Olavia's pattern club

Happy Muharram!

I enjoy every aspect of knitwear design: planning the design, choosing the yarn, knitting the prototype, writing the rough draft, editing, and completing the new pattern. I always look forward to interacting with the knitting community: knitters, yarn shop retailers, yarn manufacturers/producers, publication editors, and fellow knitwear designers. I have a special appreciation for Patricia's Yarn Cabin on Vancouver Island in BC. Patricia was the first yarn shop to carry my designs.

My baby steps as a knitwear designer were challenging. I look back over these past three years in amazement. Due to the support I received from you I have grown as a designer. This support has helped me see that my work has value and that my dream of becoming a full-time designer can become reality. For this, I am deeply grateful.

Knitwear designers add excitement to knitting with new concepts, techniques, and shapes. We envision what has yet to be.

In a recent survey conducted by Patons', 47%, of those polled, reported that the number one item knitters look for in yarn shops is new patterns.

My passion to develop new patterns lead me to form Olavia's ,monthly pattern club. For a minimal fee, I will send you one new pattern per month.

"Love the patterns you have sent" writes Shirley T. a member of the club.

You are all invited to join the club. When you join, I will email you all the patterns you have missed so far.

November's
December's
January's
February's
Without knitters there would be no knitwear designers.

Tomorrow's: The Reader's Digest version.

Taking your knitting for a spin

Read the essay Tales of a Knitting Neophyte which is one of a collection included in For the Love of Knitting A Celebration of the Knitter's Art In the essay, Kari Cornell laments that, having never knit, all she really wanted was yarn and needles. She was overwhelmed by the idea of actually having to select a pattern. Had she asked me I would have encouraged her to stick with the yarn and needles. Play with them. Make them her own.

"How do you decide what to buy if you don't have a pattern to guide your purchase?" The answer: go with what feels comfortable. My personal preference is a medium size needle and then of course you would buy a medium weight yarn to accompany it.

It may sound strange for a knitwear designer to advise against buying a pattern. However, I know the charm of the yarn. You see when I began to knit I would amaze family and friends by knitting for hours only to cheerfully frog (rip apart) the entire creation. At that early stage, it was the process not the product that was key for me. This resulted in fine, near-prefect tension. It lead to a life long passion for knitting "things".

So by all means take your knitting out for a spin. I, your humble knitwear designer, will be here when you need me.

Meanwhile, I will take my electric bike out for a spin. Thankfully,Mother Nature decided to calm down and shower us with sunshine.
It's about the journey not the destination.

Tomorrow: Olavia's monthly pattern club.
Happy Muharram! Muharram is the first year of the Islamic new year. Learn more about this important day by logging on to this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muharram

Happy Lunar New Year

It is the year of the dog 4704 and people all over the world are celebrating. I am told that there is a huge celebration in Vancouver, BC. I too am celebrating. The year of the dog promises to be a lucky one for me. You see I was born in the year of the tiger. (What about you? What is your animal are you a pig, a dragon, or a rat. Figure it out by logging on to this site: http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/zodiac.html )Tigers and Dogs are compartiable and so I am in luck.

I already feel lucky. I am supported by a pride that loves me. I am receiving emails from thoughtful and caring people. I am filling orders and finishing new designs. All these things make for a very happy me. Added to this is my latest toy. ...more about what lurks under this trap in my next post.

About my next post: Mother Nature is threatening to challenge us with another wind storm. Unfortunately, this usually means that our internet connection is cut. If this happens please remember I want to blog ...but can't.Here's hoping my luck holds and I can blog tomorrow.

It is bad luck to touch sharp objects on Lunar New Year so you will notice that I have not referrred to the "k" word in this post. Why tempt fate.

Next post: Taking your knitting for a spin.

Where to knit?

The answer, for me, is, "anywhere you can - any time you can."

during a hockey game (because I'm a Canadian gal)
on the ferry
while hubby and his bro play (sometimes I even sing along while knitting ...a rare treat for all : ) )
outside while enjoying beautiful Mayne Island
Surprise! Surprise! Even in my studio. Go figure.
I haven't knit in Australia...yet...but I have dreamt about it. This cute little guy was given to me by a living, breathing, in the flesh Australian.

Happy Australia day!

Learn more about the day: http://www.australiaday.gov.au/

Tomorrow: My knitting haven

Did I say that?

A project in grade twelve English directed us to present our favourite poet. I have never lost my passion for Robert Burns. He had a hard life. He died poor. Yet the poems he wrote to honour his people will live forever.

"To A Mouse, On Turning Her Up In Her Nest With The Plough

...

