tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80311889296523333812024-03-26T06:54:13.822-04:00penguin purlsshe knits!eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-1470106213550282032010-01-15T23:11:00.000-05:002010-01-15T23:12:07.770-05:00calm waters cowl errata(1/3/10) button hole section should repeat direction <span style="font-weight: bold;">three times</span> not twice as stated.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-80919720341384077992010-01-03T13:59:00.003-05:002010-01-03T19:27:35.483-05:00New Pattern!Hey guys! New year, time for a new pattern! The calm waters cowl is an easy knit; nothing more difficult than twisted ribbing. It uses about 100 yards of worsted weight yarn, so it's good for using up stray balls of luxury yarn. Can be closed with buttons or a short shawl pin.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eudy/4171322109/" title="P1040058 by eudyptula48, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4171322109_ed921f404f_m.jpg" alt="P1040058" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eudy/4163044813/" title="P1040055 by eudyptula48, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2792/4163044813_e2db4871cb_m.jpg" alt="P1040055" height="240" width="240" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=calm-waters-cowl"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=calm-waters-cowl&t=.gif" style="border: medium none ;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/sara-amoroso-designs/27519"><img src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" border="0" /></a>eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-84425405840184870412009-05-17T10:13:00.010-04:002009-05-28T21:15:42.586-04:00free pattern: escalator socks!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/3539509084_5aa8e4e3f2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 349px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/3539509084_5aa8e4e3f2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Man socks! These socks are large enough to fit most men, but the stretchy pattern means they comfortably fit my feet, too. To modify for smaller womens' feet, I would recommend removing one 8-stitch repeat and making the heel flap on 50% of the stitches. To make these socks with an 8-inch cuff and 10-inch foot, I used nearly all of the 400 meter skein. If you wish to make your socks larger, plan accordingly. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=escalator-socks-2"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=escalator-socks-2&t=.gif" style="border: none;" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Materials:<br />1 skein <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/cascade-yarns-heritage-paints">Cascade Yarns Heritage Paints</a> (400 meters per 100 g)<br />2.25 mm (US 1) dpns or circular(s) for preferred sock method. (I used two short circulars)<br />yarn needle for grafting<br />stitch markers<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Rib and Welt Diagonals Stitch Pattern: (by Barbara Walker, adapted by Sarah Fama)<br />Round 1: *k1, p1, k1, p5, repeat from * to end.<br />Round 2 and all even-numbered rounds: repeat previous round.<br />Round 3: k1, p1, *k5, p1, k1, p1, repeat from *, ending k5, p1<br />Round 5: k1, *p5, k1, p1, k1, repeat from *, ending p5, k1, p1.<br />Round 7: *k5, p1, k1, p1, repeat from * to end.<br />Round 9: p4, *k1, p1, k1, p5, repeat from *, ending k1, p1, k1, p1.<br />Round 11: k3, *p1, k1, p1, k5, repeat from *, ending p1, k1, p1, k2<br />Round 13: p2, *k1, p1, k1, p5, repeat from *, ending k1, p1, k1, p3.<br />Round 15: k1, *p1, k1, p1, k5, repeat from *, ending p1, k1, p1, k4.<br />Round 16: repeat previous round as for round 2<br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />Leg:<br />Cast on 72 sts by the long-tailed method, join in a round and work in K1 P1 ribbing for 5 cm (2 in).<br />Establish Rib and Welt Diagonals pattern beginning with round 1.<br />Continue in pattern until work reaches approximately 20 cm (8 inches) from CO edge, ending with round 16 of pattern. This will ensure that the heel flap flows from the sitch pattern.<br /><br />Heel Flap:<br />Arrange work so that there are 32 sts for heel flap.<br />Row 1: slip 1, *(p1, k1) to end, ending with p1.<br />Repeat this row until heel flap reaches 6 cm (2.5 inches) or desired length, ending with a WS row.<br /><br />Turn heel:<br />Row 1: K 18, K2 tog, K 1, turn.<br />Row 2: Slip 1, P 5, P 2tog, p 1, turn.<br />Row 3: Slip 1, K to one st before gap created (by turning) on previous row, K 2 tog, K 1, turn.<br />Row 4: Slip 1, P </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to one st before gap created (by turning) on previous row, P 2 tog, P 1, turn.<br />Continue in this manner until all sts are consumed; if necessary, K across to left side of heel.<br /><br />Gusset:<br /><a href="http://www.grumperina.com/knitblog/archives/2005/10/theres_the_easy.htm">Pick up and knit </a>one stitch for each slipped stitch along the first side of the heel flap, plus one in the gusset corner to prevent gapping. Twist this stitch to close the hole.<br />Knit in pattern across the instep, beginning with round 1 of Rib and Welt Diagonal pattern.<br />Pick up one stitch in the second gusset corner and knit twisted. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Pick up and knit one stitch for each slipped stitch along the second side of the heel flap<br /><br />Gusset Decreases:<br />Rearrange sts so that the instep (patterned section) is on one needle (or section of magic loop). Depending on your sock-making method, the remaining sts should be divided on two dpns meeting at the middle of the heel, on the other circular needle, or the other half of the magic loop. (phew!)