What I Did Today

Look! That's a sheep! And you might recognize the sweater as the handiwork of Ann and Eugene Bourgeois, the very lovely proprietors of Philosopher's Wool Company. I was honoured to be able to try it on.

Ann and Eugene hosted us for a most wonderful visit. Their yarns and designs are truly fabulous, and they are a great Canadian fibre success story.

More on the visit a bit later...

New Pattern: Top-Down With A Difference Vest

I'm pretty pleased with this one. I've blogged before about the pros and cons of top-down construction.

I love how a top-down one-piece construction has some truly great benefits: very little finishing, it's easy to try on as you go, great to use up leftovers and adjust the length as you need.

But they're most often raglans - and raglans don't work for every body type. I look terrible in a raglan - they either fit around the shoulders or the bust, but never both. A raglan just doesn't lend itself to a tailored fit, and they are not as easy to adjust as some people claim.

Inspired by Barbara Walker, I created a top-down, one-piece set-in sleeve design, with shaped shoulders. (Well, ok, it's sleeveless, but the armholes are tailored and shaped as if it was a set in sleeve.)

I've added optional bust and waist shaping, to tailor the fit as precisely as you need it to - again, another great advantage of top-down - try it on to see what sort of shaping you need. And I've kept the edgings minimal - simple and rolled, so that the tailoring can really shine.

Now available on Patternfish.

Socks 101 Auf Deutsch

Vielen Dank to Elsi, who has created a German language sock knitting tutorial, inspired by my Socks 101 article on Knitty.

It's very well illustrated - in fact, much better than my original article. Worth a visit even if you don't know a single word of German.

NYC Haul: the Highlights

Cascade Heritage Sock Yarn! Just for research purposes, you understand.

And because I like to buy local, some sock yarn in a colourway called Calico - lovely white, grey and ginger colours - from a place called Farmhouse Yarns, based in New England. It's a great wool/nylon blend, and I can't wait to get it on the needles.

Although, I have to say, they should consider changing the name of the yarn if they want to broaden their audience outside North America...


click to read the label.

And then I also bought this, because I love this sort of obscure, hard to understand insanity...


It's in German. Old German. Click the picture to see it.

Full of terrific examples of lace knitting, and the odd chart. Big inspiration in this small volume, I think - if not much in the way of actual patterns.

Knitting at Knewark

On our way home from a quick weekend away in NYC... lots of eating and shopping. The Trader Joe's bag probably gave that away.

Also lots of yarn shopping, too. Visited Purl, Seaport Yarn and Knitty City.

Did you know that Cascade has a sock yarn? I do not understand how I could have missed this! Cannot wait to get it on the needles. Also, I got myself a set of those rather odd square dpns. I have to give them a try. I hope my Signature needles don't get jealous... ;-)

All Socks All the Time at the Moment

Not just because of the needles (yeah, yeah, I know; I'm boring you), but because I'm actually on a publication deadline... all I'm knitting at the moment is socks.

I've got the super-secret assignment sock

which is all cables and complex stuff, so it's slow and careful going. I've got the second sock almost done, but I'm quietly starting to worry about how much yarn I have left. It's a 110gm skein, and I've got about an inch left in the foot and then the toe, and about 17gm left in the little ball. I'm sure I'll be ok, but it feels like that ball is getting smaller and smaller far too quickly. I do have 5gm of yarn in the swatch, so I can salvage that if need be. Keep your fingers crossed for me, as I don't think there's any of that yarn in the city right now.

And then there's the restful plain stocking stitch Noro Silk Garden sock.

This is the in transit/at party/on the phone knitting.

Not sure with how the colours are working out, but we'll see when the second one is knitted up. The plan with these socks is to just work from the ball without worrying about where the colours start. I did the heel from the centre of of the ball, but what I've got is rather too neutral right now -- with the exception of that splash of purple at the base of the leg. It's going to turn turquoise at any minute, so that should break things up.

And absolutely nothing else. Am not allowed to start anything else until the red sock is done. Hopefully tonight.

We have a terrible (hopefully fabulously so) movie to watch, so I plan on making lots of progress.

I am a lucky, lucky girl: Signature Needles

I was recently gifted with some sets of Signature double-pointed needles.



