At the Knitting Table

 Tues. evening was like a huge show and tell.  I love seeing the variety of work and color.  If you could have a little shop where all these were displayed they would fly off the manikins. I think everyone was totally inspired even if we are suffering daylight savings withdrawal.

I am giving links to the patterns but if you can't get the links to work you might have to log into Ravelry and look them up.

These first socks are done in a self striping yarn and the pattern is on Ravelry called Fruit Stripe Gum Socks.  Pattern is free on Ravelry and you can see how it knits up in different yarns by looking at all the projects Fruit Socks.   I can't wait to try a pair, just need to find the right yarn.  Wasie did hers in String Theory Colorworks yarn.

 The name of this pattern is Crocodile Rock and its on Ravelry too.  I love the splash of bright color in the turquoise.  Wasie did these during the Olympics so they didn't take her long to start and finish. 

 Peggy finished a red scarf for a friend and put her fringe on.  The red of this yarn is really rich and my photo makes it seem to harsh, but its super pretty and will be a nice gift.

 I am working on my Dreambird .  This is on Ravelry, its a big shawl with feathers on a contrasting yarn and color.  Both these yarns are from the shop.  One is a cream wool, and the other is a skein of Poems Wisdom Yarn sock weight.   Its easy to knit but you have to do a bit of paying attention to counting stitches on the short rows.   I love how the yarn changes colors at the center of the feathers, and this is just the yarn doing its thing, nothing to do with me and my knitting!

 Vicki is working on a Class project for our group.  Its called The Lucy Hat

She is working it up in the Ultra Alpace from the shop using two colors.  

If you check out the hat pattern its  reminiscent of Downton Abby hat in that period.

 Candice caught the sock fever!  I think this is her 3rd pair and her knitting is just precise and spot on.  Lovely work to she who is now advanced!   Sorry I didn't get a shot of your Anna Top, but next time.

Self Shading and Long Striping yarns!   I love them, and found on Pinterest some eye candy that is worth sharing.  Then i went to Garnstudio to see what free patterns there were!  I found this hat and cowl pattern for free.   (You might have to go to menu and convert to English if it comes up in Nordic!)   There are so many free patterns and I found about a years worth of inspiration just in hats!  I also found a place in the US that carrys this yarn Nordic Mart.  I printed this patten and ordered this yarn!   I will blame this lack of self control on daylight withdrawal!

Happy Knitting!

What Weight is your Yarn?

Brrrrrrr, we are almost to spring and its still so cold out, even the birds aren't coming out to play.  

This is one of my vacant blue bird houses a week ago!  In a few days the leaves will be emerging, and the birds active, grasses growing, allergies and then what becomes of knitting!    The yarn has no captured audience as we are held captive in our warm houses.

Lots of new things happening at the knitting circle and because so many of us are doing different projects that call for a specific yarn it makes me ask myself over and over - what exactly is the yarn this pattern calls for!   I found myself asking this again today and ran across this fantastic chart.  You need to print it out and put it in your yarn bag for reference.   The ply is a bit confusing because its for UK, NZ and AU but I believe these must all be the same for us because our worsted is 10 ply, so use this chart to help you navigate your yarn and your pattern, needles and gauges.  If you dont' have a gauge, you can do wraps per inch by wrapping your yarn around your needle and measuring the wraps within an inch on a ruler. Probably not as great as a knitted gauge but it is another way for you to have some control of information.

