The Land of Wool and Honey

Wrap it Up

So there I was, rifling through my cascading tower of  knitting, when I discovered there's really only one genre of knitting I've been actively pursuing of late.  (That's nothing to say for the eight sweaters, six pairs of socks, three hats and two pairs of fingerless mitts scrunched up in the closet.  Another day.)  I have now entered into the Shawl Stage.

True, these pieces are small.  No bigger than a shoulder dusting, really.  Glorified scarves.  A little ribbing, a little stockinette, a little garter.  However.  It's so satisfying to knit these simple pieces, these little shawlettes, that if I don't keep a grip on the wheel, I know where this could go.  It doesn't take a genius to realize that I'm laying the foundation for a full-fledged Obsession.  Next up is a Clapotis (how 2004 of me, I know).  Then Evelyn Clark's Shetland Triangle (Rav link).  Before you can say qiviut, I'm researching the history of Orenburg lace.  Or maybe I'm just being a little dramatic before my morning coffee.  That's probably it. 

 

A poncho (a really cool one!  honestly!) I'm designing for the shop, although I throw up a little bit in my mouth every time I say that word.  No matter how you put it, any derivation of "poncho" conjures images of 1970s Tex Mex.  Admit it.  (Ponchito?  Shudder.)

 

A Simple Yet Effective Shawl in Fleece Artist Casbah.  Colorway: Origin, I think.  It's a real retina surge.

And just for good measure, another.  Elizabeth's Designs new sock/laceweight Merino:

 

Obviously, this pattern is something I just enjoy.  

Yet not all projects are on the needles around here.  Lo and behold, a finished piece!

 
 
The most popular pattern at Inish Knits--the Melissa Scarf.  Flattered, I tell you.  This time, I knit it with 2 skeins of Louisa Harding Merletto.  And if copper isn't your color,  how about a few more choices?

 

This scarf is just the thing for a gift, or heck, for you.  (Think Christmas Eve Mass or New Year's Eve. ) The yarn has got a lovely shine, cute without being overly so, it's wool free (great for those with sensitive skin!) and it's super fast.

I should know.  Just under the wire for Week 10 (from The 12 Knits of Christmas), I cast on on Wednesday night and finished 'er late last night.  The yarn is on sale for 20% off this week only, so call me at (231) 228-2800 and I can get it to you with pleeeeeenty of time for the holidays. 

There and Back Again: A Knitter's Tale

Although I haven't spent the last month trudging through the fires of Mordor, I am about as winded as one must be at the end of an epic journey.  Since my last check-in, I attended a Fiber Fest (to buy more stuff of course!), dyed 15-ish pounds of BFL, spun five? six?  twelve? an unknown number of four-ounce skeins, manned a hopping booth at the Leland Fiber Fest, enjoyed the most successful month of 2009 to date at Inish Knits (October--whee!),  and was asked to teach a class at the Northern MI Lamb & Wool Fest 2010.  I also watched the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Again.

There's been knitting, too.

 

Festivus Fingerless Mitts.  Details here.

 

Which became a multi colored version of this.

A failed attempt at a hat:

 

However.  When at first you don't succeed, 

 

Keep on knittin'.

 

A designing/spinning/knitting project is in the works:

 

 

 

Merino and silk, how I love thee.

I am up to my wool-covered ears in custom orders, emails and requests for private instruction.  At least five people every day are added to our email list.  (Email me at inishknits AT charter DOT net if you'd like me to add you!)  In "these trying economic times", it seems that everyone I meet is finding peace in all things handmade. 

I am inspired, renewed and grateful.  
 

W(h)ee!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: knitwear becomes indescribably cute when in miniature form!  This same sock, done in a woman's size, would be attractive, pretty even, but still a Plain Jane sock.  In fact, I dare anyone who is reading this to knit a pair of mini socks for the next baby shower on your calendar--I guarantee it will lay claim as "the cutest gift EVER!"   (It seems that when referring to teeny, tiny knits, my mild-to-moderate distaste for excessive exclamation points goes out the window!!!!)

 

Just a little gal, this sock falls within the 0-6 month size.  (An educated guess, really.  If anyone feels like bringing a life-size model over to the shop to test the theory, I'm up for the challenge.)

