I’m officially on Maternity Leave! « »
February 8th, 2010
Well, as much on leave as one can be while working from home, any way! I’ve just finished teaching two online classes to two wonderful groups of people. The Shawl Designers are finishing up their projects and getting patterns written and edited, and the “Fit your Knits” students are transforming any pattern you can think of into custom-fit knits! It was a really great month, thank you to all of my awesome students!
I’ll be posting the new spring schedule of classes in a couple of weeks. I want to make sure that we all settle back into daily life smoothly once Olive comes home from the hospital before setting all of the class dates. In the meantime, I’ve got two ongoing self-guided classes (UPcycled Tshirt Yarn Class and Fitted Raglan Shawl Class) that you can sign up for at any time.
Our new baby (who we have named Olive Beatrice) will be delivered on the 15th! SO we have exactly a week to nest and get everything all ready for her.
Here’s a little peek at some of what I’ve been working on:
I finished the Black and White quilt top:
…and I”ve been making a few “Sisters” projects, too. Here are two little sweaters. I made the tiny one a few weeks ago, and recently finished a Big Sister one for Mazie. I love that the sweaters are similar but not identical…they share some traits but not all. And neither is overly saccharine / girly. I’d wear eitherone of these if it was in my size. (I contemplated making a Mom version, but would that be too much?)
Both are Lorna’s Laces Swirl, one is Chunky and one is DK. Both are from Jimmy Beans .
I also made the girls matching tees:
And even Daddy is doing a little last-minute nesting:
…there are still some rooms that we’d meant to paint when we moved in, and that we KNOW we won’t get to for several months if we wait to do it. SO…he’s painting realllyquick this week.
Posted in just chit chat, baby, Online classes | 5 Comments »
A teensy bit more nesting… « »
February 3rd, 2010
I scraped some time together this weekend to do a little bit more nesting.
I worked on my black and white quilt:
And made a clutter-hider curtain for my studio closet:
And a valance for the window:
There’s so much more I’d like to do, if it wasn’t for work and sleepiness. Trying to get a few last-minute patterns written and samples knit in these last few days. All of the sewing is late-night / early morning pregnancy insomnia crafting. It’s really strange: I’m tired all day, and then at about 10pm I totally wake up and can’t get comfortable and end up at the sewing machine. I don’t really have the brainpower at that time for math (pattern writing) but I can stitch straight lines!
And look…it’s 1:45 am right NOW and I didn’t even realize it!
OFF TO BED!!
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Finding a little nesting time. « »
February 3rd, 2010
(note: I wrote this post at least a week ago and didn’t ever hit “publish.”)
Well. The baby’s coming February 15.
I’ve been finding a little nesting time in recent days, and have been focusing on getting Mazie’s room ready to welcome her sister home.
I hung up the quilt that Yahaira made:
I did a little more to the curtains:
Initially, they were just a blackout liner and simple, fold-top-and-seam one-layer curtains. Yesterday I added another strip of fabric to the hem of the blackouts to give a layered look and added tiebacks. The ties are sewn onto the blackout curtains, so that they stay put.
I’ve also got plans for a black and white quilt, with pops of color:
My general plan is to cut out a few squares and rectangles of the colored fabrics, border them in strips of alternating black / white with thin colored strips at random.
Then stitch them onto a largely white background that has some bright pop circles already appliqued. Then applique some circles on top, too.
Inspired by one of Mazie’s black and white baby books.
Other than that, I’ve been acquiring baby things and trying to streamline my own workspace. The easier it is to just come in and work, the more likely it is that I WILL come in and work. It was very repulsive for a while…
But, I got it to the point that I can walk all the way in, use my very clean desk and even find things!
SO, in between working really hard to finish up all of my work commitments before the 15th, I’ve been able to do a LITTLE nesting. Not as much as I WANT to do, but some.
Posted in baby | 1 Comment »
Designing my own shawl … swatches « »
January 21st, 2010
So, Now that I’ve picked out my stitch patterns for class, I’m swatching them to see how they flow…
Here’s a rectangular swatch:
Sometimes it helps to look at the swatch from an angle to see how the stitches really flow into each other:
Here’s how I swatch to see how things will look in the actual shawl:
Posted in Patterns, tips and tricks, Online classes | No Comments »
Designing our own shawls « »
January 20th, 2010
My online Design Your Own Shawl Class started this week, and I’m having a great time!
So far, we’ve drawn out basic sketches of our shawls:
And I’ve decided on which yarn I’ll use (Cascade 109). I’m using a bulky because I want what I’m doing to show up in the class videos, and because I love the look of “blown up” big lace on big needles!
We’re currently in the process of choosing stitch patterns, swatching, and getting ready to chart our lace!
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Self-Guided classes are now ready for signup. « »
January 15th, 2010
Hi Everyone!
I’ve decided to open up self-guided versions of both the Upcycled Tshirt Yarn Class and the Fitted Raglan Shawl Class. These classes have both been taught several times, and all of the material has been tried and tested and is ready for you to use.