<br />Knit to center of heel section. This will now be considered the beginning of the round and you may wish to use a stitch marker to indicate it.<br /><br />Be careful, it's easy to start working the zigzags in the other direction. Keep the sole in st st.<br /><br />Round 1: Knit to three stitches before the instep section. K 2tog, K1. Knit instep section in pattern as established. K 1, ssk. K to end of round.<br />Round 2: Knit all sts on the sole, work all instep sts in pattern as established.<br />Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 72 sts or desired number of sts remain.<br /><br />Foot:<br />Continue working instep in pattern as established, keeping sole in st st.<br />Work in this manner until foot measures 20 cm (8 inches) from back of heel or 2 inches less than desired length.<br /><br />Toe:<br />sole: K to 3 sts before end of first needle, ssk, K1.<br />Instep: K 1, K2 tog, K to 3 sts before end of needle, ssk, K1.<br />sole: K2, K2 tog, K to end of needle/round. 4 sts decreased.<br />K 1 round plain.<br />Continue alternating decrease rounds and plain rounds until 24 sts total remain.<br />If using dpns, use the 3rd needle to K to end of 1st needle. All sts will be on 2 needles.<br />If using magic loop or two circulars, K to end of needle.<br /><a href="http://www.cometosilver.com/socks/SockClass_Toes2.htm">Graft toe closed.</a><br />Sew in all ends.<br /><br />Give them to some man you love!</span>eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-31197527001109749802008-12-27T11:26:00.001-05:002008-12-27T11:26:15.278-05:00My Mom!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eudy/3141596824/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3141596824_deacae0beb_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eudy/3141596824/">Patty Pinter Feb 11 1949</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/eudy/">eudyptula48</a></span></div>Look how cute she is!<br clear="all" />eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-65726088491363040702008-12-20T11:50:00.013-05:002009-03-28T16:00:24.422-04:00who?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/3122025427_eb7f9590fa_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/3122025427_eb7f9590fa_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It's a hat with owls! Yay!<br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=who-2"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=who-2&t=.gif" style="border: medium none ;" /></a><br /><br />This is for my brother, whose <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall08/PATTmangyle.html">mangyle</a> will never be done. Certainly not for christmas. He always sends me pictures of owls, so i figured he'd appreciate it. Anyway, just for PoorLuci, here's what I did:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Who? </span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Materials</span>:<br />1 ball Nashua Creative Focus (I used half)<br />size 6 circular needle and dpns (or however you want to do it)<br />stitch marker<br />4 small buttons for eyes (optional, you can use more, less, or none at all) </span><br />sewing needle and thread<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sizes</span>:<br />infant (child, adult) Note about sizing: I've only tested the adult size, please let me know about any problems with the smaller size and I'll be happy to fix them.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Abbreviations</span>:<br />C4F: slip two sts onto cable needle and hold in front, k2, k2 from cable neeedle<br />C4B: slip two sts onto cable needle and hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Owl Cable pattern</span>:<br />(multiple of 11 sts)<br />Rounds 1-3: *p3, k8, repeat from * to end<br />Round 4: *p3, C4B, C4f, repeat from * to end<br />Rounds 5-11: same as round 1<br />Round 12: same as round 4<br />Round 13: same as round 1<br />Rounds 14-15: *p3, k1, p2, k2, p2, k1. repeat from * to end<br />Round 16-17: same as round 1<br />Round 18: same as round 4<br />Round 19: same as round 1<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Directions</span>:<br />Cast on 92 (100, 112) sts, join in round and work in 2x2 ribbing for 1 inch.<br />Switch to stockinette and work for 5 rounds, decreasing 4(1,2) sts evenly spaced in row 3. 88(99, 110) sts.<br /><br />Work 19 rows of owl cable pattern over all sts.<br />Knit 1 or more rows and increase 0(5,2) sts. 88 (104, 112) sts.<br /><br />Continue in stockinette stitch until work measures 4.5 (5, 6) inches including ribbing or to desired length.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Decrease as follows</span>: (nothing mysterious here, just like a regular hat)<br />*K 9(11, 12) k2tog, repeat from * to end.<br />K1 round plain.<br />K 8(10, 11), k2tog.<br />K1 plain.<br />Continue decreasing in this manner until 40 (56, 64) sts remain.<br />Then decrease every round (no plain rounds) until 8 sts remain. Cut yarn and pass through remaining sts to fasten off.<br /><br />Weave in all ends and block.<br /><br />Sew buttons over the purl sections within the cable pattern that form the owl's eyes. I only did 2 owls, but you could do as many as you want. To be sure that the thread doesn't pull through, tie a nice big knot.<br /><br />Pattern and photos © Sara Amoroso, 2008-2009. Permission is given for personal use only. This pattern or items made from it may not be sold.