tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13408669431364784472024-03-13T12:14:21.460-06:00Knitaway"Now is the Right Time."
The Lotus SutraCheryl Oberlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10291982151802170689noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-22240818589154439262022-10-23T12:04:00.006-06:002022-10-26T18:39:34.967-06:00RE: Knitting<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">[<i>The hinge squeeks as Cheryl opens the long-closed door to the Knitaway blog.</i></span><i style="font-family: times;">“Seven years and not a speck of dust,” she muses. She settles herself at the keyboard, smiling in anticipation of once again writing about knitting.]</i></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtWwylH_suc4dlGCIM0iN-dCm1IZvdfgy3qR2YuJUXyWPnqC9j5eUpQi-rGi_BQV3NkiUHsrYk-w_Jamy2i_sSgbs4XYZZtsWmnrAGlDckg3brO7rAMD86tNe6ZIq-Ydrd-apf-SthbVZawzMEp96u2PdcRKbUgrkzPY2s8xByvlJh4WAX_vbyF2oMw/s2466/DF4A7E5E-BD5F-414E-A217-953779BCE891.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2466" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtWwylH_suc4dlGCIM0iN-dCm1IZvdfgy3qR2YuJUXyWPnqC9j5eUpQi-rGi_BQV3NkiUHsrYk-w_Jamy2i_sSgbs4XYZZtsWmnrAGlDckg3brO7rAMD86tNe6ZIq-Ydrd-apf-SthbVZawzMEp96u2PdcRKbUgrkzPY2s8xByvlJh4WAX_vbyF2oMw/s320/DF4A7E5E-BD5F-414E-A217-953779BCE891.jpeg" width="318" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Change. We know it too well. The chaos of the last seven years has seen everyone’s history swept up and carried on to events, people, and places that few could have imagined. Here we are, here I am and I can finally, with much gratitude, say that <b>I am home.</b> Through it all has been the Knitting, providing both focus and comfort in the midst of transformation, just as it has done for my whole life. That’s what it does. Knitting abides.* </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;">There's been a lot of wool over the needles since the move from Big City to Tiny Town. The </span><span style="font-family: times;">most interesting parts of the “missing” years will, no doubt, show up here and there in future blogs. My intention is as before, to share with you thoughts on all things knit. We are fortunate enough to be living in the midst of the knitting renaissance, and thanks to the sharing of their genius by many, I find myself continuing to learn techniques, old and new. I have a backlog of designs and I’ve uncovered a few surprises from the past. I look forward to again exploring it all with you, knitter to knitter, one post at a time.</span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Now is the Right Time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">* A tip of the needle to “the Dude”.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-81422507588517321392015-06-07T21:15:00.000-06:002015-06-08T19:23:57.205-06:00Studio Adieu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jeVDa9ehAI/VXT0UAwJ-DI/AAAAAAAABiM/ciKum4veDTg/s1600/KimonoShawlLast%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jeVDa9ehAI/VXT0UAwJ-DI/AAAAAAAABiM/ciKum4veDTg/s1600/KimonoShawlLast%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jeVDa9ehAI/VXT0UAwJ-DI/AAAAAAAABiM/ciKum4veDTg/s1600/KimonoShawlLast%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jeVDa9ehAI/VXT0UAwJ-DI/AAAAAAAABiM/ciKum4veDTg/s1600/KimonoShawlLast%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> <br />
The boxes are packed. The rooms echo in strange ways. The moving truck comes tomorrow. Tonight is the last night I'll spend knitting in this place where all my books and designs have come to be.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PgfZUhUw8g/VXUG0wqRJnI/AAAAAAAABic/c8NMMVLcTbM/s1600/KimonoShawlLast%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PgfZUhUw8g/VXUG0wqRJnI/AAAAAAAABic/c8NMMVLcTbM/s640/KimonoShawlLast%2BDay.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Thirty-four years in this dear Edwardian era building and now a new adventure begins. We are very happy to be going to our new home and I have spent most of my time over the last eight months getting ready for this day. Still, thirty four years is a very, very lot of stitches over the needles, a lot of skeins dyed and a lot of laughter and good knitting with students and friends. It all deserves some thoughtful moments. Tomorrow I'll take my memories and my knitting along to the sweet new house. Just for tonight I'm very happy to have my kimono shawl here with me, knitting along as I say adeiu to the Studio.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-10490443130934114502014-09-04T15:28:00.000-06:002014-09-04T15:29:34.672-06:00Gifts of the SeasonFrom June's roses to harvest and now whoosh! the summer has passed. Look with what scrumptious delights I was gifted yesterday! An urban farmer (and dear friend) shared her bounty!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmWwpU3RYYo/VAjURSU0_SI/AAAAAAAABg8/40md7dmPIb4/s1600/VegFromJudy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmWwpU3RYYo/VAjURSU0_SI/AAAAAAAABg8/40md7dmPIb4/s1600/VegFromJudy.jpg" height="470" width="640" /> </a> </div>
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This has been an unusual summer full of inspiration and expansion. There are big changes afoot here at home and in the studio. This summer has seen us make a big decision to relocate lock, stock, and barrel (and yarn, and paintings, and studios) to the beautiful western slope of Colorado. You'll be hearing more about it as I intend to blog the process of change from our urban home base of 30+ years to our dream of simple country living. As with any major event in my life I will be knitting my way through it all. The Knitaways in October will be the last big events for my Studio here, but look for our new location to tempt you to come to a future Knitaway there. It's all in the works....</div>
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How many of you have made a major move like this? Any advice? And can you tell me why I ever thought keeping all this stuff was a good idea? BTW, yarn is not "stuff". ^-^</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-85581792662322346962014-06-12T10:49:00.000-06:002014-06-12T10:49:02.639-06:00Old Fashioned Rose The Studio Garden continues to lure me out of the knitting nest. This week I've become curious about my favorite "old fashioned" rose. I "rustled" this one (with permission) from the back yard of another 100 year old house in our neighborhood. I wonder if she's got a name?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-zpP7aY0Uw/U5nOZyCBVJI/AAAAAAAABfw/LvqzyCCMxiA/s1600/RoseCluster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-zpP7aY0Uw/U5nOZyCBVJI/AAAAAAAABfw/LvqzyCCMxiA/s1600/RoseCluster.jpg" height="472" width="640" /> </a> </div>
She is a wild thing, with fluffy, unkempt blossoms and a love for sending up shoots where ever she can. And she's not a thornless beauty either. We've enjoyed the blossoms almost all summer for 30 years now, though June is the month that she really loves to bloom. I give her some epsom salt early each spring as I was taught to do by another rose lover. The magnesium in epsom salt boosts both the leaves and the number of blooms. Works beautifully for me at a cup per plant worked gently into the dirt around the base and watered in well.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8j6xg_BScc/U5nMmKKyZAI/AAAAAAAABfY/h9wtlvYxntQ/s1600/RoseBud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8j6xg_BScc/U5nMmKKyZAI/AAAAAAAABfY/h9wtlvYxntQ/s1600/RoseBud.jpg" height="346" width="640" /> </a></div>
