The Knitting "F" Word

(kids cover your ears) F-F-F-Finishing, yes, there it is, I said it, out in public for all to view. The one word we all live in fear of and say with disgust. How many times have you called your knitting buddy excited to share with them “Finally, I cast off that sweater, but now I have to “F” it.”

But really, what does that word mean and why are we so negative when we speak it. So what if it means you have to weave in all 36 ends in that Fair-Isle Sweater, sew miles and miles of seams, pick up and knit the endless button band. We need to stop cursing under our breath and realize that Finishing is a good thing and when done properly your project will be taken from Homemade to Handmade. That sweater in the boutique window is knit the same as yours, with the same materials, and is finished using the exact same techniques we all know and hate.

One of the first steps to ensure the project is finished properly will begin even before you cast on, by reading the pattern completely, and ensuring that you have the right materials for the job. And never underestimate the power of swatching and blocking, both will become your instant finishing friends. Swatching is going to let you know before even casting on the project if the yarn and the fabric it creates will even be what you imagined it to be. If not don’t fear, the project will still be made, you will just need to find another yarn and re-swatch to ensure you have the fabric you desire. Once that is all done and you have knit up all pieces, blocking will be the next important step in the process, this will allow you to size the pieces to match the schematic, as well as flattening the edges to make your seaming easier to complete.

If you don’t already own a good set of reference books I would suggest you go to your local yarn store and spend some time to find the match for you. The one that I can’t live without is the Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt. This is my reference for all things in the knitting universe including finishing, which is explained very clearly, covering seaming, buttonholes, etc, with detailed photographs. I also have on hand Shirley Paden’s Knitwear Design Workshop: A Comprehensive Guide to Handknits, when you look through the pieces in this book, each and every one of them could be gracing a fashion runway, and that is was drew me to this book. The detailed instructions in both these publications will help you to achieve your Boutique ready finishing. Another very comprehensive guide is Finishing School: A Master Class for Knitters by Deborah Newton, well laid out and packed with user friendly information as well as amazing patterns and a great section on embellishing with non-knitted items.

With the amount of time and money we invest in our knitting projects those few extra hours spent at the end are equally, if not more, important, so Just take your time and enjoy the “F”inishing journey.

Louet North America - Spring 2014

What would be more inspiring to look at when the tempurature is dipping to -31 with windchill than a lovely collection of Spring Knitwear. Louet North America released their Spring 2014 collection today and I am very excited to be a part of this amazing collection. The photoshoot took place in Boston with the very talented Caro Sheridan behind the lense.

The Selway is feminine pullover featuring Art Deco inspired lace will compliment many body shapes whether worn loose or with a belt cinched at the waist. Top is knit flat with armhole and neck edge detail knit as you go which means minimal finishing.

You can see the complete collection at: Louet North America - Spring 2014

Individual patterns are available at: Ravelry: Louet North America - Spring 2014

Shhhhh. . . . its a suprise

So, it is that time of year again, when the secret bags of yarn get tucked into the corner, hidden from view. When I have to knit under the darkness of night while everyone sleeps. Yes the gift giving season approached and this year my goal is that in the boxes are finished projects, not those with needles still attached as if my gift to them is to have them knit their own gift.

I have designed a sweater for my husband, I had him spend hours going through the men's cardigans on Ravelry telling me what he liked and did not like. Running through the Cascade website choosing colours. He knows I am knitting for him, but his surprise will be when he opens it (hopefully one he smiles at).

I also have a little something special for my son, one that has more to do with November 23rd than December 25th - and yes the fellow nerds will know what I am talking about.

And for the first time ever, my father emailed me just minutes after I released my Pop Rock Vest and told me he found his Christmas Gift!!! In exactly those colours, and here are my measurements - I like it when a man makes gift giving easy.

So, we will get through the busy Christmas season . . . I will keep you updated on my progress and then the real fun begins!!!

New Name . . . Same Game

The name has changed, but the games the same.  Still knitting up a storm.  Although I do want to share with you my latest as my boys would say "Epic Fail".  Ever work so diligently that your concentration can't be broken, not even noticing an error, working past it without seeing it, then seaming in the sleeve, again, without seeing it, then 10 times you go past it while working on the button band, again, without seeing it any of the 10 times.  Then off to be washed - without seeing it, then lay it out flat on the drying board look down and go WT*. 