I've been reading about how much people love them, and have heard a few personal testimonials; as a result, as an avowed dpn-user, I've been quietly lusting after them for a while.

And some generous people who must like me very much came through.

I knew they were in the mail, and I stalked our mailman until they arrived. And then I dropped everything I was doing and transferred both of my current sock projects to them, and starting knitting.

Wow. Seriously. Wow. They are everything I'd hoped for, and more.

They're colour-coded, so that at at a glance I know which size they are. (The green ones are 2.25mm with Noro Silk Garden sock, and the purple ones are 2.5mm, with Colinette Jitterbug (the colourway is the fabulously-named Vatican Pie)). And the size is even marked on them. So not only do you know at a glance that you're using a matched set, you know what size they are. Don't underestimate this. I have a lot of sets of dpns. And since 2.5mm and 2.25mm and are my most frequently used sizes, I have more than one set of each. And when the damn things are labeled, and they are so close in size, I'm forever having to size them to figure out which is which. There are two knitting projects on the table beside me right now - one on 2.5mm and one on 2.25mm. If one of the needles gets separated from its project, in the old days I would have had to dig out my ruler and measure it. Annoying. A very popular brand of needles of which I'm otherwise fond suffers from this major drawback.

And then the points - my god, the very appropriately named stiletto point! They are the pointiest points I've ever used on a set of knitting needles. For someone who loves all sorts of insane pattern work - lots of cables and lace - the points are a godsend. And it's not just that they are sharp - but they're also very slick. That silver point is very smooth.

They are making Silk Garden Sock an absolutely pleasure to work with. It's a horribly sticky yarn, and it moves like butter on these needles.

But the Signature people are very clever. Very slick needles means you risk the knitting slipping off. So they've indented slight grooves around the body of the needle - the coloured portion. Your stitches stay very firmly put when you're not working them.

The slick/grooved combo is the best possible mid-point between the benefits of metal and bamboo needles - which would be worth it anyway. But then add the points. And the colour coding.

I am a total convert!

Now, that having been said, there are things to consider. I wouldn't call them downsides, just things to be aware of. These needles are tough, and aren't very likely to break. And the grooves means that your knitting won't slide off them when you're pulling them out of your knitting bag... but you still need some sort of device to keep them together and keep the points covered - I like the cardboard tubes, and those little rubber stopper thingies are good too -- because they're actually sharp. You risk poking a hole in your knitting bag, or scratching yourself. I've already got a couple of holes in my GoKnit bag. And you really wouldn't want to risk losing one.

And although, at least in North American and Europe, knitting needles are considered plane-safe, I wouldn't dare take these on a flight. I'm pretty sure they would grab the attention of the security personnel - and I'd hate to have them confiscated.

I will be honest that they took a few days to get used to - I've made a slight adjustment to how I'm working with them -- I'm tending to keep my stitches more bunched together, and moving them less.

Yes, they are expensive - but they are lifetime needles. And to help mitigate the expense, you are able to order precisely the number you need. I have sets of four because that's how I roll. Or you can order a set of five - knitter's choice. Or just one, if you (gasp!) lose one.

So yes - absolutely. They are as good as you've heard. And they are worth every penny. Thank you so very much to the gifters!

(On a totally different note - I was having a pre-coffee moment this morning, and couldn't remember the name of the GoKnit bags. So I googled "nylon knitting bag" and found this. I know that Italians do knit, but really... ? Dolce & Gabbana?)

Seeking Leftovers - Diamond Fine Merino DK

I'm working on a friend (brother? officemate?) for Adelaide - to be called Richmond. (The names, BTW, were inspired by a mystery book I read years ago. All the characters were named after roads and intersections in Toronto. Beverly Dundas. Chief Inspector Don V. Parkway. And Adelaide and Richmond Simcoe.)

I'm looking for scraps of yarn to make some clothes in different colours. Anybody got any partial balls of Diamond's Luxury Collection Fine Merino DK that they are willing to part with? I want bits and pieces of as many colors as I can find.

Contact me through email or find me on Ravelry and send me a message. Thanks!

New Design: Entrelac Hat/Patternfish & Ravelry

This started out as a demo of Entrelac in the round at a recent class.... as I was working on it, it became pretty clear that it was actually a hat.

