Photo-A-Day 31

Kind of cheated with this one by just doing a collage of all the photos I've posted this month.  Got the idea from a friend of mine who does a lot of graphic design work, and thought it was a great idea.  It's nice to see a month's worth of work in one place.

Next month, back to knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, quilting and any other fiber-related craft I can fit in.

Classy Cosette

I would like to share with you this beautiful version of my Cosette pattern knit

for the Never Not Knitting trunk show by Preeti of the Rambling Roses blog.

Thank you Preeti!

The Madelinetosh Tosh Merino yarn that this pattern calls for can be hard to come by since it is in such high demand. It's a wonderful yarn and its not hard to figure out why it is so popular. Time and time again I search for this yarn in a certain colorway only to find my favorite online shops claiming that it is "back ordered" once again.

If this has been your experience, no need to fret. The above sample looks surprisingly similar to the original, yes? The amazing thing is that the body of this piece is not Madelinetosh Merino but Dream in Color Classy! Yes, the Strange Harvest colorway in Classy is nearly identical to the Madtosh Olivia colorway! Don't you agree?

I love this colorway so much. It might be my favorite. I'm so happy to know of an alternate.

With the weather getting a bit cooler, I've been thinking of this design more and more. It's perfect for Fall. Also I have been obsessing over making a lace weight or sock weight version for myself. I was inspired after seeing THIS project on Ravelry.

Why didn't I think of that??

Earthquake, Hurricane, Tornado...

...what's next, pestilence?

Ahead of Schedule
I thought we had until 2012 before the end of the World.

Actually, I always thought that was an odd expression, "end of the world." It will more likely be the end of humanity, or perhaps end of the World as we know it. It's likely that long after we've made ourselves extinct, the World will go on for a good long time.

Humans are more like acne to the Earth, and it won't be long till the global version of Proativ takes us all out.

All in all, I've hardly been personally affected by the latest geological events on the East Coast. I was in Edmonton for the earthquake, and it didn't shake anything loose in my house while I was gone (although Thaddeus did notice it at work). Hurricane Irene had us without internet for a few hours and required us to reset clocks a couple of times when power went out for 5 seconds.
It also caused me to reschedule travel this week.

Other than a few minor inconveniences, the QueerJoe state of affairs is just fine.

Current Knitting/Spinning
I was hoping to be able to display lots of knitting and spinning on the blog today, but nothing is quite in a state where I can proudly display it.

I am just shy of finishing the fourth side-panel of the Heirloom baby blanket using Ted's handspun.

I've got about 10 more rows on the final side-panel and then I work the center panel. It's looking very nice, but like most lace, it isn't overly photogenic. Looks like I left an interesting rag or something on the chair and photographed it.

I am also just a bit shy of finishing the first bobbin of the Optim Merino from Australia.

I've done a lot of spinning the past few days, and I kept looking down, expecting to be at the end of the first bump, and I always seem to have more left to go than should be possible. It's also amazing to me that I'll be able to fit half a pound of singles on one bobbin. I mean, look at the comparison of processed fiber to the size of the bobbin.

And it's not like the fiber isn't pretty dense. Kind of amazing.

Readers' Comments/Questions
Someone asked what yarn/color I used in my Transatlantic Shawl (by Stephen West).

I honestly forget what purple yarn I used...I should look it up...I'm sure I documented it in Ravelry...oops...never added that project. It doesn't matter much anyway, the blue yarn was handspun and hand-dyed at last year's West Coast Men's Knitting Retreat when we go to dip our yarn in an indidgo bath, so it's not like it could be easily replicated...sorry.

Helpful Re-Defining of On-Line Abbreviations

Even some of the least technical folks know most of the common abbreviations, LOL for example.  But how many of you really mean it when you use these texting terms?  Really?  Today, I let folks know what they really mean.

How To Read On-Line Text When Something is Humorous
Other than when smoking pot, have you ever really seen someone rolling on the floor laughing their ass off?  Yeah, me neither.  So here's what texters really mean when they use these shorthands:

Shorthand	Supposed to Mean	Really Means
:)	Smiling	Stupid, but didn't want to be rude and say so
LOL	Laughing Out Loud	Grinning, found it kind of humorous
ROFL	Rolling On the Floor Laughing	Chuckling a bit...it was funny
ROFLMAO	Rolling On the Floor Laughing My Ass Off	Laughing out loud...funny
CTFU	Cracking the Fuck Up	Laughing Out Loud...I might have been wasted when I read it

Current Knitting
I only brought the sock with me this week to work, so I got a bit more done on the final cuff.