Yup - happened just last week with a lovely Raglan Sweater in Cascade 220 in a lovely wine colour.  Now as I looked down at the Epic Fail I did have an "Aha" moment.  Magic loop on the sleeve, one loop pulled itself into the sleeve, I promptly pulled it back out, apparently not making sure I was at the right spot.  Obviously not as the increases were down the centre of the sleeve not under the arm.

So okay - nothing to panic about, simply pull out the sleeve, pull down to armhole, re-centre and knit away. oh, yeah, have to pull out the button band first - there goes a few hours, unweave my ends (man, why do I put them in so well), unseam sleeve, pull down, centre and reknit.  But of course it is soaking wet right now so I have to stare at it for days while it drys kicking myself for not noticing an . . .

EPIC FAIL

Post Holiday Knitting Sweet Spot - Yes ME time!

What is on your needles right now?  Hopefully you are not still rushing through a gift to be delivered late. 

As with most knitters I know, after months of agonizing over what to knit for gifts, wondering whether or not they will like it, then the last minute knitathon that leaves you wondering if your fingers will ever uncurl; arrives that sweet spot in the year when you can go through your stash and actually wonder what project you want to make for yourself.

Perhaps the yarn beckoning you is that lovely alpaca lace weight you picked up at the show 2 years ago, or that amazing hand painted sock yarn you bought on that summer road trip with the girls!  What ever it is, yes, go ahead, pluck it out of your stash and cast on.  Enjoy knitting every yard at a leisurely pace, feel the texture as it slips through your fingers, look at amazement of the depth of the shades in that hand painted yarn as your socks begin to spring off the needles.

And enjoy every moment, because you deserve it!

Sweet & Simple Lace Socks

Fall into knitting

Ahhhh, my favourite season has arrived, one where you can be wearing all your wonderful hand knits. But also that time of year when you are happy to have a big huge afghan in your lap as you work on it.

And one of my favourite events of the fall season is the Port Elgin Pumpkinfest.  For this years event, I have crafted these lovely hats for all to wear,  our family will definately be easy to pick out.

Goal was to have 8 hats made up, so far I have 3 completed and #4 underway. Not quite where I should be, but there are still many hours left before it begins!

The hats are my own design, and each pumpkin is a little bit unique, just like each family member.  Crafted with Cascade 220, sure to keep our pumpkins warm!

Another favourite family stop is the Williamsford Pie Company located in Williamsford, Ontario on Highway 6, worth the drive anyday.  They have a Lemon Buttermilk Pie that is the best thing you will ever have on your plate.  I would suggest calling ahead if you are doing a drive by pick up as they sell out quite quickly, but are more than happy to accommodate any special orders.

And to get you in the Christmas Spirit, I have 2 new pattern releases at Knitpicks which I am sure you will enjoy:

Brava Holiday Tree Skirt

Brava Holiday Afghan

Happy Fall Knitting!!!

2013 Knitting Pattern A Day Arrives

Received a very exciting package today, copies of the 2013 Knitting Pattern A Day.  Two of my patterns are featured:

The Gambler (September 9 & 10) and

Kobi~your eReader Cover.  (November 15, 16 & 17)

Along with over 100 other amazing patterns as well.  I hope you will pick one up to enjoy throughout the year, or as a special gift for the knitter in your life.

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Knitting-2013-Day-Day-Calendar-Susan-Ripley/9781449419264-item.html?ikwid=knitting+calendar&ikwsec=Home

Day 23 - Great WIP Cleanout

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the cottage over a week ago to find another Butterfly Shawl cocooning on our bench.  It took another few days for this lovely creature to spread its wings and fly, but I did manage to catch this breath taking shot prior to it fluttering away!

So for the great WIP Cleanout, I know have left
maze sock
mosiac sock
peartree sweater
Apple of My Eyelet Socks

Once I finish a weeks worth of laundry I will pick my next item which according to the Great WIP cleanout rules will be the only item I touch until it is completed. (well, maybe?)

DAY 12 - Great WIP Cleanout

Look what landed in my Japanese Maple Tree this morning, the elusive Butterfly Shawl, I hear the pink colouration is very rare and I was extremely lucky to have my camera near by to grab this shot before it fluttered away.

I wonder what will show up next in my garden?  Only 5 WIPS to go.

DAY 9 - Great WIP Cleanout

whoooooooo hooooooooo

#3 is off the needles, leaving 6 more WIPs to go.

Next up is the Pink Butterfly shawl.  Remember my rules, pick one item that needs to be completed and stay with it until it is done.

So magically over the next few days this Pink cocoon of yarn will transform itself into the beautiful Butterfly Shawl by Danielle Comeau

I wonder what I will choose to cross off the list once this is done?  Any suggestions. . .