The best-laid schemes o'mice an' men

Gang aft agley"

Oh, yes, Robert I know of what you write. I had the best intentions when I started this blog. Yet, I find I must retrace my steps. I must scrap off some mud which has collected on my boots.

Please allow me to take a closer look at what I've said and clear up some misdirections.

First of all I have stated that acrylic yarn is not suitable for a garter stitch sweater because it stretchs.

Well, I knit this sweater in garter stitch using Paton's Melody Quick & Cozy at least five years ago and it has yet to stretch.

Second, I stated that you could tell what weight of yarn you had by looking at the needles required. Well, there is an easier why than that. Do you see the "4" in the picture? Well, this "4" stands for Worsted, Afghan, Aran yarn. There are numbers from "1" to "6". "1" indicates sock, fingering, baby yarn. "2" indicates sport, baby yarn. "3" indicates double knit, light worsted. "4" we have addressed. "5" indicates chunky, craft, rug yarn. "6" indicates bulky, roving. Allow me to praise the wise person who developed this method.

Lastly, I joked in a recent post that a way to obtain free yarn was to use a Mother's love. Though it was written in jest I would not want anyone to think for a moment that I would advice this as a way to obtain yarn. ...and besides men knit: www.menknit.net So why waste time on Mom. ...just kidding.

Tomorrow's post: Where to knit

Happy Australia day.

Winding yarn re-visited

Okay, so I introduced you to Hank. ...but not all yarn arrives to you as hank.
Some yarn is sold to you like this. If your yarn does look like this. Start winding your ball by pulling the yarn from the inside.
On the other hand, some yarn is sold like this. If so start winding your ball by pulling the yarn from the outside. I live by the KISS (keep it simple sweetie) principle. So if it is easier for me to find the end on the outside I start there. If the inside end is easier to find I start there. This is a tried and true method. If I fail to follow this advise I end up with a big mess.

Oh, yes, and by the way, Steven Harpur of the Conservative party is our new Prime Minister. It is a minority government so he will have to play nice with his friends. To honour our new PM, I have finished the many shades of blue children's sweater. Cute, eh? Yes, indeed, I am working on the spring collection. I will keep you posted. Wish me luck.

Tomorrow's post: 'Did I say that?': I rehash somethings
Also have a happy Robert Burn's Day http://www.robertburns.org/

Colour: politics and knitting

Today is the day that we Canadians decide who will lead our country. Who will I vote for? I have no idea. I know the basic philosophy behind each party.
Liberals think bleeding heart liberals: social responsibility - all that jazz.
Conservatives: think business
New Demonstrates: a voice for the working man.
The Green Party: a voice for mother nature.
Hey, I just had an idea. Each party has chosen a colour to represent it.
Liberals: red
Conservatives: blue
New Demonstrates: orange
The Green Party: green
Maybe it would help if I approached this problem as if I were choosing a colour for a sweater.
I like red ...but years and years and years of wearing the same colour sweater can get boring. Maybe it's time for a change. Besides there were a few problems with the consistency of dye lot. The yarn producer says that they have solved the problem but can I believe them?
Yes, but maybe not this colour blue. Is it truly the best colour for me? ...what colour is it anyway? It's so washed out that no one can tell.
Orange. I don't know too much of it can get a little overwhelming. It's best to keep it as a trim. Maybe around the collar and cuffs.
Green. I do like it. Unfortunately, I just don't have enough to make an entire sweater. I'm afraid, if I mix it with other colours the little I have will just get lost.
Okay so that didn't work. I will vote. ...but I'm still not sure for who.

Next post: Another ball game: winding yarn re-visited.

Cheap/free yarn

The beauty of living on an island is that when ever you leave you take an ocean voyage. On Friday, I did just this. My venturing forth was well rewarded.

Before I tell you of this adventure we do need to get one thing straight. The goal of this post is not to advise you to buy cheap yarn. Cheap yarn makes your project look cheap. The goal is to supply you with tips on how to find quality yarn for less or free.

Always, always buy/ obtain yarn that has a yarn band.

Okay, on to my latest adventure.

Right about now yarn shops are changing from fall/winter stock to spring/summer stock. This means that many are holding yarn sales. So I would advise you to run not walk to your nearest yarn shop. This is what I did and this is what I got.

If now is not the time for your local shops sale it will be coming soon. There is nothing wrong with enquiring about the date.

Search the web for sites which advertise yarn for less. Be very caution when buying yarn this way. Remember that you will not be able to see the quality of the yarn until after the purchase. So look for name brands that have a good track record.


