with increases to give it a shape that hugs the neck and drapes nicely.  The larger knits up into an infinity cowl, with no shaping.  Lace is featured at the top and bottom, with an applied i-cord edge at the top and an i-cord bind off at the bottom. 

You can view or purchase the Lieselotte Cowl on Ravelry HERE.

Lieselotte Shawl Revisit

My beautiful friend Laura kindly modeled a new knit for me over the weekend.  While I had someone else to model at my disposal I asked her if she would do a few shots of my Lieselotte Shawl as well.  (I'm not a fan of modeling myself and would love some photos of someone else modeling the shawl.)  She kindly obliged, and I think, did such a wonderful job.  (Modeling is no easy task!)  As our Lieselotte Shawl Knitalong wraps up there are some other beautiful examples of this shawl popping up in our Ravelry thread!  (In case you've got the bug, there might just be time to join us for this KAL, which ends May 1st.)

Home Tour: The Colors of our Walls

In our house, chaos reigns.  Rather than tame the crunched up cheerios on the floor, and the sea of toys and books that covers the living room floor, we seem to invite it.  The colors or our walls certainly don't match the inviting, airy, calm homes you find on Pinterest and in home design magazines.  Nope.  Colorful walls for colorful people. 

Shawl Inspirations: Andrea Mowry

I came across Andrea's designs somehow through Instagram.  After perusing her Ravelry Shop I fell in love with every single one of her designs.  They are fresh, modern, knit-able and wearable.  You can find Andrea on Instagram here or on Ravelry here.

First, would you tell us about your knitting history- ie., where did you learn to knit and how long have you been knitting?
 

I, like so many other knitters, was lucky enough to have my Grandma teach me as a young girl. And, like so many knitters, knit a square and then got distracted until many years later! Thankfully in my late teens, Urban Outfitters came out with a knit kit, and I haven't put the needles down since then! So I would say I have been knitting "seriously ;)" for about 14 - 15 years.

Where does your love for shawls come from; is there anyone in your memory who wore or knit them, or is it something that happened when you started knitting them?

I got into triangle shawls while living in Austin, TX. Everyone seemed to start wearing them while I was there. It seemed everyone had the plaid woven ones that had some fringe hanging from the edges. They were woven and light weight, so even in the heat you could pair them with a tank top or t-shirt and jeans. I didn't actually begin knitting shawls until a couple years a go though! Once I knit my first triangle shawl, I was totally hooked! They are so easy to wear, and depending on the weight and composition of the yarn and the stitch pattern - they can really be worn year round! I love that about shawls, and I think because of that I always have one on the needles!

Is there a shawl in your personal collection that stands out as most-worn or favorite?

Oh geez! This is tough. I think the first shawl I knit that I really fell in love with was Onward by Shannon Cook. It was the perfect size and I love the yarn I used to knit it. Her stitch pattern was so modern and timeless that I feel it will always hold a place in my regular rotation. After that I would have to say the Farmhouse Shawl by Cabinfour (I mean come on - fringe!!) It is super squishy and perfect to wrap up in. Lastly, I would say Fo' Shawl - a pattern of my own that is perfectly light for year round wear!

Do you have any favorite patterns or yarns when it comes to shawls?

Ha, see above! I tend to gravitate towards triangle shawls. They are so fun to knit, and really gorgeous to wear. I am just recently starting to dip my toes into the crescent shawl pool though, so we will see what will happen there! I love the drape of fingering weight yarn for a shawl that I want to wear year round, but I actually prefer to knit with worsted weight. And woolen spun yarns (such as Brooklyn Tweed or Swans Island All American Worsted) are my fave!

Finally, any tips for styling or wearing a shawl?

My go to is definitely to wear the center point in front with the two ends wrapped around the neck and draped over each shoulder!

Giveaway!! 

Andrea has just released a new shawl- the FunFunFun Shawl, pictured above.  For a chance to win a copy of this aptly named pattern, leave a comment on this blog post telling us about your most worn/favorite shawl.

One comment per person please, and be sure to include your Ravelry ID as the pattern will be gifted to you via Ravelry.  Comments will close Sunday April 5th at 8pm and a winner drawn by random number generator.  Can't wait to hear about your shawls!

The 52 Project: Recent Portraits

He calls it cotton candy hair.

I only notice him growing when I see how short his pants have gotten.

Always wants to be where her brother is, always.

We can never get enough of her peekaboo, ever.

Joining Jodi in photographing my children once a week in 2015.  And posting.... whenever I'm able.

My Iceland Story

Did you know it's Icelandic Wool Month at Tolt?  There have been some great posts about this wonderful fiber, and I'm really enjoying reading them.  It inspired me to share my own Iceland/Icelandic wool story...

Me, probably just under two, overlooking an Icelandic landscape.  Sweater (not Icelandic) was hand-knit by my great grandmother.

My father was in the Navy for 20 years, and I learned to embrace the term "Navy Brat."  Travel we did, sometimes living in one place for only six months at a time, and a few times, even going without my dad for that long as he sailed around the world on an air craft carrier.  Growing up like that wasn't always easy, but it also brought us to some incredible places.  One of these was -you guessed it- Iceland! 