The self-guided format means that you will be able to sign up at any time and have access to the class materials for 4 weeks from your date of signup. Within 24 hours of your registration (usually with minutes) you’ll be invited to the class, where you’ll find all of the video, handouts, patterns, etc. You’ll then be able to work through the materials at your own pace. This means that there’s no set date that the class will start, you simply sign up when you are ready to begin.
The differences between this setup and the way that my classes are normally taught are that we won’t have scheduled chat times, and you will be taking the class along with other people who may be at any stage of the class (since people will go in and out of class according to the date that they sign up.) You won’t necessarily be working with others at the same time, and won’t necessarily interact with your fellow classmates (unless you choose to.)
You will still be able to contact me with any questions / concerns, and I’ll answer within 24 hours.
Because my interaction with the classes will be less than usual, the cost of the class will be lowered by $10 / class. If you’ve been considering trying a class but were concerned about the cost or about the timing of the class fitting in with your schedule, this may be a great way for you to sample a class with less commitment.
(Our baby is due to be born on February 15, so I’m taking a brief hiatus from actively teaching after the Winter Session of classes ends. Spring Session will begin in March. If you’ve signed up to be a member of my knitting studio site, I’ll send you an email with spring class topics and dates as soon as I feel comfortable setting those in stone.)
Fitted Raglan Shawl Class (Self-guided version)
The class will be taught using a combination of pre-recorded video and PDF handouts. There is also a forum, in which you can ask questions at any time and meet others who are working through the same class, but may be at a different point in the material.
You will receive: a PDF copy of the knitting pattern, as well as additional PDF handouts with further explanation and instruction as to how to read lace knitting charts and work lace stitches, how to incorporate lace stitches into raglan - style increases, and more.
Materials: (Feel free to make substitutions!)
SockWeight Shawl, pictured in colors “Autumn Wine” (2 sk.) and“Rockwell” (1 sk.):
3 skeins Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock [80% Superwash Wool, 20% Nylon, 215 yds. / 2 oz.]
DK Weight Shawl, pictured in color “Mirth”:
3 skeins Lorna’s Laces Green Line DK [100% organic merino wool, 145 yds. / 2 oz.]
Worsted Weight Shawl, pictured in colors “Chagrin” (1 sk.) and “Courage” (1 sk.):
2 skeins Lorna’s Laces Green Line Worsted [100% organic merino wool, 210 yds. / 4 oz.]
Needles:
Sock Weight Shawl: US 5 / 3.75mm
DK Weight Shawl: US 7 / 4.5mm
Worsted Weight Shawl: US 10 / 8mm
SYLLABUS:
WEEK 1: Introduction to lace knitting and Lace Chart 1
–How to read lace charts
– How to cast on a garter stitch insert
–Lace chart 1 row by row video instruction
WEEK 2: Lace Chart 2 and working with color
– Lace chart 2 row by row video instruction
– Color Theory: Which colors work together and why
– How to effectively change from one color to another in this project.
WEEK 3: Lace Chart 3 and Finishing
– Lace chart 3 video instruction
– Finishing and weaving in ends in lace
– blocking
WEEK 4: Knitting time! Use this week to watch the videos,
ask questions, and generally finish up.
Sign up today, start class tomorrow!
Class Fee for self-guided version:
$35 for four weeks’ access to the class materials.
UP - cycled T-shirt yarn class (Self-Guided Version)
Learn to turn unwanted old (or new) t-shirts into a beautiful yarn that resembles expensive woven cotton tube-type yarns. I will show you how to create different weights of yarn, and to add effects to
the yarn while you’re making it.
You will receive: A PDF booklet of four knitting patterns (click on More Photos under the mosaic above to see more examples of class projects,) as well as additional PDF handouts with further
explanation and instruction as to how to create yarn from T-shirts, how to dye cotton yarn using natural and commercial dyes, and more.
SYLLABUS:
Week 1 of the class will teach you to turn those old Tshirts, jersey bed sheets, or yardages of Tshirt-type fabric into yarn
Week 2 of the class will be “Dye Class.” You’ll learn how to use natural dyes like tea and coffee to give your yarn an organic, earthy feel. We’ll also see how to use commercial dyes like Rit and
Dylon to add gorgeous bright color to the yarn and create special looks like self-striping and variegated yarns.
Week 3 of class will focus on projects for your yarns. Once you’ve created your t-shirt yarn, you’ve effectively RE-cycled your t-shirts, but our goal is to UPcycle. I’ll give you four patterns (leaf-shaped face cloths, lace wrap, lace triangle scarf, and lace shrug)
that will use your new t-shirt yarn to its best advantage. I’ll even go one step further and show you how to package your knits into gorgeous gifts that any friend or relative would love to receive.
Week 4 of the class will be time for you to knit your projects and ask any additional questions, watch the videos, and generally finish up.
The class will be taught using a combination of pre-recorded video and PDF handouts. There is also a forum, in which you can ask questions at any time and meet other students who may be at a different point in the class.
Class Fee for self-guided version:
$35 for four weeks’ access to the class materials
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Happy Birthday, Mazie! « »
January 11th, 2010
My baby is TWO today!
Yesterday she got her first haircut!
It FEELS like yesterday that she came home from the hospital!