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The most amazing thing about this bush rose is the fragrance, a heady, rich scent that is the epitome of summer in my mind. It was the fragrance that convinced me to add this rather invasive plant to my tiny garden. I discovered last year that the scent lingers in the petals and is even more pronounced after they are dried. So I've begun to collect the petals from the blown roses. This bush produces flowers that last just one day, going from a lovely bud to the full blown glory in a few hours. There are lots of still-fragrant petals to collect each morning as soon as the dew has dried. It has become a favorite ritual of these spring days, visiting with my old rosey friend and collecting her essence to enjoy while she sleeps it off this winter.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a36tKKs31gM/U5nT-KLfVGI/AAAAAAAABgA/5SKJZTBfLoQ/s1600/RosePetalBowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a36tKKs31gM/U5nT-KLfVGI/AAAAAAAABgA/5SKJZTBfLoQ/s1600/RosePetalBowl.jpg" height="424" width="640" /> </a> </div>
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My berry washing bowl with the holes in it works perfectly to dry the petals. And the smell is wonderful, filling the house with roses. What a gift this little bush is! The garden Faeries must love her too as I often catch a glimpse of movement in her leaves even on the most still of mornings. Well I like to think it's the Faeries anyway. Whimsey does feed the soul.</div>
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I know lots of you are rose fans. Any idea what variety this rose might be? Does she have a name? Or is she just one of the lovely unnamed joys of summer? I'd really love to know.</div>
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Today I think I'll pull up a chair and go knit in the garden. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-8605642909361543622014-06-03T07:53:00.000-06:002014-06-03T07:53:41.919-06:00June Simplicity I had a blog post in mind for this week and then it went right out of my head as I was simply overcome by the pure beauty happening in the Studio garden. I wanted to share this joy with you.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFFcpF5Fess/U43SaUl5ZcI/AAAAAAAABd8/TAoVD82vtGo/s1600/JuneIris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFFcpF5Fess/U43SaUl5ZcI/AAAAAAAABd8/TAoVD82vtGo/s1600/JuneIris.jpg" height="564" width="640" /> </a></div>
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What moments of simple beauty can you find this week? I'd love to hear about them. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-77330287323078841602014-05-27T13:36:00.000-06:002014-05-27T13:36:49.873-06:00Mark It Our Ravelry Knitaway Group spring KAL for the Bird's Nest Shawl from <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Books.html">Folk Shawls</a> is moving along beautifully. The knitters have chosen some fabulous yarns for this one. I believe I am the slowest knitter among them though I realize that part of it is I am so easily distracted. Perpetual spring fever, I call it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qS-Z7WMuqDw/U4TIoRDxY0I/AAAAAAAABdA/LYW250A8Ta4/s1600/MarkItShawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qS-Z7WMuqDw/U4TIoRDxY0I/AAAAAAAABdA/LYW250A8Ta4/s1600/MarkItShawl.jpg" height="434" width="640" /> </a></div>
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When knitting lace however, getting distracted can be a real problem. Lace is particularly unforgiving in terms of stitch count. Do not think that you can just "fudge" at the end of the row and have the pattern work out on the next pattern row. Believe me..I've tried. Especially on long rows of lace, keeping track is easier if the row is broken up into repeats. Use markers to do this. You see I have two different markers in the shawl above; the first marker indicates both the beginning of the lace pattern and the beginning of a right-side row. I use a fancy marker for that prime spot because it is really annoying to work a right-side row on the wrong-side and vice versa. The string markers are placed every so many repeats of the lace so that I know if the lace pattern hasn't worked out when I knit to each marker, my error is between the markers, with just a few stitches involved. This ends the agony of realizing you have knit 344 stitches and gotten off on your pattern back about stitch 99. Without markers between the repeats, that happens way too often and makes lace knitting rather miserable for many. Use a marker every repeat or every two or every five, your choice. It's a tool to make your knitting pleasant for you. As I am fond of saying to my students, a marker is your friend.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INLG72pw-X8/U4TIwjgYnHI/AAAAAAAABdI/iufzOJbXLz4/s1600/MarkIt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INLG72pw-X8/U4TIwjgYnHI/AAAAAAAABdI/iufzOJbXLz4/s1600/MarkIt.jpg" height="434" width="640" /> </a> </div>
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I know.....some of us are soooo good at knitting that we don't need no stinking markers. Right. And some of us are so good at ripping that we look for reasons to do more of it. I use markers. And I seem to have quite a collection of them. Below are some of my favorite fancy markers, shiny and bright, like jewelry for my knitting. I usually reserve these for a special place like the beginning of a round or a seam line. For me, too many beads makes my knitting too heavy and adds to fatigue in those long hours of design knitting. I am even more picky. Fancy markers have to be functional and not just pretty to stay in my knitting bag. More than one fabulous looking marker with a snaggy join or sloppy, weak ring has ended up recycled into my bead box and I shop very carefully for them now with functionality in mind. Below are some of my go to favorites. Though I sadly have not kept track of the makers of each of these handmade beauties, I psychically send them my gratitude each time I slip one of their creations onto my needle.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUeifca6XRY/U4TI2OArugI/AAAAAAAABdQ/P91fmVxQDN8/s1600/MarkItFancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUeifca6XRY/U4TI2OArugI/AAAAAAAABdQ/P91fmVxQDN8/s1600/MarkItFancy.jpg" height="374" width="640" /> </a></div>
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And then there are my favorite plain markers, the totally functional, not so pretty but essential tools in the knitter's tool kit. These markers help you count, but they also hold a dropped stitch, or mark a special shaping row, and some can be moved when needed. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and if you lose one you don't cry (unless, of course, you've also then lost your place in your knitting. Rats!).</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAGmrCMsme8/U4TI64Jl4BI/AAAAAAAABdY/Xz3uiA6NfdQ/s1600/MarkItPlain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAGmrCMsme8/U4TI64Jl4BI/AAAAAAAABdY/Xz3uiA6NfdQ/s1600/MarkItPlain.jpg" height="416" width="640" /> </a> </div>
What do I use the most? The home made string marker with a long tail is
my favorite of all. I make sure that I always have some string available in my knitting bag to make markers or stitch holders. The long
tail is especially functional in keeping the marker in place when, as
so often happens in lace knitting, a yarn over wants to go hopping on
over to the next repeat. I just give the marker's tail a tug and it
zips back into place, neatly corralling the yarn over. Also string
markers do not tend to jump out of the knitting like solid plastic or
medal rings do. That's what I like about the rubber "O" ring
markers (far right) too, they do not "fly". Safety pins (coilless
please), and safety pin-like markers can be moved and clip in and out of
your knitting as needed, as do the old standby "chicken ring" split ring markers.
