Knitters’ Knews Vol. 34, Issue 6 February 2014
The Madison Knitters’ Guild meets the second Monday of each month September through May. Doors open at 5:00 pm • Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. • Bishop O'Connor Center, 702 South High Point Rd, Madison, WI
The February 10 Meeting features Patty Lyons February Meeting: PATTY LYONS learned to knit when she was seven, 5:00–6:30 pm: Doors Open and in 2005 she decided to leave her previous life as Sign up at the Hospitality table, a Broadway stage manager to follow her passion check out the Library, visit and work in the knitting world. After managing a vendors, peruse Community New York yarn store for a few years, she joined Lion Projects and seek out Knit Aid Brand Yarn in 2008 to create the Lion Brand Yarn 5:45 pm : Knit Connection Studio in New York City, where she served as the Gather in the Dining Room to Studio Director for five years. meet knitters from your neighborhood. Patty now teaches nationally at guilds and knitting 6:30 pm: Meeting Starts shows around the country such as Vogue Knitting Business Meeting, Guest Angora Trimmed Top Down LIVE, Knit and Crochet Show (the official show of Speaker, Break, Show N’ Tell, Sweater © 2011 by Patty Lyons TKGA and CGOA), and STITCHES. A certified knitting Door Prizes in Auditorium instructor, Patty focuses on helping her students see the 'why to' not just the 'how to'. She specializes in sweater design and sharing her love of the much‐ In This Issue: maligned subjects of gauge and blocking. February’s Speaker – 1 Patty’s popular classes can also be found online at Knitting Daily (Interweave Message from the Press) and Craftsy, where her “Improve Your Knitting” class was named President – 2 Craftsy’s most popular class of 2013! Library Notes – 2 Patty’s designs and knitting skill articles can be found in Vogue Knitting, A Peek at the March Creative Knitting, Knit 1,2,3 and Knit ‘N Style magazines. According to knitwear Meeting – 3 designer Melissa Leapman, “Patty Lyons has done more to promote the pure Membership Count – 3 love of knitting in New York City than anyone I can think of. Her enthusiasm for Knitting in the News – 3 the craft is surpassed only by her dedication to quality education. The industry Seeking Nominations – 4 is lucky to have her.” Upcoming Events – 4 Patty loves to knit, crochet, spin and has even dabbled on the knitting machine. Treasurer’s Report – 4 She is currently attempting not to get sucked into another yarn craft, but Meet Our Vendors – 5 weaving is looking pretty interesting. January Guild Meeting Patty lives in Brooklyn with her husband, a room full of yarn, and her rooftop Minutes – 6 garden. To find out where Patty is teaching next, visit: http://pattylyons.com/ Knit‐In Update – 7 Join us at the February 10 meeting when Patty will share tips and tricks of Community Projects and blocking. She has graciously shared with MKG members the handout she uses Free Pattern – 8‐9 in her 3‐hour blocking class, and it is a good preview of what you will learn from Ewe and Janine – 10 Patty. Use this handy reference to add a professional finish to your knitted Blocking Hand Out from objects (full handout is on the MKG Website, condensed version on page 11). Patty Lyons – 11 – Barbara Rottman, Programming Chair Sponsors – 12
MKG Knitters’ Knews 1 February 2014
Message from the President — Go Places with MKG! I love traveling, especially when I can make connections. Events Chair, is Part of the reason I love knitting is that it offers me the deep into opportunity of a journey – whether I’m just sitting on planning Safari. my couch or out exploring the world of yarn. Safari is an annual bus tour Begin Your Journey with Knit-In that visits three to four Reflect a moment how far you’ve come since you first knitting shops, with planned stops for meals. This year’s picked up those two sticks. The skills you’ve learned, Safari will take place on Saturday, June 7. Reserve the people you’ve met, the yarn you’ve touched and the date and plan on a full-day knitting adventure. maybe the “yarns” you’ve heard or told! Knit-In is a perfect place to continue that journey. Mary Jo Harris, Personal Journey Knit-In Chair, and committee have packed so much of As I’ve shared with you many times, the Madison the best into two days right here in Madison. Knitters’ Guild is a wonderful organization, filled with talented knitters who have been to amazing places, do Instructors will offer you the opportunity to learn new lots of interesting things besides knitting and have skills or polish what you already know. You also have varied work backgrounds. Getting involved in the Guild the opportunity to explore the knitting of other will open that entire world to you. Please consider countries with Scandinavian Church Gloves, Latvian volunteering for a committee. At each meeting we list a Scallop and Braid, or Nupps and Estonian Lace. Visit an few tasks for which we could use help with. Feel free to entirely new world with Zentangle Basics. The 2014 jump in – or if you’d prefer, seek out a board member Marketplace will offer temptations from as near as our and tell her what kind of skills you’re willing to share. own backyard to as far away as Colorado and Maryland. The Guild is only what we make it – and we can Knit-In registration is now open to all. Be sure to share certainly use your help to keep it great! news about this great event with family and friends! Explore, grow and knit on with the Guild! Ticket to Ride – Mae Knowles, President We are so fortunate to live in a community that offers so many yarn and knitting supply choices nearby. You P.S. A limited number of printed Membership just have to look at our list of Sponsors to see the Directories will be available at the March meeting. bounty. But sometimes it’s fun to go on a little If you’d like a copy, please let me know via email at adventure to see what else there is. Gael Boyd, Special maeven@charter.net.