Standard Yarn Weight System	Nm (length per mass, SI (International System of Units))	Yarn Type (US)	Ply (UK, NZ, AU)[3]	m/100g	Wraps Per Inch (WPI)[3]	needles / circulars recommended, mm
0 or Lace	6 - 8	Thread, Cobweb and Lace	1 - 3 ply	600-800	18+ wpi	1.5 - 2.5
1 or Superfine	4 - 6	Fingering, Sock	4 ply	400-480	14 wpi	2 - 3
2 or Fine	3 - 4	Sport	5 ply	300-400	12 wpi	3 - 4
3 or Light	2.4 - 3	DK	8 ply	240-300	11 wpi	4 - 4.5
4 or Medium	1.2 - 2.4	Worsted	10 ply	120-240	9 wpi	4.5 - 5.5
5 or Bulky	1 - 1.3	Bulky	12 ply	100-130	7 wpi	5.5 - 8
6 or Super Bulky	>1	Super Bulky		Less than 100	5-6 wpi	>8

Feburary Keeps up the Wow Factor

 Winter in Feb. has been keeping us away from our knitting get togethers but not from knitting.  I wanted to highlight a couple things that were there this Friday.

Berroco Ultra Alpaca done up in a seed stitch cowl,  This is so pretty, soft and the heathers just give it a totally rich look.   I wonder how much it would cost in a department store if you were to try and buy one!  Beautiful work.

 This is the Basic Bolero our group is working on.  I got mine finished and just love it.  My Bolero is XL and it used 4 skeins.  I knit loose so if you knit tight you might need 5 skeins.  This is soft and warm and I love being wrapped up in yarn.

 This is the back of my sweater.  So fun to have this fashionable look on a simple sweater pattern.  Be sure to get with Vicki for pattern info as found in the magazine Love of Knitting Winter 2013.

 Its always fascinating to me to see yarn  in a skein and wonder what in the world does it look like knitted up!  Well here is an example of some of the lovely single ply yarn the shop has knitted up into what I believe is headed toward being a cowl.  Now remember you can go on Ravelry.com and check out  yarn brands and see what others are knitting up.

A bulky yarn headed toward a cowl of a different type.  This pattern looks like an infinity scarf/cowl.   Pretty and soft, I hope to see it finished next Friday because this should be a fast knit.

Ground hog says we have a few more weeks of winter left, I am so anxious for that to be wrong!   See ya at knitting.

Let the Class Begin!

 It was a full house Tues evening with old faces and new faces and just plain ole regular faces!   We had so much fun anticipating these two new group or class projects.  As you can see this little blue seed sweater is now finished and is it ever sweet!   I had to try it on and just love the fit and softness.  

This pattern is available for you via your "Vicki" leader  who knit this so you could get really inspired to work on an  EASY sweater and graduate from scarves.  Think of this as 3 squares sewn together like you did your mitered afghan and dish cloths...No Problem!

We have about bought out the shop's yarn supply for this project but again NO Problem as the shop will order whatever color you want and there are probablay about 30 colors to choose from in the swatch book. 
I am going to work on mine in a pinkie fuscia heather type yarn.   The yarn is Berroco Vintage if you want to google it and the colors.

At the same time, we are starting the Basic Bolero (EASY)  I showed in the last entry on this blog.  Pattern you can get from Vicki if you don't have the magazine.  It again will take the same yarn and should knit up fast.    Looking forward to taking over the garment world with these new knits!  See ya Fri morning or Tues Evening...OddBalls Unite!

Two New Kals - Knit Along's for our Group

The last couple times the Odd Ball group met up, there was much speculation over a couple new patterns in Love Of Knitting Magazine that could become KAL's for the knitting class.  This very cool Bolero is SIMPLE and in the latest magazine at the shop.   I wish I had a image of the back because its really nicely done and stylish.

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Basic Bolero Designed by Barbara Condon & Kathleen England of Glenfiddich Wool

Classic shaping and inset sleeves form the foundation of this wonderful and cozy cardigan. Simple ribbing along the back of this sweater cleverly creates flattering shaping, and the ribbing continues along the sides to create a graceful collar for a stylish finish.
Skill level: Easy
Materials
• 5 (5, 6, 6) skeins Bartlett Yarn Worsted by Glenfiddich Wool, 100% wool, (210 yds/113g) in color Lovat or Light Sheeps Gray
• U.S. size 10 (6mm) 32" circular needles, or size required for gauge
• U.S. size 8 (5mm) and 9 (5.5mm) 32" circular needles
• Stitch markers
• Yarn needle


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Vicki has knit up with has already knit this adorable Seed Stitch Sweater and its adorable.  Yarn used was Beroco's Vintage which the shop has in lovely colors some solid and some heather.   Its also EASY and is looking quite lovely.  This is in the Holiday magazine Love Of Knitting but the shop is out of this and you will need to get the info from our leader.

