Diana is one of many talented knitters on the Pink Chalk Team. We flipped out when she came to work wearing her Vite Cowl last week. Free pattern on Ravelry by Kristi Johnson. One skein of Cascade Magnum and size 15 needles.

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Knitting in the Sun: 32 Projects for Warm Weather (a lovely new knitting book by Kristi Porter) arrived in the middle of a Bainbridge Island heatwave (of course if you’re familiar with the Puget Sound area that merely means we turn the fan on, sport a pair of shorts and bask in the sunshine, truly glorious weather).

Taos Convertible Vest by Stefanie Japel

A compilation of designs from 21 contributors, this beautiful collection features warm weather patterns made from lucsious materials including cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo and even soysilk yarns. It also features clever techniques for using traditional cold weather fibers like mohair, wool and alpaca in ways that make them suitable for warmer climates.

Bordeaux Lace Shawl by Janine Le Cras

The patterns in the book are sized to fit women from extra small through plus sizes. They cover a range of difficulty levels. I enjoyed the inclusion of a ‘Skills Used’ section for each pattern. It describes the techniques and/or special tools needed to make the pattern, a useful way to determine if it’s something I can take on with the skills I have.

Santorini Linen Kimono Jacket by Lisa Limber

Subdivided into 6 sections: Accessories, Sleeveless, Short Sleeves, Long Sleeves, Cardigans, and Odds & Ends, the book includes a wide array of flattering designs for all body types. I had to laugh when I saw the Long Sleeves section, my first thought was “Yes, designs for Northwest summers!” I truly had a good chuckle when I turned the page and saw that the first pattern in the section was named “Puget Sound”.

Puget Sound Drop-Stitch Sweater by Kristi Porter

Some multi-contributor books can be disjointed and look like a hodge podge of projects. Most definitely not the case with this book. Kristi Porter has done an outstanding job of pulling together talented designers that complement one another as well as the warm weather theme. Flawless knitting skills and high quality materials used for the samples contribute to the success of the book. It creates a soothing cohesive collection that inspired my knitting bug. The photography is stunning to boot. I could feel the sand between my toes as I carried my needles, yarn and beach chair to the shore.

Haleakala Beach Chair by Heather Broadhurst

Now the giveaway: leave a comment telling me your favorite summer knitting or sewing project. Three lucky winners will receive one of the following: the book, a Manhattan FQ set or a Nantucket FQ set (both from Summer Soiree by Paula Prass). I’ll draw a winners Friday morning (really!).

Happy Summer Making! xo Kathy

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Two weekends ago I snuck away by myself to enjoy the two big holiday shows on Bainbridge Island: Christmas in the Country and Bainbridge Island Studio Tours. I love going just to soak up inspiration and holiday-ness.

I discovered Lee of Shoalwater Bay and her delightful hand dyed yarns. She also made the ADORABLE knitting needle Christmas ornament. The needles are 6 inches in length, too cute. I chose pink of course.

What about this gorgeous hand dyed kid mohair! She had a pair of fingerless gloves made up with it. This is the first time I’ve purchased yarn just to own it. OK, now I get stashing yarn. Watch out. Lee doesn’t have a website yet. She does shows throughout the year and welcomes people to visit her studio.

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

8/18/08: Kirsten won the giveaway.

I received an e-mail from Wiley Publishing last month asking if I would be interested in receiving promotional copies of craft books. Well, let me think about that, uh, yeah, sure, yes, OF COURSE I’D LIKE TO RECEIVE FREE CRAFT BOOKS IN THE MAIL! Do you think I’m crazy or something. Tee hee.

They didn’t specify that I had to do anything with them. No strings attached. I obviously received the offer because I have a blog and they’re assuming I’ll write about the book. I write about everyone’s books anyway without getting something for free so I don’t think I’m in jeopardy of conflict of interest.

What I do know is that I wouldn’t have a blog if you didn’t read it so it only seems fair that I give these books to you. I requested that they not send me knitting books because I don’t knit well enough to do them justice. So… this is the first book I received, a knitting book. It’s Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track.