The first time my Dad was stationed in Iceland I was just a babe.  I don't remember it at all but for the stories and pictures, and the fact that my brother was born there.  But later, when my Dad had the opportunity to be stationed there once again (and us with him) my parents jumped at the chance.  Not only did it mean not going out to sea without us for months at a time, but it also meant getting to live in a seriously cool place.  And this time, as my brother and I were both older, we'd actually have a shot at remembering some of our adventures.

Hanging with the Icelandic horses.

The second time we were stationed there I was 10, and we left just before my 13th birthday.  While we were there my youngest siblings (twins) were born... making me the ONLY kid in my family who was not born in Iceland.  (Woe is me.)  We lived on the NATO base, in a thoroughly American community.  But frequent trips off base, coupled with an Icelandic "host country" teacher helped us to get to know the country in which we were living.  We took two 'golden circle' road trips while we lived there, getting to know the island more thoroughly.

Playing in the lava fields.

My strongest memories of Iceland are of playing outside.  Our stomping grounds were old lava fields, filled with the holiest craggiest rocks and covered with moss.  You could find the best hiding spots and tiny caves in those rocks.  Imaginative outdoor play could go on for hours!  Because of the midnight sun we would often stay out playing until midnight in summer, our parents finally remembering the time and calling us into bed, full of moss and grass stains.

Of course the cold seasons weren't quite as idyllic.  One Halloween I decided to be a cheer leader and found myself in tights and the skimpiest of outfits tromping through a foot of snow collecting candy.  But where else could you spend new year's eve night sledding down giant hills with the Northern lights as a backdrop?

At the time that I lived in Iceland there were no real knitters in my life.  My parents, however, (as well as my German grandmother who came to visit) had a respect for the beauty and usefulness of that rustic wool, and clad us each in the iconic sweaters of Iceland.  My Dad likes to regal us with how he teamed up with an Icelandic co-worker to sell the Icelandic hand knits to the Americans on base more directly, thus saving the Americans money while making the Icelandic knitters more money then they would have otherwise gotten for their hand work.  Thanks to facebook my Dad has recently gotten back into touch with this friend!

Sweet Pea in my belly!

Four years ago my husband and I traveled to Iceland for our last big vacation before we had our first child, who I was pregnant with at the time.  Visiting places that I had not seen since I was nearly thirteen was mind blowing, and such a gift.  While the NATO base is no longer there, the buildings themselves are.  They are in various states of use and disuse (one of our old apartment buildings was gone entirely), but driving around and seeing the places I once spent my days brought back so many memories. 

Going back to visit as a now - avid knitter, made the trip awesome on a whole different level.  My husband knits as well, and so where other tourists pack their bags with beautiful sweaters, we packed ours with skeins of wool and knitting patterns.  It was a challenging to keep ourselves in check, as wool is sold at nearly every gas station and super market there.  (Oh what a knitter's paradise!)  Upon our return home I cast on a Riddari for my brother (which is still yet to be properly photographed), and now have on the needles a very modified Riddari for myself.  My husband made our son the most beautiful little Lopapeysa, which he wears often and will sadly be grown out of by next winter.  The wonderful thing about knitting for children is that another one will surely come along and fit into it in the future.  (Namely, our baby girl.)

That little Lopapeysa that my son wears has given me a whole new love for Icelandic wool.  Toddlers wear their clothes hard, yet this sweater still looks as beautiful and new as it did before two winters worth of wearing (and worn it he has!)  We have plans for a family photo of all of us in our Lopapeysa's... but we have a bit of knitting to do first.  About 2 1/2 sweater's worth in fact!

Knitscene Summer 2015: Tisbury Pullover

The preview for Knitscene Summer 2015 is up, and I have a design in the issue- the Tisbury Pullover.  It's worked in the most delicious yarn, Manos del Uruguay Serena, and has a fairly simple and relaxed fit except for it's major feature: a dramatic open back.  A light cozy layer for when the summer evening breeze picks up.  You can find the rest of the fantastic issue here.  (Seriously that t Bristol Ivy and that shawl by Megi Burcl?  Totally killer!)

Shawl Inspiration: Melody of Mandarine's

I've long followed Melody's blog.  Honestly, I could live in her photos.  Nature walks, knitting, and sips of tea?  And quiet, or so I imagine it to be.  You can find her blog here and on Instagram here.

First, would you tell us about your knitting history- ie., where did you learn to knit and how long have you been knitting?

I’ve been wanting to knit for a very very long time. It all started when i was in high school, and one of my classmates came to school one day with a beautiful black chunky scarf. She told me that her grandmother knit it for her, and I thought that it was the most amazing thing ever. A couple of weeks passed, and I decided to ask my mother to teach me how to knit. We practiced with a very thin baby pink wool -the only yarn that we had a home at that time, and some metallic needles. But after a few attempts, I had to admit that I wouldn’t learn that way. And it’s only a few years later that I decided to give it another try.

That was during a long Summer in France, I was preparing to spend the next year in China, and I had the whole Summer ahead of me. I took advantage of that free time, and decided that this was the perfect moment to give knitting another try. So I went to the only yarn shop that I knew in Paris, and got some Christmas red yarn, which was probably a sport weight, and some 10mm needles. I didn’t know how to read the yarn label or what swatching was at that time.  I came back home, and immediately started. I remember spending hours and hours, sitting on my bed, watching videos online, trying to master the knitting and purl stitch.

