tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81420238477057506462024-03-05T16:45:02.061+11:00clothed in sheep's clothingthe (mis)adventures of a yarn lover, mother and curate's wife.KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-44085615736731750032017-01-25T17:17:00.000+11:002017-01-26T09:28:04.677+11:00Knitting tips: Knitting with Linen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvjbF6jVxeHML7pszaQtXJS8n1j-wPWQ7qm6wNqf0D42_PdY4I2iNMvKJYwgHdR_OKMsYynN9ZENCB_s85vyXTcWfwRLSGWvhTfoDjv8Mc-BD5G4Y8V5LgfcEGCXlE6E8sLVbS0miQjI/s1600/_DSC3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvjbF6jVxeHML7pszaQtXJS8n1j-wPWQ7qm6wNqf0D42_PdY4I2iNMvKJYwgHdR_OKMsYynN9ZENCB_s85vyXTcWfwRLSGWvhTfoDjv8Mc-BD5G4Y8V5LgfcEGCXlE6E8sLVbS0miQjI/s640/_DSC3201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In an endeavour to have more knitwear to wear during the summer I knit two linen pieces this season. I went stash diving and found the sweater lot of Quince & Co. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/quince--co-sparrow" target="_blank">Sparrow</a> that I had bought at least a year ago and I made Pam Allen's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/perkins-cove-pullover" target="_blank">Perkin's Cove</a> jumper. Then just last week I finished knitting a lovely cocoon of a shrug by Bristol Ivy called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bridie-3" target="_blank">Bridie</a> in Quince & Co's aran weight linen, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/quince--co-kestrel" target="_blank">Kestrel</a>. Both of these garments are lovely to wear and they will definitely feature prominently in my summer wardrobe in the years to come.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hear many people wonder what it is like to knit with linen yarn and I am by no means an expert, but here are some of my observations.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Linen is a plant fibre so it is smooth like cotton and it will not felt. However, because of the smoothness of the fibre it does also share the cotton's characteristic of having no bounce in the yarn. Unlike wool and many other animal fibres that have crimpy strands that will give the yarn bounce and memory, the plant fibres' smoothness will pretty much feel flat and "dead" in the hand. For some knitters, working with such fibres tend to cause their hands to hurt. After working two garments in linen I am ready to give my hands a rest from plant fibres and get back into some incredible woolly wools. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In preparation for knitting with the linen yarn I was advised to hand wind the skeins. The lack of crimp in the yarn is just more suited to hand wound balls but that is not to say if you are short on time that you cannot knit from a cake that had been wound on a ball winder.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfK3VubUGpxSbeiPLl5PBquLWxlTb2algGJDLGI8dQX2zmYlGGVENPer15_7MPWmXhuxz5FmbiIi7FuD5nbHsl_HEkvumAf6qDH12tjwe89ve3UIkgYTylRjQ-Pl8U_uSi_fkfDTTTT8/s1600/_DSC3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfK3VubUGpxSbeiPLl5PBquLWxlTb2algGJDLGI8dQX2zmYlGGVENPer15_7MPWmXhuxz5FmbiIi7FuD5nbHsl_HEkvumAf6qDH12tjwe89ve3UIkgYTylRjQ-Pl8U_uSi_fkfDTTTT8/s640/_DSC3199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlzi4DJ6NjiDPYVHXR4HK7isLiltsy_U41EJIAxSoHZaqzs1B0F-QA7LnMgN5ye_QQRUGbd-Gqbdlm2n_ODfUA_lwpqPeQrPdJBMZ0EmfOUvi946gb53GHGgRCspp-VWp7fsmshWG2ZQ/s1600/_DSC3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlzi4DJ6NjiDPYVHXR4HK7isLiltsy_U41EJIAxSoHZaqzs1B0F-QA7LnMgN5ye_QQRUGbd-Gqbdlm2n_ODfUA_lwpqPeQrPdJBMZ0EmfOUvi946gb53GHGgRCspp-VWp7fsmshWG2ZQ/s640/_DSC3194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To try to avoid the stiffness in my hands I read Elizabeth Doherty's guest <a href="http://quinceandco.com/blogs/news/114693766-warming-up-to-linen" target="_blank">blog post</a> on the Quince & Co. site. She suggests to ease up the tension and to go down a needle size or two so that you don't have to pull as tightly to achieve gauge. I did this with the Bridie project and tried hard consistently maintained a relaxed tension but I find the muscle memory in my hands often just take over when I get into a knitting rhythm and when I finished the pieces I had a little freak out moment when my knitting was much smaller than the suggested size pictured in Bristol's schematic. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But here is how linen can shine. It is an incredibly strong fibre and can withstand some vigorous blocking. So I blocked the heck out of the Bridie and left it to dry over a weekend; I was not going to take it off the mats until it was bone dry. Because there is no crimp in the fibre once it is dry that shape is pretty much set until the next time it gets wet unlike wool which can I have noticed will gradually bounce back to it's preblocked state in some for or another. After blocking the Bridie cocoon, the size was much closer to the intended size and now it fits perfectly. I believe by blocking it the pattern has opened up a bit and it has resulted in a lovely drape to the garment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEgr2DBgfDBSL49jwwh_Z70WVuViSY6WuzFntsVehm2SaEiyebuX29EoVasRDbrSxqNL5TkeULtOmcVJRzIorr2rzhiB_UBCO0RoOzm6zMVn397SfIsLfJsAl4KtkeyfZhidIU0QwVOs/s1600/_DSC3197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEgr2DBgfDBSL49jwwh_Z70WVuViSY6WuzFntsVehm2SaEiyebuX29EoVasRDbrSxqNL5TkeULtOmcVJRzIorr2rzhiB_UBCO0RoOzm6zMVn397SfIsLfJsAl4KtkeyfZhidIU0QwVOs/s640/_DSC3197.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I was knitting the Perkin's Cove pattern with the Quince & Co. Sparrow yarn I found that my finished object was a bit wide and the stitches were looking a bit uneven and sloppy. So when I blocked that jumper I pulled it down to elongate the stitches and bring in the width. Stretching out the stitches lengthwise also helped to tidy up the elongated stitch pattern by evening it all out. Again I let it dry until it was bone dry and the linen has pretty much stayed in place.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Much of what I have read about linen knits emphasises how machine washing and tumble drying the yarn will soften it and give it more drape. I am yet to test this because I do not own a tumble dryer. I did however throw the Bridie shrug into the washing machine and that withstood the process. Linen, like cotton will not felt and is strong enough to take some rough treatment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Both pieces have been such lovely layering garments for me to wear over the past month. I am so pleased with them both and next summer I will definitely have another linen knit on my needles. Maybe I'll play around with some <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/isager-strik-bomulin" target="_blank">Isager Bomulin</a> next time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Further Reading:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As mentioned above, Elizabeth Doherty's tips on the Quince & Co. <a href="http://quinceandco.com/blogs/news/114693766-warming-up-to-linen" target="_blank">blog</a> are very help so do take a look. Another worthy read for knitting with linen is Hannah Fettig's post about finishing linen knits. Check it out <a href="http://knitbot.com/blog/2013/5/22/finishing-with-linen" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Links to my Ravelry project pages for my <a href="http://ravel.me/KangaRooi/b1" target="_blank">Bridie</a> and <a href="http://ravel.me/KangaRooi/pcp" target="_blank">Perkin's Cove</a>.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-73826378879912362742017-01-04T15:23:00.001+11:002017-01-10T15:09:26.809+11:00Knitting tips: When you get stumped with a pattern instruction<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuE957OR5cK89VA0D0Thq69IchWGlJOgggmcGd5LfHsTT05k0w_W7zo9-1L5MEz05ZOdheLWMlgb9-e4096RM9H-18nfiI1MumawR3CRaDiuDLYmveDqpB3Ok2NF2T2ooZDXXqKj6XO0/s1600/_DSC3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuE957OR5cK89VA0D0Thq69IchWGlJOgggmcGd5LfHsTT05k0w_W7zo9-1L5MEz05ZOdheLWMlgb9-e4096RM9H-18nfiI1MumawR3CRaDiuDLYmveDqpB3Ok2NF2T2ooZDXXqKj6XO0/s640/_DSC3171.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Somehow I've ended up with the wrong stitch count at the shoulders on the front and I'm stuck.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've all been there before and no matter how experienced a knitter we are we all experience the same rise of panic and frustration when we find a point in our project where we cannot proceed any further. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may have just realised that the pattern instructions and your actual knitting doesn't match up. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You believe that you have followed EVERYTHING to the tee and you just don't know why this has happened. Or you had been happily chugging along with your knitting until you've reached a point in the pattern that is confusing or unfamiliar to you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're like me, this usually happens late in the evening and I end up obsessing over it trying to work it out to fix the problem before I am able to go to bed. Which in reality probably doesn't help the situation at all and really a sleep and a fresh set of eyes is the possibly the most prudent approach.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having experienced this panic and frustration many many times I have sat down and thought of a few suggestions for how to move forward.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. I find all my patterns off <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> these days so that is often my first point of reference. I will look at the pattern page to see if the designer has posted any errata links or comments about tricky bits in the pattern. After that I look through the projects that other Ravelry users have made from the same pattern. This wonderful community is full of many generous and wise makers who diligently write up thoughts, modifications and problems they encountered. If there is an error in the pattern's instructions it would undoubtedly be picked up on by more than one knitter. The helpful ones will also provide details on how they moved forward from the problem or what they did to modify the pattern to their liking. I am eternally grateful for those benevolent knitters who freely share their wisdom and I do try to do likewise with my Ravelry project notes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. My current project, Annie Rowden's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/polka-dot-tunic" target="_blank">Polka Dot Tunic</a> hasn't got many projects on Ravelry and so unfortunately there are no helpful notes from other makers. I am at a point where my knitting is not matching up to what the pattern instructions say. I am stumped but I am not at a loss. Many independent designers are willing to provide pattern support for their designs. They are dedicated to their fan base and will usually provide some kind of contact means for questions and feedback. In this case I have written an email to Annie and I hope to hear back in the near future. I'll let you know what happens...*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Sometimes you just need someone in real life to help you nut through a problem and a trip to the LYS is just what you need. At <a href="http://www.sunspun.com.au/" target="_blank">Sunspun</a> we regularly have people popping in need of help with a project and we are all ways happy to take a look and spend a bit of one on one time nutting it out. We always try our best to send people off ready to keep knitting and on their way towards a beautiful finished project.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope you'll be able to knit problem free, so happy knitting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">UPDATE: My email to Annie has been replied and she has clarified everything. Turns out the pattern has errors and she will be updating the parts that I pointed out to her. I'm a bit chuffed to have made a contribution to this pattern and aided a designer. This is just another thing I love about the modern knitting community.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-91976923025218504712017-01-02T15:18:00.000+11:002017-01-04T15:30:45.883+11:002017: Blog Reboot<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHnAtJTbSEhA9Og-OK_rNRTqfQZdMoiKPTRnDd2M94OLhr3M-jcLl0nYTHDeVde3KCKYjq-4oBE7m6TR8CBwbGdnt1ZfxY2I4E9uT-Fiwjp3wE11Ahosxee8FQDnQUwiZ9v3I2zlhEK8/s1600/_DSC3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHnAtJTbSEhA9Og-OK_rNRTqfQZdMoiKPTRnDd2M94OLhr3M-jcLl0nYTHDeVde3KCKYjq-4oBE7m6TR8CBwbGdnt1ZfxY2I4E9uT-Fiwjp3wE11Ahosxee8FQDnQUwiZ9v3I2zlhEK8/s640/_DSC3166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy New Year! 2017! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a new year, so why not reboot the blog. Rather than dwell on what went wrong last year I'm just going to look ahead and set my goals for the year ahead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Slowing down and simplifying life is one thing that is pressing on my thoughts right now. I want to be able to enjoy the moments and the process rather than try to rush through to the finished object or the destination. I'm aiming to take the pressure of myself stop trying to achieve unrealistic goals or to make everything that catches my eye. So the goals will be less extensive and detailed this year and kinder to myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've come to accept that "Stash Less" is just not for me. I know I really should but I can't especially since I started working at my LYS, <a href="http://www.sunspun.com.au/" target="_blank">Sunspun</a> and I'm surrounded by such attractive yarns on a regular basis. I am a stash enhancer but maybe I should turn that into a strength and write more often about the spectacular skeins of yarn that cross my path and find their way into my stash. So you can look forward to some more yarny thoughts this year on the blog.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to spend more time on my sewing machine. The growing fabric stash will be a new area of attention for me. I have been collecting and dreaming of building my handmade wardrobe and I really need to just apply myself to making it a reality. I also want to make more items for my children so that they can wear at least one piece of handmade everyday.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCvPVfmN968-zq3mSPznMJLw3L4hQGko4zvsa4Ms2NiYUKlgN5UJzi9hUxTLL9D_ehZxJPNSfsbWNc8XXmouYDbmixHVDNA4DmY9mVjU6iQfs0TA5JUNzwaHhXPbWTQHgAGSOMntjmZ8/s1600/_DSC3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCvPVfmN968-zq3mSPznMJLw3L4hQGko4zvsa4Ms2NiYUKlgN5UJzi9hUxTLL9D_ehZxJPNSfsbWNc8XXmouYDbmixHVDNA4DmY9mVjU6iQfs0TA5JUNzwaHhXPbWTQHgAGSOMntjmZ8/s640/_DSC3164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some knits that I definitely want to make this year:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-wave" target="_blank">Little Wave</a> cardigan by Gudrun Johnston. I want to knit this for my husband for our 10 year anniversary this year. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/isadora-lopapeysa" target="_blank">Isadora Lopapeysa</a> by Kate Gagnon Osborn. This will be for my boy because I want to knit a stranded colourwork sweater and a kids sized one is the best place to start.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pictured above is what I'm working through right now. It's Annie Rowden's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/polka-dot-tunic" target="_blank">Polka Dot Tunic</a> for my girl but I'm considering changing the bottom of it because I predict that a white "skirt" bottom will definitely return from kinder very dirty. I'm knitting this with my last 200g skein of <a href="https://tarndie.com/" target="_blank">Tarndie</a> 8ply and some lovely squishy <a href="http://wooldays.com/" target="_blank">Wool Days</a> Scout and I think of it as my "All Australia" project because both these exquisitely woolly wools are traceable to two single farms in Australia. Both yarns have fabulous stories behind them; take a look through their websites if you want to know more or wait till I post up a yarn review.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtgk-tvLgmCM1vSaVnb7mCHjdRXc73xE54Ul2UVU23TFGUjKE1JM_458eGY-OPI95sVaQqmy_Op-itBlGgMUJnh2L9ERgAutytNhqfAYous6kGnmram42ljlyijsZGrWlHUUEuByoKIQ/s1600/_DSC3162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtgk-tvLgmCM1vSaVnb7mCHjdRXc73xE54Ul2UVU23TFGUjKE1JM_458eGY-OPI95sVaQqmy_Op-itBlGgMUJnh2L9ERgAutytNhqfAYous6kGnmram42ljlyijsZGrWlHUUEuByoKIQ/s640/_DSC3162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For myself, there are too many jumpers, cardigans, shawls, cowls and etc. in my making dreams. I will probably just let the fibre speak to me and choose projects based on which yarns I want to play with next. Like that Blacker yarns <a href="https://www.blackeryarns.co.uk/yarn/cornish-tin-ii" target="_blank">Cornish Tin II</a> that is pictured at the top of this post. I keep wanting to squish (and sniff) it and I'm thinking it will be a lovely yarn to use for a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rocquaine" target="_blank">Rocquaine</a> from Pom Pom 18.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please share your making goals in the comments. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy making in 2017.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-49589015444210121812016-08-29T15:11:00.001+10:002016-08-29T20:55:11.089+10:00The Siren song of the Crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36zTTe7E339XKlSbIcxoDNsTSsCRVzOzcuByrNcegOyeodfunD-XEZE5ROL5p4bnDYV4gnA2tHNbnNqsYGlvYLN1R5fiOf6NxNSqXro9Y6ZCSd2TINQwAGOmm1gDXougGeaN9mlUHPzo/s640/_DSC3135.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lately the fabric has been calling to me and I've been daydreaming about sewing.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">There are times when the craft supplies, whether they be the fabric stash or the yarns, call to you and pulls you in like a Siren song. This past couple of weeks I have been finding myself longingly staring at the fabric stash and dreaming of projects to turn those gorgeous pieces of cloth into. My skills are limited but my dreams are big.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The lure to craft is not unlike the effect of a Siren song upon a weary sailor. When the materials are special, the call is entrancing and irresistible like the mythical lullaby of the Sirens. When I feel the pull towards the fabric I find my brain is taken over by thoughts of projects and the colours and prints upon the cloth. It draws me in until I find myself working at my sewing station cutting and pressing and stitching away.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEC1F_BvFoTSB13HNLE1gr2YVSfSuoiFollx52Fj4Ljj9aIyxeSqh9kjOAyo4LiQpzSC1f8dnWNUR3tIBXwwaOo4is9QdEzIQ3gE81JT8PNtHvSMPufnRySDY6kJ31mWTQF7NvHjbA1o/s1600/_DSC3149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEC1F_BvFoTSB13HNLE1gr2YVSfSuoiFollx52Fj4Ljj9aIyxeSqh9kjOAyo4LiQpzSC1f8dnWNUR3tIBXwwaOo4is9QdEzIQ3gE81JT8PNtHvSMPufnRySDY6kJ31mWTQF7NvHjbA1o/s640/_DSC3149.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the Wiksten tanks that's I've made of late.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I feel like the pull to craft is not only something mystical it is some kind of subconscious push towards some tap out, therapeutic craft time. Like the weather-worn sailor I find myself in a season of busyness and stress and my ability to juggle everything is failing more often than I'd like. Mentally I'm feeling the strain and though I am tired and in a bit of a funk I cannot resist the urge to make something.