Cranberry Seed Stitch Sweater Designed by Barbara Condon and Kathleen England of Glenfiddich Wool

Knit with cozy, worsted weight wool, this sweater pattern works up quickly and easily. The beautiful rich color, classic shaping, and clean lines  make this design an exceptionally versatile piece. Best of all, it will keep you warm and toasty throughout the cold days of winter.
Skill level: Easy
Materials
• 5 (5, 6, 7) skeins Bartlett Yarn Worsted by Glenfiddich Wool, 100% wool (210 yds/113g) in color Mountain Berry
• U.S. size 10 (6mm) needles, or size required for gauge
• U.S. size 8 (5mm) needles
• U.S. size 6 (4mm) 16" circular needle
• Stitch markers
• Stitch holder
• Yarn needle

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Also in the same Holiday issue a bunch of us knit up this Cowl!  I LOVE mine, everyone else LOVES theirs and I imagine more will be made for next year.   Most of us did it in winter cream white, but some did colors, and most of us did more than one as it knit up in two evenings on big needles!  Anyway, I knit mine up and wore it to a class, everyone went nuts for it, and the magazine issue sold out along with all the cream white yarn!  

Ice Crystal Cowl Designed by Barbara Condon and Kathleen England of Glenfiddich Wool

With lovely beaded embellishments, this oversized cowl will add a decorative touch to every outfit. Because of the oversized shape, this cowl can be worn in multiple ways, making this accessory as versatile as it is beautiful.
Skill level: Easy
Materials
• 1 skein Custom Spun Sport Weight by Glenfiddich Wool, 100% wool (345 yds/113g) in color Natural
• U.S. size 9 (5.5mm) 24" circular needle, or size required for gauge
• Size 6/0 glass beads (optional)
• Stitch marker
• Yarn needle
Enlarge photo

Prevent Pilling

When shopping for items you wear frequently such as black cardigans or crewneck sweaters always look at the fiber content. While synthetic fabrics can look and feel like cotton or wool, knits with acrylic or polyester in them will pill more because it is an inherent quality of the fibers. Go for wool, cashmere, mohair, or cotton/wool blends. Although it will cost more, it will look better longer.

Abrasives accelerate pilling, so hand washing and line drying are the best options. Some fibers, such as mohair, must be dry-cleaned. Wash sweaters with polyester or acrylic in them inside out with liquid detergent. Don’t put heavier items, denim or jackets with zippers and pulls on it, in the same wash. You could use a lingerie bag for your knits in the washing machine to lessen the friction on the surface of the garments. Also, don’t hang your knits on hangers as this further weakens the fibers especially around the shoulder seams.

As for getting rid of the tiny balls of fiber already on your sweater, any technique is going to take some time. Sewing and craft stores sell fabric shavers, but I find sitting down with a razor blade and some time to kill effective and inexpensive. Pull the fabric taught and carefully lift from under the pill to break it away from the surface. Use a thimble on your finger to control where your blade goes.

Happy New Year and How Do you Wind Your Yarn!

Oh boy do I have a tip for you guys.   I don't know how Vicki finds these wonderful little tid bits but here you go!   A tip for winding your yarn into a ball where you can pull from the center and NOT get a rats or birds nest.   Oh its so clever and one of those things that it deserves the comment "why didn't I come up with that!"    So here is the link to your own center pull ball of yarn.  How To Wind Your Yarn

In case this link won't open for you, the idea is to take an old pill bottle with a pop cap and put put the tail of the yarn inside and put the cap back on, next you begin to wind your yarn around the pill bottle.  When finished you can just pop that pill bottle out from the center of your ball and your yarn will pull out with ease.