All handy tools.<br />
I am a basic organizer nerd and I use the very common variety of plastic divided carrier to hold my markers, functional and sturdy. I think these were originally created to carry fly fishing flies. Mine is always in the main knitting tool kit, within easy reach of the knitting nest. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKYz4d2noAA/U4TYsG5kJjI/AAAAAAAABds/jwVivCb-VrA/s1600/MarkItCases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKYz4d2noAA/U4TYsG5kJjI/AAAAAAAABds/jwVivCb-VrA/s1600/MarkItCases.jpg" height="442" width="640" /> </a> </div>
And though these plastic organizers now come in tempting bright colors with glitter (oh
my!), I like to be able to see what's in my carrier, so it's basic translucent
white for me. Except of course when I find a tin I cannot resist. I use my "Smoochers" tin in my travel supply bag. It is not organized but it's compact, holds what I need when traveling, and makes me (and other knitters) smile. And yes, I bought the candy just for the tin. Ever done that?<br />
So what markers do you have in your bag of knitting tricks and why? I'd love to know. You may have something I need to add to my collection. And please join us in the Knitaway group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/knitaway/2887472/126-150#137">spring KAL on Ravelry</a>. We're having some fun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-80903123801309212202014-05-19T18:05:00.000-06:002014-05-19T18:05:41.167-06:00Going Back to Rio I am on a serious studio clearing and sorting binge. Spring does that to me. This week I found pieces of a yummy hand dyed cherry-red sweater in my "to finish" basket. I have the back done and the front is still on the needles with a note pinned to it to "get more yarn from Rachel". Sleeves still to go so I will need about another 50% of what I've already used ( as a rough estimate I usually figure that the body uses 2/3 of the total amount of yarn in a sweater and the sleeves use 1/3). <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBBTla1zjF0/U3qFMPpYnMI/AAAAAAAABcc/VA3V_qDSv94/s1600/BacktoRio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBBTla1zjF0/U3qFMPpYnMI/AAAAAAAABcc/VA3V_qDSv94/s1600/BacktoRio.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Rio, one of the pieces I was asked to design years ago for <a href="http://www.abebooks.com/9781893762039/Handpaint-Country-Knitters-Journey-Xenakis-1893762033/plp"><i>Handpaint Country</i></a> to feature the gorgeous hand-dyed yarns of <a href="http://taos.org/women/profiles-legends?/item/192/Rachel-Brown-Weaver">Rachel Brown</a>, who was a world class fiber artist/dyer. To showcase the yarn, Rio is a simple mistake-stitch ribbing pullover, one of those "wear it all the time" sweaters. And in keeping with the theme of <a href="http://knitaway-one.blogspot.com/2014/05/imagine-maker-world.html">last week's blog</a>, I intend to finish it as part of my fall wardrobe of hand knit "daily wear". Plus it's nice nice knitting, the kind I can do in the garden after dinner.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLTI9aUmCEE/U3qFQXuyo7I/AAAAAAAABck/3ZPDMC5iIbk/s1600/BacktoRioI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLTI9aUmCEE/U3qFQXuyo7I/AAAAAAAABck/3ZPDMC5iIbk/s1600/BacktoRioI.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
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The yarn is a single worsted weight. I believe that Rachel used <a href="http://www.brownsheep.com/yarns/top-of-the-lamb/category/top-of-the-lamb">Brown Sheep's Top of the Lamb</a> as the base for her "tweed" dye magic. In a mistake stitch ribbing, the single yarn does not pill and it lends the sweater a sweet hand spun look as well. In fact a hand spun yarn would also be wonderful in this project, too. So there's another possibility. Always more inspiration and projects on the horizon. It is a never ending list of knitting "what ifs" in my mind.</div>
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I have a large stash of Rachel's yarns from her store, collected over the years on my many trips to Taos. There are boxes of her boucle and mohair and tweed, treasures that make a knitter's mouth water. I loved using the many different textures of yarn that Rachel
dyed for the Ruana that was the cover shot for Handpaint Country. </div>
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Rachel's granddaughter, <a href="http://taos.org/women/profiles-artists?/item/52/Teresa-Loveless-Weaver-Gallery-Owner">Teresa Lovelace</a>, is carrying on the tradition in her own way now, returning to the roots of Rachel's dream and creating gorgeous traditional yarns for weavers. </div>
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So I'm going back to Rio. I can tell you now that you can expect to see some spin offs of this design as well. Rekindling happens.</div>
What have you got in your knitting basket that could be on your back by fall? I'd love to know. I think we can all use encouragement to finish or at least revisit some of our WIPs and summer is a great time to clear the fall decks. What say? Can you find one thing to finish this summer? Let us all know what you decide.<br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-75238296907846191952014-05-12T15:55:00.002-06:002014-05-12T15:59:40.765-06:00Imagine a Maker WorldI have just over 20 ounces of 2-ply, DK weight Romney yarn spun now and I am really getting excited to start a garment with it. It will be a cardigan jacket of some type and I am sketching and swatching and loving every minute of it. Design ideas are dancing in my noggin.<br />
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Having spun the yarn myself is really icing on the cake for me. I know I will have to spin more to get through the project, and while some spinners like
to have all the project yardage done before they cast on (that was my original plan), I don't think
I can stand to wait as the swatch has got me longing to cast on. I am encouraged by the fact that I have been spinning on this yarn for a long time, and even with breaks in between for spinning other fibers (or even times of not spinning much at all), I seem to be able to produce a yarn that matches what I've spun earlier. I'm easy though. The inconsistencies in the spinning please me. It is my first hand-spun sweater and it's ok that it looks like I made it. In fact it is the point of doing it. Making my clothes matters to me. And making the yarn..well like I said..pure icing!<br />
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Now we come to one of my favorite subjects for contemplation: what if we lived in a world where we all wore clothes that we ourselves made or that were made for us by someone we actually know? As knitters, we know the joy of wearing, or watching someone wear, our creations. It's one of the major reasons we knit. Kaffe Fassett once spoke profoundly to the effect that seeing someone wearing one of his garments, seeing it moving through the world, was one of his greatest joys. We get that. The making and wearing of hand-made clothing creates a connection that is important in more than just a superficial way. It's a connection to our being as humans, to our common history and to our creative spirits. <br />
Mother's day having just passed, I've spent some time reflecting on the gifts my mother gave me which include both her enjoyment of knitting and her appreciation for a beautifully sewn garment. She made most of my clothes during elementary school and she taught me to sew. Choosing the pattern and the fabric was (and still is) like a ritual, and the garments were so well made that many of my school dresses lasted to be passed down to many another little girl. I didn't have a closet full of clothes, but I had a different dress for each day of the school week (!) and one or two for Sunday, plus slacks and tops and, yes, even my PJ's were hand made. A few years ago I came across a hamper of cloth scraps in my mother's house with pieces of fabric from almost all of my little dresses. Connection happened again.<br />
Funny how thinking about something can bring along a synchronicity. I picked up <a href="http://www.sallymelvilleknits.com/">Sally Mellville'</a>s 2013 book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Pattern-Essentials-Adapting-Drafting/dp/0307965570"><i>Knitting Pattern Essentials</i></a> from my "to read" stack this morning and in the introduction Sally asks,<br />
