One of the Hardest Things...

A few days ago I  stumbled across a wonderful free .pdf download called 40 Favorite Tips and Techniques for Knitters of All Levels*.   It is a compilation of information from the "knitting daily tv" show that can be found in some areas on PBS.

As I began reading, I remembered back to the day I found out that I was expecting Kim.  I was 22 and it had been years since I had done knitting of any sort and the sort I had done was pretty well limited to scarves and also scarves.  So of course I ran right down to K-Mart, grabbed one of those little instruction booklets for baby layettes, bought needles (?) and skinny (?) yarn, raced home and started knitting the most complicated sweater pattern in the booklet.  To say this first effort of mine was pitiful is probably an understatement.  But was I proud of it?  Oh yes!  Back in those pre-ultrasound days, stores sold a lot of mint greens and yellows.  Kim's sweater was yellow and, yes, she wore it -- once.  Would I have gone ahead with the project had I known what I was getting into? With my ego at that age...?  Hard to say....probably.

So it was with a sigh that I read 40 Favorite's Rule #1, which said something vaguely to the effect that it would probably be wise to make a copy of the pattern and then read through the entire pattern at least once before I begin knitting.  There are times, even today, when, IMHO (in my humble opinion), that is nothing but a waste of precious time.  

Here I am with a picture of this absolutely gorgeous shawl, yarn that is soft like butter (and we won't mention the cost), a new set of needles...(I don't know why), and I just could not resist those purple and gold stitch markers.  The last thing I want to do is sit down and read.  I want to create!  I want to be actively involved with this pattern, these needles, this yarn.  I do not want to sit passively and read!

But...on the other hand, if I read it first, I'm much more likely to see that there is more than one size. (Yeah, that's what's going on inside all the parentheses that are littering this page!)  Do you have any idea, because I do, what happens if you keep repeating a set of knit instructions over and over and over until you use up all the numbers inside those brackets?  It ain't pretty!

So on the copy I've made, I circle the size I want to use and then I go through the entire pattern and, each time that size is referenced (or should I say buried) in the midst of a line of numbers, I circle it again.  Sometimes I'll use a hi-liter.  I have found that yellow not only fades at times, but under certain light conditions, I cannot see it well.  For me, it's hot pink hi-lites all the way.

Whilst I am making little pink polka dots on my pattern, I also try to find cues that things are about to change.  Phrases like "at the same time" or "from both sides at once," if overlooked, can make for some really funky shaping. These phrases need recognition.  What I find to be really useful are the little arrow-shaped Post-It Notes.  You can use them as just arrows or, if you are into color-coding, they come in four colors.

Making certain that you don't skip lines of instructions during this first reading, and as you work on your item, is very important.  I cannot stress this enough and anyone who has ever omitted a line or more, especially in a very complicated pattern such as a fair isle or lace, knows the angst this can cause.  The further into the repeats you are, the worse it seems.  

There are so many tools and techniques out there to help us "remember where I am."  I have tried clickers, and clackers, and clunkers.  I've played with beaded bracelets, and row counters, and computerized row counters, and chained and beaded row and stitch counters.  I have tried using programs that kinda-sorta-maybe tie my knitting or crochet project to a particular website or group.  I have used online cards.  I have knotted string around my wrist.  If any combinations of these work for you, that is great!

However, when push finally came to shove, I found myself right back at my Grandmother's knee with a notebook full of scribbled hieroglyphics and hash marks that only she and I could understand.  I make a hash mark for every row and a cross mark for every fifth row.  So easy! 

If there is a sudden change in the pattern, I write it down right next to where I'm counting rows.  If I have to duplicate that section, as, for example, in a sleeve, I just knit as I've already marked once and it's much more likely to match.

It's not high tech but it works for me and that's what counts (no pun...lol!)  Find something that works for you and as you go along, you'll keep on tweaking it and customizing until it's the way you like it.

However, as we know, things do still happen.  And if the dog jumps on your lap and all the stitches fall off your needles, then what?  Next time we'll talk about frogging and tinking --- and that dog!

Now, want to see what's been hanging around on my crochet hook for the week?

Another "black and white" and this one has given me more trouble than I ever would have expected from a gang of lowly circles.  I have persevered and they are about to submit to my iron will.  Return Friday (or maybe Monday) as the final outcome is determined.

Warmly,

Maddy

IMPORTANT INFO FOR YOU!  Publication dates for Starry Knits  have now been set for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week.  

I would really enjoy receiving your comments and feedback.  If you have any questions regarding your own knit or crochet projects, I would be more than happy to try to help you or guide you to the proper sources.

