Maia Spins

Bits and Pieces

Did you see that The Red Scarf Project expects to receive 6500 scarves this year!  Whoot! (I'll stop saying that soon, I promise.  I'm not quite done with it yet.)  I am thrilled!  RSP is near and dear to my heart.  Hugs to all the RSP knitters/crocheters and all the recipients.  I am hoping to hear from the folks who get my scarves.  I want to know who they are and what they are studying.  Is it wrong to want an anonymous gift to become personal?  Maybe I am too curious.

Knit like a Latvian
Vicki has created a Latvian KAL, see the back story on the button here.  Yes folks, this KAL has a soundtrack.  Love it.

You may have heard about the 4500 pairs of Latvian mittens knit for NATO Summit guests in Riga.  Amazing, beautiful, inspirational knitting.  Each guest will get a pair knit in a traditional pattern made by one of hundreds of Latvian knitters. 

So, I have ordered by copy of Latvian Mittens by Lizbeth Upitis.  Unfortunately, I did not plan this very well.  I have about three weeks before my book arrives. :-/  Until then, I will watch and be inspired.

Coming and Going

Thank you again to everyone who has written me about Toby (or thought about it, but didn't know what to say).  I am so touched.  It helps to ease the pain.  I have tried to respond as sincerely as your condolences.  Somehow, everything I try to write in response sounds trite; so I end up with a simple "thank you".  Thank you, so very much.

Coming
Much to show!  Please pardon today's blurry-cam technology.  I also have a couple of wonderful swap packages which I will give their own post.  Here is some stash enhancement.

My January Spunky Club fiber!  This month it is a wool blend in pink, tan, brown, and turquoise called Walk About.  Yummy.  I'm itching to spin it it up. 

As a fiber snob, I started out as a Merino or BFL spinner only.  Recently, I have come to love other fibers like Falklands, Romney, and my beloved Wensleydale.  This wool blend is softer than I would have expected. The best part of broadening my fiber selection, is that almost every wool is easier to spin than slippery Merino (I still love you to pieces Merino).

More sock yarn from Jessie at A Piece Of Vermont.  On the left is a 100% Merino called Abracadabra.  So soft.  On the right is another Real Vermonter mohair/wool yarn called Caramel.  My oh my, it is stunning.  I won't use the s word (subtle, because Jessie is under the false impression that subtle is inferior), let me say that it is rich and complex.

Speaking of fiber pimps, Jessie sent me this sample of her Real Vermonter roving (60% Romney/Corriedale, 40% Alpaca).  What a lovely blend.  It has the elasticity of wool with the softness (and I imagine the warmth) of alpaca.  This sample was in a sandwich size zip-top bag.  I fluffed it for your viewing pleasure.

It spins like a dream.  I had no trouble getting nice even singles.  I think I will need more (pimping successful) in a pale steel blue and gray colorway (hint, hint).  I want to spin and knit a Scandinavian style hat for February's Project Spectrum.

Do I gush too much about my fiber and yarn purchases?  I assure you that it is honest gushing.  I am not being supplied free lovlies in exchange for my praise.  Not, mind you,  because I am too ethical to accept a bribe.  I am available.  And, I'm cheap.  Just kidding.  (maybe)

Going
On Saturday I took my four completed Red Scarves to Article Pract (LYS).
From left to right: Bias Scarf, Scarf Around with sari silk, Cable Embrace, and Scarf Around in 3 colors.  I hope they bring joy to the recipients.

Yes, I did start a couple more.  No, I did not finish them all.  I am thinking of them as a start on next year's crop. 

I am very happy with the scarves and with how many people have used my patterns for the Red Scarf Project.  Thank you all.  If you have knit one of my patterns (for charity or otherwise), please send me a picture to add to the gallery.

Cable Embrace

Here is the latest Red Scarf off the needles.  I am calling it Cable Embrace because the zig zags seem to embrace the center cable and the name gives me the warm-fuzzies.

The free pattern is posted in the left side bar or you can click here.

I never got bored of this scarf and I bore easily.  It is not a coincidence that I make a lot of small projects.

The yarn is a 100% Superwash wool called Bazic Wool from Classic Elite.  It is a very nice heavy worsted weight yarn comprised of thick and thin singles plied together and then 3 of these plied again.  The result is a springy yarn that has a bit of a twist to it when knit up.  It is a delight to knit with, doesn't split, and makes a nice firm and wefty fabric.  My only complaint is that it is a bit pricey.

A close-up you say?  Why sure.