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"Why not make - and have hours of pleasure doing so - the one sweater that we treasure rather than spending hard-earned cash on the six that we don't? Why not revert to the way humans have lived for most of their history - as makers rather than consumers?"</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64k3OJc_HLA">Anita Luvera Mayer</a>, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clothing-Hands-Weave-Anita-Luvera/dp/0934026149">Clothing from the Hands that Weave</a>, and one of the most inspiring fiber artists I've ever had the pleasure to meet, believes that each day we should wear something magical and unique, something made by hand, something that expresses who we authentically are. She thinks it is more than important, that it is essential, and she shares her skills and her philosophy around the world in her book and workshops.<br />
Imagine a maker world, a world where we may own less but connect to it more. What would it look like do you think? Love to hear your thoughts. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-13870822887807855702014-05-05T16:34:00.000-06:002014-05-05T16:34:18.000-06:00 Birds Nest Shawl KAL<div style="text-align: center;">
We've got a KAL goin' on in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/knitaway/2887472/1-25">Knitaway Group on Ravelry</a> for the Birds Nest Shawl from</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4W1r1ExL1pY/U2gDkxd4jvI/AAAAAAAABbU/ub6VwzjV1DE/s1600/BirdsNestOriginal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4W1r1ExL1pY/U2gDkxd4jvI/AAAAAAAABbU/ub6VwzjV1DE/s1600/BirdsNestOriginal.jpg" height="640" width="440" /> </a></div>
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Today is the "official" cast on day and my swatch is almost dry. Get into your stash or hit the LYS and join us. We are pretty relaxed on our KALs. It's all about having an excuse to knit together. <br />
Yes, I swatch even for shawls and especially when using a yarn that is new to me. It's a superwash too which seems to often give me surprising results. Always block the swatch too. I'm very glad I did on this one as it blocked out half an inch wider than expected That's makes a quarter of a stitch per inch difference in the gauge and added up over the entire length of the shawl that's an increase in length of 4.5 inches. I'm ok with that. This version is a gift for a tall Scandinavian friend who can carry the extra length, but imagine if this was a garment that had to fit. Like a sweater for instance. Just a quarter of a stitch per inch makes a big, maybe deal breaking, difference. You get my point here.....Swatch, please.<br />
You can see it's a gorgeous yarn and the color, Sugar Plum, perfect for my friend who has a penchant for roses.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4w4WXIc5s8U/U2gJINx6PcI/AAAAAAAABbk/k-H3uRd03hE/s1600/LunaGreySugarPlum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4w4WXIc5s8U/U2gJINx6PcI/AAAAAAAABbk/k-H3uRd03hE/s1600/LunaGreySugarPlum.jpg" height="528" width="640" /> </a></div>
It's Celeste from <a href="http://lunagreyfiberarts.blogspot.com/">Luna Grey Fiber Arts</a>, an indie dyer from the western slope of Colorado. She is doing some really beautiful colors. I found the yarn at one of my LYS, <a href="http://www.colorfulyarns.com/">Colorful Yarns</a>, but she's on Etsy too for those of you who aren't near me. <br />
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Some of you probably know that I rarely work with superwash for reasons I'll not go into here. Just really a personal preference I suppose. We all have them. My friend will
greatly appreciate the easy care aspect. And this color and feel was irresistible. I can be convinced. I am
ultimately more practical than I am stubborn.<br />
So will you join us? Some of the knitters in this KAL have already knit the Bird's Nest Shawl but, like me, found another yarn tempting enough to have another go at it. It's a pleasant knit, I think. I may be prejudiced. And this brings up an interesting question. How often do you knit the same pattern again? Ever? Often? Please leave a comment with your opinions and insights below. Inquiring designers want to know. <br />
Hope to see you at the KAL.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-76880713361418367242014-04-28T14:45:00.000-06:002014-04-28T14:45:46.199-06:00Ribbing the Sampler A couple weeks ago the <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/StudioClasses.html">Tuesday Studio Knitters</a> began working through the marvleous <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweater-sampler">Sweater Sampler</a> from the <i>Sweater Workshop</i> by Jacqueline Fee. I did one of these samplers over twenty years ago (that's it on the right in the photo) and I learned great basic techniques that have served me well in the years since. It's funny looking but full of knitting merit.<br />
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Jacquie Fee could be called an Elizabethan Knitter (she attended Elizabeth Zimmermann's camps for years) and so her thought processes in creating this circular sampler of techniques to use in knitting and designing circular sweaters make great sense to me. It is great fun that the Tuesday Studio Knitters wanted to use the book and the format of the sampler to explore techniques as well. I like the new revised edition, with its additional historical photos and updated designs, but I won't give up my first edition either. Yes, my bookshelves do groan!<br />
We are taking our time knitting through this project, exploring just one or two techniques each week. As my teacher did before me, I am adding to and expanding on the techniques already in the book. The layout of the Sweater Workshop book includes lots of space on each page to add one's own notes and I'm encouraging the TSK's to be brave and write all over their own fresh new copies of the book. I certainly am doing so. And in pen. Fearless aren't I?<br />
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We are currently exploring 1 x 1 ribbing in the Sampler. In the photo below, the ribbing at the bottom is regular k1, p1 ribbing, looking a bit irregular as it will when worked, for convenience sake and as the book directs, on the same size needle as the rest of the Sampler. So here's a great chance to expound my standard ribbing rule of thumb: always go down two to three needle sizes to do a ribbing on a sweater. Purl stitches mixed in with knit stitches will puff up the fabric, which can look dreadful, especially in ribbing. <br />
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Now take a look at the two k1, p1 ribbings in the middle of the photo, both of which are of the twisted variety. The left-hand side has the knit stitches twisted (by knitting into the back of the stitch) every other round and on the right-hand side I have twisted the knit stitches on every round. Until I did this particular sampler I was of the opinion that the EOR twist was the best looking but now I am really enjoying the looks of the knits twisted on every round. It is more crisp and defined to my eye. Of course you understand that it is only because we are working in the round that twisting the knit stitches every round is at all tempting. On a flat piece of knitting, getting that same look would entail purling into the back of those stitches on every other row. That's a bit too fussy for me. If I was knitting a flat ribbing and wanted a twisted look, I would choose the ribbing on the left which is still handsome (especially worked on a smaller needle) and just as easy to achieve on either circular or flat pieces.<br />
From what I can tell there is not much difference in elasticity among the ribbings though the every-round-twist may be a bit more firm. Elasticity of 1x 1 ribbing tends to be influenced more strongly by the depth of the ribbing, with more rows creating a more elastic fabric than do fewer rows, and I expect that any difference in the elasticity of these two ribbings could be adjusted by knitting more or fewer rows as desired. <br />
So maybe it's all just a matter of aesthetics. Swatching will tell and I love to have choices. What do you think? Any opinions on which is better and why? What's your experience with a 1 x 1 ribbing? I'd love to hear your thoughts so feel free to leave your comments below. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-25567925585741272212014-02-17T19:36:00.000-07:002014-02-17T19:36:10.137-07:00DAM Good Knitting I finally got down to the <a href="http://www.denverartmuseum.org/collections/textile-art">Denver Art Museum's new textile floor </a>to see the Thread Studio that opened to much acclaim in May, 2013. There in the center of the lace making exhibit hangs the Shetland stole, knitted by E.B. Manson, that I collected in Lerwick some years ago while I was there
teaching knitting. It's a beautiful hand-spun, hand knit stole, and the docent who was sitting in the gallery spinning told me that the shawl has been inspiring spinners to try hone their skills to such fine yarn. It is a wonderful piece and I'm so pleased that the DAM has given it a gorgeous showcase.<br />