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've written before about how I find making and crafting very therapeutic; a path to mindfulness. Again I write here to reiterate it. Undeniably there are times when certain yarns or fabrics sing to you and you just know it is asking to be made into something beautiful. The process of making leads one to put aside the stresses and 'to do lists' of life for a while and the joy of a product made with love lifts the spirits.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A friend of mine was recently sharing of her struggle with depression and then excitedly took me down to her workshop where she has been making a table top with recycled wood. She spoke with such delight when she explained where each piece of wood originally came from and how she was almost finished with the varnish. Her work is beautiful and I marvel at her talent but more so her ability to find a positive mental space when she is feeling the blues.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn_2-xbx9Ioq69XhrvQjB8EFmOWYwy6oNDOjYYUnUjtAtNgxRfVapyU50IfeNlVuBX2PAmAxmOdnxXicfGTlmYRK975O9X2K4kIma-f6aubUt8oae0D8PDQ7Y83G0bbftbWVTESPgP40/s1600/_DSC3139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn_2-xbx9Ioq69XhrvQjB8EFmOWYwy6oNDOjYYUnUjtAtNgxRfVapyU50IfeNlVuBX2PAmAxmOdnxXicfGTlmYRK975O9X2K4kIma-f6aubUt8oae0D8PDQ7Y83G0bbftbWVTESPgP40/s640/_DSC3139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More things cut out ready to sew up.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes we do not realise that we need to be involved in this process of making. Our heart and mind suddenly crave to make something and all stemming from a need to nourish the mind and soul with some positive energy. Initially, the pull may feel like a dangerous Siren song because of all those tasks that need to be ticked off and jobs to be done, but once we immerse ourselves into the making and take a breath we realise that craft time was exactly what we needed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe it is alright to allow yourself a little bit of tap out time to do the thing that you love. The Siren song of Craft is not a bad thing, but instead a chance to experience a moment of mindful peace.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What do you like to make or do when you take the time to tap out from life's stresses? Does it nourish your mind and soul and feel like it was exactly what you needed to do? Share your thoughts.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-48663540181743650662016-08-20T12:03:00.001+10:002016-08-20T12:03:56.122+10:00About the time I went to Bendigo for the Sheep and Wool show...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXaioJPrRDu1BX2OtS-9pWuFK0GhK__FTJmsKx9z1fMbt7ec-V50bmUt8cJQdbPj1yhJObvw2zhzcNpVfNlffZdgLArONALG0OBtira_XheeA1acaopa6ajmFd81Bi8JBJhQPCeri_JU/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXaioJPrRDu1BX2OtS-9pWuFK0GhK__FTJmsKx9z1fMbt7ec-V50bmUt8cJQdbPj1yhJObvw2zhzcNpVfNlffZdgLArONALG0OBtira_XheeA1acaopa6ajmFd81Bi8JBJhQPCeri_JU/s640/IMG_0802.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I came home with from "Bendi Spendi" this year.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello my sad neglected blog...I'm back with a post that is weeks overdue. This is my round up of the Annual <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_78534537"></span>Australian Sheep and Wool show<span id="goog_78534538"></span></a> that was held in Bendigo back in mid July.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For woolcrafters in this neck of the woods this once yearly sheep and wool show is one of the most exciting weekends of the year. It is this event that will prompt the migration of knitters, crocheters, spinners, felters and all fibre lovers into this lovely regional city each year. They come in their little gaggles donning their handmade woollies and find a fibre heaven in the woolcraft market sheds.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year instead of dragging the family up with me I did the day trip with some knitty girlfriends. We piled into the car with the largest boot and headed off even before my littlies had woken up (such a rarity, and of course it happens on the day that I'm not able to sleep in.). As much as I love having my family with me on such adventures, doing the show with friends who are on the same page when it comes to fibre was such a nicer experience than having to put up with the complaints of Sir S who declares, "I don't like sheep." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rR3fPXhqooKzgx5NMqbRt5zaPPeJZqXaSzf2OsB05V63p8yRBht0A7Dw2Hp91X9c-X8_oLBPqkpMJke96MZnnX79IR2ELbovVcI0Gyx9Dj7cAjHRWAXH3MfkvCKiPPMvhr0Tx0UyTB8/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rR3fPXhqooKzgx5NMqbRt5zaPPeJZqXaSzf2OsB05V63p8yRBht0A7Dw2Hp91X9c-X8_oLBPqkpMJke96MZnnX79IR2ELbovVcI0Gyx9Dj7cAjHRWAXH3MfkvCKiPPMvhr0Tx0UyTB8/s640/IMG_0337.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My "Women of Wool". Love you girls!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I confess, I went quite crazy last year at the show because it was my first and I'm going to blame it on the wool fumes. This year I prepped myself to be restrained and to be the supportive enabler for my friends instead. To help me, I was prepared to stick to my woolly wool filter and continue to avoid purchasing any superwashed fibres even if the colours sung to me. My one must buy item was a knitted dinosaur softie because last year that was the one thing at the show that Sir S took an interest in and I told him that if I had money at the end of the day I would buy him one. Well, I'm sure you can guess that I ran out of money last year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The show did not disappoint this year. The selection of beautiful yarns, fleeces, knitting accessories and bits and bobs were all marvellous. I love seeing the number of independent hand dyers who are around these days and discovering new people who I were not familiar with before. I love seeing how Nan Bray's <a href="http://whitegumwool.com.au/" target="_blank">White Gum Wool</a> is becoming quite a popular base for hand dyers to use and that makes my heart sing because I am a huge fan of her principles and practices. It excites me to see Aussie hand dyers using her bases because it means that I can still buy from indie dyers and support their small businesses.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some of my stand out favourites from the show this year:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Alpaca Allure</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this stall I met a family who run their own alpaca farm and a mini mill out in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria. They had all this lovely undyed yarns in gorgeous natural alpaca fleece colours. The thing that really got me was on each of their labels they listed the names of the animals that the fibre came from as a dye lot. So, I bought a skein of their 8ply that came from Rose and Leo in 2016. It is so so soft and I love the natural sandy grey colour.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://dyedbyhandyarns.com/" target="_blank">Dyed by Hand</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought some yarn from her last year and I was happily a return customer this year. It was the super luscious camel/ silk lace weight yarn that got me this year. Knitting with lace weight yarn is a bit of a scary prospect but getting to work with this beautiful yarn will motivate me to give it a go.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpm6zSPcnZGZIp1XA7LSHMPwF8gZtf9DKlVcJjXeQEZy1aniHfzmP3tEGXetsoEkBtwl7EHufkdK1qVV0NHl-kv5QDyzB9tMxShvohQwdftDyR0MJCaUOBrBUW57lOHmfwSHmAkgh0FQ0/s1600/IMG_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpm6zSPcnZGZIp1XA7LSHMPwF8gZtf9DKlVcJjXeQEZy1aniHfzmP3tEGXetsoEkBtwl7EHufkdK1qVV0NHl-kv5QDyzB9tMxShvohQwdftDyR0MJCaUOBrBUW57lOHmfwSHmAkgh0FQ0/s640/IMG_0344.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Impossible to resist touching this fleece.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://www.bellevuepark.com.au/" target="_blank">Bellevue Park Wool</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A family run Australian farm that is growing some beautifully crimpy and superfine merino. They had this raw fleece on the table and I could not keep my hands away from it. What can I say, crimp excites me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://www.wool2yarn.com.au/#!about-us/c1d72" target="_blank">Wool2Yarn</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a lovely conversation with the man behind this mill, Alasdair while I pawed over and sniffed his skeins of Gotland wool. He too runs an alpaca farm and mini mill in regional Victoria and he had some really exciting blends of Gotland with fibres like silk and recycled wool or cashmere. I am so impressed to find a small industry of fibre milling and production just on my doorstep in Victoria. I am filing away this information for future fibre dreams.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Mx7T95BNtExdnVuB4iEaNpfZZuF2dv2L8LDAqbEPQh4gYMq2ldaIy-fjDyuIwfRmmh3utOmtSwjlYNne0AtUQNEjlGEZNLoi6O8Jh4SHVgMehX65Xq-50P1LsUMBi717XegbV9oO2IA/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Mx7T95BNtExdnVuB4iEaNpfZZuF2dv2L8LDAqbEPQh4gYMq2ldaIy-fjDyuIwfRmmh3utOmtSwjlYNne0AtUQNEjlGEZNLoi6O8Jh4SHVgMehX65Xq-50P1LsUMBi717XegbV9oO2IA/s640/IMG_0800.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came away with a couple more business cards and flyers of things that caught my eye but I restrained myself from buying. If I get the chance to follow up on those yarns and fibres in the future I'll tell you about them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was such a fun day amongst the wool fumes and the tactile heaven of fibre. Did you make it to Bendi this year? What caught your eye or should I say hand as you fondled through the stalls?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BTW, I did buy the dinosaur for Sir S this year and redeemed myself (and wool) in his eyes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXwO2LPrpz3JpSx7lauKjH97n-TpGr6IV0VP-thnlXBdNF50Jbt8jUqzqdy6_fnwLfeElakcYNeXme4aiaRo6WNVqWrecn_SoUNjx1U73T0a5Hy3tc7sv61a810ugdymrX8Nz9HZo6YA/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXwO2LPrpz3JpSx7lauKjH97n-TpGr6IV0VP-thnlXBdNF50Jbt8jUqzqdy6_fnwLfeElakcYNeXme4aiaRo6WNVqWrecn_SoUNjx1U73T0a5Hy3tc7sv61a810ugdymrX8Nz9HZo6YA/s640/IMG_0801.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EENz66iKZ7PXFmbWleQCCGhgvE9LWguiVCvLNjnGth0urTU8Kx2JGN_I0cKSYXqO6yhhCpBkUyqvYqgbKVAPh3W_4R0q0ywlFKw9_7LVajF0PqpYA78DWGUQFbC6sPGCShbCqafg_GY/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EENz66iKZ7PXFmbWleQCCGhgvE9LWguiVCvLNjnGth0urTU8Kx2JGN_I0cKSYXqO6yhhCpBkUyqvYqgbKVAPh3W_4R0q0ywlFKw9_7LVajF0PqpYA78DWGUQFbC6sPGCShbCqafg_GY/s640/IMG_0803.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was clear I had a bit of a colour theme this year.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-34257566966005846402016-06-26T13:39:00.002+10:002016-06-26T13:56:41.764+10:00Tips for problem free travel knitting<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0-Gy9-nam6c9uSo9LRDWGwgHrXGauWxW5-XvQsWWaM2XM-sVgt0kFu86AFmKOISyfm5fjvsGU_ftquOI6cV0B6Czl5fBPok_idXGst5r0OUezVblaw_rXn95yw4hbMTyaEqmqghx6Yk/s1600/_DSC3130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0-Gy9-nam6c9uSo9LRDWGwgHrXGauWxW5-XvQsWWaM2XM-sVgt0kFu86AFmKOISyfm5fjvsGU_ftquOI6cV0B6Czl5fBPok_idXGst5r0OUezVblaw_rXn95yw4hbMTyaEqmqghx6Yk/s640/_DSC3130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This little notions kit of mine takes care of all my knitting needs while on the go.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently when we were preparing for an overseas family holiday a few well meaning friends who were aware of my knitting addiction expressed concern for the likelihood of being able to get my knitting needles through airport security. Having travelled before, both internationally and domestically with my knitting I did not share their doubts. There was not a single bat of the eye when my bags went through the x-ray for scanning and I didn't even feel the need to preempt the security officers to the fact that there was knitting in my bag this time round. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By all means I'm not trying to set myself up as an expert on this topic but I thought it might be useful to share my tips so that other knitters can enjoy their knitting abroad too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beyond the purpose of getting through airport security I also have some general tips for keeping your knitting portable for crafting on the go.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Use circular knitting needles.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I use circular knitting needles all the time even when working flat because I find them more comfortable because the weight of the work sits more centrally in front of me and doesn't give me as much shoulder strain. I also like using them because I am a chronic public knitter and circulars are easier to tuck into a project bag and not stick out like straight needles do. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Use wooden or bamboo tips.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The debate is still on with whether you can get through the security screen with metal tips so to avoid any issues I just stick to using wooden or bamboo needles.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have yarn on the needles already cast on.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I do this so that it is more convincing to the security officers that I am a legitimate knitter and that I'm not planning on using my needles as weapons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWGOGZuRtNhScjWj0eQdKLinL9_4r4k5DSrk1DzELWRrjN9A8oDCywnwxS9lrPm6EUdKkIbsEEgUAAFvzXq2COt0isp5r2Q1DlGB37MvRCh7ReWZDa0dcVoXj5mXCpS41eP6J4vsIHV8/s1600/_DSC3131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWGOGZuRtNhScjWj0eQdKLinL9_4r4k5DSrk1DzELWRrjN9A8oDCywnwxS9lrPm6EUdKkIbsEEgUAAFvzXq2COt0isp5r2Q1DlGB37MvRCh7ReWZDa0dcVoXj5mXCpS41eP6J4vsIHV8/s640/_DSC3131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Bring a Clover yarn cutter pendant.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you think you must cut your yarn then this nifty little yarn cutter works a treat and is not a problem through security. I just had it in my notions pouch with all my other little nick nacks and there were no issues.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Knit smaller projects.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hauling around a large sweater project is just not practical when travelling so knit something small like an accessory or socks. If you must knit a sweater then try just doing the sleeves while you are on the go.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Bring enough yarn to last the whole trip and factor in the possibility for delays.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It happened to me once, on the way to Sydney our flight got cancelled and we were stuck a the airport. Initially I didn't mind because i had my knitting and then I ran out of yarn. The delay quickly became unbearable and it also meant that I didn't have anything to knit on the way home too. Now, I make sure I wind up all I need for the whole project and also bring more than one thing to work on.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4axUviqigvC90HXHyKdnY0JNIb2iIdzXIADEs97bqMcNvrx_l7vsIdsrgGTIwj-J0s96jm3K84_O7hkQW2gwwO5z_gNmiaP_RBLLVIWvRT7WOHoMwdJFcMaRbAudvd7a-he9_kQl7Gw/s1600/_DSC3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4axUviqigvC90HXHyKdnY0JNIb2iIdzXIADEs97bqMcNvrx_l7vsIdsrgGTIwj-J0s96jm3K84_O7hkQW2gwwO5z_gNmiaP_RBLLVIWvRT7WOHoMwdJFcMaRbAudvd7a-he9_kQl7Gw/s640/_DSC3134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. Knit with yarn appropriate to the destination climate.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were holidaying in Singapore and I knew that working a thick woolly project was a ridiculous thing to do. Hence I brought along nice little lace weight project and knit away happily by the pool as my children played.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8. Keep digital copies of the patterns.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I load a copy of the pattern onto all of our devices so that I still have access to the pattern even when my kids are monopolising the iPad.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. Choose an easy pattern.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My preference is for a fairly plain knit that won't require too much brain work, I am on holidays after all. Travelling with children often involves sitting in the dark hotel room waiting for a child to fall asleep and knitting st st is what I can manage in those circumstances. I'm sure more experienced knitters will be more advanced than me when it comes to knitting in the dark but I like to keep it simple.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10. Bring a self addressed prepaid postage satchel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are nervous about getting your knitting needles through security then bring a prepaid satchel so that you can post the project to yourself. Aim to head through security early so that if there was an issue you will have enough time to put your knitting in the post satchel and find a post box before trying again with security. If you still hope to work on the project while away then I recommend using interchangeable tips on your circular needles so that if you did encounter a problem you only need to post the tips back to yourself. Then when you get to your destination you have the fun of finding a LYS to pick up some new tips and some new yarn too. However, with this tip, please keep in mind that when leaving a foreign country for the homeward journey you will need to investigate what their local postage options are before heading to the airport.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There you go, nicely rounded out to 10 tips. I'm sure all you seasoned travel knitters out there have many other tips that I haven' even considered. Please leave a comment and share your wisdom.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-50414142993576095782016-06-05T16:55:00.002+10:002016-06-05T17:09:09.283+10:00Finished object file: Puntilla Sweater | Skein Merino Cashmere Fingering<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UJALwzORlHgqlnHr-6SzTCwqf3Bgwlh878E2u3-Ygn1ok47oKl9A72ft8ZR_EMhhCcbJtRl4Vu603U05R7NqNj5r5AXALmonePYSWTSCnul41Qkqb08Nhtx7INnvW7i-dKkJBJwqKQI/s1600/_DSC3055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UJALwzORlHgqlnHr-6SzTCwqf3Bgwlh878E2u3-Ygn1ok47oKl9A72ft8ZR_EMhhCcbJtRl4Vu603U05R7NqNj5r5AXALmonePYSWTSCnul41Qkqb08Nhtx7INnvW7i-dKkJBJwqKQI/s640/_DSC3055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the kind of pose you end up with when your 6YO gives the directions. He thought that I could best show off the lace by holding my hands this way.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's another finished object for a couple of months ago but I have been wearing it so much since I finished it and it is certainly one of my current wardrobe favs. I'm talking about the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/puntilla" target="_blank">Puntilla</a> sweater designed by <a href="http://www.jojiknits.com/" target="_blank">Joji Locatelli</a> that I knit for the recent <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/" target="_blank">Skein</a> Sweater KAL that Kristen hosted through her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/skein" target="_blank">Ravelry group</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Kristen first announced that she was going to offer a preorder sale for sweater lots of her yarn I was immediately hooked. I started obsessing over her colour ways and bases and dreaming of the different sweaters I could make. Then Kristen announced that she was also going to host a sweater KAL starting in May just around the time the preorders were due to be sent out. This totally sent me down the Ravelry rabbit hole. I ummed and ahhed over two patterns initially but every time I logged onto Ravelry I started adding more patterns to my short (long) list.