Thrift shops often sell wool sweaters. You can buy these sweaters, unravel them, and then use the wool to knit a new project.

Here is an excellent how-to site: http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/thrifty.html

Another way is to save on yarn is to open a yarn shop. However, be forewarned, starting any kind of business is a lot of work. ...and sadly, doesn't always end well. Do your homework when deciding to make such a career decision. More about this topic in future posts.

Okay so that's quality yarn for less. How about free yarn?

-Knit for charity. Advertise this fact. Ask for donations.

-Tell your Grandma that you are learning to knit. Many older people reach a point in their lives when they no longer can engage in crafts. This sad transition is made easier when they realize they can pass on their craft to the younger generation. Chances are that Grandma would be delighted to pass on her stash.

-Ask a friend who spins to dinner. Over desert mention your new passion: knitting. Suggest that you would be interested in working with her yarn.

-Start dating the guy with the nicest hand knit sweaters. Ask to meet Mom. Mention to Mom that you would love to knit her son a sweater. Enquire if she would have any yarn in her stash that she would be willing to share. Whispers of this sweater will no doubt scare off the geek. Leaving you holding the yarn. This solution should be attempted with caution. Make sure you have yarn in hand before breaking it off with sonny-boy. : )

-Throw a party for fellow crafters. In the invitation instruct invitees to bring craft items which they no longer use. Say for example, a scarpbooker who thought they were a knitter can finally get rid of that yarn.

Looking ahead for a moment to when you are an intermediate level knitter. One way to save on yarn would be to offer to knit samples or teach a class at your local yarn shop. In appreciate for your service, suggest that they offer you a per-centage off your yarn purchases.

Next post:

Colour: politics and knitting.

Yarn on the net

The internet is the great equalizer. Access to a computer allows both rural and urban knitters to shop until they drop.

Here are some sites which make this possible.

Yarndex www.yarndex.com
Goal: 'to present every quality yarn from all manufacturers across the globe in a single source that is easy to search, intuitive and that provides quick results to Yarndex users.'

Yarn Forward www.yarnfwd.com
They have a site for Canadian, American, and UK knitters. Each site is linked.

Elann.com http://secure.elann.com/yarn.asp

Yesterday, hubby and I went off island. Once home, I discovered... Joey, our Manx queen, purring away.

More on our ocean voyage tomorrow when our topic will be:

Cheap/free yarn

Until then let me leave you with a joke:

Mom: "Oh, NO, I dropped a stitch!"

Child: "Don't worry, Mom, you have lots more."

...I know...I know...I'll keep my day job.

Where to obtain yarn: rural and urban

In the yarn game there is a division between rural and urban.

Seen through rural eyes, an urban knitter need only open their front door to venture forth into the world of yarn. Rural knitters envision yarn shops on every corner.

The reality may be sadly different. With big box stores vying for customers, establishing a small independent yarn shop is not easy. Urban knitters chant, "Support your local yarn shop."

Rural knitters respond, "We would love to." Often shopping for yarn for a rural knitter requires a long drive to the nearest city. This shopping trip is squeezed between a long list of tasks. Not for the rural knitter a day devoted to visiting a multitude of yarn shops.
In order for me to visit my favourite yarn shop, I must travel by ferry for an hour.

If the rural knitter is truly blessed they may have a yarn producer in their area. On Mayne Island we have two: Hatake and Meadowmist Farm.

Next post: yarn on your net

Spun

I don't own a spinning wheel ...yet.

The process involved in transforming this
fleece into
wool is pure alchemy in my eyes.

I have had the opportunity to try two spinning wheel. May I say, spinners are patient, empathic, encouraging people. ...and even though I felt rather awkward I was stung. Now I have the sickness. I am tormented (read delighted) by dreams of spinning my own yarn to knit my own designs.

I do not own an angora bunny. ...but this gal can dream. I fantasize about bunnies happily hoping around like little yawn mowers in our front yard. I fantasize about the beautiful hand knits created from their fibre.

As a couple, hubby and I are ying and yang. Me with my head in the clouds. He with his feet firmly planted on the earth. We do not own bunnies. He does not share my dream. ...yet.

Do you remember our lint yarn? Well, I discovered today that not only did we create yarn but we created single ply lint yarn. Cool, eh?

This yarn has three plies.

Learn more...