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I have to say I was sadly surprised to see that the description card had no mention of the knitter's name. I was especially happy to have supplied the curators with that information as so many gorgeous textile pieces are anonymous, the maker lost in history. Well as they say, "Anonymous was a woman", and apparently she still is. But you and I know..... <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-43198069553452692052014-02-10T18:52:00.000-07:002014-02-10T18:52:35.712-07:00Winter Haiku <div style="text-align: center;">
Late winter morning.</div>
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The chickadee makes notes while<br />frost sparks in the sun</div>
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I'm basking today in the afterglow of the time I spent with lots of beautiful knitters at the Sew Expo last week. So much inspiration and joy! Thanks to all of you who came out in the nose-nipping cold weather. It really warmed my heart to see you! </div>
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<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-54580141959385546882014-02-03T17:50:00.000-07:002014-02-03T17:51:10.588-07:00Groundhog's Day....Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was sunny and glorious outside yesterday for Groundhog's Day but the local weather predicting rodent, Flatiron Freddie, was up before the sun cleared the clouds and did not see his shadow, so we're hoping for an early spring here in the Rockies. It is sort of rigged in spring's favor though as Flatiron Freddie is actually a stuffed marmot (I kid you not) who hasn't seen his own shadow in a very long time. Too grim. Well there are other sure signs. See those beautiful buds on that icy cottonwood branch? Spring is on the way!</div>
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I took this shot while I was in the sun knitting on a new <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hanten">Hanten</a> Jacket to include in my trunk show at the <a href="http://quiltcraftsew.com/denver.html">Rocky Mountain Sew Expo</a> this week. If you are thinking about coming, there's a discount coupon for entrance admission in the show link, and your admission is good for all three days. I love this show for it's inspiration, with classes and free fashion show events happening all day long and lots of information about fashion, styling and wardrobe planning. I enjoy having a trunk show each year at this event. Sort of feels like being involved in the big time Fashion Week shows in New York! (I can dream, can't I?). I'll have lots of garments to try on and <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Yarn.html">loads of yarns</a> there. Drop by the booth and let me know you read the blog or get the <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Contact.html">newsletter</a> and I'll be giving one free digital <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/cheryl-oberle-designs">pattern</a> of your choice to each of you who do. Just so you know, the Hanten is done and blocking, ready to be tried on at the show. This one is knit in <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/DancingColors.html">Dancing Colors</a> Evening and there are lots of other color options, too.<br />
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Now a bit more lore about the coming of spring.....did you know that the first couple days of February are also celebrated as Imbolc, an ancient celtic celebration of the beginning of the lambing season, a sure sign of spring, and as St Brigid's day, Brigid being an ancient Celtic goddess of the spring? Another character in this story is the Cailleach, the Crone of winter, who is said to go about on February 2nd to gather more sticks for her hearth fire. If the day is fine and sunny, she can gather lots of wood to keep herself warm and so she'll make the winter last for many weeks, but if the day is cloudy and cold, the Crone will lie in bed and not gather enough wood to keep herself warm for long and so she'll bring winter to an end much sooner. Sound familiar? Sunny day, longer winter; cloudy day, spring comes sooner. Poor Punxsutawney Phil, getting hauled out of his burrow every year, probably wishes we'd all just look outside ourselves to see if the Cailleach can gather her wood or not. Well at least he's not stuffed, eh Freddie?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-10166372440920142892014-01-27T19:11:00.000-07:002014-01-27T19:11:59.915-07:00Knitting It Together Yesterday I had the privilege of teaching the Irish Diamond Shawl Workshop at <a href="http://knitknack.org/">Knit Knack</a>. The shop absolutley booms on Sundays and the reason is that there is a wonderful sense of community there among the knitters who come every week to be together and knit. <br />
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Getting to watch knitters with each other is always a joy for me. It is one of my favorite things about knitting, the way it brings people from all backgrounds together, while their mutual love of working with the wool gives them common ground on which to meet. Friendships are formed that often last a lifetime. I've watched it happen over and over during the past twenty years of the <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Knitaway.html">Knitaway<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></a> retreats, at guild workshops and LYS around the country, in homes and coffee houses, and it never ceases to warm my heart. It is simply beautiful seeing folks knitting it together. <br />
If you haven't connected with a knitting group, do try to find one and see what you think. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/"> Ravelry </a>is a worldwide virtual meetup and also a great place to connect with knitters who live close to you. One of my knitting friends founded her local group by putting a funny ad in the paper ("If you are rude, crude, socially unacceptable AND you love to knit.....") and years later many of the original respondees are still knitting together. Or take a knitting class at your LYS. As a teacher I know that knitters often come to classes as much for the social time as for the learning, and I make it a point to create an atmosphere where both can happen.<br />
Of course knitting retreats and the Big Glam Events are fabulous. <a href="http://www.schoolhousepress.com/camp.htm">Meg Swansen's Knitting Camp</a> has been an annual highlight for me this past decade and registration for the four sessions of what is the world famous and original knitting camp opens early next week. Imagine a room full of sixty of the most amazing knitters you've ever met, with Meg Swansen as the gracious and brilliant leader, all sharing and learning together. Mind blowing! And though I have to be absent from Camp 2.75 this year, I will be there in spirit, because that's what connection does, it gives you presence in the moment.<br />
If you've got a hankering for connection, please also consider joining me here at the Studio for a <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/StudioClasses.html">class</a> or <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Knitaway.html">Knitaway</a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span>. There are so many ways we can get our knit together. It's good for you and, I believe, it is good for the entire world. Let's make that connection and see where it will take us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-90629885159144102952014-01-20T17:40:00.000-07:002014-01-20T17:40:03.521-07:00Thistledown Too<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Caught the last bit of sunlight in the Studio garden today to take this
photo. Thank goodness my garden angel was standing by to model
for me! I'm binding off the ruffle on a cream colored Thistledown
shawl in <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/JustBeautiful.html">Just Beautiful</a> alpaca. It's another piece for my booth at the <a href="http://quiltcraftsew.com/denver.html">Rocky Mountain Sew Expo</a>, Feb 6-8, at the Denver Merchandise Mart. Do come by and try it on. There will be lots of other shawls to explore there as this is going to be a very shawl-centric show for Cheryl Oberle Designs. Besides, I always have chocolate in the booth.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TzjDXfYzYx8/Ut21BmbdyWI/AAAAAAAABYI/XO79G46ofnU/s1600/AngelShawl.jpg" height="544" width="640" /> </div>
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I'm also teaching a Sunday afternoon workshop on the <a href="http://knitknack.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Oberle-Thistledown-Shawl.pdf">Thistledown Shawl at Knit Knack</a> on February 16th. We'll make a