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj82h9KRgOke6F1Zso8tsPgGqb2BmNKvaYa_8oox0ahG71I3Hn6BPEftJD-ibqSBc6iAsbJwOyyueKF3vq3F-s_qb-L6MVcAxBla7avhOUvr2zdhk7K_22p9AfM-Zb8d8AViF3r-ZlDEQ/s1600/milk+glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj82h9KRgOke6F1Zso8tsPgGqb2BmNKvaYa_8oox0ahG71I3Hn6BPEftJD-ibqSBc6iAsbJwOyyueKF3vq3F-s_qb-L6MVcAxBla7avhOUvr2zdhk7K_22p9AfM-Zb8d8AViF3r-ZlDEQ/s640/milk+glass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'Milk Glass' is a beautiful colour way but it was not quite what I expected.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, I decided to make Joji Locatelli's Puntilla sweater from her recently released <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-authentic-collection" target="_blank">Authentic Collection</a>. From the Skein update I ordered 4 skeins of MCN Sock in the 'Milk Glass' colour way on a whim because the photo of the colour looked like a soft neutral with subtle splashes of pastel purple and bluey grey. When the skeins actually arrived and I started swatching with the yarn I realised that the colour way was much deeper and variegated then I had expected. I kept looking at my swatch and I kept thinking, "I love these colours, it looks amazing." However, something still nagged at me in the back of my mind about the colour and only after I had cast on and started knitting the shoulders did I finally admit to myself that I just didn't love the colour way when I was knitting it in st st. I was troubled by just how variegated it was and I didn't feel comfortable wearing that blend of colours in a sweater that was predominately knit in st st. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luckily, I had some Skein Merino Cashmere (MC) Fingering in 'Graphite' in my stash and so I frogged what I had knit with the 'Milk Glass' and started all over again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The knit went fairly quickly after I got past the shoulders and the short row shaping for the neckline. I had never knit a Joji pattern before and her shoulder construction method was a style that I had never tried before either. But all credit to Joji for writing such clear instructions, because it was not tricky at all and I was surprised that in a relatively short amount of time I had a neck hole and a pair of shoulders.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchJNpKE6FnBJvq1OZB9S7wQgHsRJhntDAlRp5LJGlpyOTR6o3DLBHVjmvMVd_bkrPY4nlU5QVBs7391ZHrv5VDRE3Q0k1bZHlCTvPhq0B0B5dT5FiiYAXmljDIDQPAybuFeBTs2FP6zg/s1600/_DSC3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchJNpKE6FnBJvq1OZB9S7wQgHsRJhntDAlRp5LJGlpyOTR6o3DLBHVjmvMVd_bkrPY4nlU5QVBs7391ZHrv5VDRE3Q0k1bZHlCTvPhq0B0B5dT5FiiYAXmljDIDQPAybuFeBTs2FP6zg/s640/_DSC3046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's hard taking photos in the yard without the dogs getting in the way.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilClynCKw3YF5mOiOf7ou0p3mTCA-vaknOpEdqX0o9nJeCKh6vaCXg1vTH_TcN_9QatzsV13HZt1eAaUo7vnuNARGK1cqc1HPe7kQOPZgKxux2htcxMFTvZoMa9pnNqiwqp1w44tpnSRo/s1600/_DSC3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilClynCKw3YF5mOiOf7ou0p3mTCA-vaknOpEdqX0o9nJeCKh6vaCXg1vTH_TcN_9QatzsV13HZt1eAaUo7vnuNARGK1cqc1HPe7kQOPZgKxux2htcxMFTvZoMa9pnNqiwqp1w44tpnSRo/s640/_DSC3049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those dogs are still there in the background.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once I had the arms holes done and had joined the work in the round I buzzed through the st st body. I knit the sleeves on short circulars, which has become my favourite method of small circumference knitting (BTW, I use 20cm Addi turbos for that) and then I finished the neck ribbing with an invisible ribbed bind off to give it a bit more stretch. Bang, the main body of the sweater was done and I was onto the lace trims. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is where the 'Milk Glass' came back into play. I decided that though I didn't like the colour way in st st I was going to love it knit in lace. So I picked up the the stitches around the ribbed ends of the sweater and knit the easy to memorise lace in the beautiful 'Milk Glass' colour. I adore the little touches of mauve and bluey grey that peak through in the lace trim. I love how the lace sits at the end of my sleeves and at the bottom of the sweater giving it a touch of femininity to an otherwise boxy and androgynous garment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like this pattern over Joji's very popular <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boxy" target="_blank">Boxy</a> sweaters because it is not as wide in the body and the added lace trims just gives it something a little special for the everyday. Hence this top has been my favourite one to wear as our weather has turned colder and colder in Melbourne. The MC Fingering is just so soft and cuddly, so when the weather wasn't so cold I would wear a singlet underneath and the yarn was so divine against the skin. Now that it is colder the generous boxy style of the jumper means that I can still wear it comfortably over my layers.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG5YQKnAZXXYFIc1TgbYBAdFSgc9PjzRIoVdBbbbQX1TrSwo81LKsynUO_c33BaQmAwbbcC9cVT1Nz4ISF3NqyOyxi1a8aQAr6YM6AuYifp5sYhH0ZJCcoXgvnYzLBqdbZJg1tNudWMs/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG5YQKnAZXXYFIc1TgbYBAdFSgc9PjzRIoVdBbbbQX1TrSwo81LKsynUO_c33BaQmAwbbcC9cVT1Nz4ISF3NqyOyxi1a8aQAr6YM6AuYifp5sYhH0ZJCcoXgvnYzLBqdbZJg1tNudWMs/s640/IMG_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to Kristen from <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/" target="_blank">Skein</a> for hosting such a fantastic KAL and for the awesome prize.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And, as an added bonus I won a prize from the KAL. Kristen announced me as one of the winners at the end of the KAL and she awarded me a <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/collections/kimi-silk-project-bags" target="_blank">Kimi Silks project bag</a>. I am extra chuffed that on top of having a gorgeous new sweater to wear I won something in the KAL. Who would have thought I'd be so lucky?</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-90307131214158304552016-05-27T12:00:00.000+10:002016-05-27T14:34:43.442+10:00Finished object file: Agate sweater | Quince & Co. Tern<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZyGZAId3fhyphenhyphenSHM72aGeBYXm3OVSZ6LiUN9LR0epdVnzbhl2yC4RZc2h5NYmRvRYeLof0hkc-Kb6hAb9IAvcWeEwRLvMj7EbZ8iS1f7iA-N0BEJw0ZqNq46urasFy4R7DMc8WqM41ezo/s1600/IMG_9991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZyGZAId3fhyphenhyphenSHM72aGeBYXm3OVSZ6LiUN9LR0epdVnzbhl2yC4RZc2h5NYmRvRYeLof0hkc-Kb6hAb9IAvcWeEwRLvMj7EbZ8iS1f7iA-N0BEJw0ZqNq46urasFy4R7DMc8WqM41ezo/s640/IMG_9991.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Again, food was used to coerce the child to cooperate.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7d9dvnfM502nlQ89FXB7wT875sffBvJ09MYI8Sa66YAOlLMIZthqbcmMrkjrJ19ldqe3hdqAmBmamW6N7KvGHnC_xEN0f_8iZS5YIm80qWLvQKWRFOdAnA5r-h3DhCtQ8ktkOeB4g9w/s1600/IMG_9990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7d9dvnfM502nlQ89FXB7wT875sffBvJ09MYI8Sa66YAOlLMIZthqbcmMrkjrJ19ldqe3hdqAmBmamW6N7KvGHnC_xEN0f_8iZS5YIm80qWLvQKWRFOdAnA5r-h3DhCtQ8ktkOeB4g9w/s640/IMG_9990.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This one I finished a while back in March for my girl's birthday. Miss L turned 3 and this has been the perfect layering piece for her this season.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/agate-3" target="_blank">Agate</a> is from Quince & Co.'s <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/lost-coast-collection" target="_blank">Lost Coast collection</a>, a collection of children's patterns designed by Ashley Hurst. Inspired by California's Lost Coast the collection is made up of warm and cosy looking pieces that would keep the little ones snug.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I knit the pattern with the called for yarn, Tern from Q&C because I loved it when I used it from the <a href="http://ravel.me/KangaRooi/c35tq" target="_blank">Immie Tee</a> that I knit for Miss L when she was a bub. The yarn is a wool and tussah silk blend and though it is a fingering weight (4ply) yarn it knits up pretty quickly. I love the muted tones that it dyes up in which gives in my opinion gives the kids' knits a bit of a sophistication. For this knit I used the terracotta colourway because I was so drawn to the sample pictures and I knew that it would be a colour that would go well with jeans and with the pinks and reds in Miss L's wardrobe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialyAHfz8Htx9mBM46LGADr7GDY11qu1mvGagRNcdsv_tSyUUC2DZWymHTWAmyUNAlQXh4FI3jLhNiXeTaquPtzp1SpuqKX1RZD1lcLSUybrgnpZDG2MdgjnQU76V1k8LoSEcQTd0XU3I/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialyAHfz8Htx9mBM46LGADr7GDY11qu1mvGagRNcdsv_tSyUUC2DZWymHTWAmyUNAlQXh4FI3jLhNiXeTaquPtzp1SpuqKX1RZD1lcLSUybrgnpZDG2MdgjnQU76V1k8LoSEcQTd0XU3I/s640/IMG_9988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It knit up so quickly and I had it done well before Miss L's birthday. The lace panel was easy to memorise and since the front was just stockinette stitch knit in the round I just buzzed through it. However, it was not until I finished did I realise that the lace panel didn't finish correctly. I analysed my knitting and I am pretty certain that I knit it exactly as the chart instructions but the eyelets don't line up properly. I was tempted to frog the bottom of the jumper and to reknit it. I thought about it over and over but in the end I told myself to embrace the mistake; also, I had some other knits that I was keen to get started on so I let that one go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95qP97yOPZ_n_7RzEdtdGhlEzQwiv6l_OFlaBy1wcpX7AajRQF6capHARwgEpA4zJXZ5dtf0fFvcL_tcci1PKGtdwQJS_pD5EPYLX5ZtxxoyATMrH9WoWRPmMwNDLHIubkRtQx9sfSjE/s1600/IMG_9987_draw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95qP97yOPZ_n_7RzEdtdGhlEzQwiv6l_OFlaBy1wcpX7AajRQF6capHARwgEpA4zJXZ5dtf0fFvcL_tcci1PKGtdwQJS_pD5EPYLX5ZtxxoyATMrH9WoWRPmMwNDLHIubkRtQx9sfSjE/s640/IMG_9987_draw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tried to contact the designer and to point out my suspected errata but I have yet to hear back from her. Since I have moved on from this knit I haven't been too overly hung up about it. However, in case you decide to knit the pattern I would end knitting the main lace panel after rnd 4 and then continue knitting the panel end chart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ultimately, Miss L doesn't know any different and she loves it. Since her birthday I have put her in it a lot because it was a handy layer to throw on during the cooler Autumn mornings.</span><br />
<br /></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-5296354259913006632016-05-26T14:15:00.000+10:002016-05-26T15:17:21.520+10:00Making with bravery, not perfection<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif0xenqj623A0JsnZRgZEB7b9fwtM8fQgh1MMe2kvamWfT5WV2XFQZQiVSguSiWPDSvp_QwgqewnSCzGB2ZpON9hbaArklC_OBieYhnm-F4sBpaOyxyLnprFnVP10r21dtorR-VAsxX0/s1600/IMG_9976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif0xenqj623A0JsnZRgZEB7b9fwtM8fQgh1MMe2kvamWfT5WV2XFQZQiVSguSiWPDSvp_QwgqewnSCzGB2ZpON9hbaArklC_OBieYhnm-F4sBpaOyxyLnprFnVP10r21dtorR-VAsxX0/s640/IMG_9976.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*This is a follow up to my previous </span><a href="http://clothedinsheepsclothing.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/mistakes-are-normal.html" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">post</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> where I shared some thoughts on how mistakes are often a normal part of the making process. Thanks to those who read the last post and shared some encouraging thoughts in response.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few months ago I came across Reshma Saujani's TED talk, "<a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/reshma_saujani_teach_girls_bravery_not_perfection" target="_blank">Teach girls bravery, not perfection</a>" and I was blown away. From the title it would seem like a simple enough concept but as I listened to her talk, all the points she brought up had me nodding in agreement. She believes that girls are socialised to be perfect and the "fear of not getting it right, of not being perfect" is stopping girls and women from being brave and taking risks.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reshma's talk spoke about this need for bravery in the context of careers and academic excellence which are of course areas where girls should be encouraged to exhibit bravery but I want to apply her ideas in the context of making.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So often, I struggle with the belief that I can make some thing beautiful let alone wearable. I look at some patterns and just put it into the too hard for me basket. When I make mistakes I mull over them and never hesitate to point them out rather than relishing in the joy of the finished object. I keep pinning sewing patterns and pining over a handmade wardrobe but I don't dare to make that first cut into the fabric because I am afraid since my sewing skills are at such a novice level.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to challenge myself to "undo the socialisation of perfection" in myself. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I took Reshma's ideas and applied them to my making I believe that I would ultimately learn more and grow more as a maker. If I were to make with bravery rather than seeking perfection I would be more motivated to try bigger challenges. If I were brave enough to cut into that cloth I would achieve my goal of having a handmade wardrobe one day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SQCDfRo3CbtcF0AAyVy5FtvxMQIhyLCI6zvnXXdPidKsXKiV2mEueHQZkHkQQXf4WicdfCg42PZqkBNlwE9LpUZygl928Uv0im0AswTNnEy-0E0FWzRognPv5qMSD2EbWdjB1LbCGYE/s1600/IMG_9978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SQCDfRo3CbtcF0AAyVy5FtvxMQIhyLCI6zvnXXdPidKsXKiV2mEueHQZkHkQQXf4WicdfCg42PZqkBNlwE9LpUZygl928Uv0im0AswTNnEy-0E0FWzRognPv5qMSD2EbWdjB1LbCGYE/s640/IMG_9978.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Such yummy balls of The Fibre Company Canopy Worsted</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, when I look at all the balls of frogged yarn from the <a href="http://ravel.me/KangaRooi/m3" target="_blank">Maeve shrug</a> project I don't see my failure I see the potential that this yarn be something else great. I also loved frogging it. It was so much fun pulling all those stitches out and making these bright yellow balls with it. I actually took it on our road trip to Port Macquarie and during the night when the Hubs was driving I frogged away because I realised it was easier to frog in the dark than to knit. Feeling this yarn in my hands again made me fall in love with it again and I do want to wear something knitted in its dreamy softness one day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, let's see how I go with this. I hope that as I make with bravery I will ultimately learn more and become a better maker. Will you join with me in being a brave maker too?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">**The "Teach girls bravery, not perfection" TED talk can be found <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/reshma_saujani_teach_girls_bravery_not_perfection" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-44341747617548406002016-04-23T16:48:00.001+10:002016-04-23T23:24:29.589+10:00Mistakes are normal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0aRyXYzMd9kElROmkAovpQ8SRitRNfz924TrXDPTN0mfOuyvsI31u9SvSTKtaPvTt-QgxbmstH0WFx6LBFuUsildzl9BTO1u8NaM4ndxieMN0y7EXzW13N4fqdy9VG7Z33_X3ilu4gg/s1600/_DSC3062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0aRyXYzMd9kElROmkAovpQ8SRitRNfz924TrXDPTN0mfOuyvsI31u9SvSTKtaPvTt-QgxbmstH0WFx6LBFuUsildzl9BTO1u8NaM4ndxieMN0y7EXzW13N4fqdy9VG7Z33_X3ilu4gg/s640/_DSC3062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a post that I have been planning in my head for quite a while now. For so long, I have wanted to write a post about making mistakes and rather than rushing in to half formed thoughts I have let myself take the time to ruminate over it for longer. I'm not saying that I have it all worked out yet either, but feel the need to break the blog silence and get some thoughts down before I forget them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, I feel like my creative journey has kind of exploded in the last couple of years. I really only re-found knitting when I was expecting my second and the bug bit me hard. Not only am I relishing in my making but I am hungry to learn more skills and develop into a better maker. As you can imagine mistakes are inevitable in this journey.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I find it funny how adults can be so hard on themselves when they make mistakes but we are always encouraging children to accept that mistakes are okay and that it is through out mistakes that we learn. I find that the hang up over mistakes can be rife in the crafting and making community too. When I receive compliments over something that I have made I am always quick to point out where I messed up and fudged something. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBCO1OQ-M9kwlvx42ufRvBLCDTw2H1WdXyluir7ekrOSB6M5cYJWhjiQlvvj-z3T8YnaU04_IPKy-if08NjNp-gvkpIyYsiB3LWz6FRV3qvYCx04yz8y3Ak9akrj8awvkHgijOIQEvxw/s1600/_DSC3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBCO1OQ-M9kwlvx42ufRvBLCDTw2H1WdXyluir7ekrOSB6M5cYJWhjiQlvvj-z3T8YnaU04_IPKy-if08NjNp-gvkpIyYsiB3LWz6FRV3qvYCx04yz8y3Ak9akrj8awvkHgijOIQEvxw/s640/_DSC3058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last year I attempted to make a <a href="http://ravel.me/KangaRooi/m3" target="_blank">Maeve shrug</a> for myself and I had been so excited about the project. I think I even blogged about swatching for this project and how I really wanted to get it right. Well, I finished it and I didn't get it right. In fact I've had it in a bag since last September because I knew I had completely stuffed it up. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had thought I was being clever by knitting a nice selvedge stitch edge through the back section of the shrug when it wasn't called for in the pattern. When it came time for me to pick up stitches for the garter stitch collar I realised that I had made a big mistake and that my stitch count for the collar was terribly off. I knit the collar anyway with the number of stitches that I had and was in complete denial about my big stuff up. When I finished the shrug and tried it on the collar was much too tight and didn't have the drape that it was meant to have. It was so tight that at the back the piece didn't even sit flat, but kept rolling up. It was horrible and I was so disappointed with myself for not getting it right.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz1wT7LhLOgfhMU71XuUy-ehGZ_xm9U6AtePk7APLZ6XTbD-WNeOecmcXQN6i8nBbBLTv-6CdI3VMtDfqurOnd_mFU6riWS_DYJgBWu4NvHMwq054nE8FkaB6vpDwF85dNjaCZrG7Lzo/s1600/_DSC3061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz1wT7LhLOgfhMU71XuUy-ehGZ_xm9U6AtePk7APLZ6XTbD-WNeOecmcXQN6i8nBbBLTv-6CdI3VMtDfqurOnd_mFU6riWS_DYJgBWu4NvHMwq054nE8FkaB6vpDwF85dNjaCZrG7Lzo/s640/_DSC3061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week I pulled out the sad crumpled mess and decided that it was time to frog it. I have just started and have a long way to go but I am actually at peace over it. In the time since I finished the knit till now, I have been grappling with the idea of what I should do. Initially I thought maybe all I needed to do was frog the collar and reknit it with increases to get to the stitch count that matched the pattern. Then I thought I needed to reknit the whole thing because I know that my gauge has changed since I worked on that project and if I only redo half of it then the fit might be funny. I have also been tossing back and forth the idea that having a very brightly yellow shrug is a bit "full on" and maybe after all the hard work I won't even end up wearing it because of the colour.