Also you will be happy to know that there will be probably TWO new group projects that will begin around Superball and Valentines days.   Both are wearables, both are EASY and both are quite different so you will most likely want to do both of them.   You will have to stay tuned for an update on these patterns, the date we will begin, the yarns and the fun.
Keep warm!

When you are bored! Start another project.....

 This is what happens to me when I am bored, I begin to surf and find myself in the land of ideas.

Some of the people who create these fun sockie creations make me realize what a small fish bowl I live in.  I have just now begun to knit a pair of socks with two cable needles.   Boy this is much easier than 4 dpn's.     

Isn't this a sweet idea to put a cotton crochet trim around the top of some nice wool socks.

 This was posted under Shark Week,  that really takes some imagination to come up with the idea let alone to actually see the idea become a sock.   I don't have the image of the other sock but the shark is going the other direction and the toes are sticking out of his mouth..Knit toes!

 This is a free pattern on Ravelry, its called Owl socks.  See the little beads in the owl's eyes.   I have not found the right yarn to make these yet or the beads for the eyes. I really want a solid color so the pattern shows up nice, but I am thinking this white is pretty fanciful!

 I love this little anklet, its so sweet with the button!   What a great way for left over yarns, you could do the cuff and the heel  and toe in different colors too and again, using a great button to make it special really is sweet.  Now if you look close they didn't just sew a button, which I am sure you could, but there it a little flap that lets you tighten the anklet - so would love to have this pattern.

 Hey, I have someone in mind who would love to have this pattern which of course in searching is no longer available.   I love the little sheep in the field and the fence  that runs along the bottom of the sock to keep them all corralled in.  Clever people.

 Another adorable anklet which would knit up so fast and use leftover yarn.   Nice summer knock around the house treats for the feet.

 OK, these are just WAY odd looking, but don't you really miss wearing your summer foot wear in the winter.  This pretty much addresses the issue of socks for sandles.

So delicate I had to include these in the little footie selections.  These look like cotton, and the soft delicate lace work I bet is pretty easy with maybe only 4 or 5 repeat rows on just the top. 

What's in your yarn bag! 

Have a great holiday and hope to see ya at the knitting table where as you all know - OddBalls, where everyone knows your skein.

Knit Picks has a Contest

By entering your wish list you have a chance to win if you publish your list in different areas, each time its an extra chance to win.   SO, I wished BIG!  Wishing BIG

Hope everyone has a great holiday, safe and warm, lots of missed faces at knitting with weather and social butterfly events.   Keep the yarn flowing!
Sally

What Do You Want for Christmas?

 When you get asked what you want for Christmas, why not a gift that keeps on giving!  Like a magazine subscription that you an drool over and thumb through for years.   Not only that as your skills improve and your courage takes that mighty leap you can begin to work on some of the things that you thought you never would be able to knit.

There are literally every type of knitting magazine imaginable, but here are a few of my favorite ones.   You do notice Harry Potter is at the top of that list!   Who would not love to indulge in a nimbus 2000 set of knitting needles!   They fly you know!

Some of these magazines are hard copies and some I think are also offered as digital format.  As with real books, there is nothing that can compare to a  beautiful magazine full of inspiration, patterns, tips and techniques.   Hope Santa is good to you!

Boot Cuffs are SO Sweet

 Tues night at Odd Balls is always inspirational.  I was really happy to meet two new people both seasoned yarnies, one a knitter and the other crochet.    So glad you found our corner of play!

I am bringing up the boot cuffs since holidays are so close and this could be a quick gift to make up.   Our new crochet  person who as yet does not have a handle or nickname, was working on a pair of boot cuffs that were really appealing.  I should have snapped a photo. 