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-63570528348743855622008-12-17T18:18:00.001-05:002008-12-17T18:18:22.284-05:00Since I made the video...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="260" height="195" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=63881" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=5c95dd1f25&photo_id=3090450592&show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=63881"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=63881" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=5c95dd1f25&photo_id=3090450592&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="195" width="260"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eudy/3090450592/">P1030259</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/eudy/">eudyptula48</a></span></div>This is how i do a long-tail cast on. I made it to help a friend, but what she really needed was a video on continental knitting. perhaps someday.<br clear="all" />eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-3984609033802811812008-12-10T15:37:00.004-05:002009-03-28T16:02:23.750-04:00Swampfield Cowl: free pattern!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3098830562_f1a7480a76_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3098830562_f1a7480a76_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Though my mister is notoriously hard to knit for (he already has a hat, why on earth would he want another?) my Dad is fantastic and loves everything I make for him, even funny looking hats. Since he already has a few of them and a pair of fingerless gloves, I wanted to make something different this year without the stress and time investment of something like a sweater. Nor is he the kind of dude to wear a scarf. Enter the Swampfield Cowl, named after the former name of the town he lives in, and because i like to say "Swampfield." It's very fast, easy, and cheap, requiring just one ball of yarn; all ideal with the holidays coming up. And when you weave the ends in carefully, it will be fully reversible.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Swampfield Cowl</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3097998241_35bbfb8da3_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3097998241_35bbfb8da3_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yarn: 1 ball Cascade 109 Tweed LE<br />Needles: US 10.5 (6.5 mm) 16 or 20 inch circular needle<br />Notions: cable needle, stitch marker, yarn needle for weaving ends<br /><br />Stitch Guide<br />C8F: Slip next 4 sts onto cable needle and hold in front. Work next 4 sts in k1p1 rib as established, then work 4 sts from cable needle, also in k1p1 rib as established.<br /><br />CO 80 sts and join in round. For the love of mike make sure not to twist! Place marker to indicate beginning of round.<br /><br />Rounds 1-4: *k1p1, repeat from * to end<br />Round 5: *C8F, (making sure to keep all sts in k1p1 rib) work 8 sts in k1p1 rib. Repeat 5 times from * to end of round.<br />Rounds 6-9: as for rounds 1-4<br />Round 10: *work 8 sts in k1p1 ribbing, C8F. Repeat 5 times from * to end of round.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3098001819_b4f279be38_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3098001819_b4f279be38_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Repeat rounds 1-10 once more, then repeat rounds 1-7 once more.<br /><br />Bind of loosely in pattern, weave in ends, and hey presto!<br /><br />Pattern and photos © Sara Amoroso, 2008-2009. Permission is given for personal use only. This pattern or items made from it may not be sold.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-56328983390211641072008-12-02T21:20:00.003-05:002008-12-02T21:24:09.576-05:00today was made of winToday was the big LSG meetup at WEBS; about 10 thoroughly awesome members made it out. Between the knuckle tats, groping, yarn buying, and swearing in front of old people, it was a ball. I feel very lucky to have met yberry, sarahsarah, crabbycrocheter, wickedgoodyarn, suef, aliceq, thislittlepiggy, crisscross, archiphile, and (of course) feistyjess. Cower before our fierceness!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/3078584668_1f659cc0ae.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/3078584668_1f659cc0ae.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-15843720585281020942008-12-01T19:31:00.003-05:002008-12-01T19:39:47.403-05:00squishy squishy squishy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/3075230914_2b3260c25a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/3075230914_2b3260c25a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I just finished a cute cowl/neckwarmer/whatever for my stepdad. It's called the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/darkside-cowl"><span style="font-style: italic;">darkside cowl</span></a>, and it is very alluring. It's so squishy and textural I just want to squeeze it!<br /><br />My mods were minimal; I used the superbulky Cascade 109 tweed (on sale at WEBS) and size 10.5 needles, casting on 72 for a large man's size. For myself, I'd probably cast on 64. It was easy to finish in two evenings' knitting, so I'll probably be making some more for xmas gifts.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-9993718413048184102008-11-30T22:47:00.002-05:002008-11-30T22:49:22.807-05:00delicious<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/3061245603_640b2ed771.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/3061245603_640b2ed771.