Check out Michele Lock's article: Why ply? [and how!] http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall05/FEATwhyply.html

...and Wendy Chatley Green's article: Frequently asked questions about the stringy stuff hanging from needles and hooks http://www.woolworks.org/fibers.html

Share my dream. Here's a good place to start: Angora Rabbits: The wool Industry's Pride and Joy by Victoria Varga http://www.homestead.org/LivestockDirectory/VictoriaVargas/AngoraRabbits.htm

Next post: Where to obtain yarn: rural and urban

Twisted

Secrets, we all have them. One of mine is hidden behind this cupboard door. Are you ready? In a moment I will reveal it. Brace yourself. Please don't think less of me.

Lint. Yes, lint. Why? I don't really know. It's not like I set out to collect it. And yet after every wash day the pile grows bigger. I once had grand plans of sharing it with the birds. Lint nests in the trees beautifying our island thanks to me. I have never followed through on my plans. I have never filled the birdfeeders left by the old owners either. Why? Because I like birds ...so do my three cats. I like them in an "aren't they pretty flying around, singing" vegetarian sort-of-way. My cats like them in a "nibble, nibble, burp" sort-of way. I don't want to endanger the vulnerable population of island birds.
Say, for example, by distracting the birds with birdseed or lint.
Speaking of lint, this lint maybe helpful in exploring how fibres are twisted together to form yarn.

This is rather full of technical jargon so try to stay with me. The first thing I did was pull the clump of lint apart to form smaller clumps.

I then twisted these clumps together. Try it yourself its fun. If you knit a sweater or afghan with your lint yarn please take a picture. I would love to see it.

Now I will throw my lint away. I promise. See...

Next post: Spun

Today is weedless Wednesday in Canada: Lay down your lighter. Pick up your knitting needles. One day at a time.

And what are yarns made of ...?

Technically speaking, you should never refer to acrylic yarn as wool. However, you can refer to wool as yarn. Further, the correct term for Alpaca and Llama yarns if fibre.

How can you tell the contents of your wool/yarn/fibre? Once again I refer you to your yarn band.
Contents: Llama/wool 70/30

I caution you against acquiring yarn that has no known contents. If you do acquire this yarn you must solve many mysteries upper most - care. Wools and other natural fibres require different care than does synthetic yarns.

There are ways to determine the contents of a yarn. This topic will be left for future posts.

Here is a brief list of wools/yarns/fibres which you may have the pleasure to cast on:

Ragg wool
Mohair
Lopi wool, Alpaca, Angora, Camel, Cashmere, Llama
Hemp/wool blend, hemp, banana silk, bamboo
Silk /Linen blend, silk, soy silk, linen, cotton, organic cotton, plant fibres
Acrylic, novelty yarn, polyamide (nylon), polyester, rayon.
Self-striping opal yarn

Here are some informative sites:

http://nutmeg.gen.nz/fakesheep/yarns.html

http://www.claacanada.com/a_few_fibre_facts.html

http://www.numei.com/fiberfacts.htm

http://www.binhaitimes.com/camel.html

Tomorrow's post: Twisted

Unwanted

Rain...wet...annoying...rain. It's back. ...and we all are so very pleased. Who me complain? Okay, moving on.

Picture yourself in the safety and security of your favourite knitting nook. An oh so comfortable easy chair. Your legs resting comfortably on a over-stuffed stool. Your hands enjoying the luxury of yarn. Paradise. ...until. Oh, no,

you encounter a knot

or a colour spot (a discontinuity of colour in the yarn)

You must leave the harmony of paradise and travel into no man's land. Just where did you leave those scissors any way? The peace is broken.

The wise advise that this scenario need not occur. If you simply make a yarn ball. Please, don't ask me how many times I follow their advice.

I have shared how I make a ball, in my post: You and Hank (January 11th)

Here is how Joyknits makes a centre pull yarn ball: www.joyknits.com/knitbits.html

Sometimes as an artist you have to face rejection. You have to suffer the sting of being "unwanted". It's not easy.

The editors of KnitLit III attempted to make it as easy as possible. They stated that they enjoyed my submission but that due to "space and thematic constraints" they just couldn't squeeze me in. They concluded with " We hope that you go on writing". I was so excited. Linda Roghaar and Molly Wolf, talented editors, thought I showed talent. I was excited, until hubby pointed out that it was probably a form email. Sometimes its better to be naive. Never mind, I am continuing to write and this morning I began to enjoy... I plan to read one story each morning.

Word of advice: don't skip the introduction.

Tomorrow: Don't say "Wool" say "Yarn": more yarn exploration.