Thaddeus liked these socks, but like most of my hand-knit socks, doesn't like that the cuffs stretch out more than the $2 Walmart specials.  I kind of understand this complaint.

Photo-A-Day 30

Category:  Rich Color
Subject:  Oxidized Highway Sign
Date Taken: August 20, 2013
Comments:  Walking along a crappy road in upstate NY, littered with junk folks throw out of their cars, I came upon this sign, and there were a number of them along this road, which seemed like a very fancy way of designating a highway.  The signs go virtually unnoticed.  Using brass to designate various sections of a highway must have been seen as normal in 1963.  Nevertheless, I found the verdigris patina to be a wonderful anachronism in 2013.

Regrets, I Have A Few

But how I've maintained my blog over the years isn't one of them.

What I'd Do Differently
Not sure how many folks who read this have been reading for the almost eight years that I've been blogging at QueerJoe, but for those who have, you probably remember some of the bumps and jolts when I first started.

I started reading Marilyn's and Wendy's blogs early on, and thought I might have something to say. I guess I didn't realize at the time that I could maintain something to say for quite so long.

When I first started writing, I was clear that I wasn't about fawning or empty praise. I was more hopeful that I would start a readership that would participate in interesting dialog. That's when I first established the "QueerJoe's Blog Rules." They were a list of rules of how I required readers to participate (or opt not to participate). Boy, I don't even know where they are anymore, but they sure pissed off a few people.

I also wrote a number of highly opinionated and sometimes insulting blog entries.

I was lucky to have quickly established a core group of readers who were interested in participating here as interesting, and opinionated readers and commenters. They soon became critical in defending the principles I had tried to establish.

Overall, I think I made a few mis-steps along the way, but for the most part, I've very pleased with what this small space on the internet has become. Largely, I attribute the blogging longevity to the folks that participate here...even if it's only by lurking.

Current Knitting
I made my way back to the purple Malabrigo Silky Merino pullover and I've made quite a bit of progress on the sleeves (if you remember, I started both sleeves at once).

I guess it's about 12 inches of sleeve, and I still have about 10 more increase rows before they're as wide as they'll get. You can also see (in the sleeve that's fully spread out) the center column of stitch patterning. I will continue this up through the shoulder strap and sew the front and back shoulders to this when it's finished.

Flea Market Partner
In addition to going to the local flea market each Saturday and Sunday, Thaddeus goes on Wednesdays by himself (when I'm traveling during the week, which is almost always). This past week, he spotted these two vintage gems:

The Pineapple motif crochet book is quite good, and may even inspire me to make an old fashioned bedspread or tablecloth. The men's collegiate sweater book is quite a hoot. Nothing in it that I would actually make, but it is all men's sweaters, so I thought it was relevant. Perhaps I'll bring it to the Men's Knitting Retreat in a couple of weeks.

Readers' Comments/Questions
Tom writes, "Love the way the mawl turned out. If this is your own pattern, would you consider offering it through The Knitting Vault? Please?"

I don't plan on publishing the pattern, but I did write up instructions on my project page for it on Ravelry that should allow anyone to knit this garment. If you're not on Ravelry, just e-mail me and I'd be glad to send out the basic "pattern."

Photo-A-Day 29

Category:  Deep, Smoky Colors
Subject:  Quilting Fabrics
Date Taken: August 25, 2013
Comments:  Trying to find a way to use a big stack of fat quarters my friend Liza gave me of Kaffe and Brandon fabrics.  The sewing of theses parallelograms has been difficult, but I'm loving how it's turning out.  One of my favorite "blending colors" is the antique gold/greenish color surrounding some of the stars (not the yellow patterned fabric...the other one).  I've found I can mix almost any equally weighted, broody color with it to get an effect I really love.

Cross Stitch (similar to herringbone stitch)

The cross stitch is kind of like a hybrid between a cross stitch and a 2 stitch cable. No cable needle is required to make this stitch; however, the tightness of the stitch does make the knitting process a bit more challenging. The cross pattern produces a surprisingly dense, rigid and unyielding fabric.  It is a great pattern for pillows and washcloths as well as bags, pillows, or scarves. 

Cast on:  multiple of 2 sts + 1.
Row 1 (Right side): Sl 1 wyib, * knit tbl of the second stitch on the left needle, then knit the first stitch, and drop them both from the needle at the same time;  Repeat from  * to end.
Row 2 (Wrong side): Sl 1 wyif, * purl the second stitch on the left needle, then purl the first stitch, and drop them both from the needle at the same time; Repeat from * to end.

Repeat rows 1-2.