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm feeling all lustful over my new madelinetosh superwash merino sock yarn. It's all pink and lovely and begging to be made into toe-up bayerische socks. soon enough... soon...eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-79768807303992169022008-11-28T00:04:00.012-05:002009-03-28T16:01:57.359-04:00Supernub!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3061243949_aee3f3f216_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3061243949_aee3f3f216_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm still wired from thanksgiving, even though i did most of the cooking and cleaning up, so why not talk about yarn? I just used up the last of my credit for making a cool lace coat, and most of it has gone for holiday knitting.<br /><br />This lovely orange skein was quickly transformed into a cute hat for my brother's girlfriend. It's <span style="font-style: italic;">blue sky alpacas bulky handpaints</span> in an extremely safe orange, 45 yards per skein. That means size 15 needles and about 2 sts per inch. I cast on 40 sts, did about 4 rounds of 1x1 ribbing, then knitted plain to about 5 inches. Next, I decreased by K6, K2tog to end, dividing it into five sections. I then did a plain row, repeating these two rows 3 times. I began decreasing every row until i had 5 sts. Most hats end at this point, but I continued with k2tog, k1, k2tog, leaving 3 sts. I did one round of i-cord, wove the tail through the loops, then passed it through the little nub and fastened off.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/3061852661_73acd998a5_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/3061852661_73acd998a5_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I think it turned out pretty cute, but I didn't have any yarn left to speak of. I can't guarantee that you'll get a hat out of one hank, but it was fun trying, and only took a few hours.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/3062693656_48e21f5df3_m.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/3062693656_48e21f5df3_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pattern and photos © Sara Amoroso, 2008-2009. Permission is given for personal use only. <br />This pattern or items made from it may not be sold.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-14551037044939270042008-02-16T12:10:00.003-05:002008-02-16T13:46:02.027-05:00stashyJust for the record, I haven't abandoned de-stashing. But yesterday an exuberant mood, sock inspiration, a long-lingering gift certificate, and a fair bit of luck combined to get me a great amount of yarn for very little cash.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/2267311462_eed9f54c16.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/2267311462_eed9f54c16.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>First, I went to <a href="http://www.northamptonwools.com/">Northampton Wools</a>. I had a $30 gift certificate from when I left my last job. I'd been in there before with the intent to spend it, but didn't find anything that grabbed me. However, this time I laid hands on some lovely <a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=89021">Manos Silk Blend</a>. The three skeins only cost me $31.20, because there's a sale going on. I paid the balance in quarters and dimes. My aunt has always loved Nothampton Wools, and it's a local legend, but I'm not as fond of it as others. I find that the people are a little chilly, and it encourages me to leave quickly when I do go in there. It's a shame, because it's a neat little place.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2155/2266522411_b146f9bc37.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2155/2266522411_b146f9bc37.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2248/2267311554_1e62a50cd0.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2248/2267311554_1e62a50cd0.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Still seeking sock yarn, I went down the street to <a href="http://www2.blogger.com/www.yarn.com">WEBS</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2266522607_68d6d3eff1.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2266522607_68d6d3eff1.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>, where their Valley Yarns (house brand) of <a href="http://yarn.com/webs/0/0/0/0-1001-1294-1323/0/0/3551/">Franklin</a> sock yarn is my easy favorite. It's hand dyed by an employee, known as the "Kangaroo Dyer," and all the colorways are awesome. I thought I would get the "frog in a party dress" colorway, but ended up grabbing "miami vice" instead. It's going to become socks for a friend who, upon becoming an Army JAG, has to wear combat boots and digital desert fatigues every day. I'm hoping that a secret color riot on her feet will give her a psychological boost as she confronts what seems to be a rather difficult environment.<br /><br />I also got a skein of <a href="http://www.artyarns.com/newsite/html/yn_umerino4.htm">Artyarns Ultramerino 4</a> in coloway 106. I'll be pairing this with some stashed purple Jawoll to make the <a href="http://www.rosemarywaits.com/2007/05/10/fred-and-george-socks/">Fred and George socks</a>. I like the almost-the-same-but-not-quite aesthetic. The skein is mostly greens, with a little yellow, but the purple shots make me confident of a match.