I finished my scarf in China, and wore it during the very cold Winter months. During the two years that I spent in that country, I barely touched the needles. And it’s only when I came back to France that I really started to get interested. Now i cannot imagine spending a day with my needles.

Where does your love for shawls come from; is there anyone in your memory who wore or knit them, or is it something that happened when you started knitting them?

My love for shawls is very recent actually. I never thought that I would become a shawl kind of lady! I knit my first shawl a couple of months ago, and wore it almost everyday. It was so much fun knitting it and the final knit was so satisfying that I decided to design my first shawl shortly after. They are the most comfortable thing ever. They are so versatile and easy to wear. I simply adore them.

Is there a shawl in your personal collection that stands out as most-worn or favorite?

As I said I’ve only knit two shawls so far, and they both have a special place in my heart. Shaelyn is the first one that I knit and it will always be a favorite because that was the first one. And Canopy is my first shawl design. They are both knit in Road to China Light, which is one of my favorite yarns.
 

Do you have any favorite patterns or yarns when it comes to shawls?

There’s so many beautiful shawls patterns out there! So many that I would love to knit!  I have a list of favorites as long as my arm -Quill is one the top of the list (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quill-2). For the choice of yarn, I will always try to knit shawls with a very drapey kind of yarn. Though I would love to try Brooklyn Tweed Loft.

Finally, any tips for styling or wearing a shawl?

Triangular shawls are the easiest thing to wear. I simply wrap them around my neck, and I’m ready to go. They are the best allie to a plain, simple dress!

On the (Cook)book shelf

We find much joy in food.  In the growing of it, the preserving of it, the preparing of it, and most of all, in the eating.  For us- or at least for me, eating isn't just about fuel, or about caloric intake.  It's about watching something grow from a seed, something that will sustain other beings, nourish our bodies.  It's about connecting with the earth beneath and sun above that grew that food, with the farmers that graciously gave us goat manure for our gardens, the other farmers that grew food for us, with the friend whom we collaboratively grew garlic and onions with.  Connecting with each other as we water, harvest and prepare a meal together.  Connecting with friends and family as we share with them a meal that we grew from a seed.   Connecting with our own bodies, as we feel how healthy good food makes us feel.

In our home, food is joyful.  I've often thought, that in the many ways people show love, in our home it is through preparing a meal for others.  When guests come to our home they can expect nothing less than homemade salsas, home smoked chicken, hand fried tortilla's and fresh picked veggies to boot.  Friends and family know what they can expect when they come here to eat, and it's always good, always made with love, often grown in our gardens or down the street by a farmer we've met.

And so it is that I have quite the attachment to these particular possessions in my home.  Our cookbooks.  Because though they themselves don't bring joy, they are so much a part of the culture of our home, of our love.  And I relish the opportunity to share a few of my favorites here with you.  (Maybe a little selfishly, because I hope you'll share your favorites with me, so I can rush over and check them out from the library.)

 First, there're the local & seasonal eating cookbooks.  For anyone cooking with a CSA share for the first time or perusing the farmer's market, Chez Panisse Vegetables by Alice Waters is absolutely indispensable.  The recipes are simple and easy, giving you ideas of what to do with nearly any vegetable without making it complicated.  And they're delicious.  (My favorite is the eggplant caviar, and I can't, can't, can't wait until I see an eggplant at the market in the coming days.)  The Art of Simple Food, also by Alice Waters, is just as wonderful and simple, but you'll find great (and basic) tips for things like cooking a locally raised chicken and making a simple risotto.  River Cafe Cookbook Green, by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers, is a cookbook I poured over day after day when learning to cook in Italy.  You won't find it on the bookshelves in the states, as it's never been published here.  Nonetheless, my darling husband went to the ends of the earth (okay, really just to the UK) to track it down for me one Christmas, and I cherish the seasonal recipes organized by month- even if they are seasonal to someone else's climate.

The vegetarian cookbooks I've had for quite sometime, as I was a vegetarian for much of my life.  Still, we don't eat a lot of meat, and so these cookbooks are well used.  Out of them all, I absolutely adore 1,000 Vegetarian Recipes by Carol Gelles, as it has some very basic recipes for any course and any vegetable or legume.  If you were to have one vegetarian cookbook (or one cookbook period) this one's the one.

Then there are the international fare cookbooks.  My hubby prefers French cooking when he's feeling like doing up a meal, where I tend towards Italian.  Italian Easy by Ruth Rogers & Rose Gray has the most excellent simple Italian recipes, easy for anyone learning how to make polenta, risotto or a good pasta for the first time.

 Then there are the baking & dessert cookbooks.  And, well... we use these ones a lot.  Every.  Single.  One of them.  I love Joy of Cooking as a reference for anything, but particularly find myself using it for things like biscuits and shortcake when the berries come in and all they need is a little buttery boat to be served over.  My husband is the pie baker in this house, and Pie by Haedrich is well used in this house.  He's on a mission to make his way through the whole book.  (Would you like to come over for pie sometime?  Because really, this mission causes my waist line a lot of angst.  I would love to share the angst pie with you.)