miniature shawl and learn all the great techniques that make up this cutie. As we'll be launching your full-sized shawl too, the class fee includes the pattern and Gerri's shelves are stocked with gorgeous yarns to suit every taste. Thistledown is knit from the top, shoulder-shaped, simply laced and with just a bit 'o ruffle. You just might want to knit more than one of these. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-46726339148470459582014-01-13T20:30:00.000-07:002014-01-13T20:30:21.829-07:00Setting Up the Edge This week, as I've been knitting the last few lace repeats on a new shawl design, the question of how to end the shawl has been rolling around in my head. Originally I had thought to make the end a match to the beginning and that would have looked fine; the simplest solution is often the best. But I kept having this niggling thought that I wanted to do something different than planned, something a bit unexpected or at least not symmetrical. Asymmetry is a design principle that I've been employing and enjoying in my work a lot of late. After years of designing on the needles, listening to my wooly muse, I know to pay attention. It may not get the shawl done as quickly but experimenting and allowing for something unplanned often is the key to creating a really good design. So I kept knitting and thinking. Finally after letting the shawl, now complete except for it's edge, rest for a day or two I decided to use a favorite lace edging. What really tickles me though is the way I set up the edge before I began to knit on the border. I think I will do this every time from now on. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpXUAAmVmdE/UtSmtqzJTGI/AAAAAAAABXw/eOj4PcQ1OEc/s1600/EdgingJoin+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpXUAAmVmdE/UtSmtqzJTGI/AAAAAAAABXw/eOj4PcQ1OEc/s640/EdgingJoin+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the three row set up: work a purl ridge on the right side by knitting on the last wrong-side row of the lace pattern, then on the next row work *yo, k2tog, repeat across the row, finally work another right-side purl ridge by knitting across on the wrong-side. Below is what the set up looks like before attaching the edging.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qT_x0HnQ4ZY/UtSrOye-cZI/AAAAAAAABX4/OflvuC6pWME/s1600/EdgingJoinSetUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qT_x0HnQ4ZY/UtSrOye-cZI/AAAAAAAABX4/OflvuC6pWME/s640/EdgingJoinSetUp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do remember to make sure your stitch number is correct for your edging repeat and adjust that number by fudging a stitch or two on that last wrong side knit row if necessary. I was attaching to live stitches of the shawl but this would work for picked up stitches on an edge as well. And that is it. As you knit on the edging (I usually use an ssk to join and then slip the first stitch of the next row as if to purl with yarn in back) the join tucks into the purl ridge and the edging looks to me like it has somehow been grafted or attached via the yarn overs in the set up rows. As I said, it just tickles me. Give it a try next time you are attaching a sideways lace edging. Let me know what you think.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-56333746387324202312014-01-06T17:37:00.002-07:002014-01-06T17:50:13.142-07:00Starting with a Bang 2014 started with a knitting bang here, or rather the finishing started so, as I blocked two projects on New Year's Day. My Scottish wool Long Collared Jacket finally made it onto my back. It arrived there a bit later than it's Thanksgiving due date but I'm thankful for it now as baby, it's cold outside!<br />
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If you <a href="http://knitaway-one.blogspot.com/2013/10/restart-revisit.html">follow the blog</a>, you know I've knit this one before, having had the pleasure of working with Cully at Schoolhouse Press on test knitting the model in EZ's <i>Knit One, Knit All</i>. It's a great design and I see that Schoolhouse Press has just release <a href="http://www.schoolhousepress.com/patterns.htm">SPP 51, the Elizabeth Zimmermann Coat</a> that looks like it could be a sister to this one. More knitting to come...</div>
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I do love the fit on the body but I think I could have made the sleeves a bit more fitted and definitely shorter. I also found that the three-needle bind off at the shoulder and the "attach as you knit" back neck did not have enough stability for the weight of this yarn in garter stitch; the shoulders were drooping and the collar was flattening out, not sitting snug and close around my neck. Seeking stability, I took up a crochet hook and worked a slipped-stitch chain (yep, I can do that much crochet!) on the inside of the shoulder seam from the sleeve to the neck, filling up the gap from the three-needle bind off. I picked up a whole stitch of the jacket fabric from the bind-off gap for each chain stitch. It works beautifully, giving the seam structure while still being flexible. There's no pucker at the sleeve cap or on the shoulder seam. Can't even see it from the outside.</div>
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I also blocked the Irish Diamond Shawl variation. I modified it to be about 50% smaller than the original and used a yummy DK yarn, <a href="http://www.spinnery.com/shop/products.php?cat=13">Sylvan Spirit</a> from Green Mountain Spinnery, in the color Sterling. The finished shawl came out to be about 30% percent smaller than the original because I used the larger gauge yarn; with the original yarn I'd have gotten a half-sized shawl. Little Irish Diamond is going to be a favorite shawl around here, I can tell already. I'm not smiling like this for nothing!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NaO1-Ofg6Bk/Ussrd6fQPOI/AAAAAAAABXg/BprCMqJbtkg/s1600/LittleIrishDiamond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NaO1-Ofg6Bk/Ussrd6fQPOI/AAAAAAAABXg/BprCMqJbtkg/s1600/LittleIrishDiamond.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
"How did she do it?" I can hear knitters ask. Well for those of you with access to a copy of <i><a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Books.html">Folk Shawls</a></i>, it's a breeze. If you can join me for the<a href="http://knitknack.org/knitting-classes"> Irish Diamond Shawl Workshop</a> at Knit Knack in Arvada on January 26th, we can get it going for you there. Just give the ladies at <a href="http://knitknack.org/">Knit Knack</a> a call for details For all the rest of you, here's how..... <br />
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<b>Little Irish Diamond Variation</b></div>
Using the pattern for the original Irish Diamond Shawl in <i>Folk Shawls</i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">,</a> cast on and work as written through row 8 of Lace pattern 1, then repeat rows 1-8 of Lace Pattern 1 seven more times (instead of 13). Then work the four rows of Eyelet 1 as written (ending with a wrong-side row), and begin Lace pattern 2, working rows 119 (RS) through 138 once. Finally work rows 159-163 and end with the Garter Stitch border, as written. Block and enjoy!<br />
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I got the <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/">new website</a> up this week, too. The 2014 <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Knitaway.html">Knitaway<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span> in the Studio</a> dates are posted there along with online ordering for all the yarns. You can also <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Contact.html">subscribe to my newsletter</a>. Technology is amazing.<br />
Happy New Year! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-31324400440100550112013-12-30T16:20:00.000-07:002013-12-31T11:04:21.728-07:00Ringing Out, Ringing In The time when two calendar years meet is our opportunity to look back over the year that is passing and to make our wishes for the year to come. Our fondest memories are often of moments of love and kindness that touched our hearts.<br />
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There is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist practice of reciting, aloud or silently, a prayer of loving-kindness for ourselves and others. It often begins with wishes for our self. If you find it hard to wish for yourself first, remember the familiar wisdom of "charity (love) begins at home". Loving-kindness is a practice initiated from our own heart and moving out into wider and wider circles. It will not be new to many of you and it has many versions. Below is one that takes just a minute or two, perfect to ring out 2013 and ring in a bright New Year. Simple wishes from one to all, from the heart.<br />