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My decision in the end is to frog the whole thing and to use the yarn for a pullover. One day I will come back to this pattern and I will knit it in a neutral colour because I still really want this shrug in my wardrobe and I know now that I should make it in a colour that will work with most of the stuff that I own.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now that it's settled in my head I am beginning the task of ripping it apart. I had been so fearful of the task ahead of my and had been putting it off, but now that I am actually doing it I am excited again about the yarn and the potential new project that I could make with it. I had lost my love of the yarn because it was all wrapped up in this "failed" project and really, that is such a shame.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The journey that this particular project and the mistakes that I have made have grown me as a maker. I have learnt that I should think and plan better if I want to deviate from a pattern and I have learnt that frogging something is not a totally tragic thing to do because only then will the yarn be freed up to become something else.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mistakes are a normal part of the making process. We should not let ourselves remain stuck over a mistake. There is always a way forward and sometimes that can still result in a fabulous finished object but sometimes what progress we have made may need to be undone and the whole thing started again. And, when that happens we can be hopeful that the next time round it will be an improvement from the last.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What are your thoughts? How do you deal with mistakes in your making?</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-68928480303639743552016-02-23T13:34:00.000+11:002016-02-23T13:41:32.319+11:00The best kind of mail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X6HADmmCk5D7d2an3Xi2_0XqqzQjjHE5ZJNY8awRqzfladWgDyIn2VRMwceKL4DnLLgrIdHblW3j7i4Vqeh-knoJQjIqXLp5ydjaSzzIOmmQQJwlXa329ZDFbrnX_Xq6j439nsvma1k/s1600/IMG_8699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X6HADmmCk5D7d2an3Xi2_0XqqzQjjHE5ZJNY8awRqzfladWgDyIn2VRMwceKL4DnLLgrIdHblW3j7i4Vqeh-knoJQjIqXLp5ydjaSzzIOmmQQJwlXa329ZDFbrnX_Xq6j439nsvma1k/s640/IMG_8699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is always a bit of a buzz when mail arrives and there is even greater joy when that parcel is a gift or a prize as opposed to the stream of packages that arrive from online shopping. I received such a parcel yesterday and I definitely gave out a squee of delight when I got it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago I won one of the prizes from Bonnie Sennott of <a href="http://www.bluepeninsulaknits.com/" target="_blank">Blue Peninsula</a>'s <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/blue-peninsula/3336871/1-25" target="_blank">selfish KAL</a>. She was giving away a <span style="background-color: white;">skein of </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/elemental-affects-cormo-fingering" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Elemental Affects Cormo</a><span style="background-color: white;">; a set of </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lavenderhillknits?ref=profile_shopname" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Lavender Hill Knits</a><span style="background-color: white;"> stitch markers; and a Ravelry “sheep mistake” pouch (A collector’s item! These are sold out - the new ones will have the word “Romeldale” spelled correctly.) I submitted my <a href="http://clothedinsheepsclothing.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/fo-sawmill-river-hat-in-brooklyn-tweed.html" target="_blank">Sawmill River Hat</a> that I knit in Brooklyn Tweed Loft and by random number generator selection I won the skein of yarn.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The yarn is a 100% Cormo wool fingering weight yarn and the skein is a generous 550 yards. The colour is a lovely mustardy greeny yellow and the long staple of the Cormo fibre gives it a naturally beautiful lustre. The fibre is soft and squishy to touch but still has an essence to it that shows that it hasn't been overly processed. I love how this skein is able to be both a shiny, soft wool while retaining it's rustic woolliness.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV2o8L8QJujeAP7SioVk2wdCrZcGz0ItXVTUOzoRshixs74LGsXAMgjDfcKCJwvIHmfkjiwv0-ur5k88E1ImOIZkrA1mPriVTLPJETyaH2mQgR58TwcrU4pkuvXLj1paALGdgmTY68f0/s1600/_DSC3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV2o8L8QJujeAP7SioVk2wdCrZcGz0ItXVTUOzoRshixs74LGsXAMgjDfcKCJwvIHmfkjiwv0-ur5k88E1ImOIZkrA1mPriVTLPJETyaH2mQgR58TwcrU4pkuvXLj1paALGdgmTY68f0/s640/_DSC3035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I am already dreaming up projects that I can knit with it. Since it is a generous 550 yards I can definitely get a substantial single skein project out of it. I am leaning towards another one of Bonnie's patterns; the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hop-brook" target="_blank">Hop Brook scarf</a>, but then I thought maybe I could pair it with one of the single skeins of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/msgusset-tonofwool-four-cormo-100g" target="_blank">Ton of Wool Cormo</a> that I purchased when <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/brands/msgusset" target="_blank">Kylie Gussett</a> was closing out her business. I'm not 100% sure about the pairing of the cooler blue-grey tones of the Ton of Wool skein with the clearly autumnal tones of the Elemental Affects Cormo. Pictured together they are not too bad but I will definitely have to swatch to see how they sit together in knitted fabric.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Please share your suggestions on what to knit, especially if you have worked with Cormo before and have noticed any specific peculiarities of this fibre.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I always want to express my immense gratitude to Bonnie for hosting such a fabulous KAL and for the amazing prized. Thank you!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-12519316182468040932016-02-15T13:44:00.001+11:002016-02-15T15:34:44.375+11:00Finished object file: Campside Shawl | Nunnaba Artisan Yarn Gradient<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjQV-utkZRaDNeXSlv_9Lrbzy-3ifJYUaWC9YoFHQ5Z_T0nH8AUF8xUWFLlkMGP0dV9QZZElUtQo7_AFGTGrYhvpOV5RQADxVhyphenhyphenVOaVMLDj5CfzIvOlASdtGXdt6LROk3rAQEIsU48TE/s1600/_DSC3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjQV-utkZRaDNeXSlv_9Lrbzy-3ifJYUaWC9YoFHQ5Z_T0nH8AUF8xUWFLlkMGP0dV9QZZElUtQo7_AFGTGrYhvpOV5RQADxVhyphenhyphenVOaVMLDj5CfzIvOlASdtGXdt6LROk3rAQEIsU48TE/s640/_DSC3025.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the great knitting moments in life are when you finish a project and it becomes an immediate favourite wardrobe item. My recently finished <a href="http://ravel.me/KangaRooi/c22" target="_blank">Campside Shawl</a> designed by Alicia Plummer is one of those items. I have been wearing this shawl a lot and it's just a delight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The pattern for this shawl was offered as a free pattern on the Pom pom Magazine <a href="http://www.pompommag.com/blog/" target="_blank">blog</a> about a year ago and you can access it <a href="http://www.pompommag.com/campside-alicia-plummer-julie-asselin/" target="_blank">here</a>. The post also shares Alicia's story of what inspired her in the design for this shawl. Campside is reminiscent of her childhood summers spent at a family cabin. For her the pattern connects with her memories of comfort, warmth and shelter. It is a deeply personal story but one that resonates with all and when I wear my Campside I feel wrapped in soft comforting wool and it warms my heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The pattern has a few issues making it challenging to follow but nothing that an experienced knitter can't work out. It only has charts for the eyelet lace pattern and sometimes the lack of written instructions can leave you making some deductive leaps with the knitting. Basically there are some points in the charts where you could deduce that an extra eyelet and decrease is missing but you can also knit it as charted too and it doesn't really affect the overall look of the shawl. I figured at the end of the day, this was offered as a free pattern, I shouldn't get too uppety about errors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY1xc4Z2GRhYlNMUNRrXQtQQl2qPAWGWoY7XTcksCO-j2TXyjnyDMsbBRoLZII4AYP3AkQpVGPjDA9YiPkpCCKKsZGSe5EixxKpxx9te0I-US7txrx-RvEwv_kAnVEzeL_924QU0_JM0/s1600/_DSC3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY1xc4Z2GRhYlNMUNRrXQtQQl2qPAWGWoY7XTcksCO-j2TXyjnyDMsbBRoLZII4AYP3AkQpVGPjDA9YiPkpCCKKsZGSe5EixxKpxx9te0I-US7txrx-RvEwv_kAnVEzeL_924QU0_JM0/s640/_DSC3026.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For this great wardrobe staple I used some deliciously soft high micron merino from White Gum Wool that had been hand dyed by <a href="https://www.nunnaba.com.au/" target="_blank">Nunnaba Artisan Yarn</a> into a gradient colourway called 'Blue Jay'. When I ordered this yarn I requested that the gradient colours be spread over the 300g as a long gradient. I didn't want to receive 3 skeins of standard gradient dyed yarn because that would make a bigger project slightly more challenging. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When a gradient comes in a single skein all the colour transitions are contained in that single length of yarn. This poses the challenge of finding the perfect pattern to match with the yarn; where all colours will be utilized. If you find a small project that requires approximately the same yardage as one skein of the yarn then perfect, you'll get all the colours and no leftovers. However, when you do this you might find yourself limited to small projects like kids garments or hats because you won't have enough yardage to make anything bigger. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over time I have figured out a few ways to work larger projects with gradients, so here are my suggestions. One way is to alternate skeins of the gradient and depending of how many skeins you are prepared to juggle you can double, triple, (or even more) your yardage. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another idea is to add on skeins of the trim colour. The trim when a dyer offers a semi solid colourway that is the same as the outside colour of the gradient skein. When knitting, you get to the end of the gradient but need more yardage you can continue knitting in the trim colour so that the colour transition is not interrupted. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If the trim option is not available you can just use the gradient as a feature and then finish off the pattern with a neutral colour. For example Kelly Brooker's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/conscious" target="_blank">Conscious</a> pattern is designed with gradients in mind. The yoke can be knit out of a gradient and then the rest of the pullover is finished off with something else.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHquERum9PVVqlpspbuv7_nGPHf2gmhXqK0FDDw9QVCWsPkffYiD9AEts62OSw7lxEpzTby9pYoEyc0tYUBR1eXL7OR89uDJ0VeJECZrM5txniK1W-Rgv-kSFO1eW-Hh8rNhp_2C6YS7o/s1600/_DSC3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHquERum9PVVqlpspbuv7_nGPHf2gmhXqK0FDDw9QVCWsPkffYiD9AEts62OSw7lxEpzTby9pYoEyc0tYUBR1eXL7OR89uDJ0VeJECZrM5txniK1W-Rgv-kSFO1eW-Hh8rNhp_2C6YS7o/s640/_DSC3028.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then lastly, there is what I did with my Campside project; specifically ordering a long gradient so that the colours were spread across the whole 300g of yarn. It made knitting this shawl so much easier because I had one large cake of yarn to knit through that needed no alternating or changing of colours. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is so much to love about this shawl and I must say the result is exactly what I wanted. What I have achieved here has helped me be less afraid of working with gradients and given me many ideas for how to tackle similar projects in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What experience do you have with knitting with gradient yarns? Have you tackled the challenges differently? Do share your thoughts and tips.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-1298431850491847342016-01-18T15:07:00.000+11:002016-02-03T18:13:52.504+11:00Finished object file: Sawmill River Hat | Brooklyn Tweed Loft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51jb2-tuBd0E6UGp7c9H4KR756mH6dLWGab17rQZGef_hLdxGDEmWPcQM0SphleujJUFSNLuqimP22WLUq99lINwWGm-vO2KO1UHrqferMZl7CpErUGbMcd4pMOTRHAFvKZ2NK4h3vR8/s1600/_DSC2998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51jb2-tuBd0E6UGp7c9H4KR756mH6dLWGab17rQZGef_hLdxGDEmWPcQM0SphleujJUFSNLuqimP22WLUq99lINwWGm-vO2KO1UHrqferMZl7CpErUGbMcd4pMOTRHAFvKZ2NK4h3vR8/s640/_DSC2998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I finished this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/KangaRooi/sawmill-river-hat" target="_blank">hat</a> about a week ago but with the busyness of kids at home on summer holidays I haven't had much time to think about blogging.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sawmill-river-hat" target="_blank">Sawmill River Hat</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/bonnie-sennott" target="_blank">Bonnie Sennott</a> was a spot of selfish knitting that gave me the opportunity to have a play with Brooklyn Tweed's Loft (fingering weight) yarn. Just before Christmas, <a href="http://www.yarnandco.com/" target="_blank">Yarn + Co.</a>, a LYS in Melbourne got in a shipment of BT and to my knowledge they are the only Australian stockists of this much sought after yarn. I was quite beside myself with excitement and didn't hesitate to pick up a few skeins as a Christmas present for myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When it came to picking a pattern for this gorgeous yarn I wanted a single skein project and something with cables. Bonnie Sennott's hat pattern fit the bill exactly I even went with the sample colour, Hayloft.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When swatching with the loft the yarn broken as I was casting on with the long tail method. I had read that this yarn due to it's woollen spun nature was very delicate and this break just confirmed that. So my first few rows were knit quite gingerly for fear of breaking the yarn again. Once I got going I was more confident and familiar with the feel of the yarn in my hand so that nervousness disappated.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my hand the yarn felt rustic but not itchy. It is a lovely tweedy yarn spun from American grown Targhee-Columbia wool. I don't know much about this breed but I must say the wool is a delight to wear against the skin. At first touch it may not feel very appealing especially to knitters who are mostly merino users. It does not have that same squishiness of merino wool but when you look closely at the strand it is clear that it is undoubtedly soft, lofty and delicate. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shortly after I cast on this project I was browsing around Bonnie's Ravelry group page and noticed that she was hosting a '<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/blue-peninsula/3336871/1-25" target="_blank">Selfish knitting KAL</a>'. My project met the requirements of the KAL; being a new project cast on in the new year, it was one of Bonnie's patterns and I was knitting it for myself. I joined in the chatter and was quite excited that I was ticking off my goal of attempting more KALs this year. I finished well ahead of the cut off date and I just enjoy watching and commenting on my fellow knitters' progress now. There is also a pretty good prize on offer but I don't think my chances of winning it are pretty high.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcDwK7uwc-PhcKw7xr8S7BuR6RHiilBqVnf4KGwYI3K2sWdKne3iLA3EjCU47IYq0fqIgeYIdkjMlm-SfjoXKaXi2YDpmwf8yKCE6c4lG-PymwVoXGfOoWftaDqRlFg3-63iVxhjtgjM/s1600/_DSC3001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcDwK7uwc-PhcKw7xr8S7BuR6RHiilBqVnf4KGwYI3K2sWdKne3iLA3EjCU47IYq0fqIgeYIdkjMlm-SfjoXKaXi2YDpmwf8yKCE6c4lG-PymwVoXGfOoWftaDqRlFg3-63iVxhjtgjM/s640/_DSC3001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Such well defined cables from the BT Loft.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I did make a few modifications to the pattern and you can read my project notes from my Ravelry page <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/KangaRooi/sawmill-river-hat" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I liked knitting with the BT Loft and I really enjoyed the cables of the pattern. I am happy that I have another soft and snuggly hat ready for me in the winter and now that I've experienced this highly talked about yarn, I'm dreaming of more projects that I can make with it.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-55304853100922074132016-01-02T22:22:00.001+11:002016-01-02T22:22:54.342+11:002016, another year of making<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0ovB-FVOgkumO03FqiJh1wrrpYWI576eM9DxbbA_YHTVlNF2rXrV8lCiGhdL1PWgVl1B9lKufFFk5AZgTobgH42TVKkRmwn7UysnQn2oICVKQM1Sol0HgHjsaaa-NlopR7ipFHa-8TI/s1600/_DSC2993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0ovB-FVOgkumO03FqiJh1wrrpYWI576eM9DxbbA_YHTVlNF2rXrV8lCiGhdL1PWgVl1B9lKufFFk5AZgTobgH42TVKkRmwn7UysnQn2oICVKQM1Sol0HgHjsaaa-NlopR7ipFHa-8TI/s640/_DSC2993.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New projects in the new year. I cast on a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sawmill-river-hat" target="_blank">Sawmill River Hat</a> with some yummy Brooklyn Tweed Loft that I have been so keen to try for so long.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that we have flipped over to the new year I wanted to share my making goals for 2016. I'm not going to be as specific as last year's <a href="http://clothedinsheepsclothing.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/making-2015.html" target="_blank">post</a> that listed what I aimed to make each month over the course of the year. I do have similar goals this year based on when the birthdays of family members fall but I think there's no need to write them out again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My general making goals for 2016 are:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To stash less and to knit my stash.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To continue to try new things especially more colourwork. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To continue to build my handmade wardrobe and the kids' wardrobes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To participate in more KALs and even try a MKAL*.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To always have a pair of socks in progress because socks make good travel knitting.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stash less</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been thinking about this goal a lot and I have come up with a plan to help me stash less. My aim is to select the yarn that I wish to work with and to cast on the project that I had set it aside for. I have usually been a person who finds a pattern and then tries to match yarn for it and often I feel like the yarn in my stash is not suitable because I have either already intended it for something else or I don't think it is the right yarn for the project. Then I start looking for some new yarn and of course we know how the story goes. Therefore, by committing myself to knit the beautiful fibres that I already own I get to not only stash bust but also to make those patterns that I have been queueing for so long.