 The miscellaneous cookbooks...  I am soup obsessed come winter, and I think every home chef needs some good soup recipes up their sleeve.  I can't wait to use Pretend Soup to cook with my little person, and the pickle & preserving cookbooks?  Well any good gardener needs something of the sort...

 And then there are the natural eating cookbooks.  Nature is fairly new (gift) to me, but I've enjoyed the few recipes I've made from it.  I am now in love with Heidi Swanson, author of Super Natural Everyday, and covet her other cookbooks.  Nourishing Traditions is a good read, and a great source if you're planning on making things like sauerkraut or yogurt.  I often reference it when I find myself fermenting, culturing, etc.  It can be a little eye opening if you're in the market to learn about wellness and eating.

Food is a big topic in our house (and, hello, on this blog!)  We enjoy growing food and cooking it (though I'll admit, when you've been up all night for days on end with a teething baby, it is far from enjoyable).  A big question for us is always, "How do we stick to our food budget and still eat well?"  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter.  (I did an in depth food post on my old blogger blog, which is somewhere lost in cyber space.  Perhaps someday I'll move them over here along with this cookbook post.)

So please share!  What are your favorite cookbooks, recipes, etc.?

Shawl Inspiration: Liesl of Buckaloo View

I've long been a fan of Liesl's blog- her knitting, sewing and photography are such an inspiration.  She's just an all around creative gal (check out here spring swap - so fun- and her naturally died yarns too!)  And recently, she's begun restoring a family farm (swoon!)  I asked her to share some thoughts on the topic as part of the Lieselotte Shawl KAL.  Thank you so much for sharing with us Liesl! 

First, would you tell us about your knitting history- ie., where did you learn to knit and how long have you been knitting?
I taught myself to knit and purl when I was a teenager and I tried to get the hang of it so many times through my twenties, but it never stuck. My Grandma crochets and knits and a couple different times she gave me a refresher on the basics but again, it just didn’t click. The jumble of letters and numbers in a pattern was confusing. Half of the time, I couldn’t remember the difference between knit and purl. Finally, in 2011, I borrowed Knitting for Dummies from my local library and set out to make some simple dishcloths. I also signed up a Ravelry and began looking around at patterns and projects. It was a rocky start but eventually it clicked and the obsession has just snowballed since then.

Where does your love of shawls come from, is there anyone in your memory who wore or knit them, or is it something that happened when you started knitting them?
My love of shawls is very new. I never wore shawls and for that reason, I figured I’d never want to knit them. Then I came across the Jane Eyre Shawl, which is a big, warm, wrap-around-you kind of shawl and thought I’d like to make it. Unfortunately, in my inexperience, I kept making mistake after mistake and became so discouraged I frogged it. In early 2014, I got caught up in the excitement of the Ysolda Teague Follow Your Arrow KAL and joined, despite the fact that I didn’t knit (or even wear) shawls and despite the fact that I really dislike surprises. It turned out to be such a fun experience and I loved the final result.

Is there a shawl in your personal collection that stands out as most-worn or favorite? 
Apart from my Follow Your Arrow, I think my favorite and most-worn shawl is not actually one that I made but one that was gifted to me by a fellow blogger. It's a simple triangle shawl and she gave it to me at a time when I really needed the "handknit hug" a shawl provides.

Do you have any favorite patterns or yarns when it comes to shawls?
The Jane Eyre Shawl is a Faroese style shawl, which has a wide center gusset in the back and shoulder shaping that helps it stay in place when you move around. That was a big factor in changing my opinion on shawls. I wanted something that wouldn't constantly be slipping off my shoulders since I'm very active. I'd still like to knit the Jane Eyre or some other Faroese shawl in the future. I hate to choose a neutral answer but I can't say that I have a favorite yarn for shawl knittng. Every yarn has its purpose, whether it's a lighter yarn that creates a soft, drapey fabric or a thicker yarn that produces a stiffer, warmer, heartier shawl. I like them all!

Finally, any tips for styling or wearing a shawl? 
One of the reasons I shied away from shawls is because I figured they looked a little too old or something. But Ravelry opened my eyes to all the many ways to style a shawl! I usually wear mine bundled around my neck, kerchief style. This helps keep my neck warm when I’m wearing a coat. I’ve overcome my fear of wearing shawls since having a hand knit shawl draped over your shoulders is wonderful feeling

Otto Day Cardigan (Revised)

Sizes

Sizes: 3 months, (6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months) Finished chest measurement: 19.5 (20.5, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5) inches, buttoned. Sweater is designed to be worn with about 2-3 inches of positive ease.