It knits up startlingly quickly on super bulky yarn, and uses less than 100m. It's also a great way to play with Entrelac in the round, before you move onto socks. The funny thing about Entrelac in the round is that it's actually somewhat easier than Entrelac worked flat -- no starting triangles on the rounds, you see.

So not only is it a great way to show off Entrelac skills - and a nice and different way to use a self-striping yarn - but it's also easy enough that it can be your first Entrelac project.


Available for purchase on Patternfish and in Ravelry.

I've been asked what the difference is between Patternfish and Ravelry, and why my patterns are available on both. Patternfish is an online shop that focuses only on high-quality knitting patterns, for sale. There are no freebies on Patternfish - all patterns are sold, and come with the assurance of knowing that there is someone to send questions or comments to. It's advertising-free, and focuses on being a simple, straightforward place to browse and buy patterns. The searching capabilities are pretty damn sophisticated, so you can fine tune a search to land on precisely the pattern you're looking for...

Ravelry is a full-on social networking site - with forums and discussions and personal profiles and a place to post your knitting projects and your stash. There are free and paid patterns available on Ravelry. Ravelry does require a by-invitation sign up - so not everyone is part of it.

I'm a fan of both sites - and I wanted to make sure that knitters have as many options as possible to find and (hopefully) buy my patterns.

And even if you don't buy it - have a good laugh at the thought of me modeling a heavy woolly hat on the first hot & muggy day of the summer.

This Will Never Grow Old for Me

I teach a fair number of classes, and have published a fair number of designs.

I'm always thrilled to see my students complete one of my class projects, and to see one of designs come to life.

Michelle attended my "Learn to Knit in the Round Baby Hat" class - and she did! Have a look at her great hat...

And Emily knitted My Long Leaf Lace Shawl, and did an amazing job with it.

And S. told me a really great story recently. She and her sister-in-law both attended my "Learn to Knit Lace" class. In addition to teaching the basics about how to work lace, how to avoid and fix mistakes, and how to read and follow lace patterns and charts, I get students started on their first lace project. She told me that she and her sister-in-law attended a family event, and unknown to the other, each wore the shawl she had started in the class. Two of my designs in the same room - I wish I'd been there to see it.

It's a huge honour and thrill - that someone would choose one of my patterns -- and that they'd like the result enough to actually wear it! This will never grow old for me.

I CANNOT wait to see the first version of my Vicuna Sunray shawl...

New Design: Chevron Scarf

UPDATE! Now available for sale on Ravelry! And also on Patternfish!



Using Louet's rather magnificent Paco Vicunas yarn. It is not a value-priced yarn, by any means, so this design was specifically created to get the most bang from a single skein.

I love the feel of this yarn - it's a blend of Optim merino wool, SeaCell and Vicuna. More details at the link above. It's got a raw silk sort of hand, and is an absolute pleasure to work with. It's textured with a bit of fuzz but not too sticky, and it takes blocking amazingly well.

Like all my lace designs, this is modern and geometric and I think highly wearable. It's light and delicate, but not too fussy.

Sample will be available for viewing and fondling as of tomorrow at The Purple Purl, and the pattern will be available shortly online and at the shop.

Say Hello to Adelaide

I told you the bears were evolving...

She comes with her own wardrobe...


I'll be teaching a class on how to knit Adelaide and her outfits at the Purple Purl in July.

Argh/Slow Knitting Week

What a week. Got back from an excellent vacation, and was promptly hit with a mighty cold.

I'm not sure I'll ever understand why a stuffed-up nose and sore throat makes it so hard to think or -- more to the point -- knit.

I've been managing some fairly plain stocking stitch, but not much else.

The good news is that plain old stocking stitch can actually turn into some very interesting things. The bears are becoming a doll.

(Norman was entirely disturbed at my willingness to cut the head off the doll. I had to spend a fair bit of time playing with the proportions of the doll - the head needed to be bigger than I originally anticipated. Which necessitated me taking a pair of scissors to an almost-complete doll and removing its head.)

Next up: clothing and a face.

Textile Museum Yardage Sale

BTW, I apologize to everyone who went to the Textile Museum sale on my recommendation... I've been told by several knitters that it wasn't a great event... apparently, there was lots of fabric available, but very little in the way of knitting goodies.

