I've been using those not so pretty plastic stitch markers forever -- even those funky looking pink things. I've never been crazy about them, but didn't think I had any choice until I started seeing photos of cute pretty stitch markers that knitters were using on Ravelry. I was almost too embarrassed to post a photo of my Clapotis because I was using the plastic markers. Then I realized I could purchase some prettly little markers, or better yet, break out those beading supplies that have been collecting dust in my closet since the early nineties, and make my own!
Only problem is, it takes time away from knitting. Now to make enough for my Clapotis -- which is still a WIP after months and months...
Blue Moon's sock camp, Camp Crows' Feet, held last week on Orcas Island was the most amazing knitting experience, ever! It's one of those things where you had to be there to fully understand this truly magical week filled with education, camp antics, knitting olympics, friendship, and fun, fun, fun!
Tina's Sockateers who helped make camp possible.
We even had camp counselors. I am still in awe of the knitting knowledge and creativity that these women held, individually and collectively. We were all fortunate that they shared. Do you recognize these rock stars of knitting? The absolute best surprise of camp was arts and crafts day when Cockeyed the Sockateer unveiled her new Funky Sock Monkey pattern. We all got patterns and enough STR Heavyweight to create our own small funky sock monkey.
We also worked on a charity blanket knitting project. Four knitters simultaneously working on the same blanket. I'm still trying to figure this one out.
My DH was so sweet -- he sent me a camp care package.
And, of course, there was much much more... But whatever happens at sock camp, stays at sock camp. :) I will definitely be there again next year!
-Terre
What do you do when you or a loved one is feeling blue? Make cupcakes!
I don't quite have the sock yarn stash that many out there do, but I certainly have more than I can knit for years to come. For this month, I received shipments from Blue Moon and Zen String. But before I show you the new stash, here's my progress on the Malabrigo socks:
And now, on to stash enhancement for March. Zen Strings Bambewe (merino, bamboo and nylon blend) in Kiwi:
Blue Moon's Socks that Rock Mediumweight Lucky:
-Terre
I've made some progress with my Malabrigo March projects.
The first one, the garnet cropped cardi, is finished! This was an easy raglan sleeve pattern with no seaming. The Malabrigo worsted weight is so incredibly soft and a dream to knit. I liked the way it has turned out, and who knows, I may actually wear it.
I've cast-on for a new pair of socks with the Malabrigo sock yarn test sample from Stitches West. It's more of the same from Malabrigo: soft to the touch, and with beautiful colors. I do, though, have to say that this sock yarn is a bit on the light side for my knit taste -- it feels slighter heavier than their lace weight.
I'm hoping it grows on me as I progress on the sock because I know that the finished sock is going to feel wonderful on my feet.
-Terre
It's time to cast-on for a new project, a perfect excuse to use some of the super yummy Malabrigo stash.
My chosen pattern is the Cropped Cardi by Amy O'Neill Houck, a cute and easy (so I've read) pattern. I've done a guage swatch (yes, hard to believe) and checked Ravelry for comments on this pattern. So far so good, and now I'm ready to cast-on. Here I go...
-Terre
I'm still amazed by the Moebius cast-on and the magical shape that is created. Cat Bordhi says that everyone gets it once they've learned the cast-on method. Well, I've learned the method--and no, it's not difficult to execute--but I'm still in awe. Cat Bordhi is a knitting goddess!
Here's my first Moebius project, the small felted basket:
-Terre