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>New techniques</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a maker there are always new things to learn and I am still such a newbie at knitting and sewing. Everything that I attempt with the sewing is new for me so in this area I won't find it hard to broaded my skill set. With knitting I want to try more colourwork, especially stranded colourwork techniques and possibly attempt a fair isle styled project. I will also hopefully develop more confidence with pairing colours together to make pleasing and attractive garments.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Handmade wardrobe</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will involve attempting to make those jumpers that I have been dreaming of, not only for myself but also for my children and husband. I have also been building a bit of a fabric stash so I really need to get onto the sewing machine and smash out some tops, dresses and shorts for myself and the kids. The new machine that my darling Hubs gave me for Christmas will definitely help with achieving this goal. Such gifts show me that I am truly blessed to be known and loved.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>KALs and MKALs</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is such a buzz when you are making something socially. There is the joy of chatting about pattern and yarn selection and the kudos you get when you actually finish the object and post it in the forums. I'd like to try a mystery knit too because it sounds like a fun and interesting challenge to take on.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Socks</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have already cast on a pair of toe up socks and I'm knitting two at a time on magic loop. There are surprisingly so many aspects to sock knitting and so many different techniques and styles. Just working on socks will be helping me to learn new things and they make great projects to take along everywhere.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I predict that throughout the year I will be making for my family and friends as usual but I hope that there will also be a fair bit more 'me' knitting in the months to come.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are your goals for the year? Wishing you all a happy new year and I look forward to seeing your making in the year to come.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*MKAL = Mystery Knit a long.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-45755300291750751012015-12-31T08:40:00.000+11:002015-12-31T08:41:32.444+11:002015 in review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZzS_lrMPOh_RbRdAo82C5zyO5kq-w7BLMo3DpL2fOaurV0bJtcbnuZH6GHnkzh7pN-gu9MNuP6FdxFSkBLyJGacut0vg9w_oKbzMtO5hTUbs9Wrtq8HVPfhyphenhyphenm0XStjJ_uqTKd4i6EN4/s1600/_DSC2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZzS_lrMPOh_RbRdAo82C5zyO5kq-w7BLMo3DpL2fOaurV0bJtcbnuZH6GHnkzh7pN-gu9MNuP6FdxFSkBLyJGacut0vg9w_oKbzMtO5hTUbs9Wrtq8HVPfhyphenhyphenm0XStjJ_uqTKd4i6EN4/s640/_DSC2877.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of my handmade Christmas gifts: Honey Cowl for my mum, stockings for the kinder teachers, <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/2015/04/27/gathered-skirt-for-all-ages/" target="_blank">Purl Soho</a> skirt for my neice.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the last day of the year and as the year draws to a close I inevitably begin reflecting upon the days that had passed. This year has been a big year for me as a maker. I learnt many new things and achieved some of my goals but also failed at things too because some things are a bit beyond me for the stage of life I'm currently in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking at the post I wrote back at the beginning of January where I set out my goals and making list for 2015 I feel pretty happy with what I managed to tick off in the months that followed that post. You can read the full details of the </span><a href="http://clothedinsheepsclothing.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/making-2015.html" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">post</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, or just for a recap here is what I aimed to achieve in 2015:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2015 Making List</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some general aims I have for this year are:</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) To stash less* and knit from my existing stash as much as possible.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) To knit up those patterns that I have queued.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) To finish those few projects that I hibernated a long time ago.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) To give handmade = knitted gifts.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) To keep trying new things and learning new skills.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) and under the influence of ex-physio husband; to take care of myself physically as a knitter - stretching and resting the hands, shoulders and neck muscles regularly etc.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jan</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rooi/rye" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Rye</a> socks for Ba<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rooi/high-water" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">High water</a> for Sir S<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bonnet for Baby Cheng<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Feb-Mar</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby cardigan for A’s baby no.2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/livie" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Livie</a> for Miss L (birthday present)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">beanie for Sir S (birthday present)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Apr</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rooi/mitini-mitts" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Mitini mitts</a> for SIL** (birthday present)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/windschief" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Windschief</a> for Bro (birthday present)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Softie for Niece L (birthday present); needs to be sent to USA so I've got to work on it early.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">May-Jun</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/neon-ski-bonnet" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Neon ski bonnet</a> for me; in preparation for our snow trip.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hat for hubby (anniversary present)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/neon-ski-bonnet" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Neon ski bonnet</a> for Miss L; because I want to make a matching hat for my little girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Jul-Aug</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rooi/salander" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Salander leggies</a> for M; which is an overdue present from last year's birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bella-shawl-3" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bella Shawl</a> or <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/form--span" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Span</a> for me; I think either of these might be a good knit to travel with, but might turn out to be too ambitious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Sep</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start Christmas projects; I know it sounds crazy but some of these presents need to be sent overseas so I better get onto them early.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Socks for BIL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hat for SIL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quaintly---worsted" style="color: #a17c82; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Quaintly</a> for Niece L<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Oct</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scarf for SIL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Socks for Bro<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Socks for Ba<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Nov</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kinder teachers’ presents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cowl for Ma<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Dec</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas stockings for the family</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember beginning quite strongly in January and managing to tick off the items that I had listed and added a few too. Everything was following the list pretty swimmingly until about March when I got a bit too overconfident and started casting on an extra project here and there when I felt a bit bored with the existing WIPs. It was around this time that I took on a comissioned project for a friend. I found the experience of knitting for "work" challenging, but it was mostly because I accepted the project while I was already trying to knock out a couple of birthday presents for family members.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When little Miss L got really sick around Easter and I was majorly sleep deprived the only thing I (and she) found some joy in was a trip to the LYS and the purchase of a sweater lot of yarn. I haven't made anything with that lot of Shilasdair luxury DK yet but it kind of opened the floodgates to the idea that yes, I can be a sweater knitter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That leads me to talk about how I went with stashing less and knitting my stash. I failed miserably at stashing less. I probably went the other way than stashing less and actually began acquiring sweater lots of yarn throughout the year with big dreams of knitting so many cosy jumpers to build my handmade wardrobe. In reality I only managed one adult jumper, a tee, a shrug and a half and an assortment of accessories. The handmade wardrobe is slowly building, hence it being "slow fashion", but the stash is not getting any less. There has just been so many yarns calling out to me this year and you know there is always next year to try better at stashing less.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In terms of some of my other goals, I did manage to make most of the gifts that I gave this year. Even when I was feeling completely time poor and overwhelmed with the prospect of knitting another baby gift I felt even more overwhelmed with the thought of taking two children to the shops. So I pushed myself and made lots of baby hats and even a couple of cowls for girls who had invited Sir S to their birthday parties.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBK6UMLVLXWM7w1p82gQlgLruA0yO3GIMfqQ7E9HHFQWQVEs41okaZmcaPMQTebYQnIp-BJXuONmHTvBuM6PEnctukU7VJyW2AlZNnGLObnuEzqIxCzYO8uBCHQiScKnfubhpLAEJ0-E/s1600/_DSC2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBK6UMLVLXWM7w1p82gQlgLruA0yO3GIMfqQ7E9HHFQWQVEs41okaZmcaPMQTebYQnIp-BJXuONmHTvBuM6PEnctukU7VJyW2AlZNnGLObnuEzqIxCzYO8uBCHQiScKnfubhpLAEJ0-E/s640/_DSC2914.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Happy-Homemade--Sew-Chic-Kids/9784805312865" target="_blank">Happy Homemade: Sew Chic Kids</a> have easy shorts that even a sewing newbie like me can manage.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do believe I kept trying new techniques. I learnt to knit cables without a cable needle, I did a circular yoke for the first time, I knit socks cuff down and toe up, I did some test knitting, I did a couple of KALs and I started sewing. I also made it to The Craft Sessions and had a go at dyeing and weaving and in general had a fabulous time meeting lots of very talented crafty people.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can imagine with all these new things that I was trying lots of different projects were being cast on and I did kind of lose track of my making list. Everything kind of fell apart towards Christmas as I found myself becoming a bit of a selfish knitter and all my WIPs were 'me' projects. I decided I wasn't going to be able to knit all my Christmas gifting this year so I commandeered my mother's sewing machine and found the simplest and quickest sewing projects that a newbie like me could handle.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejC6WKsfnpLMrweaPjq1dtXfMPdcyzkiiueopY6jmaiqg5tE-x9nQOBUBVBsRoXHtlKMg7d_g9zv7n8QX3yOXZ_GlH2m2z0fqeSGiEyGBAtHXWqY4kDwsHLwW8nj3m39WBIVrKKI_GWg/s1600/_DSC2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejC6WKsfnpLMrweaPjq1dtXfMPdcyzkiiueopY6jmaiqg5tE-x9nQOBUBVBsRoXHtlKMg7d_g9zv7n8QX3yOXZ_GlH2m2z0fqeSGiEyGBAtHXWqY4kDwsHLwW8nj3m39WBIVrKKI_GWg/s640/_DSC2954.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made this apron for my brother and I got the 'pattern' from <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/12/13/mollys-sketchbook-simple-linen-apron/" target="_blank">Purl Soho</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess it's no surprise that this year I made more than I have ever made before. I'm still determing what goals I will set for 2016 but I'm pretty sure it'll be another big year for little ol' me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading this little blogging adventure of mine. It's been a pleasure to put my thoughts out there this year and also such a delight to know that there are a few readers following my ramblings. I hope you've had a productive year too and look forward to continuing this journey together next year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a happy new year everyone.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-4627988423859145962015-12-23T15:16:00.001+11:002015-12-23T18:46:58.556+11:00Yarn review: Skein Meadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkT6MEv9UV074_NKGfLyZhbTwzMYShua431fmYlTeFzRzO1fqDwULlmrpp9iDeogBFJnbfCYVncDilXeOgmjdHmsIEugzlo0lBMgDHrp0iqxSz9L63lZVcrnx-ZB9t_p234sm3j15nqA/s1600/skein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkT6MEv9UV074_NKGfLyZhbTwzMYShua431fmYlTeFzRzO1fqDwULlmrpp9iDeogBFJnbfCYVncDilXeOgmjdHmsIEugzlo0lBMgDHrp0iqxSz9L63lZVcrnx-ZB9t_p234sm3j15nqA/s1600/skein.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I knit with <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/">Skein</a>'s new base, <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/pages/our-yarns">Meadow</a> to make my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/KangaRooi/sibella-pullover">Sibella pullover</a>. I finished the pullover last week and got the chance to wear it this week when the cool change swept in to break the first burst of summer heat in Melbourne. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As this is a new base for Skein I wanted to put some thoughts out there about the yarn.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/k10">Kristen</a>, owner and dyer of Skein yarns announced on her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/skeinyarns/?fref=ts">FB</a> page that she was trying out a new sport weight non-superwash merino base I jumped onto her shop straightaway and snapped up four skeins of the Meadow dyed in 'Ice on the Windowpane'.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQvnAgYNKrtRInD3GEhpDx75Y7pCB-gLzrdrG29yaM6rGyW6uB8AsQsv3olD0zbtpBUE8mqNfGvUKevCl9-OqOrvAyMq38bWwBOtCj4Ca-580Xrv-9ZlP1Bhlsr1Apjsg56oCX1zQfFM/s1600/_DSC2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQvnAgYNKrtRInD3GEhpDx75Y7pCB-gLzrdrG29yaM6rGyW6uB8AsQsv3olD0zbtpBUE8mqNfGvUKevCl9-OqOrvAyMq38bWwBOtCj4Ca-580Xrv-9ZlP1Bhlsr1Apjsg56oCX1zQfFM/s640/_DSC2972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf6epHhmNjGID_bBZXwmBJ6qAh08WBdQXxe5LNITxpLVFGHLcDmFM8Kyk8SkWDwjSNv2drPQaSEpQMHvr7WjGLSv-t8wcUUieQe-INtYBrGxBXlrDbokO45qkJZ8GipyTHWItk9S0LZk/s1600/_DSC2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf6epHhmNjGID_bBZXwmBJ6qAh08WBdQXxe5LNITxpLVFGHLcDmFM8Kyk8SkWDwjSNv2drPQaSEpQMHvr7WjGLSv-t8wcUUieQe-INtYBrGxBXlrDbokO45qkJZ8GipyTHWItk9S0LZk/s640/_DSC2969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">When the yarn arrived I was in love. My first impressions were that it was soft and squishy and the yarn had a nice twist in it so I expected it to be sturdy and suitable for a sweater project. I also noticed that the colour was a softer more muted variation of the colourway and concluded that the rawness of the fibre (having not been subjected to the superwash process) meant that it wouldn't take on as much dye in the dyeing process. I was not disappointed by this fact because the muted colourway is still just as beautiful.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhQZPCJ1pAYU9YSVN92G7xvXdu5LUQeFLw4LgRKqoDiNRrqEhyphenhyphenuhE8lypYzv2ZG1Gh2QjGVBkdLhjrwHDuB2PrneczgUn8jF3BbE-83F3ZuMuewR-uJTb6yxKfukhLC-kjoJmB2A1x9g/s1600/_DSC2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhQZPCJ1pAYU9YSVN92G7xvXdu5LUQeFLw4LgRKqoDiNRrqEhyphenhyphenuhE8lypYzv2ZG1Gh2QjGVBkdLhjrwHDuB2PrneczgUn8jF3BbE-83F3ZuMuewR-uJTb6yxKfukhLC-kjoJmB2A1x9g/s640/_DSC2985.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I swatched with the yarn I saw that the yarn had good stitch definition - crisp and consistent stitches in both stockinette and garter stitches. Then I blocked the swatch and even with some squishing of the swatch I noticed that small sections of it remained that dry look. This meant that the yarn was still a bit water repellant, possibly due to some traces of lanolin still being in the fibre. I was falling more and more in love with this yarn with each step and I couldn't wait to actually start knitting a project with it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was knitting my Sibella pullover I decided to alternate the skeins to ensure there would be no colour pooling. Kristen recently wrote a very clear blog post about why it is important to alternate skeins when knitting with hand dyed yarns. She also made an easy to follow video tutorial for alternating skeins when knitting in the round. You can find both post and video <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/blogs/blog/34165060-should-i-alternate-skeins-yes-and-heres-why">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVRUrW7YMbE3DlLoxywqUTKXbtq0CjHp6t0B9Zi5JhsBgwqkIms6K_WdgC8bxuaKhbGc_0FJgMDL6EKaeugs4n3x-0uc40X_mHFuVgTpqk60sMVcBd-W0zvg_C2vl6CQvfJ3179tI_NE/s1600/_DSC2987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVRUrW7YMbE3DlLoxywqUTKXbtq0CjHp6t0B9Zi5JhsBgwqkIms6K_WdgC8bxuaKhbGc_0FJgMDL6EKaeugs4n3x-0uc40X_mHFuVgTpqk60sMVcBd-W0zvg_C2vl6CQvfJ3179tI_NE/s640/_DSC2987.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I have been wearing the pullover for a couple of days I have noticed a bit of pilling in the underarm area, but that is to be expected with woollen fibre that has not been superwashed. It just means that it will need an occassional brush with my lilly brush or some other depilling device. I am by no means disappointed with the yarn because it is the type of wool that deserves a little bit more TLC.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meadow is a base that suits knitters who prefer soft merino in it's true form. It will need handwashing and the occassional depill. It will also dye up into softer tones of the luscious Skein palette. It is definitely one of my new favourite yarns.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-18373227967753558932015-12-17T15:18:00.000+11:002015-12-20T18:19:44.988+11:00Blocking, what is it and why do we do it?