I sent a friend with a crisp $10 bill and directions to spend it on as much cool/interesting/amusing stuff as she could get her hands on. All she was able to find was a vintage sock pattern book en francais. It's a pretty typical 1950s (?) sock pattern book - lots of manly argyles and cables.

It's not all manly stuff, though... there's an excellent pair of over-the-knee lace and cable socks.

(Click to embiggen.)

The best thing about the pattern book is what I found tucked inside... two ads, likely cut out of magazines, for two very handsome pairs of socks. The ads are in English, and aren't for knitting patterns - they are for actual socks. Design inspiration for the owner of the pattern book, I have to assume?

The tag line at the bottomn of the ad is wonderful - "Makers of England's Finest Hose and Sweaters for Men".

These must have been some pretty grand socks - the price listed in the ad is $3.95 for a pair of half hose, $3.50 for anklets.

Travel Knitting

Lots of great knitting done while on holiday...

the Regia Nation Colour socks.... as yet unblocked and ends unwoven, because I lost my good pointy darning needle. Still, it's not really socks weather.


I am endlessly amused by the offset stripes.

And a really great simple lace scarf in Malabrigo sock yarn... it's from Victorian Lace Today. It's the "Scarf with striped border" from page 80.


I was without pins or blocking wires, and so all I managed to do was wash it in the hotel sink and then let it hang dry over the towel rail. I love it now - will be even better when properly blocked. You can see what it's supposed to look like at the top right of this page...

The Malabrigo sock is great for lace - nice and smooth, and fine. It's a soft yarn - almost delicate, and I think it's better suited to lace than socks. I'd be afraid that it wouldn't wear well.

And as to the needles on a plane status - no problems at all with bamboo dpns for the socks, and a short metal circular for the lace. I love lace for long plane rides, as I've often remarked.

iKnit London Visit

Had a wonderful visit yesterday with the team from iKnit London - Gerard, Chris and Vanessa.

They've got a great shop, and I picked up a couple of books. One I've been reading about for a while - the reissue of Jane Waller's Stitch in Time. It's a fabulous, detailed and serious survey of knitting fashions, patterns and techniques from the 1920s to 1949. Some of the "vintage knits" books just have updated patterns. This book actually reproduces the original pattern and has an update, and discusses how the pattern uses and represents the styles of the time. There's a volume 2 coming sometime, apparently. Can't wait to get my hands on that.

Also the classic first volume of Modern Lace Knitting. It's full of the sort of madness I adore: knitted bedspreads and curtains and tablecloths.

And because I've been noodling on it for a while, I picked up a tatting shuttle (at John Lewis; yes, the department stores have very decent craft sections). Now all I have to do is learn how to use it. I've got an old needlework book I acquired from an older knitter, with full instructions. I'm intrigued. It seems like precisely the fiddly and slow sort of work I love...

Colinette Visit

That's the Jitterbug section. Need I say more?

Holiday Knitting

The red flag means it's too rough to swim... and too rough to knit outdoors, actually. Very very windy on the jetty here in Aberdovey.


But it's never too windy to knit in the Dovey Arms.

As to what I'm knitting... well, that was a last minute addition to my suitcase. A simple garter-based lace scarf in Malabrigo sock yarn. It's quick knitting, ideal for the car. The problem is that I failed to pack a tape measure.

Off to the Colinette headquarters tomorrow. I suspect they may have a tape measure I can use.

Vacation Knitting

A long flight looms, so I've carefully chosen a selection of knitting to keep me entertained...

A new lace design in Louet Signature Series Paco Vicunas.

A just-started sock in Regia Nation Colour red & white.

And a spare ball of sock yarn, just in case I finish the other two projects. It's the Shibui Sock I picked up at the Frolic.

And that's just for the flight. I have the second ball of each of the Shibui and the Regia for the rest of the trip. 2 pairs of socks and a lace scarf for 10 days. That should be just enough, I think.

As to the needles on the plane situation - I'm taking bamboo needles (safely protected in that fabulous little cardboard tube thingy) for the socks. For the lace, I have threaded a lifeline and put the work on an older short metal circular that I'm willing to surrender if airport security asks me to. The good needle is packed safely in the suitcase. This strategy has served me well in the past - if they do complain about my metal needles at security, it can safely be removed from my knitting, and I've got something else to work on. And if not, I get to knit lace on the plane. I find lace knitting ideal for long flights. Doesn't take up much room, and god knows there's nothing else to draw my attention away from it.

