Knitting Pipeline is sponsored by my Longaberger home businessn and Quince & Co.

Knitting Pipeline is sponsored by Quince & Co. and Knitcircus Yarns

Friday, January 28, 2011

Episode 30 Daybreak and the Norwegian Sweater KAL

Listen here or find all episodes on Flash Player.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the Earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
  --Rachel Carson

Nature Notes

Cardinals flock to our feeder in the late afternoon.  There are sometimes 20 to 30 birds, both male and female, gathered in our woods just behind the house.  Owls are breeding and raising their young.  We hear the Barred Owl in these woods, also known as "Eight-hooter".  Deer are coming closer to the house to find food since food is more scarce in the snow covered fields and woods.



The winner of the book Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting: Celebrating the Gift of Knitting with 24 Beautiful Patterns by Lorna Miser is Moxiedot!  Many thanks to Lorna  Miser for her donation of this autographed copy of her book!

Norwegian Knit Along

Yarn Harlot Tips on Color Pattern Knitting

I am using Quince & Co Chickadee (sport) in Crow (black) and Egret (natural white).  I also bought a skein of Winesap (red) and Parsley in case I want to throw in a touch of color at the neck or in a hem.  Love these rich colors!

My order from Quince & Co.  It is like getting a gift even though I paid for it myself.

Another video of My New Favorite Bind Off.  This person calls it Russian Bind off.  And guess what?  I think she is Russian.  I am intrigued by the way she purls.  And I LOVE her accent!


I finished Daybreak by Stephen West.  8 wonderful days from start to finish.  Sigh.  It was so much fun that I started on another one right away.   Five Star Pattern for sure!

I used 5 skeins (5 colors) of Blue Sky Alpaca Silk fingering weight.

Modeled by Sarah.


The Blethering Room

I finished sharing the garter stitch/no purl patterns suggested by Pipeliners.  Thank you, everyone!

Sunshine and Shadows by Evelyn A Clarke from her book Knitting Triangles
Wool Peddlers Shawl by Cheryl Oberle from Folk Shawls
Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann (again and for good reason) 13,597 projects on Ravelry...and counting
Shalom Cardigan by Meghan McFarlane (not garter stitch but done top down)
Little Hanten (baby Kimono) by Cheryl Oberle in One Skein Sock Wonders
Garter Stitch Blanket from The Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Shizuku by Anglea Tong (free download) (see photo below)
Just Enough Ruffles by Laura Chau ($3.50 download)  Not garter stitch but main section could be done as such.
Truly Tasha's Shawl by Nancy Bush (free)
Babies and Bears by Carol Anderson and Kristi Williams
Ramblin' Rows Cardigan by Pat Penney and Carol Anderson
Baby Albert by Sally Melville (small version of Einstein Coat) from The Knitting Experience: Book 1
Emily wearing the Shizuku by Angela Tong.

This poem is apparently a fragment, but one of the most beautiful of tunes by the famous poet, Robert Burns.  Sung by Shira Kammen on the album A Celebration of Robert Burns.  Available on Magnatune.

O, Fickle Fortune, O
1771-1779

Tune: Go from my window, Love, do.

The sun he is sunk in the west,
All creatures retired to rest,
While here I sit, all sore beset,
With sorrow, grief, and woe:
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!


The prosperous man is asleep,
Nor hears how the whirlwinds sweep;
But Misery and I must watch
The surly tempest blow:
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!


There lies the dear partner of my breast;
Her cares for a moment at rest:
Must I see thee, my youthful pride,
Thus brought so very low!
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!

There lie my sweet babies in her arms;
No anxious fear their little hearts alarms;
But for their sake my heart does ache,
With many a bitter throe:
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!


I once was by Fortune carest:
I once could relieve the distrest:
Now life's poor support, hardly earn'd
My fate will scarce bestow:
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!


No comfort, no comfort I have!
How welcome to me were the grave!
But then my wife and children dear-
O, wither would they go!
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!


O whither, O whither shall I turn!
All friendless, forsaken, forlorn!
For, in this world, Rest or Peace
I never more shall know!
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, January 21, 2011

Episode 29 A New Favorite Bind Off

Listen Here or find all episodes on the Flash Player in the Side Bar

My New Favorite Bind Off
This is similar to the bind off on the Ishbel Shawl but not in purl.  This is the bind off used in Pogona by Stephen West/Westknits.