It's not heavy it's my yarn: the weight of your yarn

I am feeling especially giddy today. You see it poured streams, rivers, lakes. After all that, finally, it has stopped. Although, it is chilly the sun has replaced the wet stuff and I am feeling that all things are possible which brings us to today's topic: yarn weight. Don't get the connection? Don't worry you will. (I hope)
Pam Allen has written an excellent book. If you don't have it, you owe it yourself to run to your nearest bookstore and buy it. Tons of excellent advise. Case in point, on page 63 you will find a helpful chart entitled 'Common yarn weights'. It lists the yarn weights and recommended needle sizes. In a nutshell, if you see something like this on your yarn band:
3 1/4 mm (US 3) needles your yarn is fingering or baby weight.
If instead you see:

4.5mm/US 7 needles your yarn is worsted weight.

If instead you see:

10 mm (U.S. 15) needles then your yarn is bulky.

Next question: do you always need to use the needle size recommended by the yarn band?

No, because you need to knit a sample swatch and match your tension to that recommended by the pattern. Sometimes you discover that you will have to use a smaller or larger needle to achieve the desired tension. For more information on sample swatches, please refer back to January 6th's post: Passion and Seduction.

Another reason you may choose to answer no to this question is if you are knitting a scarf or other item which does not need to "fit". Then you can play. What happens if you knit a worsted weight yarn with large needles? You achieve a loose and airy fibre. Like so...

What happens if you knit a bulky weight yarn with small needles? You achieve a stiff fibre. This creation almost stood by its' self.
Playing with yarn and needles is so much fun you won't want to stop.

For more information on needle size, please refer back to January 9th's post: What's your size? Knitting needle size.

For more information on yarn weight classifications: http://www.patonsyarns.com/faq.php?PHPSESSID=6797ee63734166f796ca21841881486#4

scroll down.

More knitting help on the web:

Fibre Art Links: http://www.odyssey.net/subscribers/cbenda/links#wwwtable

Tomorrow's post: why you should always make a yarn ball. Also a word or two on good reading on knitting.

Yarn band: dye lot number

My finance knew I only knit scarves.

And yet, when I asked, "What do you want for Christmas?"

The reply was, "A curling sweater hand knit by you."

I'll show him I thought. I will knit that sweater...with Mom's help.

As Christmas quickly approached the sweater reached completion, then we discovered our shortage of yarn. No trouble, I thought, I'll buy more. When I showed Mom the yarn she asked a simple question. "Did you match the dye lot?"

"Match the what?"

"The dye lot. It's a number listed on the yarn band. You match the numbers to ensure no unwanted colour stripes. Here bring me the bands and I'll show you the number."

The number under COL is the dye lot number. Match this number.
Some yarns do not have a dye lot number. All of these yarns are dyed at the same time so the theory is that no number is required. Sadly, like all theories, sometimes it has no bases in reality. When buying yarns with no dye lot number, buy more than enough yarn for your project.
"I don't have them."

"What do you mean? Where are they?"

"I threw them out."

"Oh, Leanne..." She said disappointedly and then quickly added. "No trouble. I think these colours match."

Sadly, Mom was wrong. It was a beautifully knit sweater - love in every stitch. My husband still wears it. However, he has been given clear instructions. 'NOT OUTSIDE THE HOUSE.'

Lesson learned: match your dye lot numbers

and keep your yarn bands.

Want more?

'What information should I look for on the yarn label?'

http://www.patonsyarns.com/faq.php?PHPSESSID=6797ee63734166f796ca218418814856#4

Tomorrow:

Martin Luther King, Jr. 's day: he was an example to the world.
May his dream be lived throughout the world.

Topic: Yarn weights

When good yarns go bad

Island life develops within residents a strong sense of community. We care about each other. If you have "it" and someone else needs "it" or could use "it" you share "it". This means rides or even yarn. Yes, yarn. A knitters' paradise. I have been the benefactor of this generosity. I use this collection of yarn to knit my prototypes. Each prototype then goes through a rigorous test - my wear and care.
I fell in love with this fingering weight yarn. So I decided to temporarily abandon my passion for worsted weight. It did not take long to wake the muse. You see each year I am surrounded by beautiful urban woman during my hubby's office Christmas party. Each year, inspired by this event, I design something stylish. If the prototype passes the test I add it to my design collection.

This beautiful wool was to become a knock-them-out-of the park cardigan.

I planned, knit, blocked and wore the cardigan. I was very pleased.
Now common thought states: wash your garment before wear. For some reason I did not...thankfully.

Wash day after the party, I gently hand washed the cardigan. Then I lay it out to dry...my heart broke.

Have you ever seen those eggs which when immersed in water swell to double their size? Well, this is what happened to my cardigan. It grew and grew and grew in length.