<br /><br />But the greatest coup, by far, was courtesy of the Kangaroo Dyer, who, I will emphasize, is a lovely, generous, enthusiastic person. She spotted me snapping up the Franklin and we got into a conversation about her colors. She showed me some of her new experiments, including a really spring-timey one tentatively called "peeps." There was also a beautiful blue skein that was brighter than her other blue colors. She was showing me a new laceweight tencel, then <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">gave</span> me two skeins to try out! I can't believe it! I'm planning to make myself a Shetland Triangle because I was so sad to see the first one go, even to my mom. The yarn is so beautiful and soft, and it shines like silk. I'm so excited that I can hardly bear it. When I wound it this morning, it was very fine, and seemed quite strong.<br /><br />On other fronts, I've finished one Rainbow sock, but will probably second-sock it for a while because I'm, once again, sick of Sockotta. The cotton content makes it a little joy-less to knit.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-24220480058343767262008-02-13T12:01:00.004-05:002008-02-13T19:47:26.486-05:00snowflake socks, snow-ish day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/2262468059_0308c3231f.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/2262468059_0308c3231f.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>My snowflake socks are finished and blocked. They were a treat to make with the new technique I've learned: double-fisted colorwork. One color is held continental style, and the other English. I usually have brain block with new techniques, and I need to think them through rather than working until I get it. As usual, something clicked on the second repeat of the pattern, and I was able to go very quickly, finishing in about a week. One thing I noticed is that previously, I never had problems with color dominance, but that my continental-held color is now going to be dominant, being looser than the English color. As long as I plan for it, that should be ok. A bonus is that the colors never get twisted or tangled, making any frogging (it was minor) very easy.<br /><br />Project Details. Pattern:<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/fall2007/gardiner.asp">Snowflake Socks</a> by Chrissy Gardinier, Interweave Knits Fall 2007. Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport, 1 skein each of Aran and Eucalyptus. Needles, size 2 dpns. I would have done them on 2 circulars, but don't own the right equipment.<br /><br />Next, I'm on to the <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.magknits.com/Oct07/patterns/rainbow.htm">Rainbow Socks</a> by Suzanne Kitzmann. They're going quickly, but are truly strange. If you don't like short rows, don't attempt these socks. They look a little ugly now, but I think they'll shape up with blocking. Someone on Ravelry called hers "ugly ducklings" and I think that's exactly what these will be.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-45772729470289584362008-02-05T10:17:00.000-05:002008-02-05T10:37:22.553-05:00on the difficulty of photographing one's own feet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/2244528282_b8457ccb63.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/2244528282_b8457ccb63.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Argyle socks are done! And socks are always the most difficult thing to photograph. They always look best on feet, and I usually take my pictures during the day, when the muddy winter light is at least present, if not flattering. That means I'm stuck trying to take pictures of my own feet. The easiest place to do this is the stairs, because that removes some of the contortions, and there's a window right at the bend where the stairs are widest. But my stairs also have horrible brown mottled carpets that look mostly inoffensive in person, but ghastly in pictures. I suppose I could drape them in something, but today I just ended up using my favorite photo background: the goosedown. It's puffy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2243734853_1f5f867bf0.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2243734853_1f5f867bf0.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>So for some project details, here goes. The pattern is <a href="http://www.socknitters.com/argyle/index.htm"><span style="font-style: italic;">Argyle Sock</span></a> by Edie Eckman. It's put together as a lesson with clear and complete instruction. Despite the wailing and gnashing of teeth that seems to accompany argyle, I didn't find these that difficult. Of course, I did duplicate-stitch the lines. Knitting them in seems to increase the complexity by many fold. The yarn is Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport for the MC and CC, the lines are purple Dalegarn Baby Ull and Valley Yarns Franklin in cancun. Done on size 3 dpns and a short circular for the flat parts. I would not recommend this for anyone who doesn't like sewing in ends. Also, I might use a DK weight if I were to do these again. The fabric is certainly not a sturdy as my usual socks, but I imagine they'll hold up to normal wear. If not, they were quick and fun enough to make that I wouldn't cry to do it again.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-66445109243832940012008-02-01T15:32:00.000-05:002008-02-07T12:48:13.393-05:00scrapghan and minimitts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2144/2232312215_fcfc47b712.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2144/2232312215_fcfc47b712.