Yarn

Aran or Bulky weight yarn such as Cascade Yarns Eco Wool (pictured) or Quince & Co. Osprey

Yardage

200-300 yards

Needles

US 8 24 inch circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge

US 8 DPNs for sleeve

Notions

Markers

Stitch holders or scrap yarn

Cable needle

Tapestry Needle

1 inch button OR toggle

Gauge

16 stitches and 20 rows in 4 inches in Double Seed Stitch (also called Moss Stitch)

Notes

The first time I knit this sweater I was an expectant Mama, keeping my hands busy while trying to still my mind.  It was in a wee size - just a little 3 month sweater that my baby boy grew out of in a minute.  Wanting to try my hand at writing knitting patterns, I knit it again, this time grading it and publishing it on my blog as a free pattern.  I had no idea the response that this little piece would get.  I have truly enjoyed watching more and more of these sweaters pop up on Ravelry.  (I even spotted one in someone's Instagram feed!)  It seems that many agree - this is a sweet and quick knit for your little ones. 

As of March 2015, this pattern has received a facelift!  I've tweaked the sizes just a bit (there is less ease in the body now and more in the sleeve), and made the instructions clearer and more consistent with my other patterns.  AND, it is still a free pattern!  Consider it my gift to all you Mamas-to-be out there. 

This is a great first sweater for those of you looking to move on from hats and scarves.  It will give you an idea of how a seamless bottom-up sweater is constructed, while also giving you the satisfaction of a quick knit.  The cables are nestled on a lovely textured background, two of my favorite stitches of Aran cabled sweaters.  The piece is knit from the bottom up, joined at the underarms and the raglan yoke is worked seamlessly. The only finishing required is grafting the underarm stitches, sewing on a button and weaving in the ends.

Techniques

K2tog

SSK

Grafting/Kitchener Stitch

Long-Tail Cast On

Cables

Buttonhole

Abbreviations

beg – beginning

Cont- continue

dec – decrease

Dss- double seed stitch

k- knit

k2tog- knit 2 together

p- purl

patt- pattern

pm- place marker

rem- remain

rep – repeat

rnd – round

RS- right side

sm- slip marker

ssk- slip, slip, knit

st(s) – stitch(es)

St st- stockinette stitch

WS- wrong side

Stitch Guide

Double seed stitch (multiples of 2 sts):

Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1,* rep between ** to end.

Row 2 (WS): *P1, k1,* rep between ** to end.

Row 3: * P1, k1,* rep between ** to end.

Row 4: *K1, P1,* rep between ** to end.

Honeycomb Cable (8 sts):

Row 1-2: Work in St st.

Row 3 (RS): Place next 2 sts on cable needle, hold to front, knit next 2 sts, knit 2 sts from cable needle. Place next 2 sts on cable needle and hold to back. Knit next 2 sts, then knit 2 sts from cable needle.

Rows 4-6: Work in St st.

Row 7 (RS):  Place 2 sts on cable needle and hold to back. Knit next 2 sts, then knit 2 sts from cable needle.  Place 2 sts on cable needle, hold to front, knit next 2 sts, knit 2 sts from cable needle. 

Row 8: Work in St st.

Stockinette stitch:

Row 1 (RS): knit

Row 2 (WS): purl

BODY

With longer circular needles, and the long-tail method, cast on 90 (94, 98, 102, 106) sts.  Do not join.

Setup row (WS): work in dss for 10 stitches, pm, p8 (cable stitches), pm, dss 23 (25, 27, 29, 31), pm, p8 (cable stitches), pm, dss 23 (25, 27, 29, 31), pm, p8 (cable stitches), pm, dss 10 stitches 

Rows 1-8: *Work in dss to marker, sm, work cable, sm *; repeat between ** two more times, work in dss to end of row.

Cont in patt until body measures 5 (6, 6.5, 7, 7.5) inches (or desired length to undearm) from cast-on edge, ending with a wrong side row.

Next row:  *Slip 23 (24, 24, 25, 26) sts, slip next 4 (4, 5, 5,6) underarm sts to separate holder, slip 36 (38, 40, 42, 42), slip next 4 (4, 5, 5,6) underarm sts to separate holder, slip remaining sts.  82 (86, 88, 92, 94) sts rem.  

SLEEVES (make 2 alike)

With DPNs, and the long-tail method, cast on 30 (32, 34,36, 38) sts. Join to work in the round being careful not to twist. Pm to indicate beg of rnd.

Work in dss for 10 rnds.

Change to St st and work until sleeve measures 2 (2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3) inches from cast-on edge, working to last 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) sts before marker.  Place next 4 (4, 5, 5,6) underarm sts on separate holder.  26 (28, 29, 31, 32) sts total.

Make second sleeve in the same manner.

YOKE
Note: Continue to work honeycomb cable until too few sts rem. 

Return to the needle holding the body sts and continue as follows:

Set-up Row (WS): Work 23 (24, 24, 25, 26) front sts in dss, pm, k 26 (28, 29, 31, 32) sleeve sts, pm, work 36 (38, 40, 42, 42) back sts in dss, pm, k 26 (28, 29, 31, 32) sleeve sts, work 23 (24, 24, 25, 26) front sts in dss.  134 (142, 146, 154, 158) sts total.

Dec row (RS): *Work to marker, k2tog sm, ssk, knit to 2 sts before next marker*; repeat between ** three more times. 8 sts dec

Rep Dec Rnd every RS row 7 (7, 6, 7, 6) more times, and every 4th row 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) times. 54 (62, 66, 66, 70) sts total.