The label says, "Hand wash carefully in soap flakes. Squeeze gently." I did this. "Short spin. Do not leave wet. Ease back into shape. Dry flat." Oh my gosh! I skipped all steps expect "Dry flat." Do you think if I washed it again magically my beautiful sweater would return? Or is it lost forever?

Lesson learned: always, always follow care instructions on the yarn band.

Tomorrow: ...more on yarn bands.

More knitting help on the net:

www.theknitstitch.com

http://www.stephthornton.co.uk/knitting/knitmain.htm

All the yarns I've loved

First, I am using the word "all" not to refer to when I began to knit. My memory of each individual yarn I encountered, unfortunately, does not stretch back that far. I do remember that I began to knit with acrylic yarn beyond that I am afraid all is lost in time. So when I say, "All the yarns I've loved" I am referring to when I began to design: 2002. Currently, summer knitting calls. I would highly recommend organic cotton by Ecoknit. I used this yarn to design Seeded Stitches Shell This yarn knits up beautifully. It is available from Infiknit: http://www.infiknit.com/searchcc.php?y=1&fiedl=YarnsByName&sub=Ecoknit
I continue to enjoy designing with acrylic. I find that this yarn especially lends itself to baby sweaters: simply machine wash and dry. I used Paton's 'Canadiana' to design Puddin' Pie
http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=Canadiana

I used Paton's 'Astra' to design Pets http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=astra

I always receive compliments when I wear Bunny Hug. The name came from a discussion I had with hubby.

I said, "I think I want to design a kangaroo jacket." (the term Manitobians use for hoodie)

Hubby said, "What? Oh, you mean a bunny hug." (the term is how a person from Saskatchewan refers to a hoodie)

Well, I simply loved the name. I thought it was so cute! So to honour my hubby and the prairies I named my hoodie Bunny Hug: a small slice of Canadiana. Bunny Hug was designed with Paton's Decor http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=decor

unfortunately, the colour is now discounted. I do like their barn red. I would be interested to hear what you think.

Safe Harbour is so easy to knit. It simply is garter and seed stitch. The goal when working with garter stitch is to find a stable yarn. Acrylic yarn knit in garter stitch tends to grow. However, Shepherd's Cottage's lopi wool is prefect. Shepherd's Cottage introduced me to wool and I am enternally grateful for this introduction. http://www.raosefarm.info/salesPage5.htm

September's Promise was design using a Mayne Island Ragg wool. In fact, the fibre producer is my next door neighbour. ...just across the road. I can't tell you the joy it brings to this prairie rural gal to simply look across the road and watch Joyce's sheep grazing on the meadow.

Our model is the owner of one of my favourite places to shop on Mayne Island: Sunny Mayne Bakery. You can't beat their muffins. I treated myself just yesterday.

Please check out Joyce's web site at: http://mayne.gulfisland.com/meadowmist/products.htm

Speaking of the prairies, 40 below was designed for a prairie fibre productor, Three Bags Full, from Craven, Saskatchewan. My in-laws have informed me that Craven is about the same size as Eriksdale, Manitoba. Eriksdale is my hometown: where I was born and raised. We (they) have a population of about 300. If you count the surrounding farms and all the cats and dogs the population grows to 1,000 which is the size of Mayne Island during the off season. However, we grow to 3,000 in the summer. So we win (or lose depending on your view point).

Anyway, getting back to yarn. Cathy, you remember my neighbour who was knitting the hats for her family for Christmas, reports that everyone loved them. She said that to reduce fuel costs a wool hat is ideal: simply wear them inside. Thanks for the tip Cathy.

You can buy the yarn together with the pattern in kit form from me. Simply go to the "Accessories" page of www.oknitting.com

Tomorrow's post:

Now that we are friends I think I can confide in you. So tomorrow's post will be a tragic tale of when a good yarn goes bad.

You and Hank: transforming a hank into a ball

"Okay, Leanne, I have a grasp of the basics. I know how to cast on, cast off (bind off), knit and purl. I want to knit with wool. How do I start?"

Meet Hank
A Stitch n' Bitch book (sorry can't remember which one - I glimsped at it at the bookstore) recommends draping hank over a chair or another person's hands.

I have a romantic vision of a young knitter with her suitor. At the beginning of the courtship visit, she drapes hank over his hands. The suitor sits there, the perfect gentleman, as she wraps. Thus Mom can rest at ease knowing that Hank has everything under-control.

I don't use any of these items. "My method" is simply me and Hank. A friend cautioned me against this method. She offered to lend me her fancy stand. She warned me that I would end up with a tangled mess if I insisted in doing it "my way". A tangled mess is an ever present danger. The key is to remain calm and treat Hank gently.