Vest - done!

I'm pretty pleased with the result - very simple, very wearable. Will be useful on the imminent vacation - it's all about layers in Wales, you know.

And I'm even more pleased with the construction - as I mentioned, it's a top-down, one-piece, set-in sleeve number.

More details when I write the pattern up.

Owls Sweater!

I made it long to better fit the judy in the store - and I rather like it! Cardiganized, with all-over garter edging.

Top-Down One-Piece Set-in Sleeve

(Owls is done but it's just at the shop waiting for Denny to sew the buttons on. Picture shortly.)

There's been something on my needles for the past couple of weeks, quietly designing itself. In the quiet moments between Owls, and lace designs, and technical editing, I've been working on an Idea.

It's a vest. A simple, black, v-neck vest with little rolled edges, from some leftover Karaoke.

But here's the thing.

It's worked in one piece, from the top down. And it has a shaped armhole. (It would be a set-in sleeve it were to have sleeves, but I don't have enough yarn.) And some bust and waist shaping.

I needed to prove it can be done. It's got shaped shoulders and everything! It's as easy as -- nay! even easier than! a one-piece top down raglan. And it's so much better a fit for me and my shape.

Although I'm known to be a curmudgeon about top-down one piece designs, there are a number of things I appreciate about them... love that you can try them on as you go. Love that you can decide about the length of the body as you go - great if you're worried about having enough yarn, or you're not sure about how long you want it. And of course, I do like working in the round.

The edgings are modest and rolled, because I didn't want the shoulders to be too wide, and I liked the simplicity of the shape contrasting with the slightly rough, unevenly-spun nature of the yarn. (There's nothing worse, IMHO, than a vest with armhole edgings extending past the tip of the wearer's shoulders. See the second one down, the pink one with the crewneck on this page. It's a minor detail, I know, but so important in making the vest look like it actually fits properly.)

I've worked the armhole and neck edgings, am past the waist shaping and now I am just going to knit until I think it's long enough, and then cast off. It's like a giant sock leg at this point - round and round and round and round... knit knit knit knit knit knit... I've been working on it in the car, mostly.

And soon, I shall have a vest! I shall write it up!

All My Needs Met....

Knit-Oku!

Owls Sweater & Cardigan Variant - And Class

I've been working an Owls sweater as a shop sample. It's a fun knit - works up quickly on chunky yarn, and it's got enough going on - some short rows, clever waist shaping, and of course the cabled Owls - that it's interesting, and provides a good learning opportunity.

Key learning: marker placement is critical. S., in my project class, also made this sweater, and had a rather distressing experience - her stitch markers ended up being misplaced, and what should have been back waist shaping turned into side waist shaping. We had to undo the yoke, but we chalked it up to lesson learnt, and S.'s attitude about it was excellent.

Me, I'm never so calm when I have to do undo my own knitting. Like last night.

I was well into the Owls stitch pattern, when I realized that I'd somehow gained a stitch - an Owl was 9 sts rather than 8. I had to pull back 6 rows.

Two notes on this - yes, even experienced knitters make mistakes like this. I added an extra stitch when I turned the cable - must have caught an extra loop of yarn on my needle. Rip, rip, rip.

And yes, I said rows. I'm turning it into a cardigan. There are a number of variations out there -- some with garter buttonbands but the original ribbed edging, and some with ribbed buttonbands to match the ribbed edging. The boss and I decided that we wanted to convert all the edgings to garter, and do it all in one piece.


It's coming out nicely, I think. I'm using Cascade Eco Wool. Just about done the Owls - properly this time. I hope to have it done tonight.

I will be teaching a class on the sweater - and the cardigan variant - in July. (With the designer's permission, yes.)

On Magic Loop; New Sock Design in Progress

After much interesting discussion about Magic Loop (read the comments, there's some good ones), I've decided to give it a go.

At the same time, I'm working on a new, specially themed sock design. A select few of you know what this is about... but I'm saying nothing until it's closer to being done.

I had started this with another yarn - some leftover Arequipa in a fabulous blood red colour...


but it was just too damn dark to see what I was doing. I also have concerns about my ability to photograph it.