Library Notes: Inspiration is the theme for this month's new books, with three collections of creative designs inspired by the non-fiber world. In Op-Art Socks, Stephanie Van Der Linden credits her optical illusion designs to her collection of op-art ceramics. Tanis Gray finds inspiration in the raw materials and fine details of buildings in Knitting Architecture. Singer/songwriter Stephanie Dosen has published a collection of fairy tale inspired designs in her first book, Woodland Knits. All three of these books present new ideas for fun projects and remind us that inspiration comes from all over. This month we are happy to add three new books on Estonian knitting to our collection in honor of Linda Loeffelholz and donated by her son, John. Estonian Mittens All Around the World by Aino Praakli catalogs hundreds of mitten designs. The Haappsalu Scarf and The Haapsalu Shawl both by Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi showcase Estonian lace patterns. The three books together provide a deep resource of Estonian knitting. The library gratefully accepts book donations. Please stop by the library table for more information on making donations. – Marijka Engel, Library Chair
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Sneak Peek at the March Meeting: The Knitter's Life List is intended to be a book of discovery and inspiration for all fiber lovers, especially knitters, and author Gwen W. Steege hopes to evoke that spirit in her presentation on March 10. She'll describe how the book came about and a bit about how her own "life list" has changed and evolved over the decades since she first learned to knit. She will explain that though the book isn't about patterns or techniques, it includes a broad overview of yarns and fibers, ethnic and historical styles, and most important, interviews of key figures in the fiber world kwhose wor has had a major impact on us all. Gwen will share anecdotes about some of those interviews, along with insights about the fiber arts that came about through her conversations with these very generous contributors. She'll also give examples of some of the fun lists that she developed to challenge readers to explore books, movies, festivals, museums and much more. These lists have made her, and she hopes others, become aware of how thoroughly knitting and other fiber arts are woven into our lives. This is not intended to be a static book – nor a static talk – but a prompt to develop and check off one's own "bucket list" of fiber opportunities to enjoy. Share the Fun! The Guild has committed to teaching children to knit at the Madison Children’s Museum, Sundays, 2:00–3:30 p.m., through March 9. This past Sunday, three Membership members taught about a dozen children, at least two moms and several staff January members. We all had fun and received many thank yous. Please consider joining us. Ideally we would have four to five teachers at each session. Please email Update: Bonnie Dill to volunteer: [email protected] We are now Adieu – Until We Meet Again Big Apple look out: Heather Black is New York bound! MKG members have benefited from her teaching at Sow’s Ear, her work as an assistant at Knitting Camp and as a valued adviser at the Knit‐Aid Station, as well as a Knit‐In instructor. Despite being busy with this big move, Heather has continued to look out for Members fellow guild members and recruited Sylvie Schuresko to take her place at the Knit‐ Aid Station. We will miss Heather, but wish her well. The good news is she’ll be strong! back for camp. If you go to Vogue New York 2015, be sure to look her up. You’ll get the insider tips on knitting stores in the Big Apple!