I spread Hank over my knees. You need to make sure that hank makes prefect loops. If you don't maintain these loops you will end up with a tangled mess.
I find the ends. I prefer when wool manufacturers wrap the ends through the skein. If they choose to tie the ends together I am forced to use scissors. The danger is cutting the wrong piece of wool. I then make a few loops.
I coil more wool around these loops. Once there is sufficient yarn I fold it in half and continue to wrap in that direction.
Eventually, believe it or not, my wrapping begins to resemble a ball. And I end up with, drum roll, please a...ball.
I can now begin to knit.

Hope this post has been more helpful than scary.

Tomorrow: All the yarns I have loved.

Wool

Some of my designs developed with wool. "September's Promise" designed with Meadowmists' Ragg wool.
"40 below" designed with Three Bags Full's 70% llama/30% wool.
"Safe Harbour" designed with Shepherd's Cottage's Lopi wool
"Fair Wind" designed with Shepherd Cottage's Lopi wool.

As well check out:
"Islandia" designed with Shepherd Cottage's Lopi wool.
"When the Meadowlark sings" designed with Three Bags Full's wool.

I have known the joys wool can bring. When I close my eyes, I can still visualize my first encounter: how it looked on my needles, how it felt in my hands, its aroma. It is the stuff of dreams.

I am enjoying reading this book.

The author, Claire Crompton, has much to teach - I have much to learn. However, I do not learn by swallowing large chunks of information. No, instead knowledge like fine wine should be savoured, considered, and sipped. I was doing just that until I encountered this passage: "When you are learning to knit, start as you mean to go on - choose a 100 per cent wool yarn; it is easy to work with, can be unravelled and reused, and whatever you knit will look gorgeous." (page 9)

I simply don't agree.

You see, I firmly embrace the "KISS" theory (Keep It Simple Stupid or Sweetie ...which ever you prefer). When in the process of learning I do not like to pile it on. I want to learn the basics and then proceed from there. Other things can be left until tomorrow.

Wool requires special care. You must learn to form a ball from a hank. You must learn how to block your work. You must learn how to launder it. Knitting is hard enough to learn without piling on these lessons.

On the other hand, synthetic yarn does not require blocking. It is sold in a form that you can begin to knit immediately (Although, it is advisable to make a ball for reasons that I will point out in future posts.) Synthetic yarn is easily laundered - simply machine wash and dry. Knitting with synthetic yarn is knitting without baggage.

Beyond these considerations are those of price. Wool generally is far more expensive than synthetic yarn. If you are not sure you are a knitter why break the bank on wool.

Still wool has its allure. There is nothing like knitting with it. However, it is a pleasure best left for the advanced beginner and beyond.

Tomorrow's post:

You and Hank: how to transform a hank into a ball.

What's your size? Knitting needle sizes

So how did you spend your morning? One of the things I did was knit three samples. Why? Well, for today's post of course. Today we will find your size. Don't panic this has nothing to do with your body type. Believe me I don't want to go there either. No, instead it will address what size of knitting needle suits you. First, you will need to obtain one of these useful pieces of metal: needle guage. Do you see the holes? Well you stick your needle through the hole to determine the needle size. If it barely fits through, that is the size of the needle. Of course you can simply look at the round end of your needle. There you will find a number (unless of course you are working with bamboo or wooden needles or circular needles or double-pointed needles). This number is the size of your needle.
Here are my three samples. What I did was this, I cast on 36 stitches with a small pair of needles and worked in garter stitch for 26 rows. I repeated this procedure with a pair of medium size needles and a pair of very large needles.
Results for the small needles: 2" wide x 6"long. How did I feel while I was knitting on these needles? Like a giant. I felt like I was knitting with my finger tips. This size of needle requires good eye sight, patience and lots of yarn. These needles work best with fingering or baby weight yarn.
More about small needle users:
Favourite pass-time: cloud watching
Favourite saying: "Relax! I'll get it done."

Results for the medium size needle: 3 1/2" wide x 9 1/2" long. How did I feel while I was knitting with these needles? At home. This is the size of needle to which I am naturally drawn. In fact, most of my patterns are designed for this size of needle. These needles work best with worsted weight yarn.

More about medium size needle users:

Favourite pass-time: jogging

Favourite saying: "Just one more row."

Results for the large needle size: 10" wide x 24" long. How did I feel when I was working with these needles? Like I did when I was eight at my Grandma's knee: awkward...all thumbs. I was surprised at how out of control I felt. Knitting didn't flow as it usually does. I usually knit in front of the TV. You have to put your back into knitting with these monsters: a whole arm movement. These big fellows are most commonly used with bulky or gigantic yarn.