_____

*Information included in today's blog has been gathered from a variety of sources including but not limited to the Interweave Press LLC publication of 40 Favorite Tips & Techniques for Knitters of All Levels.  

The Best Laid Plans?

What a crazy weekend this turned it to be!  And who was it that said, "The best laid plans of mice and men..."  Was he ever right! 


It all started back at Thanksgiving.  Yes, that's right.  Back in November 2011 when I caught a cold (or something) that I have yet to get rid of.  I mentioned in my profile that I have issues with my breathing.  It's COPD and it has the potential to cause every little infection or virus to become a major respiratory problem for me.  I've been going through another flare-up and in spite of my doctors' efforts, it is getting the best of me.  But I was absolutely determined to get to the g-kids' taekwondo belt qualifying along with a trip to my LYS (local yarn shop), and both those following an early breakfast at IHOP.  After all, it was Saturday!


My weary self could not get up in time to see the g-kids.  Very disappointing.  Breakfast became brunch - that was acceptable.  The LYS stop was a disaster and that's all I'll say about that, except that now I understand why Steve is so determined that I do not drive by myself.  Enough about that.

Emma and Andy, broken boards in hands, proudly receive their yellow belts from
Master Tim.




Eureka! The three crocheted spectator bags that I began crocheting at about the same time as I started writing Starry Knits are finally complete and have been listed in the shop.         


PIECES, PIECES, EVERYWHERE!
BUT NOT A PURSE IN SIGHT!!

This week I am so proud to announce that Design 89 is launching its 2012 Black and White Spring Line.  These purses are the first pieces in the line and as the season progresses we can look forward to additional styles of bags, several OOAK jewelry items, accessories, and other specialty items, all incorporating the black and white theme.

To see these premier pieces, please do visit the shop, www.design89.etsy.com.

In the meantime, here's a group picture of the Trio of Bags...

 

Many thanks and credit to the designer of the Spectator Bags patterns, Mary Jane Protus, for her lovely creations and to Coats and Clark, Inc. for the .pdf file.

 

By the way, my curiosity got the best of me and I did look up the quote about "the best laid plans of mice and men..."  The line comes from a poem entitled "To a Mouse, on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough" written in 1785 by the Scots poet Robert Burns. The words so often paraphrased into English and quoted are:

 

"But little Mouse, you are not alone, In you proving foresight may be vain: The best-laid plans of mice and men Often go awry."

And so they do...sometimes.

Warmly,
Maddy

 

 

 

The Best Laid Plans?

What a crazy weekend this turned it to be!  And who was it that said, "The best laid plans of mice and men..."  Was he ever right!  It all started back art Thanksgiving.  Yes, that's right.  Back in November 2011 when I caught a cold (or something) that I have yet to get rid of.  I mentioned in my profile that I have problems with my breathing.  It's COPD and it has the potential to cause every little infection or virus to become a major respiratory problem for me.  I've been going through another flare-up and in spite of my doctors' best efforts, it is getting the best of me.  But I was absolutely determined to get to the g-kids' taekwondo belt qualifying along with a trip to my LYS (local yarn shop), and both those after breakfast at IHOP.  After all, it was Saturday!  My weary self could not get up in time to see the g-kids.  Very disappointing.  Breakfast became brunch - that was acceptable.  The LYS stop was a disaster and that's all I'll say about that, except that now I understand why Steve was so determined that I was not driving by myself.  Enough about that!

Emma and Andy, each holding their broken boards, proudly receive Their Newly Earned Yellow Belts from Master Tim.

 

After much more hand sewing than I ever had anticipated, or would have liked!, the three crocheted spectator bags that I began working on...see ms like months ago...but it was really only the week of the 13th are finally completed and listed in my shop. You can see the individual listings at
www.design89.etsy.com but here is a sneak peek of a group picture. I am quite pleased with the final results and I do want to give thanks and credit to the designer of the Spectator Bags patterns, Mary Jane Protus, for her lovely creations and to Coats and Clark, Inc. for the .pdf file.

INSERT GROUP PICRUDE OF B&W BAGS

By the way, my curiosity got the best of me and I did look up the quote about "The best laid plans of mice and men..." Y'all may have already known this, but the line comes from a poem entitled "To a Mouse, on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough" written in 1785 by the Scots poet Robert Burns. The line so often paraphrased into English and quoted is, "But little Mouse, you are not alone, In you proving foresight may be vain: The best-laid plans of mice and men Often go awry."

And so they do.

Warmly,
Maddy

And the Color Is...

People who work in the fashion industry must rarely live in the moment. They are consumed by what we will be wearing two seasons from now.  For example, NY Fashion Week just had the Fall 2012 styles gracing the runways.