Peartree sweater

navy merino/silk Butterfly Shawl

Maze Socks

Apple of My Eyelet Socks

Mosaic Socks

DAY 8 - WIP Catch Up

So . . . was going along just great with the great WIP cleanout, when a few too many hours gardening brought on Bursitis in my elbow (for anyone who has had this in a hip or joint that you must use all the time, I honestly don't know how you handled it).  In an elbow brace with meds, a situation that does not work well with trying to have a knit-a-thon or anything else for that matter.

That said, I have been moving along slowly, very, very slowly.  But I am working away on WIP #3 of nine.

Lucky #3 is a ribbed sock in Mulberry Stripes Kroy Sock Yarn (picked up on sale for 0.79 cents per ball from Michael's, yup thats right 0.79 cents - and I bought them all).  This is where we were when it was pulled out of storage.  I have been working on it for a few days.  Will post once it is completed. (but sock 1 is already off the needles, sock number two's heel has been turned and we are sprinting up the leg)

So for the Great WIP Cleanout that leaves 13 days to go and . . .
1. Peartree Sweater
2. Pink Butterfly Shawl
3. Blue Butterfly Shawl
4. Maze Socks
5. Apple of My Eyelet Socks
6. Mosaic Socks

Not sure what order I will tackle this in, but holy sock batman, my feet will be warm with winter!

And I might also point out that it has been over a week and I have still managed to resist the urge to cast on something new!  Wow - did not realize how hard that was going to be, but my goal was to finish all items on needles prior to starting anything and there are a whole bunch of people who will never let me forget that if I stray!

End of WIP Day 1

A picture is worth a thousand words, but today, it is worth 2 items crossed off the WIP list

And on top of the Tranquility Bolster Cushion, also completed are the Iron Knitter Socks worked in the amazing Zauberball yarn. 

So that leaves 7 WIP to complete, I wonder what will be completed next?

WIP Cleanout - Day 1

I chose the Tranquility Home Spa Collection Bolster Pillow as the Day 1 project - It will be a lovely addition to my office, and may make me want to spend more time in there (to complete the other items.)

Here is the photo as of this morning. I pulled out all the pieces, have the 2 I-cords completed, 1 end and approximately 22 inches of the 25 inch body.  Below is a photo of what it will look like once complete - perhaps even by this evening!

The Tranquility Home Spa Pillow Collection and co-ordinating afghan pattern can be purchased at http://www.knitpicks.com/

Calm Before the "hoped for" Storm

Breath out slowly, book has been released, breath in slowly, new proposals sent out, breath out. . .

So what to do when you are in that in between stage, can't start anything new as you are waiting to hear back on a few proposals and need to keep your desk clean, but really want to keep knitting.  Well, pull out all unfinished projects and get going.  And that is just what I am doing.

So on needles I have:
Cotton/Linen Butterfly Shawl in a lovely pink - 75% complete
Merino/Silk Butterfly Shawl in navy blue - 75% complete
last 2 inches of a sock from Iron Knitter Round 4 - I believe 2010 is when I lost that round - 85% complete
Mosiac socks (working on the design, 3/4 of sock one done) - 40% complete
Colourwork sock - 25% complete
Purple striped socks - 40% complete
1st Sign of Spring Sweater (Peartree Supersoft Yarn - this one is all for me, absolutely yummy, Latvian briad and pansy colourwork) 30% complete
Apple of My Eyelet Socks - 50% complete
Tranquility Bolster Pillow - 75% complete

9 Items on the go. Minimum 2 weeks before I hear back on any proposals.

So here goes - we are going to see how many things I can complete in this 2 week period.  I am going to pick one each day and just work on that one item.  I will post photo's of the WIP the morning and then again the evening when I retire it.  Each day totally dedicated to only one item.

Lets just see what a little determination can do for WIP cleaning.  See you tomorrow morning for my first photo's - I wonder which one it will be????

Summer Blues eBook Preview

The Summer Blues eBook will be out shortly, featuring some amazing pieces for your summer wardrobe. Each piece was created using Knitpicks Shine Worsted (http://www.knitpicks.com/).  Shine is a Cotton/Beechwood blend with a lovely sheen, and it knits up like a dream.

The collection features 5 designs, Bustier, Skirt, Jacket, V-Neck Sweater and Lacy Cropped Cardigan.

Easy, wearable knits with a twist of Sexy.

