Update with link to GoodReads

I've moved my book list to GoodReads, link here.  Highly recommended site for readers.

Update with link to Megan's website

Just another quick update to link to Megan's art and photography website:


Iriewoman Photography & Art

CraftLit - Explore Literature with Heather!

Just a quick update to link to Heather Ordover's worthwhile podcast, CraftLit.

Herbivore Scarf

Herbivore Scarf by Stephen West (Ravelry link)

Note: Different method for the beginning (I’ve used a similar method for starting the Shetland Triangle):

CO 3 sts.
Row 1: K3
Row 2: K1, M1, K1, M1, K1 (5 sts)
Row 3: K5
Row 4: K2, YO, K1, YO, K2 (7 sts)
Row 5: K7

This gives you the 7 sts you need to start the Herbivore, beginning with the Set Up Row 1 (WS).

BLOCKING: I have blocking wires, but for my Herbivore I found it easier to use a lightweight cotton string-like yarn (like crochet cotton or kite string) and run the string through each garter bump on the straight edges, using a darning needle. It was easier to sit and hold the scarf in my lap and thread the edges, then I could soak the finished scarf, strings and all, in a Eucalan bath – much easier and more precise than trying to thread a wet scarf with long floppy wires.

Then I laid the damp scarf on the floor, pulled out the strings tight and anchored the ends to heavy pins, then smoothed out the scarf edges along the tight string, with just a few pins here and there along the stringed edge to keep it straight. I set up a small fan a few feet away, just to keep the air moving to help it dry faster.

Postblocking picture taken 11/2/09. My favorite scarf!

I love my Herbivore and get so many compliments on it every time I wear it. I made it according to Stephen’s dimensions in the pattern, and it’s just right as a medium-size scarf for wrapping around the neck, and the end points wrap around and drape down nicely on either side. Perfect for filling in the neckline of a coat or jacket too.
(Now in the process of making a second one in a dark rusty orange.)

Surrounded by Lace Triangles

Four lovely triangles: three Shetland Lace Triangles and a Flower Basket Shawl, designed by Evelyn Clark.

Triangle 1: Fleece Artist Merino Sock (382 yards, purchased at Effiloché, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 10/07), using size 4 (3.5 mm) Addi Lace circular needles.
Triangle 2: Gaia's Colours Mere Ama (473 yards, purchased from Ursa at her Etsy shop), using size 4 Addi Lace circular needles.
Triangle 3: Fleece Artist Sea Wool (382 yards, purchased from a Ravelry destash), using size 4 Addi Lace circular needles.
Triangle 4: Sundara Sock Yarn (350 yards, purchased from Sundara), using size 4 Addi Lace circular needles.

Clapotis 5

Clapotis 5 is finished, project details on Ravelry here. I used three skeins of worsted-weight Sundara Aran Silky Merino, Ember over Flame, using a size 7 needle. This pattern is one of my favorites, versatile and easy. Thanks to Kate Gilbert and Sundara Murphy for a great combination!

Grapevine Socks

Grapevine Socks by Irie, in Dream in Color Smooshy purchased at Sonny & Shear (Ravelry project information link here).

Design by my daughter Irie! Picot cuff, fair isle pattern, twining vine design.

Two vine panels at center back were tapered, made narrower for ankle, by dec’g two sts after each half pattern repeat (minus six sts total) just before final tendril repeat (Chart 3). (I modified charts to accommodate center back decs.)

3/21/08: finished chart knitting, now on one color, gusset decreases.

4/5/08: ripped back to heel flap; used size smaller needles for heel turn, did more rapid dec’s for better ankle fit - using size 0 = firmer gauge for foot.

4/18/08: finished! Love the design, perfect fit. Had lots of Smooshy left over, enough for another blue-and-green pair of socks.