I also rarely live in the moment.  And I too am obsessing over Fall clothing.  But in my case, it's the Fall clothes that spent last June, July and August in my "every-day" closet while I ran up and down the stairs, rummaging for sundresses and capris in the "off-season" closet.  The problem amazingly resolved itself with the approach of September 2011, but with today's forecast high a balmy 72, I have the feeling I'm headed for trouble...again.

With this much lead time for fashions (not to mention my aforementioned Spring fever), my curiosity was piqued.  I wondered what had been shown during Spring 2012 Fashion Week waaaay back one year ago.  This turned into an interesting little project with a surprising bonus for me at its conclusion.  Here's a bit of what I learned.*

The fashion industry's love for green, in all shades, will continue into Spring unabated. Strong reds also remain popular.

Add blues to the palette. And yellow.

Now imagine tangerines and oranges -- great, big, bold colors -- softened by splashes of pink and touches of coral.

The bonus surprise for me?  I love black and white.  It can be fun, sophisticated, or dramatic.  It's the color combo that transcends the seasons.  I had already decided to include a line of black and white items in my shop for Spring.  So, you can see why I was tickled pink (?) when one reviewer wrote, "...and for contrast, bold black and white."

 First in a New Design 89 Spring Line of Black and White Accessories

Spectator Bag Crocheted in Black and White

Now Available at Design 89

www.design89.etsy.com

Warmly,

Maddy

*multiple sources

 Photo credits for knit designs to Vogue Knitting Magazine, Winter 2012 Issue

Projects for My Needles

It's only February; we had snow flurries yesterday; and I have Spring fever.

I know this because I keep checking the dogwood trees in my backyard for the first signs of blossoms. Ridiculous, you say. Absolutely, I agree. But then there's that settled-in winter feeling -- you know, the one where you're content with one or two large fuzzy projects on your needles...feet snugged in hand-knit woolies, cup of hot tea steaming at your side, dreamily half hibernating the afternoon away.  That feeling -- it's gone! And I've got crocheted sandals tickling at the insides of my fingertips -- in February. So it must be Spring fever.

To temporarily ward off these unseasonly aspirations, I treated my crochet hook to a Ruffly Spring Scarf using about half a skein of Ice Flamenco Glitz in cream and gold. This is the second time I've used the Flamenco. Before Christmas I knitted a similar scarf and was not particularly pleased with the way the yarn insisted on sliding off the needles, making a chore out of what should have been an easy project. So this time I chose to crochet and I was much happier with the results. Since I still have a couple of skeins (and a half) left, I'll need to do a bit of investigating to see what else I can use this mesh for.  I am speculating about trying my hand at some sort of fascinator or something where I can make use of the mesh as part of a veil.  If you have any ideas, I'd love to listen!

Ruffly Lace Scarf

Now Available at Design 89 at a Low Spring Fever Price $22.50

www.design89.etsy.com

 

Since Springtime marks the beginning of wedding season, I just could not resist when I found a pattern for a lacy wedding shawl. I have been holding on to an amazing white DK merino, waiting for the perfect project, and I do believe this may be it! The pattern calls for a lace weight yarn with #3 needles, but with swatching, it looks like my gorgeous merino wool and #6 needles might do the trick. I may try a swatch with #8s, just for comparison's sake. I'll let you know what I decide and I'll share the pattern details too.

Glossy White Merino DK

 

 

 

Finally, in honor of Presidents Day, which used to be celebrated on both George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays, I'd like to share a dilemma many of us have faced when momentarily overcome by the many Presidents Day sales...

Warmly,
Maddy

A Barrel of My Monkeys

This was one of those great weekends where I "accomplished" less than nothing but had more fun than a barrel of monkeys doing it! Why, you may wonder? We had two of my favorite sidekicks, Emma (age 8) and Andy (age 6) with us from Friday afternoon till Sunday.

 

 

Emma has decided that she wants to be just like Grandma (uh, that would be me) so that she can have a studio full of yarn and a shop on the computer. She also wants to be an artist, a vet, an astronomer, and she has an interest in dinosaurs. Andy says that when he's 16 he'll be a policeman, but when he grows up, he's going to be a pro wrestler - just like on TV.

Between crochet lessons for Emma, video game lessons for me from Andy (how does a 6-year-old have such keen eye-hand coordination?), BBQ chicken, cookies, pizza, cinnamon rolls, cookies, a full gallon of milk, discovering that cracked black pepper turkey tastes like yuck and apricot preserves are a good substitute for strawberry jam, there were serious talks, serious laughs, and enough snuggling and cuddling to, hopefully, keep me till next time.