Where in the World are My Knits

So just for the fun of it, I have gone in a tracked where people are knitting my patterns, I have done up two maps, one of the world and one for the USYou may be wondering what brought this on; other than my quest for World Dominatin One Stitch at a Time; but really it was the knitter on Ravelry who posted the photo's of her completed Naida Beret. Which she knit for her Grandmother, both of whom live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

How amazing to know that something that started here in my studio is now being seen on the street of Kuala Lumpur. It is such an exciting and humbling experience.

Now someone has already pointed out the lack of southern knitters, but hopefully that will change with the release of the Summer Blues eBook which will be out early June. Featuring 5 great projects to keep you feeling cool in the summer, but still looking hot!

Check back for updates on that project and many more!

Spectra Scarf and other projects. . .

Stopped by in Niagara-on-the-Lake yesterday and visited my favourite little store, (okay, my second favourite, the fudge shop is #1)

Bee - Modern Fabrics & Yarns

188 Victoria Street

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

(905) 468 8190

info@beefabrics.ca

http://www.beefabrics.ca/

Amazing quilting and yarn store, featuring many of Kaffe Fassett's outstanding fabrics. If you are in the area, I would strongly suggest you stop by or even make it your destination, you won't be disappointed. The colours in the fabric section will take your breath away. And there is an equisite selection of yarns to please every knitter. The Rozetti Yarn line is there in strength, including Polaris, which is an acrylic/wool blend with sequins threaded throughout, adding extra sparkle to everything you create.

Finally decided on a skein of Spectra by Rozetti Yarns, and wore my new scarf today!! (photo is from http://www.universalyarn.com/ but mine is in the same colourway). Was a little difficult to get the hand of working with, but after the first few rows went along just fine. What an amazing way to quickly spruce up your wardrobe for spring. Pattern was emailed to me while I was checking out so I could cast on as soon as I walked through the door. That is what good customer service is all about!

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IN OTHER NEWS. . . And at the many requests of my students, I have started launching my video's on YouTube as a refresher of what is learned in class.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trWgPaa9si0

Hope you will stop by and take a look.

Available for download is the new Naida Beret and Fingerless Glove set - FREE DOWNLOAD on Ravelry.

Also, won't have many new releases over the next few months - working on a big project for summer which I can hardly wait to complete (I will send out teaser photo's closer to the date) current designs are located at http://www.knitpicks.com/ or Ravelry: kdmcreative .

Diamonds Are Faux-Ever . . . and other stuff

Well, the dreaded holiday season is over, we are all running back to the gym and living on lettuce. What a perfect time of the year to start a new adventure - say perhaps knitting.

That said, I did slow down over the break, but am back at full speed.

The Sock Monkey's were a great hit

My Mom LOVED her Valour vest, and my Mother-In-Law loved her Saturday Morning Hoodie, and I finally wore my Birthday Sweater.

And now I have two new designs (one already live with KnitPicks), the Brava Colourwork Pillow and Diamonds Are Faux-Ever (which is the Pattern of the Month at Spun Fibre Arts.

I have a few other items coming up, but I will save them for another post.

Shhhh. . . . It's a Surprise

Getting ready for Christmas is always so much fun. And this year I am having huge amounts of fun.


I have finally moved into the realm of toy maker, and my two little, adorable nephews are my test market for the 2011 season.


I have decided to begin my journey with the tried and true sock monkey pattern from Paton's Classic yarn. I have make some adjustments to their pattern as follows:


Casting on both feet using the Magic Loop Figure 8 cast on, so both legs can be worked at once (will also use this technique to knit the 2 arms and 1 tail simultaneously).


Also, I have substituted Cascade 220 Superwash for the yarn (as I want to make sure these little friends can enjoy bathtime as needed).


I have both legs completed and about 1 inch up the body. So far everything is coming along very smoothly, and I can hardly wait to start stuffing them.


I will continue to post photo's of my progress and here is to making my deadline!

The Simplicity of a Sock

So as of this morning, everything I am working on became too big to walk around with.

The Tranquility Afghan is thankfully way to big to fit in my purse
The Helmsley Men's Vest #1 - has only the neck band to do, so a little awkward to work on while travelling
The Helmsley Men's Vest #2 - front done, back in progress, still no way it is purse worthy

And so I find myself looking for a simple project that will fit in my purse, and after many months of complex, large, time consuming projects I find my self enthralled at the thought of mindlessly knitting around in a circle, over and over and over again.

The Simplicity of a Sock - my new meditation for today.

Paton Kroy Sock in Mulberry - just cast on, loving the colours.