Happy birthday, Big Girl!
Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments »
Soakers and a Tutorial (how to knit your own) « »
January 10th, 2010
Two of the (Damask Rose) Malabrigo soakers:
I think I’m posting about this as a way to hold myself accountable, and also because my pregnant brain is telling me to focus hard on baby prep, even though realistically I’m pretty ready. My brain really wants to do serious baby prep crafting. Regardless of other work / deadlines. SO…maybe once my brain sees this post with pictures of my little knits it’ll calm down some.
I’ve finished 2 knit soakers, have yarn for a million more, and have one on the needles. I also have lots of eentsy fleece yoga pants, and ordered 3 of these wraps in NB and 4 small. So…I think we will be ok for the first 4 - 6 months soakerwise. I also have a few knits left over from Mazie. (Got it, Brain?? We’re prepped!)
A few people have asked me which is my favorite soaker pattern to knit. I knit a few pair of Picky Pants for Mazie, and they are the bomb, 
but I’m actually not that great about following patterns, I glance at the pattern occasionally but just knit them like I think they “should” be knit…so I developed my own, taking our climate into consideration.
We live where it’s HOT. It’ll be too hot for wool pants by March, so I like smaller soakers that just cover the diaper with some ribbing to keep messes inside. Here’s a couple that I did for Mazie:
A few people have asked me about these. Here’s the process:
Start out with one stitch, and, working in stockinette, increase one stitch each end of every other row until the top of the triangle measures a little bit bigger than your baby’s waist.
Change to 2×2 ribbing for about 1.5 - 2 inches. Bind off loosely.
Leaving about .5 inch at either end, pick up stitches along each side of the triangle and work in 2×2 ribbing for about the same distance you used for the waistband. (see above)
Fold in the points and seam.
For the ruffles, you just pick up stitches in a straight line across the back and knit for an inch or so. Do this 2 or 3 times to make a little row of them.
Posted in Patterns, baby | 5 Comments »
Soaker time in the city! Runnin’ wild and lookin’ pretty! « »
January 7th, 2010
Well. It’s the point of New Baby Prep in which I knit soakers. We cloth diaper our babies, and that means that we need barrier layers. In the old days, our parents used my mom calls “plastic pants” or “rubber pants.” These are bloomery-looking panites made out of plastic that go on over cloth diapers to keep whatever is coming out of the diaper from leaking out and getting all over everything.
Today’s cloth diaperers use a variety of barrier layers in place of these plastic pants. We’ve sought alternatives because the plastic pants don’t breathe, which isn’t good for baby’s skin. They also can be very tight at the elastic, which typically isn’t adjustable. Some materials that work great as barrier layers are:
PUL (polyurethane laminate fabric) which is normal fabric with a thin, breathable layer of poly adhered to it.
Polar Fleece which for some reason is very waterproof while still being breathable and not absorbing any moisture. I like this material because it’s easy to stitch up a bunch of little covers or pants in very little time.
Hankdnit wool classic, pretty, and really just wonderful. Wool can be up to 60% saturated with water and still not leak! When coated with lanolin (by a quick soak in “Lanisoh” dissolved in water) it is virtually waterproof.
Wool fabric commonly used as suiting material, this fabric has all of the properties of handknit wool while remaining relatively lightweight and easy to sew. Best with it contains a little stretch fiber as well. (I have not made any soakers using this fabric.)
Felted wool either handknit and felted or storebought as fabric or thrifted sweaters and then felted. Great because it can just be cut and sewn and tends to be thicker and more waterproof than straight-up handknit wool fabric and thus more waterproof. But also more stiff. Good for overnight use!
I made a bunch of soakers (above) for Mazie, many of which I donated to an organization that provides clean, used cloth diapering supplies to lower-income families. Now, it’s time to get started on New Baby’s stash.
I’m winding up some really soft Damask Rose Malabrigo worsted and plan to get started today at my Dr. appointment. Photos soon!
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
Simple Knitted Bodice…Preggo Version! « »
January 5th, 2010
So, when my friend Kathryn moved to England, she left me a mostly-finished Simple Knitted Bodice that she had started. She thought the color didn’t work for her. I’m a purple fanatic, so of course I was elated to be gifted with the partially finished sweater and yarn.
I finished it just before our trip to Iowa over Christmas.
Mods: Ended the sleeves just after the raglan join, only did one purl ridge for the neckline trim, and extended the body by about 6 or 7 inches. I didn’t adjust the body shaping at all, just blocked it to be more blousy at the belly.
If I was making this from the start for myself, I’d have lowered the lace detail to actually be under the bust…but I think I could block it to be lower if I was really perfectionistic about that. I also assume that it will be under the bust after the baby’s born and my body’s back to normal.
Next year, when I don’t need a maternity sweater, I’ll just re-block it to be slimmer in front. Well, cross your fingers for me that I’ll be able to say that, anyway!
I’m trying not to gain as much weight with this baby, but I’m no Heidi Klum. (Heidi did a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 6 weeks after the birth of her last baby.)
Here I was at about 31 weeks:
Yes, there is something on my shirt…that area tends to collect things. String, food, whatever I bump into.