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It begins..... <br />
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May I be happy.</div>
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May I be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.</div>
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May I be protected from all harm.</div>
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May I find my true heart's desire.<br />
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Recite again, this time for someone you know and love </div>
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May You be happy.</div>
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May You be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.</div>
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May You be protected from all harm.</div>
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May You find Your true heart's desire.<br />
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Again, for someone you do not know, the clerk at the coffee shop, or the folks in the elevator<br />
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May You be happy.</div>
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May You be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.</div>
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May You be protected from all harm.</div>
May You find Your true heart's desire.<br />
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This time for someone you know, with whom you may have some resentment or challenge<br />
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May You be happy.</div>
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May You be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.</div>
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May You be protected from all harm.</div>
May You find Your true heart's desire.<br />
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One more time, for All Beings everywhere </div>
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May All Beings be happy.</div>
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May All Beings be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.</div>
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May All Beings be protected from harm.</div>
May All Beings find their true heart's desire.<br />
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You can add as many circles as you'd like, you can use your own words, and you can end with another round of wishes for yourself. Do it as often as your heart is inspired. You might just see some amazing results. As you all show me so frequently, the love that rings out is the love that rings us in. Thank you for all the love. Have a wonderful New Year's holiday!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-57654473755145841802013-12-23T16:23:00.000-07:002013-12-23T16:23:56.704-07:00Bright Blessings Today I send my wishes to you and yours for sweetness and bright blessings in this season of illumination. May your joys be many, your hearts be light, and your snickerdoodles taste just right!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-74045675366162302542013-12-16T17:32:00.000-07:002013-12-16T17:32:50.439-07:00Simple Gifts I almost never set myself up to be knitting gifts when this busy week comes along, but this year I find myself with a major gift still on the needles, body not complete and two sleeves beckoning. I can't show it to you yet, lest I give away the surprise, but I will say that I am very glad it is knit circularly with sleeves from the top, so the finishing will be simple. I'll have just a couple of ends to tuck in and hopefully I'll get to do a real blocking. In Colorado it just might get dry before being wrapped up. So here I am then, along with many of you, and the Christmas knitting marathon has begun. I think I'll make it, but I'd best be knitting in all spare (and unobserved) moments.<br />
Just in case you find yourself with another last minute gift to get off the needles, here's a pattern I'd like to share with you. I call it Simple Gifts because that's what it makes, and quickly too, being worked in a worsted to Aran weight yarn. It also works well for guys as a neck or ear cuff and even as a hat. All options included.<br />
So here's my simple gift to you, from knitter to knitter, in the
spirit of the season and during this wonderfully exciting week of flying
needles. I think I'll knit up a bunch of these after the holidays just to relax and to be ready for next year. Great projects for <a href="http://knitaway-one.blogspot.com/2013/12/connection.html">knitting for the good</a>, too. Here's hoping that this year's marathon runs smoothly for you. Enjoy!<br />
Now, I gotta get back to my knitting! <br />
<br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Simple Gifts </span><br />
Cheryl Oberle © 2013 <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAFnHZB4TeE/Uq-PkcHGGjI/AAAAAAAABWY/d1bmwKxh66M/s1600/Om+Too+CuffSm+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAFnHZB4TeE/Uq-PkcHGGjI/AAAAAAAABWY/d1bmwKxh66M/s640/Om+Too+CuffSm+.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Simple Gifts</span> <br /><b>Simple Gifts</b> is worked in a favorite old stitch pattern called "mistake stitch" ribbing; you are basically working every row as K2, P2 ribbing on an odd number of stitches. It seems magical that what appears to be a mistake becomes a clever stitch pattern. It is reversible and the flat piece can be worn wrapped and pinned or it can be sewn together to make a circular cuff for your neck or ears as shown in the photo. Knit a bit more and there’s a hat. You can simply have them all! <br /><br /><b>Materials</b><br /><b>Yarn</b>: approx. 200 yd / 183 m of worsted weight or Aran weight yarn<br /><b>Needles</b>: 24” circular or straight needle size 9 or size needed to obtain gauge<br /> (Tip: use one size smaller needle for Ear Cuff/Hat. See gauge and measurements below)<br /> <br /><b>Gauge</b>: Neck Cuff: 14 sts and 20 rows per 4 inches in Pattern St.<br /> Ear Cuff/ Hat: 16 sts and 24 rows<br />
<br /><b>Flat Neck piece (or Cuff)</b><br />One size approx. 21.5 inches long (or circumference)<br /><b>Ear Cuff</b> <b>or Hat</b><br />One size approx. 18.75 inches circumference<br /><br /><b>Co 75</b><br />
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<b>Pattern Stitch</b><br />
Row 1: *K2, p2; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k2, p1.<br /><br />Repeat row 1 until piece measures 8 inches for Neck or Ear Cuff or 10" for Hat. Bind off in pattern.<br /><br /><b>Options</b><br />Wear the flat piece wrapped, add a pretty pin, perhaps add a button and a button loop. Or sew short edges together to form a circle and pull over your head for your neck or your ears. Or knit to 10” instead of 8", fold in half to sew the short ends together and then sew one long edge together for <br />
a hat! Cozy!<br />
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Cheryl Oberle © 2013 <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-5620253749295125302013-12-09T21:23:00.000-07:002013-12-14T14:58:58.328-07:00Connection It is such a busy time of year, so much to do, so many people to remember. I've been spending some time each day "remembering" people I'll never meet. <br />
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I've made it a practice of late to spend thirty minutes each day knitting for the good, giving it forward. I know thousands of you knitters out there do the same thing, holding space in your knitting time to create something for someone who might desperately need warmth and a loving touch to help them remember that they are connected, important, essential to the whole that we are as humanity. It is all so simple. Knitting a hat that will warm someone I'll never see or get to talk to gives me a special feeling of connection that is beyond words. It's a connection that comes right from the heart and goes right to the heart. Direct. Inspired. Expansive.<br />
To all of you who practice this way, thank you for what you are doing. It makes a difference in more ways than you know. To those of you who think you can't do much with just a few minutes each day, give it a go. Knit a few stitches with your morning coffee. Hats happen. And to all of you who want to see what's up with this, just slip in ten minutes a day on a hat or scarf that you intend to donate to your favorite good. There are many choices out there. <a href="http://www.knitting4peace.org/">Here's one of my favorites </a><br />