Note: The flexibility of the fabric will increase somewhat through use of a larger pair of needles.

 

Yarn Monsters

I've been trying to convince my daughter ever since she was very little that monsters do not exist, and they 

do not reside behind closed closet doors. 

If only that were actually true..

In the effort of trying to reorganize, clean out and simplify our possessions in order to get ready for the new baby, I have come across some pretty gnarly monsters hanging out in dark spaces around our home.

Yarn monsters.. that is.

Yes. Frightening messes of stray yarns and swatches all entangled together into fabulously gruesome disasters such as this.

This monster in particular would take hours upon hours to untangle. Over the years, I've watched this guy grow and consume more unsuspecting bits of yarn over the years. I've always had good intentions of spending the time to unravel him.. but I've just recently come to the conclusion that this is simply not going to happen.. and that it's not worth the time and effort.

It's time to get out the scissors, selvedge what I can, and clear the closets of all monsters before they take over completely.

The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 73 : The Tell-Tale Hat

Episode 73

Click HERE to download the mp3 file for episode 73

Shownotes:

My Lace Shawl Pattern Sneak Peek

Madelinetosh Merino Light

Susan B. Anderson

My Susan B. Anderson Podcast Interviews HERE and HERE.

Itty Bitty Toys

The Reversible Egg to Bluebird 

Topsy Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys

Check Out This ADORABLE Video about the Book!

Anna Zilboorg Cones #2 Hat

Toddie Downs Blog

My East Coast Tour Schedule

Botanical Knits

Join the Never Not Knitting group on Ravelry

Enter to win a copy of Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys by Susan B. Anderson by leaving a comment under this post by September 15th. Don't forget to leave your contact information! Only one comment per person please.

The winner will be announced on Episode 74.

Thank you for listening! 

Dandelion Flower Knitting Stitch

A beautiful knitting stitch creating amazing dandelion flowers. The stitch is a bit more time consuming and it might be a bit more challenging to beginners, but the end result is worth the effort.  It is great for scarves, shawls, blankets and baby girl sweaters. 

For written instructions, please visit link below:
http://www.knittingfool.com/StitchIndex/StitchDetail.aspx?StitchID=2818

Men's Fiber Escape

After the success and growth of the Men's Knitting Retreats, one of the regular attendees suggested trying something a bit less formal, perhaps shorter to bring male knitters together - a Men's Fiber Escape.

Basic Concepts
John's first idea was to designate a weekend in Provincetown, put together a list of lodging places in close proximity and perhaps organize one event to bring together all the guys...like a cocktail party or a simple gathering place.  But basically the idea is to let everyone do their own thing throughout the weekend.  I loved the idea and now a few folks are considering putting together somewhat less formal "escapes."

The Provincetown weekend didn't end up happening but two other events are possibly in the works, one in Montreal and another in the Poconos in PA.

I'll keep you updated on any opportunities for knitter-guys to get together.

Current Knitting
It's been a while since I've blogged, but knitting has been somewhat slow in the week since my last post.

I have, however, managed to make some headway on the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Sock for people that fucking hate Pink.

I had forgotten how I turned the heel on the first sock, so the heel is a bit different on the second sock...but I figured "Who cares...the heel is hidden inside a shoe and even when it's not, who the hell looks that closely at a non-pink sock?"

Photo-A-Day 28

Category:  Manmade Organic Shapes
Subject:  Road Exit
Date Taken: August 20, 2013
Comments:  This was by far my most labor-intensive photo to-date.  It was taken from an overpass while I was out walking last week, and the sun was behind me, casting a shadow that I didn't want in the photo.  I waited for the sun to go down behind some trees, so that it was still light enough to take the photo, but cast no shadows.  I then took this shot from about 30 different angles, trying to find the one that was most aesthetically pleasing from an overall composition.

The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 82 : Knitting Medicine

Episode 82

Shownotes:

The Plum Tree Slouch

Craftsy

Imperial Yarns Erin

Coming Soon! :)

My Finished Knit Fox! 

Knitted Goat Toy Pattern

Indochine Yarn

Lantern Moon

Tilli Thomas Pure and Simple Silk Yarn

Gretchen on Ravelry

Gretchen's Blog

Join the Never Not Knitting Ravelry Group!

Follow ME on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

Enter to win these two beautiful skeins of Indochine yarn provided by Lantern Moon by leaving a comment with your contact information under this post by September 15th. Only one comment per person please!

The winner will be announced on Episode 83.

Thank you for listening!

Fabulous Spring Garden Tees

Isn't this a lovely photograph? This is one of my favorite photos of a completed Spring Garden Tee provided by this fabulous knitter.