Anyway back to this boot cuff thingie - it seems there is just no end to the variations and delightful  ornamentation you can use on them.   A great use of scrap and left over yarn from previous projects also.

Be sure to check out Ravelry for free patterns and ideas!  

Here is a little Ravelry project for you.  The shop has a BUNCH of yarn in called Classic Shades by Universal Yarn.   If you log onto Ravelry.com and click the tab "yarn", you can type in this yarn and find that there are 2,747 projects in the works and finished using this yarn.  You can see how the colors knit up and use this as a great tool in your cyber knitting box. - At the bottom is one of the colors called Foliage - have fun!

A Shawl Experience

 Not much to write about today but I just felt like posting something even if its about nothing.   So I thought some eye candy would be fun and wondering how you all sort your yarn, store it and play with ideas for your next projects.   I loved the little sugar canisters to hold balls while you knit, very clever knitters are.

So I mentioned a shawl experience, and I am still experiencing it with great delight - they are warm and comfie on my achie shoulders.  I think they will have to become part of my daily winter attire.   They are so fashionable and fun.  I know you all have mentioned how cold the restaurants are and so I tried this out last week and I didn't need more than this little wrap around my shoulders and neck to keep me quite comfortable.
Arms are free to move around, nothing extremely hot and cumbersome.   Well, now that I have discovered this revelation that has been known for ages, I will have to make more!

 The daylight savings is due to change, and wanted to remind everyone that while Tues night knitting so far is still a GO, there is also Friday Morning from 10 to Noon so you can still come and sit and plot your next knitting adventure.

I spied a new knitting magazine at the shop yesterday, it looks like its just Christmas knitting, but the projects in it are some of the nicest I have seen in awhile.  One cowl really caught my eye in a winter white with beads! 

Next week some of us are on vacation, company coming and other things that might keep us from our gathering time but don't let that stop you from coming and enjoying all there is to offer.

Everyone Has Been Busy!

 This Friday morning was full of eye candy and lush fibers.  Boy everyone has been so busy its really exciting and we all are in a fuss about wanting to finish our existing work to begin something new.

I really can't remember the name of this pattern but its a very interesting scarf using short rows done on one of the yarns at HNT called Denali by Pagewood Farms.  Love this in person much better than my sad photo, its really delicious.

 After a year of saying NO No No I will not pick up spinning again, here I am again tinkering with a drop spindle and a bit of hand spun yarn.  This is beyond squishy and delectable. I got a little drop spindle that came with 3 ounces of fiber and I spun it up in no time.  Drat its not quite enough to do anything with except to drool over.   I am guessing another wheel will eventually find its way to my house but the price of wheels now as compared to 20 years ago about threw me out of my chair.   Gulp...

 My Andrea Shawl is almost done, this is so pretty and I made size medium, should have done the large, however its so pretty I am sure I will do another one.   Next post it will be finished.

 Candice finished her Multnomah, I wish the photo showed off her edging better, its like the froth of the morning ocean tide, boy the color is so like blue jeans and comfie relaxation.   You did good girl!

 We all just had to step back and take in this lovely yarn that will eventually become another Summer Waves Cardi.   Its a Berroco yarn from HNT shop, a type of linen feel and its going to be outstanding!!

 Another Multnomah shawl being worked in the Blossom Street yarn - I think Jessica is going to work this into a larger size by adding an extra row of repeats.   Pretty muted colors.

 This odd yarn is called -Oh the name just slipped my mind...I hate it when that happens.  Its what Rebecca is working on and another Summer Waves Cardi project.  This has some cotton in it and the ball of yarn does not even suggest this outstanding striping effect.  These yarn companies should send swatches - Who Knew!   Really pretty knitted up.   Oh the yarn is Kudo.  You can actually look that up on Ravelry and see what others are knitting with it.

Cofmie feet make knitting more relaxing, and so here are some comfie hand knitted socks!  

We are a relaxed group this morning, no death grips, only a few dropped stitches and upside down yarn overs...life is good.