The sounds of their giggles, the slams of doors, bedtime prayers so innocent and sincere that they brought tears to my eyes, the whisper-breath sighs of sleep, and, best of all, "Grandma, I love you so much" have all been stored away in that special spot God places in a grandparent's heart, easily accessible on days when things are just too lonely and quiet.

And, after just a bit of reconsideration, I've decided that I accomplished so much this weekend...

Emma and Andy both qualified for the Split Club at Taekwondo

Grandkids are for Spoilin

While the computer gremlins have been busily nibbling at my blog and needling at my nerves, I decided to make good use of the down time and get some pictures ready so I can show you what I've been working on this past week.

Here are the components for the first three pieces in the new Black and White Spring line that I am so excited about.

You can't really tell much about the purses yet.  The bodies have been blocked and are drying.  I am hoping the weatherman is right and we'll see some lovely sunshine this afternoon.  It would certainly speed up the process for me!

Now available at Design 89 -- New Item Just Listed!!

                                                  Hand Crocheted Lacy Jewelry Pouch

Tuesday, February 14th

T

Welcome to Starry Knits!

PLEASE EXCUSE MY APPEARANCE...

I AM STILL VERY MUCH UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

This introductory post appeared yesterday - for a short time.  Let's hope it's here to stay.

I wonder how many new bloggers sit down that very first morning, full of anticipation, heads just loaded with things to say, only to find they don't know where in the world to start.  That would be me right now.  So what would you say if we didn't start at the beginning?  That's far too long ago.  I'd rather tell you about the blog and how it came to be.

 

Starry Knits is actually my third attempt at blogging.  I think the first ones fizzle/failed because they had no theme or direction.  But this time...I have a plan.

 

We'll be talking about knitting (of course) and crocheting.  I love both and learned to crochet from my grandmother when I was about 5 years old.  Knitting didn't come until many years later.  My grandmother made the most incredible lace tablecloths.  The thread she used was so fine and the work so intricate that the finished items looked like spidery woven lace, each stitch and chain perfectly placed and identical in size to all those around them.  My grandmother was an artist.  And I wanted, more than anything, to be just like her!

So one afternoon she gave me a larger hook and a small ball of yarn, showed me how to make a chain stitch, and thinking that would keep my chubby 5-year-old fingers busy until I got bored in a few minutes,  she went off to the kitchen.  Imagine her surprise (and I think, secret delight) when not too much later I came looking for her with all the yarn now crocheted into one giant length of chain. That, it seems, was my jumping off point.  And I never looked back

The name of this blog, Starry Knits, honors two very important people in my life. The first I've already mentioned, my grandmother, Margarete Kres, who learned her art from her grandmother, Helene Stern.  In German, the word Stern means star.

That same word, star, also always makes me think of my father-in-law, Leland. He's in his 80s now.  You know how they say that the older folks get, the more ornery they become?  Not my Leland.  Whenever I get to see him, he always has the biggest and happiest smile on his face.  He calls me his "bright star."  Truth be known, he's mine too!

So being as star-blessed as I am, I just knew this blog name would have to center around that somehow.  And finally, with sincere apologies to Mr. Van Gogh, the rest just came naturally.

Right now I am very busy revamping my Etsy shop for the Spring.  It needs a serious face lift after all this winter gloom.  The shop is called Design 89 and I'd love to have you visit at

www.design89.etsy.com

Part of Design 89's make-over includes a new line of Spring purses and accessories.  They should be available within the next week or so.  At that same time I'll be having a blow-out end of winter sale to make room for the new, fresh, light and airy articles.  You'll be hearing about new items, coupon codes, and secret sales at Design 89 here first.  So be sure to stop by often!

I sincerely hope you'll visit with me here regularly too. I'm planning on sharing some great knitting and crochet tips that I've been collecting forever, it seems like.  Some are tried and true while others have a new twist to them.  There may even be a few that might cause you to say, "Oh! I never knew that!"  This will be a super way for me to start sifting through all my file folders and who knows what terrific gems we can share with one another!

I also have beaucoups of patterns for all skill levels (probably 99% are free of charge) that will keep you busy throughout the year.  And I'd like to help you plan ahead for upcoming holidays and events.  There's nothing worse than realizing that the beautiful and expensive alpaca yarn you bought to make a holiday gift for that someone special won't be ready on time because you got started much too late! Arghhh!

So until next time (when there should be some pictures on the blog for you to see!)...

Warmly,
Maddy

PS - A special shout-out of thanks to Leslie.

Welcome to Starry Knits