MKG Knitters’ Knews 3 February 2014
Seeking Nominations for the 2014‐15 Board of Directors The nominating committee of the Madison Knitters’ Guild has begun preparing a slate of three candidates for membership approval and vote at the May meeting. The board is organized so that approximately one third of the eleven board members are replaced each year. When elected to the board, it is for a three‐year term. At the end of the term, the person may run again if she/he wishes. Many people work to keep our guild running smoothly. Six of those people (the president, vice‐president, secretary, treasurer, knit‐in chair, and programming chair in charge of hiring speakers) must be board members. The other five board members serve as committee chairs. There are no “at large” board members. Because we have Upcoming Guild Events: more than five committees, we also have committee chairs who are encouraged to attend board meetings and whose February 10: Guild Meeting, program opinions are appreciated but they do not vote. Some of them by Patty Lyons. Vendors: The Cat and email their report rather than attend meetings. Crow, Jenny Blasen Pottery Board members have been asked what position interests them February 15: Neighborhood Knits for next year. Committee chairs have been asked if they want Mattress Stitch class, 2:00–3:30 pm at to run for the board, continue in their current position, or take The Sow’s Ear (Class is full.) a breather from a leadership role. Guild members were asked February 22 & 27: Basic Socks class, to notify me if they are interested in running for the board. 6:00–7:30 pm at Stitcher’s Crossing This process seems to be working very well to ensure that (Pre-registration needed) people and their positions are well matched and all positions March 10: Guild Meeting, program by filled, resulting in a very hard‐working board. Gwen W. Steege. Vendors: Bleating Mary Jo Harris, Mae Knowles, Jane Newman, Kathy Wedig and Heart Haven, Firefly Fibers I make up the nominating committee. If you are at all March 14: Knit-In members-only interested in running for the board or if you wonder what event: A Night With Franklin Habit, would be involved, please contact me as soon as possible ‒ the 6:00–8:00 pm, Bishop O’Connor nominating committee has begun its work! Center (Pre-registration needed) Connie Burmeister, Nominating Committee Chair March 15-16: Knit-In featuring two [email protected] or 608‐333‐5207 days of classes, marketplace, and silent auction, Bishop O’Connor Center (Pre-registration needed) Other Knitting Events: February 8: Patty Lyons is teaching a Treasurer’s Report: class on demystifying knitting patterns at Month: December 2013 The Cat & Crow, Mount Horeb Membership: 478 February 9: Patty Lyons classes Income: $3,779.47 “Fantastic Cast Ons and Bind Offs” and “Best Buttonholes & Button Bands” at Disbursements: $2,287.42 The Sow’s Ear, Verona Checking: $38,461.36 February 10: Patty Lyons class Savings: $3,068.49 “Knitting Bag of Tricks” at The Sow’s Ear, Verona
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Meet the Vendors for February: Jenny Blasen Pottery — As the Jenny behind Jenny Blasen Pottery, I work full-time out of my home studio on Madison's near east side. I specialize in functional pieces for everyday use, including yarn bowls and buttons. Although I do not knit, I have many friends and family who do. I started making ceramic yarn bowls at the request of a friend and they are now one of my most popular selling items. I love using texture in my work and use many found objects, including lace, fabric, stamps, and leaves. Buttons are a great canvas to explore these textures on. Despite their tiny size, much time and detail go into each and every one, making them the perfect finishing touch for your knitting project. My work is available locally at Hatch Art House, 1248 Williamson Street, Madison. My yarn bowls and buttons are always in stock, plus much more. Website: www.jennyblasenpottery.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/JennyBlasenPottery
The Cat & Crow — Melissa (Mo) Brown and Rebecca Boelhower Santi opened The Cat and Crown in October 2009 with the goal of creating a store with a friendly and inspiring atmosphere that focused on local fibers, yarns and gifts. We feature a mix of great local yarns (wool, alpaca, hand-dyed, etc.), including several Cascade yarns, as well as Madelinetosh, Knit One, Crochet, Too and a huge selection of Manos del Uruguay. In addition, we have spinning, felting and some weaving supplies. Our new venture, creating a house yarn, has gone well and we still have some of our first batch remaining in Chili and Moss colorways in both worsted and bulky weight. It is Corriedale wool from Mo's farm, Four Crows Farm, dyed in the fleece and spun into yarn at Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill. Mo has been busy dyeing the three new colorways that will be unveiled later in the spring. Our winter featured class is with Patty Lyons, (MKG’s February speaker), on Saturday, February 8, from 2:00–5:00 PM. Patty is teaching "Reading Between the Lines," a great class for anyone who has had trouble interpreting a pattern. Patty will share many tips for understanding patterns and tools for using patterns more easily. There are still a couple spots remaining; please call or email to sign up. The cost is just $54 for MKG members (we offer MKG members a 10% discount on classes), and request payment before class to hold your place. We will be bringing a Three Irish Girls trunk show with us on Monday, February 10. We will also have our house yarns and new Madelinetosh, as well as Mo's gradient sushi rolls (see photo at right). Sale yarns and some hand-dyed top for spinning or felting will be featured too! Website: http://www.thecatandcrowonline.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 608-437-1771 Visit: 205 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Store Hours: Tues–Wed: 10:00 am–9:00 pm; Thu–Fri: 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Sat: 9:00 am–5:00 pm.