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>It seems that de-stashing is a popular goal at the beginning of the year. With minimal employment, it's also the most frugal way for me to go right now. Considering these goals, I've been working on the ubiquitous <a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/afghans/st_st.htm">mitered-square afghan</a>. It's working well for me, considering that I can't bear to throw out even some of the smallest yarn fragments left after a project. I like the idea of making something useful from them, even if some people find the idea tacky. I, for one, like at least paying lip service to the idea of being less wasteful. It's also fun to look at the squares and remember what you made from the originals. In fact, I can look at each square and tell you the content and original project for each yarn. I guess I'd be a little surprised if a knitter couldn't do that, though.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2249046730_a8c199c891.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2249046730_a8c199c891.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I have also been making some awesome <a href="http://img.yarn.com/pdf/MiniMittenPattern.pdf">mini-mittens</a>. These, I feel, are the ultimate yarn-user-upper. Mere yards of yarn disappear into a cute little object of delight. Some people may find them fiddly and strange, but I think they will make fun christmas ornaments. With cats in the house, it's a good idea to have crash-proof decorations. It's also fun to put them on your fingers and go "eeee!" because they're cute. In my crazier moments, I plot how to knit them in the round. Maybe I'll make the thumbs out of i-cord next time, though... hmmmeudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-89977297337909600532008-01-31T11:25:00.000-05:002008-01-31T11:53:16.735-05:00a new baby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2167/2232311705_3b2d1879f9.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2167/2232311705_3b2d1879f9.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Yesterday, my cousin Joshua's little girl Julia Grace was born! Apparently, it was a bit of a nail-biter at the end. They took her to the NICU afterward, but let her out within a few hours. Doesn't she look sweet... and tired! It's kinda funny, yesterday I was thinking "didn't they say she was due in January? It's hardly January any more..." Lo and behold, my uncle Ted called a few hours after that.<br /><br />Though they didn't know it at the time, it seems that Julia is a family name. My Grandpop's parents were Hungarian immigrants living in Pennsylvania coal country. We knew that one of his younger sisters was killed at the age of four by a lightning strike. What we hadn't heard was that at some point, his mother took three or four of the children on a trip back to Hungary. They were delayed at Ellis Island on their return, and two died while they were stuck there. One of those was Julia. Another one of his brothers died during the War, when his hospital ship was torpedoed in the Pacific. Grandpop always told us a lot of stories about growing up, but we never heard about Ellis Island.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/2232311891_f53d838840.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/2232311891_f53d838840.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>On a happier note, I have a really cute outfit to send to little Julia. It started with Elizabeth Zimmermann's <span style="font-style: italic;">February Baby Sweater</span>. Then, I added <a href="http://members.home.nl/tdpj/Patronen/Bootees/Saartjes%20bootees.pdf">Saartje's Bootees</a>, which are incredibly sweet and easy to make (<a href="http://penguinpurls.blogspot.com/2007/10/modding-saartjes-bootees.html">my mods here</a>) To top it off, I made a little hat based on the jacket. It's almost sad to part with them, but I'm determined to send them off quickly; "little" Julia's actually 9lbs 8oz! This also means that the matching Tomten jacket will go to Duncan, another cousin's baby. I hope to make something for Mitchell this winter. He's got a cute hat, but the little guy needs a sweater, in my opinion.<br /><br />Sweater details: <br />yarn: <a href="http://yarn.com/webs/0/0/0/0-1001-1294-1323/0/0/3209/">Araucania Nature Wool</a> (currently on closeout at WEBS)<br />needles: size 6 straights and circulars<br />buttons: metal celtic-motif from webs. plastic for the booties.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-24740264435053313552008-01-28T18:46:00.000-05:002008-01-31T11:54:25.644-05:00argyle!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2086/2225448073_26db7a0011.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2086/2225448073_26db7a0011.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>My brother really wanted an argyle sweater for christmas. I chickened out and didn't make him one. I did, however cave to a fortuitous combination of queued pattern and stashed yarn. This <a href="http://www.socknitters.com/argyle/index.htm">argyle sock</a> pattern is written for a sport weight yarn and I had quite a bit of it stashed from some a fair-isle folly a few years ago.<br /><br />The details: the yarn is Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport for the main colors. The purple CC is Dalegarn Ull and the pink/orange CC is Valley Yarns Franklin. They're currently on size 3 dpns, but I used a short circular for the flat upper portion.<br /><br />The intarsia and duplicate stitch are not the hard part of this project, but you need to be very precise in sewing the many seams with mattress stitch. That can be a little tedious. It's actually going surprisingly fast, and I'm looking forward to wearing them!eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-80424099210355856652008-01-22T17:17:00.000-05:002008-02-07T12:55:29.494-05:00destashy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2212376479_e1015cbe08.