I learned something new from the intro, roller derby is the fastest growing sport in the nation with 130 leagues in the US, 11 in Canada, and 7 leagues overseas (UK, Australia, Germany, and Mexico). I had no idea and I say that with all sincerity. I remember watching roller derby as a kid and even going to an exhibition match one time. I loved all that strong women power going around the track.

The projects in this book were designed by the Naptown Roller Girls of Indianapolis. It says a lot of gals on the roller derby circuit are avid crafters. That actually makes sense to me, think about all the knitting that could get accomplished riding on a bus across the US. The author is Toni Carr, known as Joan of Dark #5 (love that nickname!)

I’ll draw a name on Monday. Leave a comment with the name of an easy knitting pattern to get novice knitters back on track. I’m stuck on my Martha sweater. I want a project I can pick up and work on that doesn’t require a Churchmouse drop-in card.

***

I bought that groovy patchwork pillow cover from Malka’s Etsy shop. It’s perched on a living room chair making the whole place sparkle. I’m the absolute worst about ‘feedback’. I never even told her how much I LOVE it. Of course, when I sell something I’m checking every 5 minutes and immediately assume the purchaser didn’t like it if they don’t leave feedback. A very belated thank you Malka!

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

Look at these lovely stitch markers that Katrin made me. She’s going to get a big laugh out of this story. When I first received these in the mail several months ago I had absolutely no idea how I was supposed to use them. I couldn’t imagine the scenario that would lead me to put these beautiful handmade charms onto my needles.

Enter stage right: cables! Yay. I twigged on pretty quickly to the four distinct sections of the Martha cable pattern. 17, 20, 51, 20, 17. I had four beautiful rings eagerly waiting. They slid perfectly into place to keep me stitching merrily (and without counting till it hurt) along. Thank you Katrin!

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

I got several different questions about what changed in my technique when I posted about my gauge issues. I have not responded to one darn note. I feel really bad about that.

I’ve been trying to stay totally in the moment with my kids as we head into the holiday season, my computer time is getting the squeeze. I have to admit I like not being so technologically connected all the time. The flip side is enormous guilt at not being able to do it all… yada, yada, yada… I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir so here’s my idea: let’s all just sing Christmas carols and rejoice in what we can each offer at any given point in time. Oh, good, I love it when everyone agrees.

Now to talk about what changed in my Continental technique to get the gauge correct. I attempted two photo shoots. One with the remote control and the second with Leil behind the lens. Neither worked out too well so this is the one picture where my fingers are actually in focus (thanks Sweetie).

The best way to start is to attempt a description of my old style. I was holding the yarn in my left hand but it was really loose. Maybe 2 inches between the knitting and my finger. Not a good thing for tension control, too wiggly in all that slack. In addition, I was doing this wrap thing for both knit and purl. I wasn’t ‘picking’ my thread up with the tip of the needle. I was putting the needle through and then using my left hand to take that 2 inches of slack and wrap it around the needle before pulling it back through. This created no tension on the yarn. Just big, loose stitches.

The Churchmouse goddess changed a couple of things in my technique:

1. First off, the distance between the knitting and my left-hand pointer finger shrunk down to less than an inch. That is visible in the photo above (I’m purling there).

2. I was also instructed to freeze the middle finger of my left hand on the top stitch of the left needle. Previously, I was using the middle finger to push the yarn here and there. I’m just now getting comfortable with this new habit. The left hand is now just controlling the yarn feed and tension. It’s not doing any of the work of getting the yarn to wrap around the needle. All of that is controlled by my right hand.

3. The right hand. Big changes here too. Everything got small and tidy. I now just dip in the needle to knit and gently pick the yarn and pull it towards me. To purl, I do exactly the same thing only in reverse. No big movements with the hand, just come up, snatch the yarn and pull it back through. This has been the hardest change and I’m still practicing to make it feel comfortable.

I can not believe the speed I’ve picked up with the changes. My hands are more still, the needles are traveling way less distance, all the movements being made are efficient and purposeful. It’s also less strain on my hands. Churchmouse offers drop-in sessions for knitting. I plan to go and continue perfecting my technique. It’s made my knitting so much more enjoyable!

The yarn I’m using: Rowan Felted Tweed #145 Treacle.