On the magic loop experience -- since the sock is so heavily cabled, I am enjoying excellent points on the Addi Turbo lace needles. And because the patterning is worked twice around the sock, it's nice to have each repeat on one needle.

I'm getting a bit faster at it -- but I do find the whole pulling of the needles thing still annoying.

So yes, I can see the advantages.

Am I converted? Nope. Still love my good old dpns.

Irish Spring Socks: Yarn Foward Magazine

I'm proud to announce that one of my sock designs is being featured in Issue 13 of Yarn Forward magazine.

The "Irish Spring" socks.

(Picture copyright St Range Photography.)

These socks were designed specifically to meet a need: an intricately patterned cabled sock that doesn't require a cable needle. All the cables are actually clever combinations of twist stitches: one-over-one twists that are easily worked without any special equipment. And the pattern stitches are all easy to memorize, with very few rows.

Low-effort, high impact knitting!

P.S. Thanks for all the great comments re: magic loop and sock patterns... will post a summary on my learnings...

Magic Loop & a Question for My Readers

It's no secret that I'm a rabid sock knitter. And that my needles of choice are dpns.

As Knitty's sock queen technical editor for socks, I encounter a lot of patterns written specifically for Magic Loop.

Now, I am competent with the Magic Loop technique (video from KnittingHelp.com). I've even taught a workshop on it. But I'm not a fan.

I've been told that people like it because it's easier to manage than dpns. And that it reduces the risk of ladders (loose stitches between the needles).

I find the long cord, and all the pulling makes it tangly and annoying. And the ladders were actually worse. The thing is, it's really all about comfort and how I hold my needles. I get that. Ultimately, it should be the knitter's own choice.

I hate to be prescriptive about it.

Which makes me *faintly* embarrassed that all my sock patterns are written specifically for dpns. And makes me wonder about sock patterns that are written specifically for one needle type or another.

Me, I am miffed when I see a sock pattern written for magic loop, since I know I'll need to do some thinking to convert it.

So, blogiverse, a question: if you're a magic loop knitter, what do you do when you see a sock pattern written specifically for dpns? Do you convert it, or just ignore it? And if you're a dpn knitter, what do you do with sock patterns written specifically for magic loop - convert or ignore? More importantly, should we be demanding sock patterns that are fully general, allowing the knitter to choose the needles to be used? Would love to hear your thoughts.

New! I Am For Sale on Patternfish

Two patterns and counting! Look for me there! It's a great service - check it out. And buy something!

So Very Very Proud; Maybe Also a Little Jealous

A student in one of my project classes (we shall call her Clementine, for reasons she will understand), is a newer knitter.

She came to the first class with a pattern, a ball of yarn, and a very specific project request. The Silk Sleeves from the book One Skein. They were to be a gift for a coworker. Worked in Kidsilk Haze.

(A picture of another knitter's version can be found here. Ravelry pattern page here.)

Now, Clementine seemed like a sensible girl, and although she was a newer knitter, she seemed careful and confident with her needles. And the sleeves are worked in stocking stitch, so we got her cast on in the first class.

I did strongly suggest she change to metal needles from the original plastic ones she had, and they definitely seemed to help.

What I didn't tell her was that Kidsilk Haze is my nemesis. This yarn defeats me every time I try to work with it. (Now, Clementine had one thing working to her advantage - she had chosen a light colour. Me, I insist on picking dark colours. And attempting lace with it.)

And I'm very very proud to announce that our fearless knitter absolutely ROCKED the silk sleeves. She did an absolutely amazing job. They're perfect, and beautiful, and I'm in awe.

Once they were done, I sheepishly confessed my little issue with Kidsilk Haze. I don't know whether Clementine was happy or distressed to hear this -- but either way, she has a great gift to show for her work -- and she'll never be afraid of any yarn again.

Indeed I Was, Clearly

Everybody has been very polite, not pointing out the terrible typo in the heading of the previous post. I think I shall leave it, to demonstrate precisely how exhausted I was...

Exhasuted, Happy and Not Totally Broke: The Frolic Haul

Two books from Marsha. Neither, of course, is the one I was looking for, but there wasn't a copy to be found. So there. Anyway, books should never be restricted, they're edumacational.