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2212376479_e1015cbe08.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /> I'm quite proud of my new leftovers vest. No new yarn was purchased to make this somewhat eccentric fashion item. I set it aside for a while; as you can see, there are some (ahem) gauge discrepancies in the lower portion. However, they disappear when I'm wearing it, so I'm not one to fuss. <br /><br />There is one issue, though: odor. My friend Janice, who gave me lots of yarn to use in this project, stores a lot of her things in mothballs. I let the yarn out-gas in my unheated hall closet, hoping the cold, fresh air would do it some good. (Yes, I know things evaporate better at higher temperatures, but it's winter!) It helped, but when I blocked it, the smell of mothballs wafted up from the sink, probably activated by the heat. I tried to neutralize the smell of naptha with a touch of fabric softener, but like the klutz I am, I dumped a bunch in. :( Now it smells a bit strongly of softener. I should rinse it again, but it took forever to dry, and I'm enjoying it (at short stretches) for now.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-37556878643186238062008-01-18T16:19:00.000-05:002008-01-18T20:55:39.488-05:00no end to ends<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2203031180_656abedfcf.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2203031180_656abedfcf.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yarn ends. I am subsumed. Hip-deep in it. I guess that's the danger of stripes, especially since those in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Leftovers</span> vest are of so many colors. Normally I would carry the yarn up the side, but it's just not possible. Nothing to do but get down to it.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-46374582247329068902008-01-17T11:35:00.001-05:002008-01-17T11:40:23.407-05:00angora, it's from bunnies!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1125/1434114469_34f6caeca1.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1125/1434114469_34f6caeca1.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And I have no idea what to do with it. I have five lovely, plump balls of Valeria di Roma Angora, shocking pink and 100% angora. What can I say, they were on sale at WEBS a while back. Now, this only equals 275.0 yards (251.5 m); not much yarn by any measure. It's so luscious and soft that I want it around my neck, but I can't find any sort of pattern that makes me happy. Should I just ransack Barbara Walker for a stitch pattern and make something up?eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-22203406305957537912008-01-15T16:13:00.000-05:002008-01-15T16:30:48.989-05:00wonky stripesI'm working on my <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTleftovers.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">leftovers vest</span></a> again, partly to finish, partly to give me some time to think about my next move with the <a href="http://knitandtonic.typepad.com/knitandtonic/2005/12/the_somewhat_co.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">somewhat cowl</span></a>. This brings up a few thoughts on stripes and joins, which I've never been fastidious about. I've thought about doing the <a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/tips/jogless.htm">jogless join</a>, but keep forgetting to do it and won't bother starting now. One problem I've had is looseness in the first stitch of the new color. I've unvented a method to deal with this, and I believe that it is, in the end, consistent with the EZ spirit of no knots.<br /><br />When time comes for a new color change, I drop the old color, snip the end, and start up with the new. Once I've knit one round, I tie the two ends together in a square knot. Most of these have started to come undone after I've gone a few rows beyond, and that's good, because I intend to untie the rest of them and weave in the ends when I'm done. I think this keeps the seam a little more consistent, and I hope it will be quite smooth once I sew the ends in.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-67778132024842055412007-12-04T14:31:00.000-05:002007-12-04T14:55:23.172-05:00no henry scarf, after allSo after a quick re-evaluation, I've decided not to make the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATThenry.html">Henry</a> scarf for my husband after all. He is forever in love with his scratchy, wool plaid dress scarf and there will be no usurping it. I bought 4 balls of Laines du Nord Baby Star in navy but returned them to WEBS in exchange for... something for me!<br /><br />I already had 10 balls of <a href="http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/product_page_detail.php?category_id=1&item_id=18">Classic Elite Miracle</a> in Geneva Blue that i got as a gift from my comrade Janice, so I picked up 3 more with the hopes of making the <a href="http://knitandtonic.typepad.com/knitandtonic/2005/12/the_somewhat_co.html">Somewhat Cowl</a> sweater by Wendy Bernard. Of course, it will have to wait for the christmas knitting to finish up, but that's going well. I just need to finish my mom's socks (almost done!), whip up a hat for my stepdad, and maybe make something else for my sister. Maybe the new issue of knitty will have some inspiration when it comes out.