Designs mentioned in this episode
Ishbel by Ysolda Teague  (bind off is similar to the one above only in purl)
Boneyard by Stephen West (free)
Daybreak by Stephen West (currently on my needles)
Simple Yet Effective Shawl by Laura Chau (free)
Baby Sophisticate by Linden Down  (free)
Simple Things by Mary-Heather Cogar
Knitted Cap Patterns for patients undergoing treatment.  Thank you, Mandikat!
Knots of Love

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions for cap patterns for chemo patients!

Nature Notes

I saw a Common Redpoll at the feeder on 1/20/11.  We've been hearing the drumming of the Pileated Woodpecker, which is our largest woodpecker.  They are shy birds but are occasionally seen near the house. 

On Netflix Instand Watch:  John James Audubon 55 min documentary from PBS American Masters Series.

Needle Notes

This is the Lacey Ladies Cap I gave to my friend.  Another one is in the works.

News Flash on Friday!  It fits her!
Simple Things

A Pogona Pose
This was one of "pensive poses" that made me laugh so hard I could barely take the photo without shaking the camera.

Another pair of "Those Mitts".  #7 I think.

Pogona as it was blocking on the guest bed.  I need blocking wires.  The pins don't work here.

No-Purl or Garter Stitch Patterns suggested by Pipeliners on Ravelry. 

Addabootees by Elizabeth Zimmermann  $1.00
Felted Clog by Bev Galeskas  $7.95
Bear Claw Blanket by Veronik Avery
Mothed by Mags Kandis (free)
Chocolate, Vanilla, Swirl Baby Blanket by JamieKnits (Free)
Ten Stitch Twist Blanket by Frankie Brown  (free with a suggested charity donation)
Johanna Maria Shawl by Elsa Maria Baerentsen
Pimpelliese by Christine Ebers (free)
Favorite Garter Cardi  by Anne Lecrivain-Cozzoli  Creative Knitting 2010
Garter Diamonds Shawl by Lois S. Young Creative Knitting Nov 2010

In the Piping Circle
The Burns Supper 2011

Robert Burns was born on Janury 25, 1759 in Alloway, Scotland.  People all over the world celebrate his birth each year with a dinner and an evening of ceremony.

George in his Baby Sophisticate Sweater.

Meat Pie, Neeps, Haggis, Peas, Tatties

Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums.  Burns Supper 2011

These are Those Mitts made for me by Charr.  Don't they work great with our Flower of Scotland Tartan?
Norwegian Sweater Knit Along

Twila is going to use Cully's Norwegian Sweater, child size, to make a sweater for charity.
I ordered from Quince & Co. for a man's large 44" (tall) sweater

Chickadee (sport weight)
  • 12 (50 g) balls Crow (black)  Probably only need 10
  • 7 (50 g) balls Egret (natural White)  probably only need 5
Leave your name in the comment section to be in the drawing for an autographed copy of Faith Hope Love Knitting by Lorna Miser.

Book Notes

Knitting at Home: 60 Classics from Ella Rae Designs by Leanne Prouse.  2010

The book sets  relaxed mood and has a wide array of patterns.  Instructions assume some knitting intelligence, which is refreshing.  All projects use Ella Rae yarn but substitutions are easy, especially because most of the designs are not fitted.  While I do not consider this a "must have" for my library, it would be a welcome addition. Recommended.

Music
"Ye Banks and Braes O' Bonnie Doon"
Lyrics by Robert Burns
Sung by Shira Kammen from A Celebration of Robert Burns.  Magnatune.

Ye banks and braes o' bonnie Doon
How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair?
How can ye chaunt, ye little birds
And I sae weary full o' care?
Ye'll break my heart, ye warbling bird
That wantons thro' the flow'ry thorn
Ye mind o' departed joys
Departed never to return.

Oft hae I roved by bonnie Doon
To see the rose and woodbine twine
And ilka bird sang o' its love
And fondly sae did I o' mine
Wi' lightsome heart I pu'd a rose
Full sweet upon its thorny tree
And my fause lover stole my rose
But ah! he left the thorn wi' me.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Episode 28 A Baby Surprise from Elizabeth Zimmermann

Listen here or use the Flash Player in sidebar.


This show is sponsored by my Longaberger home business.  www.longaberger.com/paula.  Sign up for my newsletter with products use ideas and specials.  PaulasBasketNews@aol.com




The note that came with the Baby Surprise Jacket.


Tools for threading beads.




