It's a Party and We're Invited !

Bring your project and join us as we knit with hundreds of other knitters around the world on the same day! All ages & levels of experience are welcome.

Saturday, June 12, 2010
Books-A-Million, 1-5pm
401 N Hwy 190, Covington, LA
Hosted by Robin Bronston & Jennifer West
R.S.V.P. (985) 966-3713

Take a knitting break.

Laundry and more laundry---this the time of year that I wash blankets and bedspreads; it is hot enough to dry them outside, and doing so may keep my 33 year old Maytag dryer going a while longer. There are sooo many things I'd rather spend money on than appliances. Wrangling heavy, wet bedding is hot, sweaty work though, necessitating regular knitting breaks. Although I've had a couple of doubts regarding the SOL shawl, I put my mind at rest by searching for Noro shawls on Ravelry---I saw many beautiful ones. That site is a wonderful resource, chances are good that someone (often many someones) has made the project you are contemplating, and perhaps has posted helpful suggestions.

Summer of Love

Channeling my inner hippie----I'm lovin' knitting my mostly garter stitch Noro shawl, very relaxing, very casual, very James Taylor :-)

Express your personal style: Necklines

I enjoy analyzing knitting patterns, and a collar or a pretty neckline is my favorite designer feature. The Buttercream Jacket is from the newest issue of Interweave Knits; Deborah Newton has expertly combined three textures in a shawl collar which frames the face and neck beautifully. In the photograph below the Essential Cardigan (from the same issue) is a classic design which would flatter any figure; the neckline and asymmetric closure are couture touches, yet this is the kind of practical design once offered by Chanel as a contrast to the exaggerated femininity of Dior. I'm thrilled to see some alternatives to the current "baby doll" styles that have been popular for a while.

I've fallen and I can't get up - the Venita Shawl.

As I've said before, I may not be the Yarn Harlot, but I am a yarn harlot. Who else shops for yarn when my stash contains yarns of countless colors in all weights and every fiber? But Elann had Noro sock yarn at a 40% discount (sold out in minutes), and I found myself sitting in front of the library computer at 11 o'clock sharp this morning. My heart sank when I realized that I didn't have my credit card with me, but miraculously I realized I had memorized it! My first choice, Jade Garden, was not yet sold out....I plan to knit a lacey shawl from the Venita pattern ( a smaller version--shoulder shawl), a free pattern from Lorna Pearman. http://peargirlknits.blogspot.com/ This simple pattern has shoulder shaping for a better drape. It would be a great stash-buster too.

Lemonade Baby Blanket

If you are a fan of the Blossom Street novels, Debbie Macomber has a new book in that series coming out this month. I signed up for her mailing list and I got this free pattern for this quick and easy baby blanket. Designed to be knit with large needles, you'll be finished in time for the shower. Lion Brand has just introduced a new yarn called Baby's First (a chunky version of Cotton-Ease) which would work beautifully with this pattern. LEMONADE BABY BLANKET
(approx. 36" x 45")
855 yards bulky weight yarn
29" circular needles, sizes 10 1/2 and 11 (or sizes to get gauge)
Gauge: In pattern with larger needle 13sts and 19 rows = 4"

With smaller needle cast on 118 sts.
Rows 1-5: Knit across.
Change to larger size needle.
Row 6 (rs): K4, *yo, ssk, k4; repeat from* across
Row 7: K4, purl across to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 8: K4, *k2tog, yo, k4; repeat across.
Row 9: Repeat row 7.
Repeat rows 6-9 until blanket measures approximately 44", end by working a right side row.
Change to the smaller size needle.
Knit 5 rows.
Bind off all sts.

Spring Knitting

Just as I am compelled to work in my garden in the spring, I also feel I must start a project (or two) to celebrate the season of renewal, something light and airy. I shopped my stash for yarn, selected Provence in creme and downloaded the pattern for the Sorelle Lace-Edged Pullover, a Knititude pattern. I love the Knititude patterns, they are beautiful, well written and come in a wide range of sizes. I also plan to knit this shoulder shawl, Cascata, from the latest issue of the Twist Collective. The lace pattern is one of easiest I've ever seen, and isn't it pretty?