The Spring Garden Tee pattern has really been a hit! There are many wonderful versions to look through on Ravelry. Some have added the lace pattern on the bottom hem which is a nice touch (here), and other knitters even modified the top into a cardigan! (here, and here) What great ideas!

I'm so happy that this pattern has been such a success. The Spring Garden Tee happens to be the knitted garment that my daughter still gets the most use out of. It is a versatile look and also the Rowan Calmer that I made it out of is holding up so well! No pilling!

Here are a few more cute Spring Garden Tee shots for you, but please be sure to check out the rest of the awesome versions on Ravelry by clicking here.

--Photographs graciously provided by Rachelj, budaknit, jballanti, and seedsintosprouts.--

A Lulu of a Day

This week just won't quit.  So I'm glad I have Lulu to take my mind off of my insignificant worries.

When It Rains...

Just want to say, I still haven't gotten my nap!  Work has been crazy, and not in a good way.  Some volunteer stuff has been nuts.  And when I went to re-seam the shoulder on Aunt Dorothy's sweater vest, I unraveled the wrong side.

I know...tragic, right?  

Sorry...none of these things in and of themselves are awful, but I'm still feeling somewhat overwhelmed by it.

Current Spinning

I did start spinning up Lulu fur, and it's delightful.

She told me immediately what thickness she liked to be spun and so my hands do it rather naturally now.  Looks like it will be a little thicker than fingering weight after it's washed and blooms a bit.

And since I look absolutely dreadful in natural white llama, I will need to make sure this gets dyed a gorgeous color when I through making the yarn.

The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 65 : The Expert Knitter

Episode 65

Click here to download the mp3 file for Episode 65

Shownotes:

Rufus Textured Cardigan Pattern

:( The last sweater that fits! :(

Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf

Neesha Hudson

Coastal Knits

Coastal Knits Ravelry Group

The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet

Hunter Hammersen

Hunter on Ravelry

Chrysanthemum Frutescens Socks

Join the Never Not Knitting Ravelry Group!

Follow ME on Twitter!

Enter to win a copy of the book, The Knitters Curiosity Cabinet by leaving a comment under this blog post by September 15, 2012. Please do not forget to include your contact information!

The giveaway winner will be announced on Episode 66. 

Photo-A-Day 27

Category:  Aesthetic Interest
Subject:  Candle stick and candle
Date Taken: August 25, 2013
Comments:  One of my favorite gifts of an odd nature is this candle stick...the colors are rich and deep, and the graphic of the heart-face is intriguing and delightful (to me).  It took us a while to find an appropriate candle for this piece, but I love what we came up with.

Rowan Cocoon Cowl

Recently I have been receiving back garments from my test knitters practically every day!

I have been getting many of my patterns knit up for a second and third trunk show.

This way the yarn shops don't have to wait so long to display the garments.

I wish that I could do all of the knitting myself, but it's a huge job.

It's been nice receiving help with the task.

I have to admit that its kind of fun giving someone a pile of yarn

and receiving a nice neat finished garment in the mail soon thereafter.

It's like instant knitting. And its great.

And have I mentioned that it's also been a great way for me to use up some of my stash yarn?

Here is another Shawl Collared Cowl knit by my friend CeRae.

This cowl is knit out of Rowan Cocoon yarn.

This yarn's mohair content gives the fabric a slightly fuzzy texture.

The rustic wood buttons that she chose really set off the cowl nicely.

I really like the way this looks.

Another yarn that would give a similar look would be Lamb's Pride Bulky.

But I'll let you knit that. Mohair doesn't like me much. :)

Photo-A-Day 26

Today's photo is actually a completed project that again, complies with the criteria for my daily photo selections.

Category:  Vibrant Colors
Subject:  Baby Blanket knit with Mini Mochi
Date Taken: August 25, 2013
Comments:  Normally, colorways in yarn dyed commercially leave something to be desired for me, but this yarn (it's actually 4 balls of one colorway, and 1 ball of a second colorway) has everything I like in a long-repeat dyed yarn...it's deep, broody colors...many random stripes and a palette that I find very satisfying.

Current Knitting

I finished the Mini Mochi baby blanket.  Here's the boring from-up-above photo of the completed blanket.

I used a simple garter-rib (3 x3) with a minimal garter boarder.  Simple and easy and even after a washing, I find the fabric soft and beautiful.

Time For a Break

Last week was an avalanche of challenges.  Fortunately I escaped unscathed.

People My Age Need More Naps!