Threading beads onto yarn for Crochet Beaded Cast-ff



Nature Notes

The Life of John James Audubon by Mrs. J. Audubon.  Kindle Edition. $1.99


The Blethering Room
Stash Organization

I have two large plastic bins, one for worsted weight and heavier and one for sport weight and lighter.  These bins mostly contain remnants of previous projects.  Within the bins, each type of yarn is kept in a zip lock bag.  More recent purchases are kept in zippered bags out of these bins in the same closet.



Friday, January 7, 2011

Episode 27 Knitting is my Passion!

To view a Longaberger January Sale flyer visit www.longaberger.com/flyer.  To save on shipping contact me by email or phone.  With an order of $150 you may choose an additional item at 1/ price!

A contest winner is announced for the 3 patterns donated by Stephen West of Westknits!  Thank you to Stephen West!

Thank you to all the Pipeliners who contributed comments on the previous topics of whether ponchos are in fashion and shawl wearing for men.

Designs mentioned in this segment:

Nature Notes

The best viewing for American Bald Eagles is the winter months in the upper Midwest, along bodies of water.  Choose a cold winter day when there is ice on the water.  Places where the ice is broken are spots where eagles tend to gather for food.  Dams, harbors, under bridges, or barge trails are possibilities.  The best times of day are around 10 AM and 3 PM although you can find them anytime during daylight hours.

The American Bald Eagle
  • Takes 5 years to attain full mature plumage.
  • Mates for life.
  • Can see a target from up to a mile away.
  • Flies up to 30 mph

In the 1960's there were only 400 pairs of nesting Bald Eagles in the U.S.
After the ban of the pesticide DDT in 1973, Bald Eagles (and other wildlife) began making a comeback.
2007--Removed from Endangered Species List and are now a Protected Species.

Needle Notes

I finished my Citron which I began in October.  It was published in Knitty Winter 2009 and was designed by Hilary Smith Callis.  I added beads on the bottom ruffle.  See my project notes for details.  I then used a crocheted bead border from Lorna Miser's book Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting.  Tedious but definitely worth it.  It took several days to finish the bind off because I could only accomplish it while sitting at a table.




This is the crochet bead bind off video for the shawl.



After talking about my Citron I tell a story about a friend's reaction to the shawl.  She told me in no uncertain terms, "You need to get a life!"  Thank you to my friend, Mary, who came to my rescue with, "She HAS a life and it is knitting!"  We all should have a passion in life outside of our family and work.  Fortunately,  I have more than one.

Time is our most precious commodity.  As knitters we make the most of little bits of it.

In the Blethering Room

From our discussion of "No Purl Patterns" the following were added to the list by Pipeliners.

Book Notes

Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting
Celebrating the Gift of Knitting with 24 Beautiful Patterns
by Lorna Miser
2009   $24.95

Lorna's web site is Lorna Miser Designs.  The book is available here or on the usual channels.
Highly recommended especially for those who like to read knitting books.  Each pattern has a story with it which makes it very personal.  The author has put a lot of herself into the book. There is a wide range of patterns, several that I have tagged to knit.  The patterns are rated for difficulty level.  Patterns include Grandmother's Lace Shawl (with Helen's Loopy Bind-Off that I used on my Citron), Sweet Baby Sweater, Lace Vest, Heart Pillow, Socks, Slippers, Lap Throw, Homemade Knitting Needles, Square a Day Blanket, Child's Poncho, and more. The instructions are clear and constructions methods make sense.  I am very glad this book is in my knitting library.



Leave a comment below to enter a drawing for an autographed copy of the book, donated by the author, Lorna Miser.  Winner will be announced on January 21, 2011.

Norwegian Sweater KAL

I am still figuring out my plan for a man's sweater.  If you want to see designs I am looking at, see my Ravelry queue and search with the tag Norwegiankal.  I will probably use one of these designs as a springboard but will use Elizabeth Zimmermann's guidelines for the sweater.  Feel free to choose any Norwegian design if you want to jump in on the wintery fun!  A hat, mittens, child's sweater, or vest, are possibilities for smaller projects.

Recommended reading:
  • Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann
  • Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Schoolhouse Press

Speaking of EZ, I think we are due for an EZ letter soon.  Don't you agree?

About Me

My photo
I play the Great Highland Pipes, knit, observe nature, and read. My name on Ravelry is PrairiePiper. Find me on Instagram as KnittingPipeline.