Errata:
Tami pointed out that the directions say cast on 35 sts when you really need to cast on 37 sts.  Thank you for catching that Tami.  A corrected version posted on 10/17/2006.

Scarf Around

These scarves were knit in the round with steeks.  The steeks were sized so that the stitches there would become the fringe.  The pattern is available as a pdf here or at the link in the left bar.

The pattern was written for this scarf which uses Cascade 220 (color 2413) and sari silk yarn.  The pattern is pretty simple, a combination of garter and stockinette.

This scarf is the 3 color variation.  It uses 1 skein of Cascade 220 (color 2413), 1+ skein of Nashua Handknits Wooly Stripe (color 31 Fiesta), and 1/2 skein of Crystal Palace Party ribbon yarn (color 211 lacquer red).  I ended up needing a tiny bit of a second skein of the wooly stripe; decreasing the number of stitches to 220+22 for the fringe/steek would probably keep it at one skein (your knitting mileage may vary).

The pattern contains a lot of photographs.  I want to add them here as well (my apologies to those of you on dial-up) so they can be viewed at a larger size (all are clickable).

Casting on is a little different.  This is necessary to make the fringe work.  It starts with a slip knot loop 9 inches long.  The slip knot is held below the needle and the long tail cast-on proceeds like usual.

I use string or stitch markers to mark cast-on stitches in groups of 20.  It helps me to cast-on the right number with a lot less hassle.

The cast-off is a little different too.  There is no need to cast-off the steek stitches since they will be unraveled.  The last stitch loop does need to be secured by pulling the tail through.  The tail should be trimmed long enough to become part of the fringe.

Here's the steek.  You can see that all the steek stitches are knit.  I did this so I could easily see the limits of the steek.

Let's cut it!  It is fun, just take your time and only cut the running thread between the center two steek stitches.

Unravel the steek stitches at each end of the scarf.  This is the fringe.

Knot the fringe.  All that is left is to wash and block the scarf.  Wetting the fringe will remove the crinkles.  Trim the fringe after it is dry for the straightest edge to the fringe.

I had a lot of fun making these scarves.  I plan to make at least one more using all the bits and pieces of red yarn.  I think I will try doing it in seed or moss stitch so I can play with that texture.  Any pattern stitch that will give a flat, non-curling fabric should work.  Be sure to adjust the number stitches to work with the pattern stitch and think about whether it will look appropriate on a scarf that is knit lengthwise.  I would love to see what you do with the pattern.

Cable Scarf

I have started another Red Scarf.  This time I am going with cables.  After much swatching, I came up with this combination.  The sides are formed by cables, something I have always loved.  I also like the staggered crossings.  Blocking will definitely make things pop.

It needs a good name.  So far it is known as "cable scarf".  Dull.  Bland.  Uninspired.  Names are not my forte.  I welcome any and all suggestions.

Tomorrow I plan to post two finished Red Scarves and the pattern for them.  They are knit in the round with a steek. 

Editted to add that I have cross-posted this to the Fall Cable KAL 2006.

Red Scarf Patterns

My first scarf for the Red Scarf Project is done!  Yes, it is not red.  It is Rowan Tapestry in the Rustic colorway.  Soft, warm, and gender neutral.

I am pleased with how it turned out.  I am also pleased to offer the pattern so you can make one too.  The pattern is available here, or at my free pattern links on the left bar.  I added tips and ideas on how to customize the pattern.

If you make the pattern, I would love to see it.  Please send me a picture or a link to a picture.  Also, let me know if you find an error or have a question. 

In the pattern I have two versions.  Version 1 is above.  Done. Finished.  Blocked.  Version two is still on the needles; I had to pick up an extra skein of yarn from the good folks over at Studio Knit.  Pictures will follow shortly after I finish it.

To make sure I have at least 12 WIPs, I have started another scarf for the The Project.  Here is a peek at the swatch.  Yup.  Red.

Pattern Errata:

10/17/2006 - There was an error in the increase portion  of the chart fort Scarf 1, specifically Row 23.  Thank you to Lauren for catching it.

11/6/2006 - Lauren caught an error on the decrease portion of Scarf 1.  A corrected version is up now.  Thank you Lauren.

Red Scarf commences

I have been searching for just the right lace yarn for a shawl that is perking in my brain.  I need it to be reminiscent  of the sea without being too bright, too blue, or too variegated (I would like a little variegation or tweediness).  I spotted some gorgeous yarn on-line from Alchemy Yarns.  A link to a local retail outlet took me to Studio Knit in Mill Valley, California ("talkin' about Mill Valley, California"). 