I know I don't really need to say this, but the other sock is not quite finished.  My MO.  As I wrap things up, I'll write up the pattern to share with those of you who enjoy teeny tiny stuff as much as I do.  (Just like that hat pattern, right, Lindy?!  It's coming--really!)

And something for a big girl:

 

Another pair of Toasty mitts--the other sample walked out of here with a customer who just had to have them.  Easy as sin--my favorite kind of knitting.  (Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed, size 6 dpn, just over one skein.) 

My handspun sweater is turning out perfectly.  I am so thrilled with this puppy, it's hard to explain. 

Because the sides (and the hem) are rolling inward, this photo gives the illusion that the sweater's too small.  Au contraire, mes amis.  The edges of the sweater meet at the bust, and I'll be adding a one-inch button band.  I have about three inches of work left to go on the hem (two more waist-shaping increases plus maybe a touch more) and the sleeves (duh), but this is what I got from EIGHT OUNCES.  516 yards.  And I haven't lost steam--I've got three ounces of singles on a bobbin as we speak.  

I haven't quite decided what to do with the "finishing" bits of it all.  That's the beauty of a top-down sweater: I don't need to decide until I'm exactly at that point.  And better yet, I can make a decision, not like it, rip it out and redo the edge, kind of like a "Choose Your Own Adventure" novel, with minimal effort.  

There's a chance I may let the edges roll, in a tailored-yet-laid-back kinda cardigan, but I think I am leaning toward a hemmed-edge finish (bottom, sleeves, button band and neck edge) with a slight bell sleeve. 

Any thoughts?       

Can't Talk Now

I'm busy beating Time.

Boxer shorts, pair number one.  Finito.

 

Seven of eight wine bottle hats.  Done.

 

The singles for the handspun yarn are almost entirely finished (i.e. within the hour), but sadly, entirely unbloggable.  I can't risk the reader/recipient viewing their gift prematurely.

The first pair of socks is mid-heel.  Not really a great time to teach oneself a short-row heel, but under the wing of this fabulous tutorial, I think I'll make it.

The fabric for the pajama pants is cut and ready for assemblage. 

This day isn't even half-over.

Boo-yah.

Panic

It wouldn't be Christmas without it.

All of a sudden, I truly believe I can do things that, were it not such a twinkly time of year, I wouldn't even be tempted to try.  The closer it gets to D-Day, I get super sentimental and think to myself, You know, if I really loved my friends and family, I would show them by showering them with handcrafted love.  Which is really ridiculous, I know, because there really is only so much time in the world.  And probably the more ridiculous thing that you're saying to yourself right now is, If you really did love your friends and family, you would have started in July.  

But.  That's just not how I roll.  Better under pressure, I always say.  (Actually, when it's time to say that, it usually comes out in the way of a pathetic sob.) 

On the list right now?  Eight more hats for wine bottles, a pair of handspun mittens, two pairs of socks, a pair of pajama bottoms, a baby sweater, three pairs of boxer shorts, a skein of handspun and possibly a sparkly scarf to wear to Mass on Christmas Eve.  That's the handmade stuff.  I haven't even started shopping.  (Excuse me for one second.  My head is in a paper bag.)    

However.  These past 24 hours have been such a flurry of activity that I can't help but be convinced I'll succeed. 

   

Another wine bottle hat.  I see this one perched atop a grapefruit-y Sauvignon Blanc.

 

A Noro-type gift, cast on last night of course, for someone on my list who I hope does not read this blog.  (If you're reading this, Mom, do me a favor and act really surprised on Christmas morning.) 

 

Lavender sachets.  Whoops.  I forgot to mention that I totally broke one of my own rules.  You know, about pursuing another creative outlet.  I started using a sewing machine.  I don't know what happened.  Well, that's not true.  There's a quilt shop next door.  It was inevitable.  Frankly, I'm rather impressed with my willpower--I held out for almost two and a half years!  (We won't even discuss the pajama bottoms I made for Curt for his birthday last week.  I'll save that for the New Year.)    

 

This is entirely unrelated to the holiday.  I just felt like starting something new.

p.s.  Negative Nancies need not leave comments.  Of course I realize that I'm biting off a foolish amount of work.  That's why I've already scratched the sparkly scarf off the list.