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-88965213200347496232007-11-27T13:46:00.000-05:002007-11-27T14:08:03.041-05:00mmm pieI would like to posit that pie is the finest culinary creation ever known to man. Sweet pies are an American classic; apple is my favorite. But it is savory pies that have the power to make something you're thoroughly sick of into dinner delight. Pot pies are, therefore, a natural after Thanksgiving, but I've also done them with leftover beef stew to revive that last sad quart languishing at the bottom of the pot.<br /><br />And homemade crust is what makes it most splendid. My usual crust recipe involves 3 cups of AP flour, 1 cup of butter (if you're brave, do like my Grandma and go half lard) and about 1/2 tsp kosher salt. I like my crust salty. For the love of mike, don't bother with shortening. It doesn't taste good, will kill you even quicker, and is harder to work with. And ooooh, nothing browns like butter. If you're cheap, just buy butter when it goes on sale and freeze it, then turn it into pies.<br /><br />Also, don't kill yourself trying to make the most perfect, incredibly short (dry) crust for the most lovely flakes and crumbs. I've been experimenting with using the food processor to blend my dough, but I still add up to 1/2 cup water. Once I have it blended the way I like, i dump it into a zip bag, seal, and mangle it together to make it more consistent. Then, i press it together and refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour. Roll between floured parchment paper, cut-open bread bags, or something else clever of your own devising. You'll thank me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/2058671006_9231f92dc5.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/2058671006_9231f92dc5.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>A final word on pies: the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTpecanpie.html">pecan pie beret</a> is underway with pleasing results. I might make it a bit shallower than designed, but haven't decided yet. The pattern notes look intimidating, but brioche stitch is not very difficult at all. Don't get worked up over what looks like a very complicated way to decrease; there are only two decrease rounds, so it's over fast. I'm using <span style="font-style: italic;">Kureyon</span> #147 and Valley Yarns <span style="font-style: italic;">Berkshire</span> in navy on US 4 needles.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-35945182739292229482007-11-20T09:27:00.000-05:002007-11-20T09:30:53.417-05:00snow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/2049498581_79d5ac65d4.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/2049498581_79d5ac65d4.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Today, progress on my mom's socks continues, and nervousness about my kittens' operations and Thanksgiving guests looms, but it's snowing! Real snow, and it's almost covering the grass. I'll save the tidying for this afternoon, when it's less beautiful.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8031188929652333381.post-2701263641358706302007-11-19T10:00:00.000-05:002007-11-19T10:37:40.761-05:00contrast in colorworkWhen it comes to color schemes, I have a weakness. I'm really partial to <a href="http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-theory-intro.htm#tints_shades_tones">monochromatic</a> and <a href="http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-harmonies.htm">analogous</a> color schemes, that is shades of one color or colors adjacent on the color wheel. This can look really great in stripes, but presents problems with smaller patterns like fair-isle motifs. I was planning to use these two yarns for my sister's <span style="font-style: italic;">Center Square </span>hat.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/2036395826_4f05e9a8b3.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 279px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/2036395826_4f05e9a8b3.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2036396152_4ca48ca192.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 276px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2036396152_4ca48ca192.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />However, when I started making the hat, it was almost impossible to tell the MC and CC apart. My brother's girlfriend described the look as "noise" rather than a discernible pattern. This is not really the point of colorwork, now is it?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/1618127182_a748f333b2.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/1618127182_a748f333b2.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The solution: contrast. I hit on it this summer when I paired a blue and white variegated yarn with another blue yarn for my first attempt at the <a href="http://woolgatheringandmore.blogspot.com/2007/05/mad-for-fair-isle-batik-style-socks.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mad for Fair Isle Batik Style</span></a> socks. It looked good from a viewing distance of a few centimeters, but you couldn't even see the pattern any further back. Then, I switched my main color from blue and white to a pink and orange variegated.<br /><br />Ta da! The contrast makes the pattern visible. Or would, if my picture was bigger. (Trust me, they look great) A quick perusal of my Ravelry page shows me that all of my surviving color patterns (except one) have really bold internal contrast. Of course, don't follow any rule off a cliff. (It would happen that I can't find the example I was looking for. poot) Anyway, I hope that articulating this rule will help me follow it better in the future. Less frogging that way.eudyptulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03126753277187138563noreply@blogger.com0