Spinning

Do you remember that I was knitting a little bolero jacket for a princess of my acquaintance? I had intended it for her birthday but it was a little too big then.  I made it to 5 year old spec but she’s a little smaller than the average five year old.  I put it away and I waited.  Instead of a birthday gift it is a Hannukah/Christmas gift.  I have only pictures of the jacket itself.  As soon as I have one of the lovely girl herself I will post them up.

It is my own pattern knitted in Lorna’s Laces Lion and Lamb in sherbet.

The flower is crocheted, slightly felted and then finished with a fabric button sewn into the center.

It came out very well.  I felt a little guilty making an item for a child that cannot be machine washed but I just couldn’t help myself.  The yarn is so soft and almost iridescent.  Every princess should have a little bit of decadence and luxury in her wardrobe, don’t you think?

I really think I should start doing two socks at once.  That will eliminate the possibility of second sock syndrome.  Though I don’t think I’ll have that problem this time.  They’re so pretty, I have to make the second one so I can show them off to anyone who will stand still long enough.

I bought myself a book today. Don’t look at me that way. I know I’m supposed to leave the buying of books to others at this time of year but it’s not like they don’t have options. My Amazon list has more than enough to go around. Besides I wanted it NOW. I suspect it comes from watching Project Runway. Yes, I do watch a reality show though I could do with less drama. I really just want to see the clothes. I usually skip a lot of the middle. And I really hate that “suspense” sound effect they use at the end. Just say it for heaven’s sake. I also think that I’d have second thoughts about joining the fashion industry if those judges are a fair representation of the business.

You don’t care do you? You’re busy digesting and just want some pretty pictures. Here is the book.

There’s a few of these beginner sewing-books-with-patterns out there but this one is by far the best. It has the most interesting patterns including a chic little capelet and some fun knickers. Most of the others have pillows, and apron, a placemat, maybe a skirt. The author owns this craft studio in Lower Manhattan called Make Workshop. I had heard of it but it’s in a really inconvenient place on the Lower East Side. Now that I’ve seen this book I might have to go and check it out.

Remember the lovely sage green sock yarn from the Sheep and Wool Festival?

It has found its calling in Waving Lace Socks (Interweave Knits Spring 2004).  Here is sock number 1.  I do sometimes suffer from second sock syndrome but I don’t think that will be the case here.

Did you go to the Sheep and Wool Festival at Rhinebeck?  It certainly seemed like everyone was there.  Apparently 12,000 came through the gate on Saturday.  I’m very glad to know that the fiber arts are drawing serious crowds but it did make it difficult and frustrating to get around.  It’s probably just as well, at least for the sake of my bank balance.

This is some Icelandic Wool sock yarn.  It’s going to make some warm socks.

Then we have some more sock yarn.  This is some superwash wool blended with nylon for some nice knee socks.  This photo doesn’t really do the color justice.  It’s a soft warm green.

And then we have some merino fiber.  I have no idea what it’s going to be in the end but I could not pass up the color.  It’s cornflower blue.

Sorry, I have no pictures of the festival-I managed to leave the house without my camera.  You’ll have to take my word for it that the day was stunning and the fall foliage gorgeous, especially in the golden afternoon light.

I suppose you’ve been wondering what I’ve been doing. I have had several projects going but they are all meant to be a surprise to someone so I have not shown them on any blog. But now I have finished and shipped off the first one.
My friend Lisa was playing in the park with her kids when she saw a woman in a knitted tank top. She whipped out her camera and took a picture. Then she posted it and sent out a request to all her crafty friends-would someone make her a tank top like this?

I took up the task. I couldn’t tell from the photo if it was knitting or in fact crochet. So I used both. Knitting for the top where there were curves that needed hugging and crochet on the bottom where some stiffness was wanted. I think it turned out very well.

I chose Louet’s Merlin yarn. It’s a nice combination of merino and linen with good drape. Best of all, it is machine washable and dryable. I think this is important for summer wear. Especially if you live in Atlanta and are running around after two feisty kids. Hand washing is just one more task that has to be squeezed in to the day and no one needs that in a day already over full.

Lisa sent me her measurements so I knew what I needed but I was still troubled by the fact that I couldn’t have her try it on. I think I need a dress form. If anyone has any recommendations for one that won’t break the bank please pass them on. Then I won’t have to wander around looking for models, I’ll have an adjustable and cooperative model right here at home. The cats, despite their desire to be involved, just won’t do.