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6ZgDAeTMDaosw_vc2IbFlV_607dwJpckemY1MJ4VjnlsxBAVhYt1Po0ePV9sGuYy7igtiXt_FdywZclLn327pOVIpf7V5XVuuThEDUa2_9zQ-A1P01mGR_zR_h08slGnwURFBNhSK20/s1600/_DSC2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6ZgDAeTMDaosw_vc2IbFlV_607dwJpckemY1MJ4VjnlsxBAVhYt1Po0ePV9sGuYy7igtiXt_FdywZclLn327pOVIpf7V5XVuuThEDUa2_9zQ-A1P01mGR_zR_h08slGnwURFBNhSK20/s640/_DSC2904.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pinning the lace yoke of my newly finished <a href="http://ravel.me/KangaRooi/sp">Sibella pullover</a> will open up the lace a little more.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqQ2lGQ_ThLedsrARyDFFjkYIKdF4lHNofhHZgCOovjO8M_dGrPPNks-ddQQfAXqhUn1TbYaMjs7xgoxeX4E4i1zsAjIAwdqXsa2birRXQSU6T1_RIXXkm7fFdGkqkbJGDUta3qQ9yK0/s1600/_DSC2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqQ2lGQ_ThLedsrARyDFFjkYIKdF4lHNofhHZgCOovjO8M_dGrPPNks-ddQQfAXqhUn1TbYaMjs7xgoxeX4E4i1zsAjIAwdqXsa2birRXQSU6T1_RIXXkm7fFdGkqkbJGDUta3qQ9yK0/s640/_DSC2903.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mats and strong pins are the basic blocking essentials.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blocking is another one of those things that knitters talk about and nobody else knows what it is. It is also one of those things like gauge swatching that often get skipped and you can be a knitter for many many years and not actually know what blocking (or swatching) is.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Basically blocking is what you do when you wet a piece of knitting and then you lay it out to dry. Sometimes the piece of knitting will require a bit of shaping and pinning in order to pull it into the shape and size that the pattern has indicated that it should be. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a saying that "blocking fixes all problems", while this is not entirely true it does fix some things. One of the </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">benefits of blocking is that by gently manipulating the wet knitting you can even out any tension discrepancies and help the stitches look more consistent. It is also essential with lace work to block the piece afterwards in order to open up the lace so that it will show properly.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some yarns will not show it's full nature until it has been wet blocked. Some fibres will bloom after they have been wet and that simply means that the yarn will kind of puff a bit after it has dried from being wet. This blooming can affect the gauge of the knitted work and also the crispness of the pattern design particularly when colour is involved.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are many different blocking techniques and each piece will require a slightly different treatment. However, here is a description of my standard blocking process. I will fill a bucket with water and put a little bit of wool washing detergent in it. I will let the knitting soak for at least 30 minutes to allow all the fibre to properly absorb the water and be saturated. After soaking I will gently squeeze the water out of the knitting; never treat handknits roughly for the risk of felting. Then I will roll the knitting up in a towel to remove excess water.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqq5ei8ZUd66VAf2AIIAEPOrihntD7fZ4rzieS2ycmWn9XXwZfhYpeyXhMSlixtyzoQvnG5gqgzFUUP84becgznL3a1MnwLtai9-KIbSbQkibwwKK7Fiewzxrv-M707XQRbefPeECa7s/s1600/_DSC2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqq5ei8ZUd66VAf2AIIAEPOrihntD7fZ4rzieS2ycmWn9XXwZfhYpeyXhMSlixtyzoQvnG5gqgzFUUP84becgznL3a1MnwLtai9-KIbSbQkibwwKK7Fiewzxrv-M707XQRbefPeECa7s/s640/_DSC2911.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lace blocking wires are especially useful when trying to achieve a straight edge on your knitting.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQvW3M-4RLBrAMWsu-p71pRVL2GMAlr4cuf21dP6OYcVA8qfI5rMB2Unm9q2pwut_wOWfPJaVkFX2pZ_E2e2A4SE2xTW7jh4DMcI5dhBHP2rdupv3qwWafvmZPWOp0fPNBkmlHIoh3Pc/s1600/_DSC2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQvW3M-4RLBrAMWsu-p71pRVL2GMAlr4cuf21dP6OYcVA8qfI5rMB2Unm9q2pwut_wOWfPJaVkFX2pZ_E2e2A4SE2xTW7jh4DMcI5dhBHP2rdupv3qwWafvmZPWOp0fPNBkmlHIoh3Pc/s640/_DSC2908.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T Pins and wires.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then I will pin the piece out on a foam mat; either a camping mat or a yoga mat. Sometimes I will also use lace blocking wires to obtain a really straight edge or to pull the lace open with a consistent tension. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The pins I use are strudy 'T' shaped craft pins and the lace blocking wires are a set that I bought from my LYS, <a href="http://www.sunspun.com.au/">Sunspun</a>.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will leave the wet knitting pinned out to dry in a warm spot in the house or outside in a shaded spot. I make sure that the knitting is bone dry before I will remove the pins and wires otherwise the knitting will not maintain the shape or size that you pinned it out to. However, even this does not mean that the sizing and shaping is permanent. I have noticed in particular that no matter how meticulously I blocked my shawls that gradually they kind of scrunch up again. In fact, everything will need to be re-blocked each time it is washed, so I guess when those shawls are scrunching up it is just time for a quick wash and reblock.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope that gives you all a basic understanding of what blocking involves and why we do it. Now you can keep me accountable and avoid lazy knitter behaviours by asking me if I've blocked my finished projects before wearing them adoringly.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-68414959273756310902015-12-16T23:38:00.000+11:002015-12-16T23:38:25.492+11:00Losing that blogging mojo<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jyRb5jdmoDdBLxrOryWld7tmATLSEjJy_8L_Gz0F0p7OJuo_NFloR7oNk9IiuzLc0ufl5RKr9ebI_PuuG5APIhis23KbqfwXODLYCT_uGlN5n-WtFNerEiz5BOljVYDG8uDCdN4N5_g/s1600/IMG_7813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jyRb5jdmoDdBLxrOryWld7tmATLSEjJy_8L_Gz0F0p7OJuo_NFloR7oNk9IiuzLc0ufl5RKr9ebI_PuuG5APIhis23KbqfwXODLYCT_uGlN5n-WtFNerEiz5BOljVYDG8uDCdN4N5_g/s640/IMG_7813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My birthday treat to myself was a yarn crawl and even the little hands couldn't stay away from the yummy yarn.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hate to admit it but I've been neglecting the blog for a couple of months and just struggling to get that mojo for blogging. It's not like I haven't had things to talk about but I just haven't been motivated to put words to those thoughts, events and projects.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think in part I have been reticent to blog because of the time commitment that writing takes. As we approached the festive season I felt the pressure to get onto my Christmas making and to sit down and write was not a luxury that I was allowing myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another reason I have been struggling to write is that the brain commitment was a feeling a bit daunting. I was finding the process of putting my thoughts into words was requiring a fair bit of focus and brain power that most nights after putting the children to bed, I just didn't posess. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, to tackle these blocks I realised I should simplify things. I need to be more discerning with the content of the posts and to focus on key points rather than getting too rambly. I want to focus on posts where I have learnt something new or had great epiphanies. I want to write about things that will help and inspire other crafters too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is so much fabulous content in the fibre world and many people writing or podcasting great things. I'm not aiming to be on par with those who are already doing great things. I just want to make sure that I'm adding to the good stuff rather than just posting meaningless, self indulgent drivel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, that's enough for now. Stay tuned.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-24759869662019540552015-10-16T14:51:00.001+11:002016-02-03T18:20:14.426+11:00Finished object file: Waterlily Tee | RRHY Cherie Gold sock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjetYk2ZIPuhA5HVG85dL4d8b5lcB89eOhzbuaPzKY8qwZpgKYiCA5uq9PlcHkrO8gHervJO2yTfpqMtz6lE47SKw8v3L714TSZRzoSERNeWhLVgBS-M5N63Wc8lHaKkIBjvV226ATI0/s1600/_DSC2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjetYk2ZIPuhA5HVG85dL4d8b5lcB89eOhzbuaPzKY8qwZpgKYiCA5uq9PlcHkrO8gHervJO2yTfpqMtz6lE47SKw8v3L714TSZRzoSERNeWhLVgBS-M5N63Wc8lHaKkIBjvV226ATI0/s640/_DSC2626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m1bREGhwLIFuTZq4HZiSE68NDfJ-z4EEG-smqH9NobZpfKSh671i06ezp-imcPBPM2NmxC3Gr3cjClzI13bdG9DVna8AcOhOlz8Xzx9EGEMx1VQcQiW92H0C-fj0qT3YNrp_66KKo_c/s1600/_DSC2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m1bREGhwLIFuTZq4HZiSE68NDfJ-z4EEG-smqH9NobZpfKSh671i06ezp-imcPBPM2NmxC3Gr3cjClzI13bdG9DVna8AcOhOlz8Xzx9EGEMx1VQcQiW92H0C-fj0qT3YNrp_66KKo_c/s640/_DSC2625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a while since I've had a finished object to report about but today I proudly got to wear my newly finished <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waterlily-7">Waterlily</a> tee so I feel it's only appropriate for me to write a bit about it. You can also look at my Ravelry notes <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/KangaRooi/waterlily">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This project was my spring knit and thank goodness that I finished it with one and a half months of the season left to enjoy it. Back in August as we approached the end of the winter I had this itch in my hands to work on something for the warmer months. I began trawling Ravelry for tee patterns and projects that were knit with linen, silk or cotton blends. In my pattern stalking adventure I saw some beautiful finished objects of this Waterlily tee from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/pom-pom-quarterly-issue-8-spring-2014">Pom Pom Magazine's Spring 2014 issue</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a lovely tee with lace over the shoulders and bust area, then stockinette stitch down the rest of the body and finished with a garter stitch hem. Knit from the bottom up it was a breeze to whiz through the stockinette and while I was working on that part the project was my perfect travel knitting for trips in the car or while at swimming lessons. However, once I reached the lace section it became my 'need to concentrate' project so sadly it got a little less attention then.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY2_94AYd9MDLj1X7qLkeo61DGo0vf3jLjdCEefi-c84y3xNfqksvsdKmmrFzwjxESjxebkuWaRwZF-R2xAmUUaMNXhubPa_FQco0ixDhi60q037B3kfQBoSDZSDjDWQsc3hUYD_BJ54/s1600/_DSC2617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY2_94AYd9MDLj1X7qLkeo61DGo0vf3jLjdCEefi-c84y3xNfqksvsdKmmrFzwjxESjxebkuWaRwZF-R2xAmUUaMNXhubPa_FQco0ixDhi60q037B3kfQBoSDZSDjDWQsc3hUYD_BJ54/s640/_DSC2617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymj9uLNznRo60ogKwk9ojk_ng46OdoAax69Mqd2fRmYHYljo6rxVApceIEjDpI9_16LU9YiSikts-uyAkUocUG-RtRxWLw5PI-2D2jmx1Elt-ki-muoRn7jf8x2QTyef27wkSWIUO218/s1600/_DSC2630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymj9uLNznRo60ogKwk9ojk_ng46OdoAax69Mqd2fRmYHYljo6rxVApceIEjDpI9_16LU9YiSikts-uyAkUocUG-RtRxWLw5PI-2D2jmx1Elt-ki-muoRn7jf8x2QTyef27wkSWIUO218/s640/_DSC2630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The lace pattern was not overly complicated but with a high number of yarn overs I really had to be a bit more conscious of my knitting to make sure I didn't miss one. The other tricky part with the lace was to pay attention to when I needed to do a K2tog or a SSK decrease because that affected the direction of leaning in the stitch pattern. Also, when I was working the neckline for the front panel I had to play around with the decrease to ensure I decreased 1 stitch at a time. To maintain the pattern some rows I would do a sssk or k3tog to do a double decrease and other rows I didn't decrease at all due to the varying stitch count produced by the pattern. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also followed the advice of other knitters and alternated p2tog and p3tog when knitting the back of the neck so that it wouldn't be too saggy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I stashed dived for this project and found 2 skeins of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RedRidingHoodYarns?fref=ts">Red Riding Hood Yarns</a> Cherie Gold Sock that I had purchased in a preorder last year. The colour way is Princess Leia from Hannah's Star Wars theme and I had originally purchased it intending to make something for Miss L but this tee was calling and I don't regret using it for myself. I am so in love with the colour and the sparkle and I think it works well with the Waterlily pattern. The dominant colour is purple with some subtle bronzey variegation which is not swallowed up in the lace section.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The yarn being a merino, nylon and stellina blend is probably a bit warmer than the Kettle Yarn Co. BFL/ silk blend that the pattern was designed for but I'm wearing it today when it's 23 degree Celsius and I'm comfortable. I want this primarily as a Spring top but I think I can pull it off as an evening top on a mild summer night too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIC3UjKNtXuvMfHUzrT11BOnmCnB-Hnembq8UvvltBEoGEBEOJzqn8-WrNVy-ZP5gn163ZwZZEBYMN1vV66U9Me-KEzuPTf0-hryIppoVRwWRv76PEL59FPUbkrU0p0AS5LBnTlBoFdU/s1600/_DSC2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIC3UjKNtXuvMfHUzrT11BOnmCnB-Hnembq8UvvltBEoGEBEOJzqn8-WrNVy-ZP5gn163ZwZZEBYMN1vV66U9Me-KEzuPTf0-hryIppoVRwWRv76PEL59FPUbkrU0p0AS5LBnTlBoFdU/s640/_DSC2645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am quite happy with the fit of this top on me. It is such an achievement for me to have a well fitting handmade garment in my wardrobe; actually this is the first time I have hit the mark for myself. Love this tee and I'm going to love wearing it.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-29488347200435918872015-09-25T15:38:00.000+10:002015-09-25T15:38:58.151+10:00The struggle to make for me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCdn1Sp3nlctLxuRIe6F0Tr4KNOIVYfum-fuYbEtF8GCyHOhUHjM_Fv5k-K_SameekT1DH5pOiqDD_eq-_zTu7AsJUBxP7uMg1ODjx_OOW1WQUzSJpdSzXwiB7E3x-z2Q9RliZJL3W1w/s1600/_DSC2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCdn1Sp3nlctLxuRIe6F0Tr4KNOIVYfum-fuYbEtF8GCyHOhUHjM_Fv5k-K_SameekT1DH5pOiqDD_eq-_zTu7AsJUBxP7uMg1ODjx_OOW1WQUzSJpdSzXwiB7E3x-z2Q9RliZJL3W1w/s640/_DSC2598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This whole
week I have been buzzing with excitement as I see my little one wear her new lovingly
handmade skirt and tunic. If you’re interested, my last post goes into further
detail about those two recently finished garments. Now, after finishing these
two projects I am back on my slow going adult garments. I am loving the adult
knits but I do struggle to actually finish them and long to wear them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which leads
me to ponder are there any tips for getting through the adult projects quicker?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does
anybody else struggle with making a handmade wardrobe for themselves but the
kids are head to toe in mummy made items?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making for
the kids is the thing that got me back into knitting and it is the main drive
for my making obsession. I love dressing my children in items that I have made
and to be honest it is much more affordable buying a sweater lot of yarn for a
little person than for me. Also the gratification is achieved so much quicker
with children's projects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJswQEB08G4kOvxoG4ERg_r7x3tRTvu_wRqj8FqjQ0FAhgxWs8OMAXC2-dOqeI7oEIlFNKvr-LHbXErdvDxBfl-KyLRM7SJejDrpzNR3zT3AT-__7hkOfP6sDx1MoeghsxIC2DtV7_f8/s1600/_DSC2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJswQEB08G4kOvxoG4ERg_r7x3tRTvu_wRqj8FqjQ0FAhgxWs8OMAXC2-dOqeI7oEIlFNKvr-LHbXErdvDxBfl-KyLRM7SJejDrpzNR3zT3AT-__7hkOfP6sDx1MoeghsxIC2DtV7_f8/s640/_DSC2600.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this yummy sweater lot of John Arbon Viola yarn will become an actual sweater in the near future. Yes, HOPE.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I
really want to build my own handmade wardrobe and this is motivated by more
than the sweater envy I felt while on The Craft Sessions. I want to make my own
clothes so that I can be excited about wearing my self made clothes as much as
I am excited about dressing my kids in mummy made things.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also want
to engage less with consumerism and the desire to shop when I don’t need. I
have become more conscious about how unethical the fashion industry is and self
making is a small way that I can make a stand against it. I am also trying to
be discerning about where my materials come from and how they have been
processed. I am making myself question whether the source is ethical,
sustainable and authentic. I want the fabric and the yarn that I use to be
natural and that whatever processing it has undergone has maintained the
integrity of the natural fibre. I also feel more comfortable knowing that what
I’m wearing has been made under fair conditions for the workers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQJ2ZFc3ZZG8quWlhHpKoSnx_9p2MYAlLnsPkQB54F722zfMuA35Az5NxHCrKISPdMRSvUIAY-BoTD5q2AXG1VtLH-3hnLiMS5ghQeiIAs1xIER5asK2vvOUJeAV90qyxPootU8VDJqI/s1600/12039368_1042339552465562_1469463128162413279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQJ2ZFc3ZZG8quWlhHpKoSnx_9p2MYAlLnsPkQB54F722zfMuA35Az5NxHCrKISPdMRSvUIAY-BoTD5q2AXG1VtLH-3hnLiMS5ghQeiIAs1xIER5asK2vvOUJeAV90qyxPootU8VDJqI/s640/12039368_1042339552465562_1469463128162413279_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw this
saying posted on FB recently, “Why buy it for $7 when you can make it yourself
for $92 of craft supplies.” Though the statement is a tongue in cheek jibe at
how much makers spend on supplies I read it as a justification for why I make. In
my humble opinion something that we can buy for $7 has probably been made by a
poor child in a developing nation, who will barely receive a fraction of that
money for their labour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, with
all these thoughts in mind, why is my wardrobe still predominantly store bought?
Lack of time obviously is a big factor but there is also a small element of
guilt as I work on items for myself. A friend of mine recently confessed to me
that she is a selfish maker, preferring to sew and knit for herself than for
her kids. So I wonder, is it selfish to work on ‘me’ projects? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something
else I started pondering about was do makers make for fellow makers? Or are our
own queues so long that we don’t have time to make for a friend who can make
for themselves?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlbnYFRkCCGO2Wxt8iQSo_W52S2X0ugu8zvlKldbWzrlVNYrxdbX5cplbqmVEvc0OqHZ0F3EPqUqMo-hkhJQCncuAYOsyGD63eY4mqsYfeTXK1jPpjOZ5ZwBTLI-dyEC0lhZDCqKpuyQ/s1600/_DSC2603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlbnYFRkCCGO2Wxt8iQSo_W52S2X0ugu8zvlKldbWzrlVNYrxdbX5cplbqmVEvc0OqHZ0F3EPqUqMo-hkhJQCncuAYOsyGD63eY4mqsYfeTXK1jPpjOZ5ZwBTLI-dyEC0lhZDCqKpuyQ/s640/_DSC2603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This winter I
commiserated to my husband that I desperately wanted some handknit socks but I
had too many WIPs already. I wanted someone else to knit some socks for me but
to my woe I don’t have enough knitting friends and the ones I do have are
probably working on too many of their own WIPs to be able to make socks for me.