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January Guild Meeting Minutes: President Mae Knowles welcomed and introduced our Program: guests and new members, as well as our vendors Hidden Nancy Marchant, Valley Farm & Woolen Mill and The Woolgatherers. Mae fresh from a flight shared that Stacy Parenteau had presented a great Ravelry from Amsterdam, tutorial at the MKG Knit Connection. Extra copies of the took us along the guide Stacy produced were in the library and a copy journey that has led would be posted in the Member’s section of the website. to her crowning as Announcements: the “Queen of Brioche.” From her first love, shibori, to some fun 80s The Nomination Committee, headed by Connie projects – one sweater for a boyfriend featured basketball Burmeister, would be meeting soon to recruit new greats Larry Bird and Magic Johnson and made it to a board members. Those interested should contact her at Sports Illustrated fan page; another was created in [email protected] or 608-333-5207. exchange for physical therapy! In the early 90s she started Knit Together at the Madison Children’s Center starts noticing brioche, a fairly common European stitch, and nd February 2 for six Sundays. Volunteers can sign up for was instantly drawn to it because of its movement and as many or as few sessions as they’d like. Contact texture. Nancy had always wanted to write a knitting Bonnie Dill at [email protected]. book and after several other book starts, was delighted to The UFO Retreat will take place Jan. 24–26 at the find the market had no books on brioche. Nancy will soon Chalet Landhaus, New Glarus. It’s free for members be publishing a second book which features many new and $5 for guests. brioche stitch patterns. She cautioned Guild members not The MKG Knit Along is underway. Information is to purchase the Kindle version of Knitting Brioche: The available at the Forums on the website. Essential Guide to the Brioche Stitch as it’s difficult to follow. Neighborhood Knits classes have gotten a great After seeing all the beautiful slides of her patterns, Guild reception. Upcoming classes include: Teach a Child to members may want to purchase Nancy’s Craftsy class. If Knit; Jogless Rounds; Survival Crochet; Knitting in a you go through her website you will receive a 50% Circle; Seamless Cast On; Socks or Toys on Circular discount. Oh, and that good-looking guy modeling her Needles. If you have these skills and are interested in Alex scarf? It’s her nephew! being a teacher ($50/class) contact Barbara Rottman at [email protected] Show ‘N Tell: Nancy Marchant’s brioche classes, sponsored by Susan’s Connie Burmeister shared the MKG KAL sweater Dansez Fiber Shop, have 19 (lucky) people registered. by Amy Herzog and the modifications she made to make Check out the upcoming Patty Lyons class opport- it a personal fit. Betty Ulanski displayed two shawls: unities at The Cat and Crow and The Sow’s Ear. Sunstruck & City MKG Members are awesome! The December sale Block Shawl by netted $2,078 for Second Harvest Foodbank or over Laura Aylor; Julie 6,200 meals. Special thanks to Rae Sprague and the Pluss-Smith showed Community Projects Committee. off a fun octopus February Community projects scarf: Neck Kraken are mittens, hats, scarves for by Annie Watts adults and children of Bayview (left). Anne Evdaly Foundation. presented a felted Save the Date: Wednesday, June bag and a sweater 18 is the MKG Stitch N’ Pitch she finished for her with the Mallards! husband: Ranger by Jared Flood. Margot Mary Jo Harris, Knit-In Chair, Fischer modeled a shared details of this year’s Knit- beautiful skirt that was designed and knit by her mother In. The weekend will kick-off Hildegard Fischer (above). Susan Hill displayed a Color with A Night with Franklin Block Ponchellini by StevenBe and Elaine Landy shared her Habit, followed by two full days cabled sweater. See more photos on the MKG website. of classes and Marketplace. Registration will open Thursday, – Joan Werla, Secretary Photos by Carol Spiegel January 16.