I set up the knitting machine after watching the video it came with.  It’s not complicated though easier to understand once you have done it once.  It takes a bit of practice to get the carriage moving smoothly but it certainly is fast.  The uses are varied but not as versatile as hand knitting.  For example, there is no way to increase or decrease in the middle of a row.  And of course you cannot knit in the round.

As you can see in the center right it is possible to get an uneven row.  This happens if you hold the yarn while running the carriage across.  You do have to create tension initially until the first needle grabs the yarn but then you must let go or else you get a tight row.  So… practice, practice, practice.

I’ve bought a knitting machine. Don’t give me that look. It’s as legitimate a piece of equipment as a loom or an electric spinner. I got it for a couple of reasons. First, it will be really useful for felted items. I want to make some pillow covers and a yoga mat bag and felt them but I was a little depressed by the idea of so much stockinette and/or garter stitch in big rectangles. Second, I have lots of ideas in my head for designs but I just don’t knit fast enough, only about 40-50 stitches a minute. While I enjoy the act of knitting if I’m going to sell designs and actual knitted items I’m going to have to be faster.

If you’ve ever looked for a knitting machine you know there is a range. You can start pretty small and go all the way up to a professional model that will even do in-the-round and costs $2000. I went for the lower end of the spectrum and got a Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine. It certainly can’t do everything, socks for example, but I believe it will be great for basic items. I haven’t had a chance to play with it yet but I’ll let you know how it goes.

I apologize for my long absence.  I got distracted by life.  Silly life.  Thank you to all for your comments.  The empire waisted sweater is inching along.  I’m about ready to separate it onto two needles.  I do enjoy working in the round and being able to do front and back at the same time.

But I want to talk about something else.  This past weekend I went to the American Crafts Festival at Lincoln Center.  It happens every year.  There are always amazing things to be seen and this year was no exception.  The most stunning was needle work by Lee and Christina Nguyen of Sea Gallery.  Go to the site.  Right now.  Click on any image and be amazed.  It’s hard to tell in the photos but those are not painted.  They are embroidered.  I have never seen such fine detailed work.  There was one piece that had a man spilling a bag of rice.  Each grain was done separately, in more than one color.  Another piece had a bale of hay done in three dimensions.  The man in the booth told us the inner stitches had been pulled tight to get the effect.  He said they do custom work too.  I told him I just wanted to sit at their feet and watch.  The artistry, the skill, the patience, the shear amount of work involved; I am in awe of all of it.

New York is at its best in May. The weather is warm but not hot, the drenching rains of April are behind us and the sky is a clear boundless blue. Flowers are blooming all over the city and the trees are exploding in pale green leaves. Our neighbor who’s been Mr. Crankypants all winter is all smiles and good humor and after months of freezing their noonies people are coming out from under coats and hats to lift their faces to the sun.

This year I decided to celebrate spring by making some dandelion wine. If you have read Ray Bradbury’s book by that name you know that it is evocative of joy and sunshine. I could use some of both.

If you have a yard you’ve probably been trying to eliminate those little yellow flowers that spread like wildfire. But before you set out on a search and destroy mission take a moment to do some harvesting. First, the leaves. Wild dandelion greens are a lovely addition to a salad or on a sandwich. They cost $2 a bunch in the Union Square farmer’s market and here they are free for the picking. Then go back and grab some blossoms. For a quart of wine you’ll need about a quart of petals. Slip your palm under the flower and pop it off. Pull the petals off and discard the green parts. Rinse the petals and you’re ready to make some wine. There are lots of recipies on the web. I picked a simple one to try. I will let you know how it works out.
Dandelion Wine

1 quart dandelion petals

1 1/2 quarts boiling water

1 small lemon, sliced crosswise

1 juice orange sliced crosswise

8 oz sugar

1/8 tsp instant yeast

Put the petals in a 2 qt mason jar or other heatproof container. Add the boiling water and allow to steep for 24-36 hours. Strain the liquid and discard the petals. Add the rest of the ingredients and allow to sit for 3 weeks. Do not seal the container. The fermentation will produce some gas that will need to escape. After 3 weeks siphon off the clear liquid. Let rest again for another week. If necessary siphon again. The wine is now ready to be bottled.

If you decide to make some wine of your own let me know how it works out.