Knitting

Midsomer Mystery

July 20, 2024August 29, 2024 annbh3561 Comment

The May mystery knit-along (MKAL) with Solène Le Roux evolved from an acknowledgment of Beltane, the Gaelic May Day, into my very own midsummer celebration sans the numerous murders of the British TV drama. I cast-on with the other knitters as the MKAL began May 1 but changed plans not once but twice. I switched from a tweedy, deep forest yarn which proved too dark to reveal the delicate cables and then changed needles for a different gauge. (Note to self – The time “ saved” by not swatching is definitely not saved!)

blue handknit shawl draped on a wooden hanger — Kala Mae MKAL Shawl

close up of knit stitches on a handknit blue shawl showing lace and cables — Kala Mae MKAL Shawl

The crescent shawl showcases a soft single ply Merino in Stockholm blue, hand-dyed in Hastings at Muse2320. The cables along the top edge mimic two embedded I-cords and the central design reveals left and right leaning 2-over-2 twists that frame the braided central cable. I discovered too late that 40 grams of yarn remaining from the starting weight of 200g (approximately 874 yards) was insufficient for bottom border as designed, so I modified the pattern (something I rarely do) and exchanged the ribbed border for a lacy edge.

Happy knitting!

Knitting

Celebrating May

May 13, 2024July 15, 2024 annbh3561 Comment

I discovered French knitting designer, Solène Le Roux, in 2018. Her designs offered me a glimpse into the Parisian world of haute couture through a blend of simple elegance paired with stitches that are technically challenging enough to keep me alert and learning. In the early days of Covid, I joined her for a bilingual virtual retreat and then followed her move from Paris to the Château de Parançay in southwest France where she hosts knitting classes and fiber adventures.

At the moment, I have a larger than normal number of items on my needles (two scarfs, a pair of socks, a twelve-month afghan, and a summer shawl). It feels quite frivolous to start another project, especially a mystery knit-along (MKAL) but then Solène is offering an “online knitting + meditation experience to celebrate Beltane and the month of May.” Since Clue #1 promised a variety of cables (my favorite design element) I cast on my Kala Mae mystery shawl using a rich tonal blue yarn, hand-dyed just up the river in Hastings at Muse2320.

Happy knitting!

Park Shawl

April 25, 2024 annbh3561 Comment

snow covered mountain in the distance against a blue sky with trees and craggy rock in the foreground — Glacier National Park – July 2006

two-toned taupe and speckled pink and green hand knit shawl on on wooden hanger — Glacier National Park – July 2006

Just off my needles is Christina Campbell’s International Peace Park Shawl. Her inspiration for this simple asymmetrical shawl knit in two colors, came from Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the world’s first international park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The design begins and ends with solid segments representing the two bordering countries, color shifting stripes portray the mountain ridges, and the delicate lace segments depict the fragile nature of peace.

My knitting journal usually documents December projects designed by Christina when I have joined 100s of other knitters participating in her annual Project Peace knit-alongs (KAL). The delicate hand-dyed merino fingering skeins from last June’s Hand Dyed Happy Yarn Club are reminiscent of craggy peaks after snowmelt and spring flowers dotting high mountain meadows. The pattern sat in my queue while I waited for that just right combo of yarns since, after three visits, Glacier National Park remains among my favorite natural places with these fond memories…

A mid-summer visit with nieces and nephews when thirteen of us hiked a glacier trail. The sun sparkling so brightly off the snowpack there were sunburned calves, despite a slathering of sunscreen.
When, despite a sunny June day, we could only venture as far as Lake McDonald Lodge as heavy, late season snowfalls blocked Going-to-the Sun Road.
And the thwarted plans to visit Glacier’s Canadian counterpart, Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada, due to lack of proper documentation. We had incorrectly assumed drivers’ licenses were sufficient IDs and we learned (too late) that without our passports, US customs would not allow reentry. Instead, we simply enjoyed rustic Rocky Mountain scenery on our side of the border.

Happy knitting on happy trails!

Knitting

Double Diamond Cowl

April 8, 2024 annbh3563 Comments

an incomplete handknit cowl in rust colored tones with a lace pattern of repeated diamonds resting on a marble background and a green yarn bowl in the upper left corner — A Work-in-Progress

handknit cowl in rust colored tones with a lace pattern of repeated diamonds on a marble background — A Work-in-Progress

With seven cowls tucked away in tissue paper with protective lavender sachets, I recognize I should pause from knitting any more of these wardrobe accessories. This particular article of clothing is a favorite among pattern designers. As proof, I need only refer to the last three collections of new patterns that I’ve bought. Within the knitting universe, cowls provide a quick project that often enables the knitter to explore a new or challenging technique on a small scale with the added benefit of putting into service a beautiful, but solo skein of yarn. I am less certain of their popularity among those seeking soft, squishy neckwear.

My latest finished object features a two-tone, double-diamond lace pattern. Rather than relying on bold contrasts, the color shifts are subtle. The pattern specifically called for “analogous colors – or colors that fall next to each other on the color wheel.” The Double Diamond Cowl is part of Marie Greene’s recently released D is for Diamonds Stashbuster Series. Fully embracing the spirit of the project, this fingering weight yarn came from my stash of lovely hand-dyed fibers acquired while participating in Heather Best’s Hand Dyed Happy Yarn Club.

Happy knitting!