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There is Still Time to Sign Up for Franklin Habit and Knit‐In Classes! Franklin Habit – There are still spaces available for the 'An Evening with Franklin Habit' event scheduled for Friday, March 14, from 6:00 pm–8:00 pm in the Dining Room at the Bishop O'Connor Center. Tickets cost $20 each. Registrations can be made online at the MKG website or a registration form can be mailed to Mary Jo Harris at the address listed on the form. Registration is limited so don't delay in signing up so you can meet Franklin, get his autograph, talk knitting, and hear Franklin talk about 'Impractical Magic: The Other Side of Weldon's Practical Needlework'. Here is what Franklin has to say about this talk: Beginning in the 1880s, and for decades thereafter, the editors of Weldon's Practical Needlework provided an enormous audience of amateur craftswomen with patterns for garments designed to be warm, strong, long- lived and, well, practical. But Weldon's had another side, too. A side that proposed the knitting of covers for tennis balls, of knitting whips for children, and of covering open flames with crinkled tissue paper. In this illustrated talk – not for the faint of heart – we'll take a look at what our great-great-grandmothers got up to after they'd already knit a sufficiency of Socks for Invalids. Warning: May induce seizures in persons with good taste. Knit-In Classes – And if that wasn't enough, there are still spaces available for most of the classes taught by wonderful line-up of teachers that are being offered at the Knit-In. Check the website for the teacher’s bios and to see which classes are still available. Silent Auction – Something new at this year's Knit-In is a Silent Auction being held to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. The Sow's Ear has generously donated items that were used as display items in their store. More photos, such as the one on the right, and details about the items can be found on our website. Marketplace – Of course, the Knit-In wouldn't be the Knit-In without the Marketplace. We have over two dozen vendors coming from as far away as Colorado and Maryland. Some of the vendors will be familiar faces, but others will be new faces with exciting items you need to experience. So come and check out the most vibrant part of the Knit-In. It really is a 'must see' affair! VOLUNTEER! – Once you know your Knit-In class schedule you'll also know of any 'open spots' in your weekend activities. We would love to help you fill those open spots by volunteering. There are a variety of 'jobs' available that most often be tailored to fit the size of your 'open spot'. For more information and details contact me at [email protected] or call 608-243-9057. – Mary Jo Harris, Knit-In Chair
Neighborhood Knits — Classes Available Soon: Classes in March include “Teach a Child to Knit” and “Jogless Knitting.” April brings us “Faces on Your Critters,” “Cables” and “Mitered Squares” taught by Sandy Gordon, “Hats” with Cathy Baker, and Jane Grogan will share “Magic Circular Cast-On” using crochet, and Carrie Hafele will be “Picking up Stitches” in May. Watch the MKG website for upcoming information on class dates, locations. The classes are free for MKG members with pre-registration.