Studio Knit is a cute little two-story shop with a very nice selection of yarns.  They carry some stunning and expensive yarns (to be expected in an affluent city like Mill Valley).  They also carry some equally stunning and very affordable yarns.  Each one is tucked into a labeled cubby in beautiful shelving and has a swatch of the yarn for your fondling pleasure.  The upstairs area also features a very comfy sitting area, perfect for Stitchin' N Bitchin'.  Well, maybe not in those words; it is a first class operation with high class clientele.  The service is friendly; I couldn't leave without getting my Alpaca wound into center-pull balls and she was happy to special order a yarn for me (more alpaca, I am sensing a trend).  If you are in the area, this store is well worth a look-see. 

I did not find my shawl yarn, but I did find a few things to jump in my basket.  As a result I have tossed aside all my WIPs and started a new one.  I hate to think what number that brings the current count up to (not including the ones that are so old I have completely forgotten about them).

I have started on my first Red Scarf.  Think conceptually here because it is not red.  I am using Rowan Tapestry in the Rustic colorway.  The yarn is a single ply DK weight, 70% wool and 30% soy protein fibre (soy silk?).  I like the yarn.  The colors are beautiful (soft forest green, dark tan, & pinkish-orangish brown) and the color changes are the perfect length for a scarf.  The only downside is that the ply tends to split; I need to pay a little more attention than a simple pattern should require.  Oh, and the soy makes it a bit slippery on my metal needles.  Speaking of patterns, I will write this one up and post it when I finish the scarf.

I also got a couple of Alpaca yarns to make scarves from.  On the left is 600 yards of superfine Alpaca (dreamy soft, I can't stop touching it) called Peruvian Tweed from Joseph Geller Inc.  On the right are two skeins of Classic Elite Inca Print; also soft and quite pretty.  Observant readers may note that this is actually a red yarn.

I have been reading up on the Red Scarf Project and the more I read, the more I like it.  Check out the Orphan Foundation of America to learn more and see other ways to help.  If you are in the Chicago area, hook up with The Keyboard Biologist for local Red Scarf fun.  She has a great blog.  Her post about this project on September 14th is very moving. 

In Stash Enhancement news, here is the mustard mohair.  It is a delicious color (no pun intended, I don't like the taste of mustard).  It is Kid Mohair Princesse by Laines des Trois Frontieres (my apologies for not getting the accent over the first e in Frontieres).  I have 9 balls, each with 90 meters, so that is about 885 yards.  It will probably knit at 4 sts/in or so.  Sounds like it may become a shawl.  I am open to suggestions.

Socks & Stash Accumulation

I have been busy knitting on my Lincoln wool handspun socks (that's a mouthful).  I am pretty happy with the results.  This is my first experience with spinning and with knitting Lincoln.  Nice stuff.  The yarn has a halo to it that surprised me.  Between the halo and the texture of the yarn (got a little thick and thin due to drag caused by all the lanolin in the roving -- well, that's my story anyway), I decided to keep it simple.  It is basic 4 stitch cables, moss stitch, and stockinette stitch on the sole.  So far, so good.

I have fallen victim to the destashing attempts (successful apparently) of others.  Darn that Knitter's Review Forum (not really, I love that place) for having a destashing forum.  Okay, I know it is my responsibility to resist, but that is beside the point. 

I got the fabulous   Art Yarns Ultramerino4  from Rani and I have a bunch of mohair coming from Elspeth.  Both have more to destash.  The  Ultramerino4 is the next pair of socks in the queue.  I haven't decided on the pattern yet.  Any suggestions?  I have no clue what I am going to do with the mohair.  Why did I get it (you may be asking this -- I know I am)?  The answer is simple: it is in mustardyish yellow, a color that makes me weak in the knees.  I am looking for ideas for that too.  I can't recall the yardage, will get back to you on that.

I just discovered the Red Scarf Project.  The idea is to knit unigender (I don't know if that is a real word, but I grow tired of the confusion between sex and gender; consider this an abbreviated rant) red scarves for college students who have aged out of the foster care system.  College is hard enough, to not have a support system, well, I can't imagine how tough that would be.  The scarves are given out at Valentine's Day as an encouragement.  I love this idea so much.  I am brewing ideas for the scarves I'll make.  Please join me.

And so ends my post of copious parenthetical asides.  I am hoping for more focus as the day progresses.