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

A little detail called gauge entered my carefree, scarf-knitting world this week. Up until now, I’ve blissfully skipped over the pages in the the knitting book that talk about 4 x 4 squares that all good knitters religiously create before beginning a project.

Fortunately, I decided to knit my first ever swatch before starting my first ever sweater. My reaction when my square measured 13 1/2 cm and it was supposed to be 10 cm? Disbelief. I’m using the same yarn, the correct needles. I didn’t really even need to do a swatch! I double checked everything. Re-measured the swatch at least 5 times. Made yet another note to pick up some reading glasses at the drugstore. I dropped from 3 3/4 mm needles down to 3 1/4 mm. Oh boy, now I’m at 12 1/2 cm x 12 1/2 cm. Drats.

Not having smaller needles on hand (and coming to terms with the fact that wasn’t my problem) I headed over to Churchmouse to see if they could explain my dilemma. They obviously see this type of thing everyday. There’s a defined drill. Are you a picker or a thrower? I didn’t know (eyebrows raise). Knit for me. Yes, you’re a picker, hmmm. OK, Purl for me. Hmmm. Let me see your swatches again. Hand rubs over the back, hmmm. “;lkjdf lkjfdlkj amkme lkjxji” (knitter conversation between store employees discussing the patient). The Continental expert was called in to make my fingers do something different than they’ve done for the past two years.

15 minutes later after practicing my new found picking skills I felt confident enough to leave the store. Why is it when the person at the store grabs your needles and demonstrates the stitch it looks so easy?! I was terrified that I’d forget what I’d learned as soon as I stepped out the door. I went home and immediately started on a new swatch.

My new swatch measured 10 cm x 10 cm. Yippee. I cast on and started dreaming how I’d look just like the model in my new Martha.

* * *

I’m headed out for a few days. I’ll be checking e-mail for business related stuff but nothing else. I want to see all those scarves when I get back!

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

another Chevron Scarf! Ooooh, how exciting. Believe me, picking out the combination of colors is just plain fun. And, heck, after having knit the pattern for 78 inches I could probably do it while sleeping.

To make this post a little more interesting I headed over to Churchmouse Yarns and Tea on Saturday and took a picture of the Socks That Rock yarn as it is sold. The first time I saw these skeins I didn’t really get why everybody thought the yarn was so great. It looks boring.

So, let’s take a look after it gets wound:

I’m still trying to figure out why it looks so different but in the spirit of not thinking too much about my knitting I think I’ll let it go. My two new colors are Rooster Rock and Olivenite. Only 63 inches to go.

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

The requisite Steve Tyler model in the book shot:

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale

No, I did not star with Andrew McCarthy in Mannequin. I just look that stiff in all my self-portraits.

This scarf is for Caitlin. She now refuses to partake in any photo shoot that may result in her mug being plastered on my blog. Thank god for 8 year olds that still do anything mommy asks. Caitlin loves the scarf. Perfectly understated in design, color, and length. And most importantly, it’s not itchy.

Joanna made me those gorgeous earrings. I’ve worn them every day for a month.

Pattern: Mother-Of-Pearl Lace Scarf, Churchmouse Yarns & Teas shop pattern (they will send you the pattern if you contact them)

Yarn: Louisa Harding Kimono Angora Pure in color 6

Needles: US #3 Clover bamboo single point 9″

Dimensions: 5″ x 35″

Modifications: The pattern called for Misti Alpaca Lace. After finishing, I’ve been thinking larger needles might have better highlighted the lace pattern with the thicker yarn I chose to use.

: – : – :

I discovered early on that the timer function on my Canon Rebel does not activate the auto-focus feature. What?! You have to focus the shot first? Fine and dandy for a family portrait. Not so swell if no one is in the picture yet. I did a little research and came across the Canon RC-1 Remote Control. I LOVE it. It has two nifty features. It can be set to take the picture instantly or on a two second delay, just enough time to press the button and hide the little remote in your hand before the shutter clicks. And yes! It activates the auto-focus before taking the picture.

pink chalk fabrics ~*~ new arrivals ~*~ free patterns ~*~ on sale