Knitting

My Duet is a Trio

March 29, 2024 annbh3564 Comments

pale pink and light brown handknit scarf with stripes and lace

When I began my version of the Duet Triangular Scarf, I fully intended to color inside the lines and follow the pattern instructions. However, while my swatch met stitch gauge, I neglected to check row gauge. As a result, the first segment revealed a delicate lace design with the correct width, but it did not match the intended length. Guessing the same would be true for the opposite triangle and wanting a slightly longer scarf, I modified Marie Greene’s recently released pattern by adding a rectangular middle section. This change eliminated the distinct seam between the two colors and created a gentle transition of skinny stripes alternating between pale pink and the natural, undyed light brown of this Peruvian highland wool.

Happy knitting!

Knitting

Fritillary Socks MKAL

March 24, 2024March 23, 2024 annbh3562 Comments

With only a trio of socks to my credit and having sworn off this particular article of clothing 1,258 days ago, a new mystery knit-along (MKAL) has piqued my interest. The five clues that will evolve into the first sock will be released April 1 (no fooling) through April 13. Then I get to do all the work again to make the pair, hopefully, finishing in time for the second sock party just days into May.

Fritillaries, a flowering herbaceous perennial with bell-shaped blossoms, inspired this new knitting pattern. Whether the design will capture the delicate checked petals is yet to be discovered but the pre-clue notes promise cables – my favorite stitch.

Happy knitting!

Graphic credit: © Marie Greene

Knitting

Knit for Food Knit-a-Thon Today

March 23, 2024 annbh356Leave a comment

graphic for knit for food marathon with a banana, steam rising from a bowl, a peanut butter jar, bread, apple and a ball of yarn with knitting needles

The beauty of retirement is the flexibility to decide whether to knit or swiffer the living room floor; to knit or reorganize the kitchen utensil drawer. I framed my task list weeks ago when I registered for today’s Knit for Food Knit-a-Thon. As part of Marie Greene’s team, I will join her and 6,000 others knitting through the day. There are Zoom links connecting knitters, crocheters, and crafters for this 12-hour marathon that will raise funds and awareness for food insecurity. The money will be equally divided among Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry, and Meals on Wheels.

Graphic credit: © Marie Greene

Knitting

Knit for Food Knit-a-thon

February 23, 2024February 19, 2024 annbh3563 Comments

I know what I will be doing a month from today on March 23 – KNITTING!

Inspired by Knit Camp leader, Marie Greene, I will join thousands of knitters and crafters in the Knit for Food Knit-a-thon 2024. A day, that Marie describes, when “we can turn skeins of yarn into meals on tables, hope in hearts, and smiles on faces.”

This knit-a-thon is a 12-hour marathon to raise funds and awareness for food insecurity. The event planners promise “100% of funds raised will be equally divided between Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry, and Meals on Wheels” and they have a track record validating their claim. The previous three knit-a-thons, 2021-2023, raised $877,571!

Even if you are not a knitter, every craft-lover can participate because what is not to love about a day spent working with your favorite medium AND raising money for such a meaningful cause. So join me in participating and donating to Knit for Food Knit-a-thon.

More information about the knit-a-thon recipients:

Feeding America – our own Channel One Food Bank is a partner
World Central Kitchen
Meals on Wheels
No Kid Hungary

Knitting

Variations on a theme

February 10, 2024 annbh3565 Comments

hand knit peach colored shawl with lace edges on a wooden hanger

hand knit fuchsia colored shawl with lace edges and crystal beads on a wooden hanger

At the pattern designer’s recommendation, I knit my first version of this shawl in a multicolored self-striping yarn. The lacy border took a back seat to the fabric’s vibrancy and I wondered what would result if I knit this same design with a solid or subtle tonal yarn. I quelled my curiosity first with the peachy project and then knit a second shawl in deep fuchsia. Both skeins had arrived in yarn club surprise packages and, utilizing good stash management practices, each just needed the right design.

The combination of fingering weight yarn and a slightly larger needle results in an airy body of garter stitches. An unusual double yarnover (yo2) at the beginning of the lace row creates an elongated fiber filigree. And, I added a little glitter by incorporating a pearlized pink Miyuki seed bead on each lacy tip. Now, wrapped in tissue paper, each shawl is safely tucked away awaiting a giving opportunity as a silent auction donation.

Happy knitting!

Knitting

Red Gems

February 1, 2024 annbh3566 Comments

small handknit red blanket on a blue tweed chair

Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Although these diamonds are not of the shimmery carbon variety but a well-planned placement of textured knit and purl stitches that create the illusion of repeating geometric shapes. The designer offered three graduated sizes: baby blanket, lapghan, and full-sized afghan. My version of the Little Gem Blanket is baby-sized, 32-inches square; just right to provide a bit of warmth on a sedentary evening of streaming videos.

What we designate as our TV room can be chilly on a frigid winter evening depending on wind direction. This room has only had cosmetic improvements – new windows and the refinishing of the original maple flooring. We have no idea as to the energy efficiency of the insulation. Slumped vermiculite? Or, it may even be the stitched newspaper–tarpaper variety we discovered when we remodeled the 1940s bump-out bathroom addition. Hence the need for wool warmth.

This small blanket project also channeled the best ideals of stash management. The 650-yards of superwash wool were remnant skeins remaining after the completion of the 2022 Vivi workshop sweater. That pattern was designed in the style of boxy Danish “night” sweaters which, coincidently, displayed an elegant collection of cabled diamonds.