AT THE SAME TIME work buttonhole as follows: When you have worked 8 (8, 8, 9, 9) dec rows, on the next WS row, work until 6 sts rem.  Cast off 3 sts.  Knit to end.  On next row k3, cast on 3 sts, and continue in patt to the end of the row.

Cast off loosely or using a stretchy method.

Finishing
Graft underarms together using Kitchener stitch.
Weave in ends and block to measurements.  Sew on button.

Knit.Purl Spring 2015

The preview for Knit.Purl. Spring 2015 is up, which means in a few weeks this issue will hit your doorstep (or newsstand or LYS).  I have two pieces in this issue.  The first is the Pointed Hem Tunic, a piece that was very fun to design.  The shape is achieved by creating yarn over's under the arms and decreases up the center front and back, and has a slight a-line shape.  The second is the Baler Cardigan- one I can imagine wearing all the time with many kinds of outfits and in many different seasons.  It has a relaxed fit in the body, with button closures and a lovely eyelet pattern on the sleeves.  I may just have to put my other sweaters aside and cast one on...

The 52 Project (an update)

He won't take a nap any which way I encourage or try.  But then there's a lot of this these days.  Mid conversation, full snow suit pass out's.

He finally decided she's okay enough to keep, and gives her frequent hugs and "I wove you Wiwo."  Occasionally accompanied by the snowy mitten hand to the face.

Trying to get his attention any which way, always.

If all else fails, get his attention by eating his toys.  Works every. time.

If you've followed me over from my blogger blog, you may have noticed something missing.  The 52 Project, a portrait a week of each of my children.  I thought and thought about whether or not I wanted to continue doing them (and continue any personal/parenting blog posts on my new site as well.)  The answer, after much deliberation, was yes.  I like having these treasures to look back and see how far our children have come, how mch they've grown.  But I don't always love them as a beautiful portrait, and those weeks, I wasn't excited about sharing them on the blog.  So, I haven't stopped taking portraits of my kids, just relaxed a bit with posting so frequently.  (I've been posting some over on Instagram while I got this new site up and running.)  So while you will see some portraits of my kids from time to time, I will be more lenient about posting them.  Keeping some portraits just for our family, and not feeling like I have to post one every week.  Just sharing them with you when they are works I am proud of (and that I don't think my kids will hate me for sharing when they are teenagers).  So here are a few of my favorites so far this year.  You can expect the next installment.... sometime.

Knitter's Pride Winners!

Drum roll please....

And the winners are:

Adamoczky-Belme Dóra, you've won a set of Knitter's Pride Special Interchangeable Needles! 

And...

Sally Hislop, you've won a set of Knitter's Pride Karbonz Starter Set!

Congratulations!  Email me at threadandladle {at} gmail {dot} com with your mailing adress and I'll get them out to you asap!

We Are Bakers

This post originally appeared on my blogger site in Sept. 2014.

We are bakers.  The recipe on the bag of chocolate chips when the days are hard and we need a quick and trusted pick me up.  Cracking open a new cookbook and jamming to the tunes of Stevie Wonder when the days are good and we're feeling adventurous.  Filling bowls of berries under the warm summer sun, coming home to layer with fresh shortcakes and whipped cream and savoring as the sun sets on another summer day.  Pulling the same berries from the freezer on a cold evening and dumping them into a buttery crust to relish by the fireside months later.  He has been there, since the beginning, in a sling or on our hip until he got big enough to stand on tiptoes and steel fingers full of butter and sugar and sweet things and then ask for more. 

The absence of buttery goodness in our house is a sure sign of something amiss.  Like a puzzle whose pieces were all in their place, dumped out and now scrambled in a pile.  Our family of three is now four and fitting the new puzzle pieces together takes time.  Staring over the pieces, sifting through, until the "aha" moment when you find that one piece you were looking for.

And we've found one piece.  At least for today.  We found our time to bake, make, taste, and dance a little too.  A new recipe at that, though Stevie will have to wait for fear he'll wake the sleeping babe.  As my little boy sits on the counter, socks caked in flour, legs smeared with butter, mixing, mixing- my mind flashes forward.  To years from now, a little girl sitting on the counter in just the same way, her brother away at school.  Just as I flashed backwards the first time I put her in the wrap snuggled against my body.  To a baby boy nearly three years ago, in that very same position, that very same wrap, and almost that very same face.

This is just a season in our lives.  Just like the cookies we bake, it will be gone before I know it, and I'll stand there, wondering, where did it go?

It takes time to fit a good puzzle together.  For now, we'll savor this one moment when this one piece of us fit perfectly into our day.  And trust that we'll get there, find the rest of the pieces, fitting the intricacies of this new family together. 

Eventually. 

In the meantime, we'll share another cookie. 

Yarn Along

After a little hiatus from blogging, while getting my new site up and running, it feels great to be back in the saddle!  Joining Ginny for Yarn Along.  I missed blogging more than I realized!

Knitting: A cable-laden cardigan of my own design.  (Pattern coming later this year.)  It's in the home stretch- the yoke- and I can't wait to finish it so I can wear it!  I'm also mulling over some options for another Lieselotte Shawl (my newest pattern and free!) for the Lieselotte KAL.  I'm considering that yellow Harrisville Designs up there that is left over from my Folium Cardigan, which would work well as a pretty baby blanket for my girl.  I'm also mighty tempted to cast one on for myself with that lovely Rowan Pure Life I found recently (but I don't have enough for the pattern as it's written).  Ah, choices, choices.