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Community Projects: Thank you for all your donations in January. Lap blankets and tactile balls were delivered to Agrace Hospice Care. This month members donated 22 hats, 33 pairs of mittens, 25 scarves, 1 cowl, 1 hat and sweater set, 1 hat and mittens set, 2 fleece children blankets, 10 lap blankets, 29 tactile balls (various colorful balls and the Accidental Toy pattern), and 17 critters. Feel free to bring in any knit or crocheted item and we’ll find a welcoming home for it. ‘Ready to Knit’ kits were available with everything you need included to make a critter for the Monona Library reading program as well as kits for hats and scarves. Seventy kits went home to become mice, owls, hedgehogs, cats, bunnies, chubby chirps, scarves and hats. Please remember to return your finished creations at an upcoming meeting or stop by to pick up a kit. In February we will be providing mittens, hats and scarves to the Bayview Foundation for children and adults in their community. Learn more about their activities at http://bayviewfoundation.org/ In March we will focus donations to three programs: Columbus Community Hospital needs baby blankets for families with newborns supported in the education programs of the Women's and Childbirth Services Department. There are many patterns on Ravelry including the Super Easy Baby Blanket by Purl Soho. Another fun blanket is the Color Field Baby Blanket by Donna Herron (shown left). This free pattern is available at http://purl3agony.hubpages.com/hub/Free‐Knitting‐Pattern‐Color‐Field‐Baby‐Blanket. The following page has the pattern for another colorful option, Frankie Brown’s Ten Stitch Blanket, inspired by an Elizabeth Zimmermann blanket. It can be made in any yarn and only uses 10 stitches. McKayla’s Grace is an organization supporting families with a baby in the NICU and those who experience the death of an infant at hospitals in Wisconsin. They have requested coordinated sets of 2 items each: gowns, hats, booties and small blankets (2’ x 2’) or just two sets of blankets. Refer to the January newsletter for a gown pattern and Community Projects Patterns web page for more free patterns for hats, booties and an angel wrap. The Madison Downtown YWCA’s Third Street Program provides affordable apartments, a safe neighborhood for families, and support services to single mothers with one or two children. They can use clothing or toy items for infants and children under 5 years of age. In April scarves, scarves and more scarves are needed for Handmade Especially for You, a program that supports women entering domestic abuse shelters. Please refer to the MKG website for the complete 2013‐2014 Community Projects Calendar and pattern ideas. Thank you for all you do. – Rae Sprague, Community Projects Chair
Donations wanted! February: Scarves, mittens, hats for children and adults March: Baby blankets, clothing and toys for infants to age 5, premature sized items in pairs April: Scarves for adults (5” to 6” wide by 56” to 60” long preferred)
MKG Knitters’ Knews 8 February 2014
Ten Stitch Blanket © Frankie Brown, 2008. Printed with permission. Click here for the full pattern. This blanket can be knitted in the yarn and needles of your choice and is a great way of using up odds and ends. My original blanket was knitted in Noro Kureyon on 5.5mm / US size 9 needles. I used 14 balls of wool and the blanket measures about 107 x 122 cm / 42” x 48". This blanket was inspired by Elizabeth Zimmermann’s baby blanket in The Opinionated Knitter which is made up of wide L‐shaped strips of garter stitch sewn together. I have used her technique for shaping the corners but have worked one continuous strip, joining it as I go, to avoid the dreaded sewing up. The pattern looks far more complicated written down than it is to knit – honest! DIRECTIONS: Cast on 10 sts. Row 3: Sl 1, K7, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. Slipping all first sts, knit 9 ridges (18 rows). Row 4: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K8. Now work an Open Double Corner: Row 5: Sl 1, K6, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. *Sl 1, K8, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. Row 6: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K7. Sl 1 pwise, yb, K9. Row 7: Sl 1, K5, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. Sl 1, K7, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. Row 8: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K6. Sl 1 pwise, yb, K8. Row 9: Sl 1, K4, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. Continue as set, working one less st every ridge and Row 10: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K5. wrapping the next st as you turn to avoid holes. Row 11: Sl 1, K3, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. Row 12: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K4. When you only have 1 st to work, knit it rather than Row 13: Sl 1, K2, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. slipping it. Now reverse the process, working back up Row 14: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K3. to 9 sts, still wrapping the st at each turn. **Work one Row 