In the end I did cast on a pair of toe up socks for myself but I barely got
beyond the toes because I knit too slowly and I had too many projects on the go
already.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The whole making process is a great joy of
mine. I am addicted to the authenticity of homemade items. Items where I have personally
and lovingly selecting the materials and made by my own hand. There is something
organic about the process as I see the beginnings of an item and I watch and
feel it grow to completion. I’d just really love it a lot more if I could get
through things much quicker.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd like to
hear your thoughts so please comment and add to the conversation.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-6874161668638177972015-09-24T13:52:00.003+10:002015-09-25T18:35:30.766+10:00Finished object file: Miss L's wardrobe<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU6rE6mOKNvO_M9_aIDMMWjU3F_W1kDr1C8r35B039apmxlFkzeONCqr0NI4wZKpp1reK-9ml0caR7aNadiUzkxNusfGxpnfU15FIARlGVeS-cIYPLO4lGU_4nUjSINHPpbXtEMWRIF8/s1600/_DSC2584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU6rE6mOKNvO_M9_aIDMMWjU3F_W1kDr1C8r35B039apmxlFkzeONCqr0NI4wZKpp1reK-9ml0caR7aNadiUzkxNusfGxpnfU15FIARlGVeS-cIYPLO4lGU_4nUjSINHPpbXtEMWRIF8/s640/_DSC2584.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miss</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">L in her new handmade wardrobe items: Quaintly top and Gathered Skirt.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week I've been relishing in the joy that comes with accomplishing my first sewn garment. I am such a sewing newbie so even though the project was the simplest of patterns I am over the moon with joy at the completed object.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/2015/04/27/gathered-skirt-for-all-ages/">Gathered skirt for all ages</a> from the Purl Bee blog. I was instantly drawn to this skirt because of the large pockets featured on the sides and I also love the simple style of the skirt that makes it an everyday kind of item. Another bonus is that the blog provides instructions for sizes 2 year old to an adult 46" hip size. I remember when I originally came across the pattern months ago I shared it with the comment, "I can see myself making this skirt in every size for Miss L</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">." and now after making my first one for her it is very possible that she really will always have one in her wardrobe throughout her life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with my knitting, if I am going to make something with love I am going to make it with materials that I love. For this skirt I went on a lovely fabric adventure to <a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/">The Fabric Store</a> in Fitzroy and selected some chambray for the main fabric and a very cute printed cotton as a contrast for the pockets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wDeVSq8_rl_YytJJJ-G5E0DVVk-yquUGPldxjH7xFmfXNUb2T1cVS9PNn38VYsEiU3dxWmxMwV_rTvd8JG5GcxEbi9s8NGVp0uiH5cliuTbNi1J5JYdVeQAIx1XSCwnWq6OdP-h_jZo/s1600/IMG_7547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wDeVSq8_rl_YytJJJ-G5E0DVVk-yquUGPldxjH7xFmfXNUb2T1cVS9PNn38VYsEiU3dxWmxMwV_rTvd8JG5GcxEbi9s8NGVp0uiH5cliuTbNi1J5JYdVeQAIx1XSCwnWq6OdP-h_jZo/s640/IMG_7547.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietQmf8HljfdZW15fD1FmzJnQBm-uXWIRovJjXU-JYP9N3f7Q4Dt88we3pN3vEPlRYvv3Hc4lVvHI26QJXnvJzxFsJYlFaovbKwzoCTRXSBJU_d8G6DC0IpjcMkGL6deEXbz5WaAa2lS8/s1600/IMG_7551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietQmf8HljfdZW15fD1FmzJnQBm-uXWIRovJjXU-JYP9N3f7Q4Dt88we3pN3vEPlRYvv3Hc4lVvHI26QJXnvJzxFsJYlFaovbKwzoCTRXSBJU_d8G6DC0IpjcMkGL6deEXbz5WaAa2lS8/s640/IMG_7551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j8gF9uIdiE6fhksXBU0EEZ4aaGAo8oHDEL9JSNYPkHoH7KCr3s-7vROHz689niicjtDbleMvbErNCRpNGxA1BJaMtGjlqm3qLctZOuwIbJO5sb0JsYMVr-W3fOdlMbRzJkVTz2Y4z_E/s1600/_DSC2585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j8gF9uIdiE6fhksXBU0EEZ4aaGAo8oHDEL9JSNYPkHoH7KCr3s-7vROHz689niicjtDbleMvbErNCRpNGxA1BJaMtGjlqm3qLctZOuwIbJO5sb0JsYMVr-W3fOdlMbRzJkVTz2Y4z_E/s640/_DSC2585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINCWH-m6mUIC-oFq0SupaGUHu8kNS39pfJveEHHsrgGkGqlcuxqbcJiESaoYlvc041zNBrbOVhAb-oj-emCujGiypEgr-jL0J1grPW_djeLjyXUUT1AgI_jnXWR3iv0qix58gxP9UxC0/s1600/_DSC2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINCWH-m6mUIC-oFq0SupaGUHu8kNS39pfJveEHHsrgGkGqlcuxqbcJiESaoYlvc041zNBrbOVhAb-oj-emCujGiypEgr-jL0J1grPW_djeLjyXUUT1AgI_jnXWR3iv0qix58gxP9UxC0/s640/_DSC2563.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just love the simple beauty of chambray for everyday wear.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a newbie I made some mistakes, like not sewing the waistband straight so there is a point where the band is too narrow for the elastic to sit flat so it is folded over. I also had to do the basting stitches twice because I didn't pay attention to the instructions and did them incorrectly the first time. And I wouldn't look too closely at the hem because I'm pretty sure that's not straight either, but despite all these imperfections I am so happy with it. The fabrics are just so beautiful and the pockets are fab.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I showed Miss L she exclaimed, "So cute!". She very happily put it on and she twirled so excitedly throughout the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RlGjKPCOG6uQJ5Vw3bf6UYuSLOUmtnVQYnv7I2b4UeZDLJ_LxJkWlBYm_ZgbrGllRrZhsPJCD6o-oOidkeWKo0sCsOL4hwIWHDYAdHgDWT-gC8QKziAH5OSMA4_LeOKenFi8EFhm1Q4/s1600/_DSC2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RlGjKPCOG6uQJ5Vw3bf6UYuSLOUmtnVQYnv7I2b4UeZDLJ_LxJkWlBYm_ZgbrGllRrZhsPJCD6o-oOidkeWKo0sCsOL4hwIWHDYAdHgDWT-gC8QKziAH5OSMA4_LeOKenFi8EFhm1Q4/s640/_DSC2589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGr9iBgOEqrfpQ77RZY4FMRczFmiqgLmufaTh4qudNFsxzES2Pd8Bw1jvUfk4ymMyaVObZbj_dpUmyOQviN4TgekqD-osfJjd_a76aSyjp5X6cKypqQBu5qc0-nOgExEdT6H_HJ_CqIE/s1600/_DSC2560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGr9iBgOEqrfpQ77RZY4FMRczFmiqgLmufaTh4qudNFsxzES2Pd8Bw1jvUfk4ymMyaVObZbj_dpUmyOQviN4TgekqD-osfJjd_a76aSyjp5X6cKypqQBu5qc0-nOgExEdT6H_HJ_CqIE/s640/_DSC2560.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tFX1qa599v2Xb-RPBDEAr4vXgnwp2KP9wKb7g53r3JVrvJKOe824cBPs9KggQEPPpHGSEwGt7sFvoIRDM-w7GjIk24MpPut9tHS9sSaHstzhIwDxfR_0e1o1IadHYq8sh4-SpMcxzag/s1600/_DSC2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tFX1qa599v2Xb-RPBDEAr4vXgnwp2KP9wKb7g53r3JVrvJKOe824cBPs9KggQEPPpHGSEwGt7sFvoIRDM-w7GjIk24MpPut9tHS9sSaHstzhIwDxfR_0e1o1IadHYq8sh4-SpMcxzag/s640/_DSC2577.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These little lacy cap sleeves are so beautiful and easy to knit too.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a good week for Miss L's wardrobe because I also finished knitting a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quaintly---fingering">Quaintly</a> top in fingering weight (4ply) hand dyed <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MissClickClack">Miss Click Clack yarn</a>. This yarn is such a beautiful colour and it was her own choice. We went to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHandmadeShow?fref=ts">The Handmade Show</a> market in Glen Huntly a few months ago and Miss L picked up this skein of yarn from Kelly's bargain bucket that was sitting on the ground. She did the cutest thing when she grabbed the yarn, she hugged it to herself because it was clear that she loved the squishy softness and the colour. I bought it always intending to make something for her with it and the Quaintly was perfect. It is such a lovely spring top with little lacy cap sleeves and a stockinette stitch body which I knit with extra length to make it a bit tunic like. My project notes can be found <a href="http://ravel.me/KangaRooi/qf">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelly Brooker of Peka Peka Design Studio designed the Quaintly pattern. The pattern is available individually but if you get the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/quaintly-kindred-ebook">ebook</a> you get a set of patterns for the fingering (4ply), DK (8ply) and worsted (10ply) weight and sizes all the way from newborn through to 10 years old. If you're like me and you like to keep you options open in terms of yarn choice then having the pattern written up in the three different yarn weights is great. I have already knit this pattern before in the DK weight in the 18-24 month size and it was a super quick knit. The fingering weight knit went pretty quickly too and I made the 2 year old size with the one skein of Miss Click Clack Merri Creek sock yarn.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pattern instructions are simple enough to follow and even the fiddly bit of changing between two different needle sizes to finish the sleeves is explained very clearly and not difficult at all. I ended up just slipping the sleeve stitches onto a DPN in the smaller size (2.75mm) and kept everything else on the circular needle. When I came to the sleeve stitches I just held the circular needle aside and knit the sleeves with another DPN of the same size. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To top of this gorgeous knit Miss L picked out some adorable little sheep buttons from <a href="http://www.sunspun.com.au/">Sunspun</a> during their Spring sale last week. These very cute buttons come from a company called <a href="http://www.buttonmad.com/">Incomparable Buttons</a>. They are not plastic, so I'm guessing they are ceramic </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and they are handmade in South Africa through a programme that gives employment to women. These little buttons are so precious and make the perfect finishing touch to a lovely top.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4LDwjEdoFSxUalBeyNc5u9bCN2JNuFpxDbxOOQlX1-gGcXfoUvJQtV8P_0bKJvgn8zLSOGe2aitrlPdjTHvYn_QsM0-zlx3idGUmUuz9-t_PBCVDCQ2kd9IFMr-j7uwNhJI2uZwuDo8/s1600/_DSC2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4LDwjEdoFSxUalBeyNc5u9bCN2JNuFpxDbxOOQlX1-gGcXfoUvJQtV8P_0bKJvgn8zLSOGe2aitrlPdjTHvYn_QsM0-zlx3idGUmUuz9-t_PBCVDCQ2kd9IFMr-j7uwNhJI2uZwuDo8/s640/_DSC2569.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cutest little ceramic sheep buttons ever.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miss L is a lucky little girl with her growing handmade wardrobe and her enjoyment of the clothes bring extra joy to both of us. Now, it's time to for us to twirl together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-72356773819126004462015-09-14T23:38:00.001+10:002015-09-14T23:38:42.312+10:00Back from The Craft Sessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73qidhiXb1DX9Tg4rD2qlPJ-3xXYg7hCWG_1zwxsTZqvXfrlRGF_bAbciUpdfz-xQNLTLTvIq3V9aeUNUYbl8hswxlADrj1bL7h36gpRltKzKI5pJnQxLFgmywhqvjxSPYoTbVLcjs7E/s1600/_DSC2556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73qidhiXb1DX9Tg4rD2qlPJ-3xXYg7hCWG_1zwxsTZqvXfrlRGF_bAbciUpdfz-xQNLTLTvIq3V9aeUNUYbl8hswxlADrj1bL7h36gpRltKzKI5pJnQxLFgmywhqvjxSPYoTbVLcjs7E/s640/_DSC2556.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Women carrying baskets were everywhere at the retreat and I wasn't out of place for once.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWB5fdxm3X7dpIXQEin3WDtJ8q_7IscXM0Q2g0gWsfQdBBD3AwSgfJ39AwQM28KP3mzATRTJegkukZm5MvBgsedK6tGQucd_fsUy4Rdl0MsoemBP5tiQy3OCDA2Mm4itDEz8fz4IvI-Q/s1600/_DSC2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWB5fdxm3X7dpIXQEin3WDtJ8q_7IscXM0Q2g0gWsfQdBBD3AwSgfJ39AwQM28KP3mzATRTJegkukZm5MvBgsedK6tGQucd_fsUy4Rdl0MsoemBP5tiQy3OCDA2Mm4itDEz8fz4IvI-Q/s640/_DSC2552.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also couldn't help buying a few lovely items from the mini market. Clockwise from L: Home and Away pattern book by <a href="http://knitbot.com/">Hannah Fettig</a>, Lilly Brush pill remover, <a href="http://mazeandvale.bigcartel.com/">Maze and Vale</a> freeform patchwork kit by <a href="http://www.lesliekeating.com/">Leslie Keating</a> and Recycled Harris Tweed project bag by Julia Billings of <a href="http://www.woollenflower.com/">Woollenflower</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I got back from The Craft Sessions yesterday and I've got some big thoughts bouncing around in my head and I'm not sure if I am going to be able to coherently express them because I'm still processing. I guess I should start by saying how fantastic it was to be able to spend a whole weekend crafting in the beautiful setting of the Yarra Valley.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who are not familiar with The Craft Sessions it is basically a weekend craft retreat that is organised by Felicia Semple and her team. Felicia is known for her blog, also called <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/">The Craft Sessions</a> and she is a passionate and creative maker and mother. And after this weekend I have come to think of her as the ultimate enabler because she is also passionate about giving others a space to create as well.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first came across The Craft Sessions about a week before last year's retreat because I was hungry for a weekend of uninterrupted knitting. I had even ranted to a couple of friends about wanting to go on a "yarn weekend" where I could get heaps of knitting done and maybe even visit some interesting yarn and craft shops in regional Victoria. So, when The Craft Sessions came up in my internet searching I was so excited but though there were still openings for last year's retreat a week out from the event I couldn't possibly make it happen with a husband who works weekends and two young children to care for. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jEsEPTB9wSosc592kZqMCcQzCInH0KW1pnYjsgGk-3A6NRmN2_L6zDh7CWVfvuSTuamVEzyQYXLObLiibI5Bh8JpiWgRB_1-u4-c-bA01hcgZsxaHj1STjqSs1jiJRLYiUX76JOFM18/s1600/_DSC2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jEsEPTB9wSosc592kZqMCcQzCInH0KW1pnYjsgGk-3A6NRmN2_L6zDh7CWVfvuSTuamVEzyQYXLObLiibI5Bh8JpiWgRB_1-u4-c-bA01hcgZsxaHj1STjqSs1jiJRLYiUX76JOFM18/s640/_DSC2547.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the gorgeous swag that we got in our lovely retreat bags.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was determined to make it happen this year and though I had 12 months to plan for it I almost missed out again because I missed the sign up when registrations opened and this year's event sold out incredibly quickly. I signed up for the wait list and later when my friend Jenny of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCLknitweardesigns?fref=ts">JCL Created Cuddles</a> dropped out I think I got her spot at the retreat. I am eternally grateful for Jenny's spot.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, to actually talk about the weekend. I signed up for two day long workshops: natural dyeing on day one and hand weaving. I also wanted to all the knitting ones and though I barely know how to sew I really wanted to do the sew a kids wardrobe class too. Actually who am I kidding I wanted to do all of them because they all sounded great but my skills are limiting at this stage; I would have been a bit of a waste of space in things like the embroidery classes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9QGN6wHh_lnxrEIgEDHdM3sewLvM83GqbXy6T3yqIvCqoZ5KFIPamFPhKYjdVuWmxjFu7xhJDLGQJMPl3gJkHBJDHCfs1O3st_tPdPpvZ8-6ij6mSGc-cUXzZ3jJx9jrf22zOI9KcbA/s1600/IMG_7485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9QGN6wHh_lnxrEIgEDHdM3sewLvM83GqbXy6T3yqIvCqoZ5KFIPamFPhKYjdVuWmxjFu7xhJDLGQJMPl3gJkHBJDHCfs1O3st_tPdPpvZ8-6ij6mSGc-cUXzZ3jJx9jrf22zOI9KcbA/s640/IMG_7485.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fell in love with Belinda's basketful of naturally hand dyed yarn.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmn2pvvf37Ogz53P143CkJaG1zG6MUcOC2Y1lC9L4ropJSCyp3sv4ASTZz5migeE59n9SJ-C-7z0OXpJJWu8CD8Ydi1DSpO65NhMpdJNe0N4sM18zIgOWVSyAzLYRPW2mNsuAdFEQa14/s1600/_DSC2546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmn2pvvf37Ogz53P143CkJaG1zG6MUcOC2Y1lC9L4ropJSCyp3sv4ASTZz5migeE59n9SJ-C-7z0OXpJJWu8CD8Ydi1DSpO65NhMpdJNe0N4sM18zIgOWVSyAzLYRPW2mNsuAdFEQa14/s640/_DSC2546.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All my samples were dyed with Cootamundra Wattle leaves.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPcIL5tYCNP9KAxA49illSqF9hKrZUuDmpja_4sntxNxbP8lIRQRF8DuEKXDV55qm8W5eMnWTufSOWTU7_TDZar0MWzdfreHyUsqqxWcUY-IesCIL_fwfsqXt_WigJZo6tbH3qGwUJI8/s1600/IMG_7490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPcIL5tYCNP9KAxA49illSqF9hKrZUuDmpja_4sntxNxbP8lIRQRF8DuEKXDV55qm8W5eMnWTufSOWTU7_TDZar0MWzdfreHyUsqqxWcUY-IesCIL_fwfsqXt_WigJZo6tbH3qGwUJI8/s640/IMG_7490.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was hard to capture all the samples that the four groups in the workshop created.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the natural dyeing class we learnt how to extract dye from native Australian plants and how to dye yarn, linen and silk with those dyes. We did some cool experiments with adding different mordants post dyeing to change the colours of the original dyes. It was all a bit like "alchemy" which is what our teacher Belinda Evans likes to call it. She loves the term so much that she uses it as her creative business name/ identity. You can find her on instagram as '<a href="https://instagram.com/iamalchemy/">iamalchemy</a>' and her blog is also titled '<a href="http://elementsofalchemy.blogspot.com.au/">Alchemy</a>'.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had read a few things about dyeing since I started obsessing about yarn colours. I am interested in trying it out and now I feel a lot more confidence for it because Belinda was such a good teacher. It was so exciting to see how the dye was taken on differently by the different fibres and how they changed when different minerals or chemicals were added to the pot. We definitely had some pleasant surprises when we pulled out our bits and pieces.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Sunday I took the weaving workshop that was also taught by Belinda. She again inspired all of us in the class with her "organic" approach to her creative process. The other exciting thing about her weaving is all the beautiful naturally dyed yarns that she has at her disposal. She generously supplied some of that beautiful yarn and there were a lot of "ooohs and aaahs" over the colours before we all settled down with our colour schemes. To my surprise Belinda really liked my colour choices. I have been really challenged with colour work lately and picking good colour combos seems like a massive puzzle to me. I think since realising Sir S's colour blindness I have been doubting my own colour perception because colour blindness is inherited through the maternal side of the family.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp9aRe83GHAykYjtCcyIzES34JyimHrZ788ym0d119JmqKzRMPodGooh0vIztvV_amn76rtXxBMQXHmKwHW6ewKl6z4I3JrF2-C4fMw4sDg94gf426YegRZr0LccotLBdrV8_YWaqSLI/s1600/_DSC2536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp9aRe83GHAykYjtCcyIzES34JyimHrZ788ym0d119JmqKzRMPodGooh0vIztvV_amn76rtXxBMQXHmKwHW6ewKl6z4I3JrF2-C4fMw4sDg94gf426YegRZr0LccotLBdrV8_YWaqSLI/s640/_DSC2536.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My palette of pretty naturally dyed colours.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAV1nublideWPNiZm6UiWVs52N0XJVQfdxYrqBCRrvk-V703QXNBTjy1w4X5P5FpCxoVgCUS_ChwtRiJ44mBGoxzj1avfrQCeE5kpLReftk6L4H28rmaqoJn-vz3iwyB4-TzD8gIwGiY/s1600/_DSC2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAV1nublideWPNiZm6UiWVs52N0XJVQfdxYrqBCRrvk-V703QXNBTjy1w4X5P5FpCxoVgCUS_ChwtRiJ44mBGoxzj1avfrQCeE5kpLReftk6L4H28rmaqoJn-vz3iwyB4-TzD8gIwGiY/s640/_DSC2539.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm taking Belinda's weaving approach, being "organic" and letting the weaving flow without too much planning.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall the whole weekend was fantastic. It was so nice to be able to sit down with my knitting and knit uninterrupted for a solid block of time. I also really enjoyed meeting other crafters and oohing over their projects and their yarns. I had serious sweater envy all weekend and I desperately want to improve my sewing and stitching skills. I have also come away from the retreat with a whole lot more instagram crafters who I can stalk because crafters love looking at what other people are making and instragram enables that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, here on my humble little blog I want to publicly acknowledge what a fantastic job that Felicia and her team have done and I am so so so thankful to her for taking the initiative to create this retreat for crafters.