Reading: My reading time of late is almost non-existent.  I've been plugging away at Knitting Yarns for a while, and I'm only half way through!  It's a lovely collection of essays on knitting that I'm really enjoying- despite the snail's pace.

How about you?

Shawl Inspiration: Lori Graham

If you are looking for knitting inspiration, all you need to is look at Lori Ann Graham's (Lori times five) Ravelry page or blog.   Her knitting is beautiful, and her photography even more so.  Her love of shawls is infectious (she even has one named for her!) and so I asked her to share some thoughts on the topic as part of the Lieselotte Shawl KAL.  Let's finish these shawls so we can join Lori for her #wearyourshawlwednesday on Instagram!  Thank you so much for sharing with us Lori! 

First, would you tell us about your knitting history- ie., where did you learn to knit and how long have you been knitting?

I've been knitting most of my life, learning at the age of 5, literally at my Norwegian grandmother's knee.  She would have me sit on the ground beside her (her in her blue rocking chair) and she would guide my hands. I made endless doll blankets with wool my grandma Rose gave me. 

Where does your love for shawls come from; is there anyone in your memory who wore or knit them, or is it something that happened when you started knitting them?

 I think my love of shawls came from grandma Rose too.  She always had one of her handknit ones on.  But as a young girl, then a young mother, shawls felt a bit beyond my age I think. although I loved wrapping up in hers at home, it wasn't until many years later they became a part of my wardrobe (I'm so glad to see that thinking has changed!)  The first one I think, was made while on a trip.  We were on a 3 week drive around the north island of New Zealand. I brought a bag of alpaca to knit with, it ended up being a 'traveling shawl' (found on raverly under this name).  So thankful I had that yarn too, there wasn't any to buy on our entire trip! 

Is there a shawl in your personal collection that stands out as most-worn or favorite?

I love to make all kinds of shawls, but I think my favorite is the one that is more repetitive knitting.  A simple pattern, with no charts (or minimal) and easy to memorize is perfect.  The simpler the better, better for wrapping up in too. :)  My favorite pattern right now is the hap shawl.  It's a beautiful blend of mindless and simple chart.  I love the techniques used in the modern hap.  First the garter stitch center, then a lovely border and finally a knitted on lace edging. I have only made one so far, but it is so well loved and worn i am sure I'll make many more.  There is also elizabeth zimmermans pi shawl.  Endlessly simple and easy as a takealong project, as you progress the shawl turns into it's own bag (knit entirely in the round it looks like an oversize hat on the needles). 

Do you have any favorite patterns or yarns when it comes to shawls?

I think shawls can be the most versatile item to knit and use.  They don't care too much about gauge (as long as sizing and yardage requirements are taken into consideration) and they don't need to fit like a sweater might.  They love to be wrapped around the neck or shoulders.  Shawls are so comforting and forgiving.  I have used them as a picnic blanket, to wrap a baby in, to cover a lap, for a pillow on a flight, or to cover a nursing infant.  I love woolly wools, merino with alpaca is nice for shawls.  Cashmere is perfect for softness and warmth, an investment in yourself (or a lovely gift). 

Finally, any tips for styling or wearing a shawl?

I wish I could see everyone in a shawl, I've heard some say they are not sure how to wear one, or that it might not be right for them. I think if you love the fabric you've knit, it will love you back. 

Knitter's Pride Review & Giveaway

I'm hooked on interchangeable needles.  A while ago, prebaby, I made a massive wall hanging organizational system for all my knitting needles.  And there are A LOT.  But here is the thing... so often, I find myself still lacking that 'specific' needle I need for a project.  Maybe I have the right size, but in straight needles.  Or the right circular, but not in the right length.  So I started buying interchangeable needles and it all became so much easier!  I typically knit even flat pieces on interchangeable's, and since learning the magic loop, I hardly ever even use DPN's.  A good set of interchangeable's doesn't take up much space in my knitting bag and I always have what I need!  It's pure awesomeness!  As I tried out different needles it became clear which were my favorites.  Knitter's Pride!  They make good, affordable interchangeable needles (and fixed needles for that matter).  I reached out to the company and they sent me two sets of interchangeable needles to review and give away to you!  Here are my thoughts...

Dreamz Special

From the manufacturer: Special Tips are designed to produce circulars in 16'' (40cm) length. Each tip measures 4'' (10cm) and is to be used with cords provided in the set

Set includes: Tips in sizes 4, 5, 6,7,8, 9, 10.  Two cords to make 16" length.  4 end caps.  1 Set of size markers.  2 cord keys.  A zippered carrying case.

Pros:

• You have size 16 needles for most hat-knitting occasions!  The kit includes sizes 4-10, and how nice is it to have them all on hand?  (Pretty darn nice.) 
• The wood tips are so lovely, and, unlike many other wood needles I've used, still have a very nice point!
• Easy to change sizes mid-project for things like ribbing or colorwork.
• Pretty colors!