Dark sock yarn - yes! Koigu KPM since I haven't actually knitted with it. So that's research. And also Shibui Sock yarn, since I'd never actually seen it before. Apparently, it's fairly new to Canada. More research.

And then the obligatory insane sock yarn purchase... $8, in what I can only describe as a "clown" colourway. Lana Grossa Meilenweit Magico. I refuse to feel guilty about this.

(Seems I like my socks in two colours - black, or clown. This is a surprise to no one but me.)

And then something I'd never seen in person before... Kauni... there's about 650m in this 160gm ball, and it stripes in all the colours of the rainbow. Literally. Looks like a sport weight, 100% wool. I'm thinking a spectacular lace shawl. Rectangular, so that the stripes are regular.

So. No one had blocking mats, although Jennifer tells me to go buy kid's playmats at Canadian Tire.

And didn't see a good colour for a doll. And then I didn't find a colour I liked for summer laceweight yarn.

So, nothing too insane, and even something that was on my list.

I look forward to seeing everyone else's goodies.

Comments and Questions on my Shopping List

Re: Vintage Knitwear for Modern Knitters. I know very little about this book, I'll be honest. Love the title and the concept - I'm desperate to take a look at it. One commenter says it's nothing too exciting - I've actually heard that from another source, too. Anyone else seen it?

Re: dark sock yarn. Yeah, I know, it's boring and hard to knit with. But I have an extensive wardrobe of brightly coloured socks, and it's time for some dark, boring socks to wear with work-appropriate shoes.

And it's good to know that other people have strange impulse purchase yarn sitting in their stashes... someone generously suggested that I might have bought it because reminded me of spring.

Although that gives me an idea for how to use it... rather than trying to hide its astro-turf-like properties, perhaps I should embrace them... ?

Shopping List

An interesting challenge to myself... If I publicly declare my shopping list in advance, how closely can I stick to it?

After all, I am desperately trying to avoid what happened last year: the blood sugar drops, my defenses are low, and I come home with something like this...


Which remains unknit to this day. I love it, but cannot for the life of me think what to do with it. (I distinctly remember my Mum looking at it, and then me, and saying "Really?" in that are-you-out-of-your-mind? tone of voice.)

So here's what I'm looking for:
-blocking matts and pins
-plain sock yarn in dark colours
-"Vintage Knitwear for Modern Knitters"
-some worsted weight yarn in a colour suitable for a doll -- since I think the bears might be evolving
-summer lace-weight yarn (i.e. non-wool - silk, seasilk,... ?)

and, of course, I have a standing item on any shopping list: I have full liberty to buy whatever cool/new/interesting/bargain sock yarn I might find.

If you're a sock knitter, definitely put these on your shopping list...


What are they? Clever little cardboard tubes that you can slide your fragile dpns into to protect them. I carry a sock project with me wherever I go (seriously; stop me at the Frolic and ask to see what sock I'm working on) and this is a great way to carry them.

I always worry that my bamboo or wooden dpns are going to get caught on something - or get sat on - and break. This way, I know they are safe. You also can't lose a needle, or a stitch, for that matter. Everything is bundled up nice and tidy. I will happily give you a demo when I show you my sock project on Saturday! (Not advertising, just a happy customer.)

Knitter's Frolic: Socks and Yarn

This weekend is the DKC Knitter's Frolic, held at the Japanese Cultural Centre near Don Mills and Eglinton in Toronto. I've blogged about this event before -- it's a major highlight of the knitting year -- and one that I'm always in town for!

I'm teaching a workshop on Saturday - Socks 102. It's designed for knitters who have some experience knitting socks, but want to broaden their skills. I discuss different heel and toe shaping. I will demonstrate how to tweak and customize the fit of a sock- including making knee socks, accommodating particularly narrow or wide ankles, and how to improve the feet of a short-row heel. I will talk about toe-up and top down. I will even demo magic loop! Bring your sock-related questions! I love a good challenge.

I love the marketplace, too. The exciting bit for me is meeting with the smaller, local yarn producers. Hopeful Shetlands and Shelridge Farms are two of my favourites. They're both based in Ontario, and produce wonderful stuff. Hopeful in particular has a lot of undyed yarns, in the most wonderful natural sheepy colours. And Shelridge makes one of my favourite sock yarns.

Hope to see you there! Say hello!