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-3866269636658669182015-08-24T14:42:00.001+10:002015-08-24T15:58:42.815+10:00Knitting as a lifeline<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IvfQLs8bkUFSTChnYC-3QD08nbrY5NZ_iTfy07SmTwOlS436O8sK3rNfeNFPIl5R7ZHNPW5UbBcXLR3Eocmdk39v77xN3-AzeyFB3MFXEUBfzrq_4Hwv1Q9ok1JquJSlq9ML0AQTHL8/s1600/_DSC2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IvfQLs8bkUFSTChnYC-3QD08nbrY5NZ_iTfy07SmTwOlS436O8sK3rNfeNFPIl5R7ZHNPW5UbBcXLR3Eocmdk39v77xN3-AzeyFB3MFXEUBfzrq_4Hwv1Q9ok1JquJSlq9ML0AQTHL8/s640/_DSC2486.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most days this is what knit time looks like. The kids making a cubby house and I'm keeping and eye on them.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month I've found it hard to stay on top of the blog a little bit and it has not really been caused by any extra things such as illness which really makes my absence from the blog no excuse. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What have we been doing? We have been more active with hospitality and making more effort to catch up with people we want to build friendships with, I have been keeping things going at home as the Hubs has been holding down the fort at church while his boss - the Vicar - was on long service leave and I started trying to host a midweek crafting time for some mummy friends who find it hard to have some 'me' time when surrounded by the kids all day*. Then there is the usual comings and goings of kinder drop off and pick ups, mainly music leading, playgroup attending and keeping the house stocked with food. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, our days have been pretty full but I have been trying to look at it as being 'productive' rather than being busy. I try not to complain about being busy because I know that everything we do is for a purpose and we have chosen to take these things on rather than being forced to do things. In my heart I know that all our efforts are done through God's strength and I hope that we bring glory to His kingdom when we do it. I know that my rest will come at the end.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amidst all this productivity what little time I get to sit down I have been picking up the needles and working through a few exciting projects. I did my first test knit for my friend Jenny who self publishes her patterns under the name <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCLknitweardesigns?fref=ts">JCL - created cuddles</a>. I loved her pattern and can't wait to see it released and I can talk about the project in full when that happens. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also been knitting a couple of items which I intend to donate to the silent auction for a church fundraising dinner in September. Then I also knit a thank you cowl for the friend who kindly put us up in Bendigo when we went to the Sheep and Wool show last month. I have many things that I could be writing finished object files for but just couldn't find the motivation and mind space to blog.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then last week I read Felicia Semple's post on her '<a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/blog/">The Craft Sessions</a>' blog titled "<a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/blog/2015/8/18/creativity-in-the-middle-of-motherhood">Craft in the Middle of Motherhood</a>". The post just made complete sense to me and it reflected a lot of the thoughts I have had about why I knit and how it has helped me stay positive through parenting and life trials. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Felicia talks about "Knitting as a way to find a little headspace. Knitting as a way to find a little calm. Knitting as a way to be a better parent." When I read that it was like a thought that was plucked out of my own brain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had recently discussed with my husband about how knitting has helped me be much more positive and I have coped better with the challenges of life because I knit. I mused at how having a project to work on has been my respite after a long day with the kids and it is something I look forward to picking up when I've finished putting them to bed. I also don't get so affected and wound up with the little frustrating moments and can approach those moments with a more relaxed manner because I think, "Once I've dealt with this I can get back to my knitting."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, I am not an absent parent because I'd rather be knitting than dealing with discipline issues. I am not shirking on my parenting but instead I am not letting those challenges get to me personally and getting upset the way I used to when my kids are behaving inappropriately. Instead of going into fight mode with my kids I can approach situations calmly and parent more objectively. Ultimately, I am probably more present because quite honestly, if I wasn't thinking about knitting I would probably be distracted by facebook instead. P</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ulling out my knitting while my kids play together at the playground or during my son's swimming lesson is a lot more productive than staring at my smart phone for the duration of those activities. I take it as a chance to slow down and just enjoy the activity and the process.**</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past 12 months I have seen articles about how crafting can help people relieve stress and can also benefit the brain by encouraging memory exercise and problem solving challenges. There has been much written about how crafting promotes mindfulness because the repetitive actions are very meditative and soothing. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One article in The Herald Sun even referred to young women who craft as embracing the "inner nana".</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I am totally fine with being called a "nana" or granny because I also love how crafting is helping me connect with a lifestyle that is not so common in this consumer, "buy everything" culture. I love making things for my kids to wear rather than heading to the shops every season and buying clothes that don't often last as long.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another reason I am a knitting mumma is because I want to model this behaviour and attitude to my kids. I want them to see that there is another option to buying and this is my chance to expose them to the maker culture.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, where am I headed with these thoughts today? To be honest, I'm not completely sure. I just felt like my brain wanted to get these thoughts out there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To my friends who read this blog and often think that they want to take up a craft but feel like it's an enormous challenge that they can't attempt, well you have to start somewhere and it doesn't take much to end up with an item that you have made with love, that will be received with love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, let's get crafting my friends.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're interested in reading more about the benefits of crafting then you might start with these articles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Link to the Herald Sun article here: "</span><a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/young-women-embrace-inner-nana-as-crochet-knitting-and-jam-making-make-comeback/story-fnpp4dl6-1227405314736" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Young women embrace inner nana...</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An interesting piece on the benefits of crafting: "<a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14252/why-crafting-is-great-for-your-brain-a-neuroscientist-explains.html">Why Crafting is Great for your Brain...</a>"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Craft Yarn Council's article about how good knitting is for your health: "<a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/health-therapeutic">The Truth about Knitting and Crochet...</a>"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*More about that initiative another day</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**This is a personal thought and not a judgement on other people's habits.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-87448405000279202892015-07-31T15:17:00.001+10:002015-08-13T21:09:28.792+10:00Finished object file: Iron Man Mitts Mark 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZc8WH1ofqGAe12jbkAWMKqG_OwWva_iCBhun-DwsVryLiQTn9yr67yxWr9ojyQfgiTTnnhNzEMdqYxTwtBWMlZVlTV7o8W1rccA71a5eyUzF4uPFmJlQFH9QfPLnfA0rraDY_RtlgOQY/s1600/_DSC2454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZc8WH1ofqGAe12jbkAWMKqG_OwWva_iCBhun-DwsVryLiQTn9yr67yxWr9ojyQfgiTTnnhNzEMdqYxTwtBWMlZVlTV7o8W1rccA71a5eyUzF4uPFmJlQFH9QfPLnfA0rraDY_RtlgOQY/s640/_DSC2454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished this little knit a while back and they have been a hit so I thought I should take a moment to write up a post about them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this year when my boy asked for the toy Iron Man gloves I rolled my eyes and said, "I can knit you some cool Iron Man mitts just like the ones I did for R's birthday present last year." Sir S still insisted on the toy gloves but that's one I'll leave for the grandparents to get him for Christmas.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found this cute free <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/iron-man-mitts">pattern</a> designed by Irene McCormick last year when I was looking for something quick to knit up for my friend's Avengers obsessed boy. They are designed to be knit flat and then seamed but it was a no brainer to modify it into a in the round pattern. I didn't change a thing with the pattern's numbers and simply joined the stitches in the round after casting on. Here's a link to my Ravelry notes if you're interested in the details of this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/KangaRooi/iron-man-mitts-2">project</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it came to making the thumb hole this time I tried an adapted YO K2Tog buttonhole by doing two YOs and then when I came round again on the next round I knit these two YOs as two new stitches. However, I'm not 100% happy with it because it is still a little tight for my little guy's thumbs. Since making these mitts I have listened to Pam Allen and Hannah Fettig's Knit.fm podcast episode discussing buttonholes and bands. I like the sound of Pam Allen's favourite buttonhole that is a double YO hole that is knit over three rows. It has the same construction idea that I had with my double YO attempt but is better designed and structured, just goes to show why she's an owner of yarn company and an experienced designer and I'm just a humble knit enthusiast. Pam's instructions for this buttonhole from the <a href="http://knit.fm/blog/2013/12/6/episode-four-buttonholes-and-bands">Knit.fm</a> page is:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: 'Open Sans'; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: start;">
<strong>Pam's Favorite Buttonhole: double yo</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: 'Open Sans'; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: start;">
<em>work row 1 (RS) to 2 stitches before the buttonhole stitch.</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: 'Open Sans'; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: start;">
<em>make a double yarn over by bringing the yarn through the needles to the front, then over the RH needle to the back, then to the front between the needles again.</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: 'Open Sans'; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: start;">
<em>knit the next 2 stitches together, knit to the end of the row.</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: 'Open Sans'; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: start;">
<em>work row 2 to the yarn over, purl into the yarn over, letting the second wrap drop from the left needle, work to the end of the row.</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: 'Open Sans'; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: start;">
<em>work row 3 to the stitch above the buttonhole, knit into the hole (not the stitch above) and carry on.</em></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">-Pam Allen </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmV40p4Inyt_JGcVLAzE6yx0SgCrL-Cj8xPPw1Iz8l0iFn1nbKKajh0aCt0W5Hm2L80fiGxcU429Qc3fSbQUA1o089tONq01FmQp21GkIq2-7tZcfdGtgHbUXy8yLv8RyA9yxJCRxCu0/s1600/_DSC2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmV40p4Inyt_JGcVLAzE6yx0SgCrL-Cj8xPPw1Iz8l0iFn1nbKKajh0aCt0W5Hm2L80fiGxcU429Qc3fSbQUA1o089tONq01FmQp21GkIq2-7tZcfdGtgHbUXy8yLv8RyA9yxJCRxCu0/s640/_DSC2455.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These mitts have been a hit for the Sir S. He hasn't complained about the yarn which is Cleckheaton's Australian Superfine Merino 8ply (DK) and Filatura Di Crosa's Zara line. Sir S definitely needs the supersoft hypoallergenic yarns. This is the second accessory that I have made him with the superfine merino and they are the pieces that I get no complaints about. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, this is a super easy and super quick knit for the little kids in your life who like a bit of superhero fun while keeping their hands warm.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8142023847705750646.post-13135940406858522282015-07-27T14:44:00.003+10:002016-02-03T18:16:00.728+11:00Finished object file: Canopy Shawl | Skein Merino Silk Sport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Et34wHNqalnw_bAP_9XNtwaL2tF0m047SgeF4NsIvVOIuOp1-Y_FBFYZWZHoLvWTndsoGuvENZrtEZsdOdT0MwhoOqtiu0TzoqxQmO9hPQUanjJKtC_ehpROtDKB17ANpVg4xKeq0j0/s1600/_DSC2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Et34wHNqalnw_bAP_9XNtwaL2tF0m047SgeF4NsIvVOIuOp1-Y_FBFYZWZHoLvWTndsoGuvENZrtEZsdOdT0MwhoOqtiu0TzoqxQmO9hPQUanjJKtC_ehpROtDKB17ANpVg4xKeq0j0/s640/_DSC2422.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjK7bXIkZ8c35U66P-AYUOlVvCb-wPQ7WFSqgQHozE3_8m9yadY6Wq_brM6GXf4JMUyKAyFgKgihNHQcWBKTFWY4HyhzR4aQJG4X1cSY900uPpwkIbGmROtKLfEGyHzi_0Gyfz8H7pqI/s1600/_DSC2431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjK7bXIkZ8c35U66P-AYUOlVvCb-wPQ7WFSqgQHozE3_8m9yadY6Wq_brM6GXf4JMUyKAyFgKgihNHQcWBKTFWY4HyhzR4aQJG4X1cSY900uPpwkIbGmROtKLfEGyHzi_0Gyfz8H7pqI/s640/_DSC2431.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is such a joy to finish a project that is a beautiful pattern knit with gorgeous yarn and a bonus when it is a KAL project that has been completed within the deadline. The project that I am gushing over is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/canopy-3" target="_blank">Canopy</a> Shawl knit in Skein yarn Merino Silk Sport.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Kristen, the owner and dyer of the beautiful <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/" target="_blank">Skein</a> yarn company announced on her podcast that she was going to host a shawls KAL I was so excited to join in. I was keen to knit another shawl for myself and I had two skeins of Kristen's Merino Silk Sport in Poppy colourway that I picked up last year at Sunspun's Spring sale. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have knit with this blend before in a different colourway and there are so many reasons why I keep returning to this yarn. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 50/50 Merino Silk blend is so soft and it has a delightful drape. I think it drapes so well that I'm probably able to get away with not blocking the shawl. The colour is fabulous; I love how it is very subtly variegated and there are tones of red, purple and even a bit of a bluey grey.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43heTJ740xvxYV3LRqiphPoQBFATGdfRFYCFAAGs6pjKJhfcbeVLM6mreQNGo7VU6-OfmV81a6LuiPuV-B6Qwp2AHPnu4EykO4VSKnM1kjbcbmnlKL74FZ9MsSG8JZGSxw2kV9ccHHjA/s1600/_DSC2421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43heTJ740xvxYV3LRqiphPoQBFATGdfRFYCFAAGs6pjKJhfcbeVLM6mreQNGo7VU6-OfmV81a6LuiPuV-B6Qwp2AHPnu4EykO4VSKnM1kjbcbmnlKL74FZ9MsSG8JZGSxw2kV9ccHHjA/s640/_DSC2421.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had been eyeing off <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/mandarines-ravelry-store" target="_blank">Melody Hoffmann'</a>s Canopy design for a few weeks and decided that the yarn and the pattern were going to be the perfect pairing for this KAL. Actually all of Melody's <a href="http://bmandarines.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">mandarine's</a> blog is beautiful. I have a serious crush on her designs and love the photos and anecdotes from her life. I also highly recommend her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/bmandarines" target="_blank">podcast</a> because she is so delightful to watch and listen to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The pattern is equally as beautiful as the yarn that I used. It is a triangle shaped shawl with alternating panels of stockinette and a lace pattern. The lace pattern taught me a couple of new stitches which were simple techniques that created a very nice visual touch. The stitches I learnt were how to make a right and left twist to create a pyramid shaped motif along the lace panel. So easy but you do need to concentrate just enough to remember to always maintain two stitches when knitting the twists because it is not a decrease stitch technique. There were a few times where I must have forgotten and got to the next lace row and found that my stitches didn't add up right so I fudged it a bit and picked up stitches to "correct" the stitch count. It's all lace and an extra hole here or there isn't really that noticeable, so I tell myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I knit an extra set of lace and stockinette panels because I had extra yardage available from the two skeins of Skein yarn and finished with only a few metres to spare, so I'm doubly happy with that result. A big tick for the stash busting challenge.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl7gCYLMcOzgloG8n7nFPezLiP47YjXoJGeUio5XGYeCRFgFKe94Sro6-8SXX1XTOrMJOCZuaYXWRZY7pR1BSjxLgJCiF80f2Ea8DUsxSMnEmYe34ZG8cjspRiqoh6FmUUCE0zSGE3NE/s1600/_DSC2430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl7gCYLMcOzgloG8n7nFPezLiP47YjXoJGeUio5XGYeCRFgFKe94Sro6-8SXX1XTOrMJOCZuaYXWRZY7pR1BSjxLgJCiF80f2Ea8DUsxSMnEmYe34ZG8cjspRiqoh6FmUUCE0zSGE3NE/s640/_DSC2430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHAozkGcvhr47R9A7eLs_gC-cfhWiFgu271ncbOMMoxLM2Zn8FlqwPDDwTAYZRKQYLLV3yw88ZvbyHSa8jlWLhavlN-RkR-bKKu0tedd4uO2N-m7xBcv7X7I-HzA81d6QGq01O82WF-Q/s1600/_DSC2446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHAozkGcvhr47R9A7eLs_gC-cfhWiFgu271ncbOMMoxLM2Zn8FlqwPDDwTAYZRKQYLLV3yw88ZvbyHSa8jlWLhavlN-RkR-bKKu0tedd4uO2N-m7xBcv7X7I-HzA81d6QGq01O82WF-Q/s640/_DSC2446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't wait to wear this shawl out in the sunshine. I think with the silk content in the yarn all the colours of the variegation will not truly shine until it is seen in proper light. I think this is going to be my perfect Spring shawl because it is lightweight and has just the right amount of warmth for a mild Spring day. With that being said, I'm still going to wear it today when I go to kinder pickup because the sun is shining and I want to enjoy it immediately.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can read my Ravelry notes <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/KangaRooi/canopy" target="_blank">here</a> if you're interested.</span></div>
KangaRooihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664852253819826037noreply@blogger.com0