Cons:

• It's unlikely that you're going to use the tips or cables with other sets of interchangeable's, as they're rather short.  (Which is why I'd prefer a full set of 16" fixed circular needles.  So far as I can tell, these don't come in sets with all sizes, yet.)
• If your working yarn is similar in color to your tips, it can be hard to see your stitches.

Recommendation:  If you switch sizes mid-hat often, or just adore interchangeable's, these could be a good choice for you.  If not, then a set of 16" fixed needles might be more your style.

Karbonz Starter Kit

From the manufacturer: A revolutionary product!! New - age needles made from High-Tech carbon fiber with tips in nickel plated brass!  Combination of two versatile materials – light bodied carbon fiber & sharp brass tips – is guaranteed to provide an unparalleled knitting experience!! No other knitting needle comes closer to this!!

Set includes: Tips in sizes 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6.  Two cords to make lengths 24" and 32".  4 end caps.  1 Set of size markers.  2 cord keys.  A zippered carrying case.

Pros:

• The tips are so nice!  They really are a unique tip.  Though I've met many people who have mistaken these tips for wood, they are actually "high-tech carbon fiber."  The carbon fiber combined with the metal tips means they are versatile for may types of fibers.  (Ie. Have you ever tried linen on metal needles?  Not fun.  But these work quite well)
• The material means these tips will last a while, and likely not wear down over time as quickly as, say, a wooden tip.  (The only reason I own the Karbonz over a set of Dreamz!)
• As in the Dreamz, these tips have a lovely, sharp point.
• Another reason I've come to love Knitter's Pride needles is because their cords don't kink!  My pet peave with circular needles is a cord that continues to roll up into a circle or kink as you're working.  I don't have that issue with these cords.
• As long as I use the cord key for tightening, I've never had a tip fall off while knitting.

Cons:

• Very occasionally I've come across a tip that doesn't want to screw onto the cord quite right.  With a little patience it usually goes on smoothly, though even more rarely (once I think) I came across a tip that didn't fit snugly onto the cord, and had a little lip where stitches got stuck as I was working.
• Again with the color issue.  If you have a dark colored yarn, it can be hard to see your stitches.

Recommendation:  I love these needles and recommend them wholeheartedly!  (I own a set!)

And now for the fun part- giveaway time!  There are four ways to win a Dreamz Special OR a Karbonz Starter Set:

1. Follow Thread & Ladle on Instagram, and share the giveaway photo, being sure to tag me!
2. Follow Thread & Ladle on Facebook
3. Join the Thread & Ladle Ravelry Group
4. Follow the Thread & Ladle blog in your blog feed.

Leave a comment here letting me know you did so.  (Leave a new comment for each mode of entry.)  Winners will be chosen by random number generator on March 7th.  Good Luck!

Lieselotte Shawl (Free) Pattern

Lieselotte: My grandmother.  My daughter, named for my grandmother.  When I was pregnant with baby Lilo I was hoping desperately for a girl.  One of the things that I wanted to make her, if I had known it was a her, was a swaddling shawl.  I'd seen another friend whose mother had knit her baby girl a beautiful little shawl that served as a swaddling blanket.  Sturdy enough to be a magic cape, roof of a fort, or give a cuddle on sick days, as she grows into a child, but still pretty enough that when she is old enough it will can provide some comfort and warmth around her shoulders as she goes to school, college, work.  I like the idea of a comfort blanket/shawl that can grow with a child into adulthood.  But this one, named for my baby girl, is also elegant and functional enough for grown ups to wear too.  (And that grandmother Lieselotte that I mentioned will surely be trying to steal mine, as she does with nearly every hand knit that she catches me wearing.)  A functional yet pretty shawl for many purposes.

Not only is this a perfect everyday little shawl- it's FREE!  It's a perfect beginner shawl and lace project, or a comfort project for the experienced knitter.  Lieselotte Shawl is worked from the top down using lifted increases, with a very simple lace worked at the bottom edge.  The i-cord bind off gives it a clean finish but can easily be subbed out for another (stretchier) bind off.  Shawl includes three sizes, the smallest of which should use only 2 skeins of Brooklyn Tweed Loft.  With such a simple pattern there are many, many ways to customize it to your choosing.

And, I'm excited to announce my first Knit Along in conjunction with this shawl!  The Lieselotte Shawl Knit Along.  Start digging through your stash for the perfect yarn.  There are two ways to participate in the KAL: 

• In the Thread & Ladle Ravelry Group
• On Instagram - use #LSKAL and please do tag me, @threadandladle

However, only finished objects posted to the Ravelry Group will be eligible for PRIZES!  (Yet to be unveiled!)  So pop on over to Ravelry, grab your free copy of the Lieselotte Shawl Pattern and cast on!  Knit Along runs through May 1st, with fun shawl and knitting related posts in the meantime.  At the finish line I'll share some images of my favorite FO's and use a random number generator to draw a prize winner (or winners) from the thread of finished object's!

I can't wait to see what yarn you choose!  And stay tuned here for other KAL fun!

You can download the pattern for free on Ravelry HERE.

Note: Notice the new layout?  I hope you'll like it as much as I do.  I'll be working through all my older patterns to update them with my new layout & logo!  If you've already purchased a pattern, it will automatically be updated in your Ravelry library.