Last week Thaddeus's hard drive crashed, I realized I had an errant dye lot in my sweater project, there was a privacy issue breach on some volunteer service work I'm involved with, and I got dinged for being non-cooperative at work during my mid-year review. 

I'm honestly incredibly grateful that all of my problems are problems of abundance...or first-world issues, if you will.

Truth be told, the computer place diagnosed and fixed Thaddeus's computer in less than 24 hours and he had a full and recent back-up of the entire drive which took about 3 hours to restore.

The sweater is a great pilot-test and one I will probably send to Thaddeus' aunt for test-sizing.

And getting negative feedback at work is never fun, but honestly, it was very useful to hear, and I can fix it easily at this stage in the game.

I still need more naps or a vacation soon.

Current Knitting/Spinning

I did continue on with Aunt Dorothy's cardigan vest and it's looking lovely (if you can ignore the band of lighter yarn across the center of the entire sweater).

Just realized that last night when I three-needle-bound-off the shoulder seam, I twisted the garment, so I'll have to re-do that as well (I blame lack of naps).

I also finally got to card the Llama fleece I got from Teri at Wunsapana Farms and the drum carder worked perfectly for this fiber.

Can't wait to start spinning it up!  Here's a photo of some of Teri's beautiful llamas - Lulu is second from the left in this shot.

Photo-A-Day 25

Category:  Graphic Interest
Subject:  Random Poster
Date Taken: August 19, 2013
Comments:  Not sure what it is.  Not sure why it's there.  Not sure when someone put it there.  All of which made this poster fascinating to me.  On the side of a busy road, in an overgrown area between the road and a service road behind it, sits this electric box, nestled in weeds that make it virtually impossible to see from the road.  I loved the poster.  I loved the surprise of finding it unexpectedly.  I can only hope the whimsy of it all translates to a photograph.

A Difficult Day

I wanted to start off this post on a positive note. Thank you SO MUCH to everyone for all of your kind comments and feedback about Coastal Knits! The response was overwhelming to say the least and I am now even more excited for its release. :)

But.. even with all of that positivity surrounding Coastal Knits, it couldn't make up for the fact that today was a difficult day.

Because today.. was the first day of Kindergarten. 

Yep. It's official. My baby girl is now "BIG". :(

Somehow.. in the blink of an eye.. she went from this tiny precious baby in my arms...

to this. 

My excited Kindergartner.

Where did the time go?

As worried as I was about her adjusting to her first day at school, she was absolutely fine. 

Apparently I am the one who needs help adjusting. :)

When we dropped her off, I couldn't help but cry. Not in the polite 'fighting back tears sort of way' either...

I was a mess.

I am so proud of who this little baby has turned into. She is smart, sweet and well adjusted, but I can't help but miss my little baby girl and the fun times we spent as just the two of us at home. Although I'm excited to enter this new chapter of our lives, I think that I will need some time to get used 

to the idea that children actually do get older.

I wanted to start the year off on the right foot, so this past week we planned out a present for her Kindergarten teacher together.

In keeping with the old tradition of giving an apple to the teacher, I created this...

A lovely little knitted apple filled with apple scented potpourri. 

It's heavy enough to serve as a nice paperweight for her desk. 

Or it could be tucked away in a drawer to be used as a sachet. 

To create this apple, I modified the brilliant "finger foods" pattern by Susan B. Anderson from Itty Bitty Toys.

I followed the instructions exactly, but omitted the hole at the bottom... as I didn't see much application for it here. :)

I'm really happy with how it turned out and I hope that her teacher loves it too.

Crossing the Finish Line

I finished my Ravelympics sweater!

I won! YAY! I WON! What..?...oh wait... I didn't win anything....nevermind...

Well, I think it turned out pretty cute! The pattern was written very very well and was easy to follow. You could describe this project as simply ideal. It was a joy to work on! It worked up quickly and the pattern well... it was just fun to knit.

As far as the finished sweater goes, I really like the style and I look forward to wearing it when the weather permits.

Ya know, it's not all that comfortable modeling an angora sweater in 90 degree weather.. ahhh the things I do for this blog. :)

Another awesome thing about this project is that I used up some yarn that I had already which makes me feel very good about myself. I am such a good person.... Now I can go buy some more...

I sewed on a hook and eye closure to keep the fronts together until I find the perfect buttons. This sweater is a unique color and style, so it needs just the right buttons to look appropriate. Does anyone have any button suggestions?

I used size 9 needles to make this cardigan and needed 8 skeins of Elsebeth Lavold Angora to complete it. The Angora I used is similar to the yarn Lush that this pattern calls for and is a perfect gauge match!

I definitely recommend the Lush and Lacy Cardigan pattern!