15: Sl 1, K1, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. ridge with all 10 sts then turn another corner from * to Row 16: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K2. ** (When working the 10 st ridge you might like to Row 17: K1, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. work sl 1, pick up and knit 1 st, psso at the end of the Row 18: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K1. first row to neaten the join.) Now reverse the process, working back up to 9sts, still That was the hardest part. From now on you only turn wrapping the st at each turn: the corner once at each corner! Row 1: Sl 1, K1, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. Now work back along the side of the original 9 ridges, Row 2: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K2. attaching your strip as you go by following this two Row 3: Sl 1, K2, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. row pattern: Row 4: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K3. Row 1: Sl 1, K8, sl 1, pick up and K 1 st from the side of Row 5: Sl 1, K3, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. the knitting (there should be a ‘bump’ there), psso. Row 6: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K4. Row 2: K 10. Row 7: Sl 1, K4, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. When you reach the next corner work a single corner Row 8: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K5. (from * to **) and carry on along the next side. Row 9: Sl 1, K5, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. Row 10: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K6. That’s it! Now just keep going until you are bored or Row 11: Sl 1, K6, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. run out of wool. Depending on where you decide to Row 12: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K7. stop the finished blanket will be a square, a rectangle Row 13: Sl 1, K7, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. or neither of the above with a sticky‐out bit on one side Row 14: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K8. like mine. This is nice easy knitting with the corners to Row 15: Sl 1, K8, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. keep you interested so have fun with it. Row 16: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K9. Row by Row Instructions for the Corner Abbreviations: These instructions fit between * and ** st = stitch yfwd = yarn forward, as if to purl in the pattern above. sts = stitches pwise = purlwise Row 1: Sl 1, K8, yfwd, sl 1 pwise, yb, turn. K = knit yb = yarn back, as if to knit Row 2: Sl 1 pwise, yb, K9. sl = slip psso = pass slipped stitch over MKG Knitters’ Knews 9 February 2014
Ewe and Janine — February 2014 I'm Janine Kam, a shepherdess in New Glarus, Wisconsin. I love sheep, knitting, spinning, sewing, dyeing, and all things textiles, especially wool. Farm: With sub‐zero temperatures, I worry about the first photo is the animals being cold so I closed the barn door for the first color I’d get if I time in three years. This is really to make me feel good, used tap water, not the animals; they are fine with their fur coats. The the middle photo sheep are accustomed to remaining outside and were is the first run in outraged that I shooed them in the barn and shut the door. They were glaring at me, angry that I tricked them, and stamping their front hooves. As I walked through them to fill their hay feeders inside, they parted to let me through, a little paranoid thinking that maybe one of them was going on a one‐way trip to the “candy store” but no, I just wanted to sleep peacefully. So they snow water, and the last photo is the second run. all camped out as close to the door as possible prevent‐ ing a draft from entering underneath. A few of the roos Then Helen, a violist in the Milwaukee Symphony, got a little frostbite on their combs but other than that, needed some black socks ASAP because her right foot is everyone was fine. cold when driving so I found some superwash sock roving of merino, mohair, and nylon. I spun it, dyed it Knitting: I like to have a project, or parts of a project, black, knitted it and sent it off as soon as they were on almost every toy. My husband will even comment if I done. Everyone else needed socks too. I miscalculated don’t have multiple projects exclaiming, “What?! Only how much sock roving/yarn I needed because one project going? Size 3 needle, right?” Yes, he can superwash is heavier due to the processing so I had to recognize needle size by sight. After 25 years of re‐knit them. In another pair, I had enough yarn for one marriage, he really has the hang of Knitting Life: one sock in purple and one sock in silver, so I knitted these project for Fraternal Opposite Socks. My husband’s colleagues can the house only see him waist up on video conferences so he can lying around wear these to work. somewhere, one for social Pattern: Fraternal Opposite Socks gatherings in I used equal amounts of each color and stripe them any a bag, one way I like as long as both socks have the same number kept in my of rows in the opposite colors. It’s a great way to use locker