Hollyberry Dunes Shawl

 

I finished this rectangular shawl a few months ago, but I never got around to blocking it until this past week.  This is my second shawl to knit, so I think that means I need to start wearing shawls.  But it will have to wait for cooler weather and not the 100 degree temperatures we've been having.  :)

The Pattern:  Dunes 

Yarn:  Andean Silk by Knit Picks, worsted weight, color "Hollyberry"

Size:  72" x 26" 

My shawl came out much larger than the pattern model, but that's because I used a worsted weight yarn instead of the called-for fingering weight.  I wanted something with more bulk, more warmth than a lightweight shawl, and mine is just like I envisioned.  Happy, happy, happy. 

on the blocking table

 

me, without a head

Stitch Markers - Winner of Giveaway

Congratulations to Jan, the winner of the stitch markers, who wrote,"Beautiful stitch markers! I learned to crochet first as well. I bought a book and taught myself when I was in high school. My favorite knitting projects are fingerless mitts knitted from my small amounts of handspun yarn. I love to make them for my family and for gifts."  

Jan, send me your mailing address, and I'll get a dozen of these mailed out.

You can make your own stitch markers, easy as pie. :)

Pocket Edges

The winner of the skirt pattern, Simplicity 2226, is Jenny who wrote, "Super cute! It looks like great proportions. The pockets are a nice touch, too."  Email your address, Jenny,and I'll get this pattern popped in the mail to you.

Regarding the skirt, I've worn it several times and love, love, love it.  It's the perfect summer skirt and can be worn with many different colored tops.

One more construction detail--I was cleaning out the pictures on my phone and I came across this picture I'd forgotten.  Because my fabric was lightweight, I stabilized the pocket edges with a fusible stay tape.  The instructions call for stay-stitching, which also stabilizes the pocket edge, but I wanted the extra reinforcement to prevent the pocket edge from rippling and stretching. If you don't have stay tape, a strip of interfacing would work just as well.

Change of topic, but I have not forgotten about the giveaway for the stitch markers.  Stay tuned....

Ruth

Oh, one more picture.  These socks that I started some time ago are finally finished!  I bought the yarn in Switzerland when I was there in 2010, and I finished them in the car on the way home from New Mexico.  Now I am trying to decide on a pattern for another pair.  Any suggestions?  :)

Simplicity 2226 and Giveaway

Simplicity 2226.  What can I say but I love this pattern!  It is so easy to sew, but yet it has so many great details--the pockets, belt loops, curved waistband, tie sash, and to top it off, it's cute! 

The fabric I used is a rayon challis with a lovely drape.  To avoid needing a slip, I did line the skirt with batiste. Also, I used an invisible zipper instead of a regular zipper. Oh, and I made the fabric tie, but I didn't get pictures of it. I've worn the skirt with a belt instead, but it's nice to have the option of the tie.

I have seen variations of this skirt pattern all over blogland and on Pinterest, and liked what I saw.  So when Simplicity patterns went on sale, I bought the pattern and made the skirt.  Later, when cleaning my sewing room, I found that I already owned the pattern, hidden under a pile of fabric.  

Leave a comment on this post and I will send the duplicate pattern, new and unused, to one reader, chosen at random.    Thank you for everyone who commented.  The giveaway is now closed.

Happy sewing,
Ruth

 

Yarn Swift

Crazy swift and ball winder!!!!  Can anybody, please (pleading here), please tell me how to use this thing?  I started out with 6 skeins of Swish Tonal yarn and ended up with 6 rather misshapen and squishy cakes of yarn.  

Are there directions anywhere on the web for using a swift?  Any suggestions?  Tips, tutorials.  Pitfalls to avoid? 

Six Things I learned:

1. Get a helper.  Or grow a second pair of hands.
2. Flatten the skein before placing it on the swift, and make sure it's not twisted.
3. Don't stop winding in the middle or everything will go south.
4. Tighten the swift screw super-tight, or everything will go south in a tangled mess.  Literally.
5. Keep an even tension.  I didn't, and that makes for smooshy cakes of yarn. Or uptight cakes. Take your choice.
6. Wind off the skein so that the yarn end is coming clock-wise.  Wait, maybe it's supposed to be coming off counter-clockwise?  I think I tried it both ways, and found neither to be better.

Lastly, and in the case of my skein of lace-weight gray yarn pictured below, if the skein is too big in diameter to fit on the swift then use two chair backs to keep the yarn taunt.  Then hold the yarn winder in your hand and walk around the chairs, winding as you walk, until you get so dizzy that you fall over.  Then wait awhile and do it again.  Eventually, maybe hours and hours later, your yarn will be wound in a not so pretty yarn-cake like mine. 

Yes.  Seriously.  I need some help from knitters with more experience than I.

Ruth

Don't you agree it looks like some sort of Torture Contraption?

 

Stitch Markers Giveaway

  

With all my knitting lately, I found I needed more stitch markers.  I almost ordered some beautiful stitch markers on Etsy, but then I found this tutorial.  So I decided to make my own.  

What I love about these stitch markers is that they do not snag the yarn.  There are no rough edges, and the slit in the jump ring is covered by the bead.  A bit of glue keeps the bead in place.  With coupons, this project cost me under $10.00. 

For your chance to win one dozen of these beaded stitch markers, made by me, leave a comment on this post telling me what is your current knitting project or your favorite knitting project.  Oh, a crochet project will count as well.  I learned to crochet before I learned to knit, and I have fond memories of my grandma teaching me.

I will close the giveaway in a week or two (busy summer days!!!) and I will ship internationally.

Ruth

Happy Independence Day!

Last night we attended the Red, White and Boom concert and fireworks show put on by the OKC Philharmonic and the State Fair.  We had a great time together with the family and grandkids!  Happy July 4th, everyone!