June 2008 Archives

The "Knitting Whilst Under the Influence" Badge - This applies to both actual knitting under the influence, as well as achieving moments of stunning intellectual clarity about ones knitting under the influence. Presumes talking about knitting whilst under the influence a given.

 

Why do I deserve this badge? Many wonderful things have I knitted while drinking cosmos, margaritas, and wine. Things look great at night, but in the morning... FROGGED.  

The "I Can Be an Asshole When It Comes To Knitting" Badge - In which the recipient is so passionate, opinionated and entirely convinced of his/her own superior knowledge about all things knitting, that he/she may appear pompous, rude, or self-righteous.

Why do I deserve this badge? I take my knitting everywhere with me. I think that sometimes people think I am not interested when they are talking to me because I seem engaged in a conversation with my needles; however, I tend to pay MORE attention to what's going on around me when I am knitting.

The "Proselytize Knitting" Badge - A requirement for all Knitting Scouts, the recipient must do his or her bit to present knitting in a positive light, whilst at the same time avoiding all references to "hipness", grandmothers, and yoga.

Why do I deserve this badge? Ask any of my students. I recommend knitting to all of them.

 

The "MacGyver" Badge (Level One) - The recipient must demonstrate clever use of a non-knitting tool in a knitting-related scenario. For instance, recipient has used paper clips as stitch markers, or successfully whittled and then utilized bamboo skewers as dpns.

Why do I deserve this badge? I have used paper clips as stitch markers and as cable needles, a plastic needle as a cable needle, a coffee mug as a skein holder, and a dining room chair as a yarn swift.

The "MacGyver" Badge (Level Two) - The recipient must demonstrate clever use of a knitting tool in a non-knitting-related scenario. For instance, recipient has used a strand of Regia Bamboo to slice cheese, or repaired a small appliance with a metal knitting needle.

 Why do I deserve this badge? have used needles as Q-Tips, (I know, gross), yarn as a chip clip, a pencil as a drop spindle, and a needle as a back scratcher.

Currently spinning celery green yarn. I got the fiber from Vulcan's Rest.

It's 80% Merino Wool, 20% silk and lovely to work with.

Gold, white, and black yarn is nearly impossible to find, so I decided to make some of my own. I picked up some fiber from Vulcan's Rest and got to work.

Maybe some of you will see this again?

Go Steelers!

In the summertime, when the weather is high,

You can chase right up and touch the sky.

Guess I have Mungo Jerry on my mind....

Anyhow, I started working on a lightweight sweater last week. Who is this for? ME! I'm so excited because I have never made anything for myself before.

Wow.

The pattern is from Gardiner Yarn Works. The amazing yarn I am using is by Elsebeth Lavold called Hempathy. Here's what a website has to say about this yarn:

From Elsebeth Lavold's Enchanted Garden: The drape and feel of Hempathy resembles that of linen but the cotton content provides softness and the Modal lends it some elasticity. This enhances the knitting properties and helps even out the knitting for us uneven knitters. Just like Silky Wool, it knits up like a thicker yarn, but the finished garment feels thinner than the yarn would indicate. Many designs in Silky Wool can be knitted in Hempathy as well. Hemp, by the way, has anti-bacterial properties.

 

So far, its been a great summer project.   Since it's Ghosthunters night, I'll probably get a lot of knitting completed. :) 

Isn't it great? I made this for my sister's bridal shower. The pattern, called After Dark Nightie, can be found in the Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures . I used Louet Euroflax in sport weight. It really was a lot of work, but it turned out really well. I hope it will serve her well for many years to come. 

For more bridal shower pictures, follow this link.

Here are a few more pictures of my spinning wheel. I love it.