More about large needle users:
Favourite pass-time: race car driving

Favourite saying: "Are we there yet?"

Tomorrow's post will be on wool. More on yarn weights in future posts.

Haven't had enough? Here are some useful sites:

Knitting Needle sizes:

Metric/UK/US http://www.knitting-crochet.com/found/conchafou.htm

Old UK/Australia http://www.sizes.com/tools/knitting_needles.htm

Japanese http://www.tata-tatao.to/knit/japanese/e-index.html

Dog's have masters - cat's have servants

Hubby and I moved to Mayne Island catless. We did, however, have two black futons.

First, came Joey: a beautiful Manx queen. She has a timid, gentle spirit.
Then came Sammy. Sammy was raised as Joey's brother. Although, whether he truly was her litter mate is a question which may never be answered. No one could ask for better company. They came to us named, de-sexed, and fully grown. They were about four years when they moved in. Hubby and I then began our education. Being fully grown cats, it was hubby and I who had to learn to live with them.
Then along came Ticky.
Ticky thinks, acts, and looks like a boxer. Mess with him and you mess with trouble. All would be fine, expect do you remember those two black futons? Well, surprisingly Sammy and Joey didn't make much mess. However, Ticky is a different story. He feels free to shed upon them. In fact, in his opinion, it adds a homey, lived-in appearance. I do not share his opinion. I have tried everything I know to attempt to, if not eliminate the slow transition of my futon from black to white, at least control the problem: sprays, blankets, everything. Nothing seems to work.

You may not be surprised to hear that my hand-knit sweater collection is extensive. To pay homepage to said collection, hubby erected shelves. One day, upon entering my bedroom, I was greeted with the sight of Ticky spread out on one of my home-spun hand-knit sweaters. After he called me every name in the book - I am thankful I don't speak cat - he was persuaded to abandoned his new cozy nook. I then walked into the living room and witnessed the mess on our futon. After using a lit brush for an hour and half (okay, maybe it only felt like it) I decided to solve two problems with one solution.

Witness Ticky blissfully at peace on HIS home-spun, hand-knit sweater that is on HIS futon.

Yes, I do have visions of knitting a cat afghan in my future. It will have to be knit from home-spun as he prefers to go natural.

Exploring novelty yarn

Allow me to start this post my admitting that I myself have been seduced by the novelty yarn. Also allow me to say that I am not against knitting with it. I am not among the knitters who reject it out right. I know the beauty it can bring to my knitting. The scarf above features novelty yarn trim.

However, you do have to learn the basics of walking before you can dance. This is why I will not recommend this yarn to a beginner. In fact, I will scream at the top of my lungs: BEGINNER AVOID IT! Let's face it is very expensive simply to throw out. Knitting is hard enough to learn with out throwing this yarn into the mix. Okay, I can hear you: "Prove it". I intend to you. Lend me your ears fine knitting beginner.

Exhibit one: Novelty yarn on the left and easy knit yarn on the right.
Exhibit two: Novelty yarn on the needle.
Exhibit three: Easy knit yarn on the needle.
Exhibit four: Finished novelty yarn sample.

Question: Can you point out an individual stitch?

Exhibit five: Finished easy knit sample.

Question: Can you point out an individual stitch?

I rest my case.

So which is the easiest yarn to work with:

light colour

tight, evenly spun

Passion and Seduction

Nothing inspires me more than working with a new yarn: simply playing with it on my needles. It doesn't take me long to wake the muse. Then I want to create. In fact, at times it is hard to pull back on the reins and check the saddle. (I don't ride - can you tell?) By that I mean, knit a sample swatch.
To knit a sample swatch.
(As in all scientific experiments the larger your swatch the more accurate your sample will be.)
Cast on 20 stitches.
Work in Stockinette stitch for 4 inches.
Cast off.

Measure the swatch. Match your results to that stated by the pattern. If you have too many stitches to the inch use a bigger needle size. Too few use a smaller needle.
I have a sad yarn to spin. Once upon a time in the land of "I told you so" there lived a fine knitter. She obtained a fine pattern. She read it once, read it twice and was bewitched. She bought the required yarn and needles and began her long journey. She knit passionately. She knit devotedly. Until she was done. When she was done did she have a fine sweater? Alas no. She had a strange exotic creature unlike anything you have ever seen before. Nor will you see now.

Lesson learned: always, always knit a sample swatch.

Check out this excellent site: http://www.earthguild.com/products/knitcroc/marypat/gauge.htm