at odd balls that don’t have quite enough yarn for a pair work (when I and it is easy to count the rows and knit exactly the worked), and same number with the stripes. I could even knit this in one for the the dark at the last meeting sitting in the back of the subway or auditorium! For this pair, I just used a basic sock pattern dark places in my purse. If I could knit while I drive, I casting on 40 stitches with #4 needles and decreasing would, but I wouldn’t want the lace to get torn on the the toe until it has 8 stitches drawing them together to stick shift. a point with a tassel. This yarn is chain‐plyed to a fairly hard grist at about a 30 degree angle in a DK weight. I This past month was a busy. With snow on the ground I find that knitting do things that are unique to this weather such as snow‐ stripes makes me dyeing. Our water has a lot of iron in it so I use snow to knit faster because obtain the color(s) that aren’t so dark. Having archetiers I’m always aiming to (stringed instrument bow makers) for friends, I have a change the color and lifetime supply of pernambuco wood already shaved with these opposite and being a red‐oholic, I used it to dye as much wool as I socks, I don’t get could fit in my dyepot. In the second run, it becomes a second sock royal purple and I can’t pass that up and dyed more. The syndrome! MKG Knitters’ Knews 10 February 2014
HOW TO BLOCK YOUR KNITS With Patty Lyons It’s Not Finished until it’s Blocked! Blocking is an important step to making your project look perfect. It serves many purposes: “Kills the stitch” Sets straight lines or curves to the Creates pieces that are ready to Makes stitches even and perfect sides of pieces seam Sets the size of pieces Molds cables or textured stitches Blocking Tips: Experiment with blocking Use wires to straighten edges Don’t block highly textured or techniques on a swatch Gently stretch ribbing to “resting” novelty yarn Block right side up measurement Don’t wilt fuzzy yarns with steam Weave in your ends before Gently mold cables & textured (Mohair, Angora) blocking stitches Don’t remove pins & wires before Block pieces BEFORE seaming Use flexible blocking wires for your knitting is dry (you can still steam out seams after curved edges or to create shaping NEVER press iron to knitting seaming) NEVER Wring out your knitting Blocking Methods: Wet blocking (soaking your piece) Steam blocking (using a steamer Spray blocking (using a spray or iron on dry or damp piece) bottle) Tools for Blocking: Blocking board Thin crochet cotton or Tape measure Steam producing Large sink or wash Blocking wires thread (instead of wires) Pattern schematic iron or steamer basin T-pins Blocking cloth Spray bottle Other tools: Wooly Board (for Blocking Frame (for Objects around your To block out seams after blocking sweaters knit blocking lace–HARD to house: plates, bowls, finishing with a tailor’s in the round) find) etc. (unusual shapes) ham or seaming roll How to Choose Your Blocking Method: Fiber Content What you need out of blocking (add Dyeing method (color fast or not) Stitch Pattern more length, even out stitches, etc.) Wet Blocking: Wet blocking should not be used on fibers that can Blocking Unusual Shapes, continued stretch out easily. Water is very heavy! Wet blocking is Use straight wires to run through side stitches of a good if you need to add length to bodies or sleeves. piece so you can use minimal pins Good for: Acrylic, Wool, Linen, Cotton/Acrylic blend Block tams and berets over small plates or wide soup (must be a 50/50 blend to not stretch out). bowls Dry Blocking w/steam: A small beach ball is a great blocking tool for hats Dry blocking uses the heat and steam of an iron to You can stuff rags or paper into plastic bags and use shape the knitting. You’ll need an iron with a good steam them to fill out any shape (bags, mittens, etc.) output. Use steam to loosen up stitches on: Wool & wool Use Wooly board for sweaters knit in the round blends, Cotton Blocking Lace: Spray bottle blocking: Use thread or wire to pull out lace points. This is the gentlest form of blocking. This method is good 1. Put thread on tapestry needle, pull through points for fibers that are weakened or stretched out by water and pull out an extra loop of thread and double back (Alpaca, Merino, Cotton) fuzzy fibers that can wilt by into point and move to next point steam (Angora, Mohair), delicate fibers (Cashmere, Silk). 2. Continue around the entire piece, if it’s round, cut Spray blocking good for: Alpaca, Angora, Cashmere, thread and tie it in a loop Superwash merino, Mohair, Silk 3. If it’s a square or rectangle, do it on each 4. Work piece out from center pulling out opposite sides Blocking Unusual Shapes: in quarters, pulling out the loops of thread on each Use curved blocking wires to assist any edge that is point and pin them out not straight Contact Patty Lyons: Please stay in touch; let me know how your work is going, and don’t hesitate to ask me questions via email at [email protected], visit my website: http://pattylyons.com/, or find me on Facebook, Ravelry, Twitter, and Instagram. © Copyright 2013 by Patty Lyons
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