It's knitting for the heart and soul, and you and the world will benefit more than words can say. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-75484458894552876572013-12-02T20:12:00.000-07:002013-12-02T20:12:26.967-07:00With My Little Scissors I did it. I've been contemplating doing it ever since last winter. Finally the weight of the matter became too much to bear. What's so serious you ask? Cutting up a sweater is!<br />
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Some of you might remember the <a href="http://knitaway-one.blogspot.com/2012/12/calling-all-snowflakes.html">post from last December</a> when I proudly donned my tunic length version of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Hurry up Last Minute Sweater. I do love this garment, but last winter it became apparent that I do not live in a cold enough climate to wear it more than once a year. Since EZ was the one who taught me to be a thinking knitter as well as to be a "cut up" when it comes to my knitting, I got on my mark (mustard yellow yarn makes a beautifully bright basting thread on grey).......<br />
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I got set (two rows of machine stitching on each side of the basting)... and I just took the scissors to it.<br />
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What will I cook up for a fabulous new front? A hemmed band seems most likely. As I'm considering the options I've been wearing my new Hurry Up Last Minute Coat just as it is. We've got very cold weather coming this week and I'm ready. It's raw and unfinished with new possibilities, it is much more comfy as a coat than as a pullover, and I love it all the more for having provided an adventure in knitting as well as a demonstration for my <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Calendar.html#top9">Tuesday Studio Knitters.</a> Sometimes you just have to make the cut.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-39707604329558717492013-11-25T09:24:00.000-07:002013-11-25T09:24:11.648-07:00The Giving of Thanks Happy Thanksgiving Week! As most of us who do the cooking know it doesn't happen in just one day. The preparations for the feast are already planned and have begun in earnest. <br />
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There are only two of us for dinner this year and yet I've got quite a list of holiday chores
to accomplish before The Turkey actually gets into the oven. We do a small <a href="http://thebittenword.typepad.com/thebittenword/2009/11/thanksgiving-2009-roast-spatchcocked-turkey.html">"spatchcocked" </a>bird that roasts to perfection in about 70 minutes. Along with the birdie we enjoy dressing loaded with butter, mushrooms, celery, and other veggies, and fresh cranberry sauce. Pumpkin pie, yes indeed! We usually have some for breakfast in fact. I love good food.<br />
Most of all I enjoy the feelings of gratitude that this week brings, feelings I like to hold onto and practice everyday. You, my dear fellow knitters, are at the top of my list of blessings for which I am thankful. Be good to yourselves, enjoy your days, let your knitting flow, and have a joyful, warm and Happy Thanksgiving!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-3223437345424481082013-11-16T21:20:00.000-07:002013-11-16T21:26:58.592-07:00Double Refraction Shawl Yet another triangular shawl came off my needles for October's <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/Calendar.html">Knitaway in the Studio</a>. The <i><b>Double Refraction Shawl</b>,</i> now up in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/cheryl-oberle-designs">Ravelry shop,</a> is one amusing piece of striped knitting fun.<br />
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I might be prejudiced, but the pattern has gotten "thumbs up" from a great knitter (Maggie R you know who you are!) and I think you'll find it is pretty satisfying to watch it take shape. Yarn overs and short rows are the techniques for this one, and while I like to think the variations in the<a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/DancingColors.html"> Dancing Colors </a>yarn helps (<i>Double Refraction</i> is a great showcase for hand dyed yarns), the shift of the angles is what gives it the visual bang. <br />
The name, <i>Double Refraction</i>, comes from a term used in optics to describe the visual "bending" of light as it passes through certain substances. We've all seen refraction when a stick (or cooking spoon) looks like it has been broken or bent when stuck into water; pull it out, it's straight. That's refraction in action.<br />
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If you wear glasses, your prescription has a "refraction index" as part of it to account for the bending of the light rays as they pass through the lenses. Glass is a liquid after all. Refraction is everywhere!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double refraction equals double vision!</td></tr>
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Now here comes the cool stuff. <b>Double </b>refraction happens when light is passed through a specific crystal, optical calcite, for example, which actually bends the light in two different directions. Why? because light is made up of two rays, a vertical ray and a horizontal ray, and the molecular structure of calcite forces the two rays to pass through it at different velocities. Two different velocities, two different angles. Double Refraction! The angles in the shawl (to my eye at least) are very similar in appearance to this optical sensation. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The above
photos are of my own personal piece of optical calcite (which has been
recently mistaken, most humorously, for an ice cube) purchased
right before October's Knitaway, when I visited the <a href="http://www.therockhut.com/">Rock Hut </a>in Leadville, CO. I got it simply because I like the way it makes rainbows. I hadn't a clue about the Double Refraction link at the time. Serendipity!</span></div>
All this explaining is just by way of indulging my inner geek and for that I beg your pardon. To make a Double Refraction Shawl, no scientific knowledge (beyond your already wonderful knitting skills) is needed. Its all garter stitch, change colors every two rows, remember your yo's and short rows...done! One thing I'll tell you now, though. The second "wing" is worked in <i>purled</i> garter stitch. Has to be done so to get the "wings" to mirror each other. Knitting has it's mysteries too.<br />
And for those of you who also have inner geeks, check out <a href="http://youtu.be/MoZar-gCj3E">this great, and geeky, video.</a><br />
Double Refraction indeed!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1340866943136478447.post-67717007234488772013-11-11T17:26:00.000-07:002013-11-11T17:27:36.660-07:00Autumn of Shawls The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/thistledown-shawl">Thistledown Shawl,</a> which has to my delight been included in the collection, <a href="http://dreamingofshetland.com/">Dreaming of Shetland</a>, was released this week as part of the third installment of the marvelous eBook. <br />
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The eBook includes gorgeous designs by many well-known designers, and is a funding project for <a href="http://independentstitch.typepad.com/the_independent_stitch/2013/03/dreaming-of-shetland.html">Deb Robson's</a> dream of following up her work published in the amazing <a href="http://www.drobson.info/publications.html">Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook</a> with research on sheep and wool in the Shetland Islands. Having myself fallen in love with these islands when I taught knitting there in 2001, I was excited to think of Deb working in that enchanted place to bring us, in her inimitable way, more information on the history, wool, and spinning. Plus I've got a <a href="http://knitknack.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Oberle-Thistledown-Shawl1.pdf">Thistledown Shawl workshop</a> going on Sunday, December 1st, at Knit Knack in Arvada. Join us! <br />
More shawls in the news include the many sample Faroese Shawls that will be present at the <a href="http://knitknack.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/oberle-faroese.pdf">Faroese Shawl workshop</a> this coming Sunday, November 17th, from 10am-4pm. Yes..at Knit Knack!<br />
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There is a seat open for the Faroese workshop and if you haven't knit one of these brilliantly shaped shawls, come try it out with the in-class project miniature shawl. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fundamentally-faroese-shawl-3">Faroese </a>is a traditional triangular shawl that is shaped specifically to stay on your shoulders.... as I said, brilliant!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1