Wool Soaker

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Originally uploaded by LynneKL

Here's a new use for small amounts of handspun yarn: wool soakers! For those of you who don't know what those are, soakers are diaper covers for people who use cloth diapers. They guard against leakage while allowing baby's bottom to breathe and look cute at the same time! (Back when my sisters and I wore cloth diapers, the going method was to cover the diaper with plastic undies. You might not believe me, but I think I can actually remember the binding feeling and the crunchy, humid effect. Not nice.)

Anyway, I was cleaning out the knitting closet and came upon a prototype for these. It sold in less than a day on Etsy. Am I on to something here? Is there a demand for these that is not being met?

BFF Scarf complete! Vertical Stripes

... well, all except the weaving in of ends and blocking, but that didn't stop me from taking a picture! I expect it will roll a little less after blocking. It's more than a foot wide and two yards long.

I'm enthralled with the possibilities of slip stitch color patterns and CAN'T WAIT until Barbara Walker's 2nd Treasury arrives. It should be today or tomorrow! BTW here's a useful site that allows you to preview stitch patterns from the treasuries http://thewalkertreasury.wordpress.com/. That's how I knew that it was the 2nd treasury that I needed. At $30 a pop, I can't afford to buy all four at once, even if they are worth every penny. (And they are. I have dogeared the 1st treasury a lot!)

Vertical Stripes Scarf

This one is so simple it's hardly a design at all. It's a slip stitch vertical stripe pattern using Berroco Lustra in burgundy and Noro Silk Garden 211. I am using size 10 needles and stranding the yarn behind the slipped stitches very loosely. The result is a light, fluffy, warm scarf with excellent drape. I couldn't be more pleased!

I really like the effect of self striping and variegated yarns when controlled by pairing with a solid yarn of similar weight and texture. (Berroco Lustra is also a singles yarn and it's 50% wool 50% tencel looks and feels a lot like it has silk content. Using this yarn also brings the cost of the project down significantly.)
Here is another example of this effect, using Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted as the solid yarn is this mitten set. The pattern is Elizabeth Zimmermann's Mitered Mittens, from Knitting Around.

A Sweater that Thrills Me

Last week I mentioned two things: a desire to knit sweaters that thrill me and the fact that I'd obtained permission to sell sweaters based on one of my favorite knitting books. The book is Knitting in the Old Way by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts.
Can you guess which sweater design it is based on the stitch patterns?

Finding a direction in craft

I just read a thought-provoking book called Making a Living in Crafts by Donald A. Clark. It was interesting and very thorough, providing many viewpoints from different established members of the Arts & Craft community. One take-home idea for me wass that one should do what one loves and do it until it is perfect to you, no matter the time and cost. (Keep records of the time and production cost, however.) Then, offer it for sale factoring in the time and costs. BE NOT AFRAID OF PRICING TO PAY YOURSELF. Everyone can't buy it for sure, but it will be worth it to the right person at the right stage of her financial life. Then, make some related items at lower price points and group them together.

To me, this means "go ahead and knit lovely sweaters for sale!" I just have to make sure that they are high quality and thrill ME. They may not fly off my "shelves," but they will be worth their price. Also, at a higher price point, I can probably afford professional photography. Then, make some baby sweaters, hats, mittens, and scarves based on these to offer at lower prices.

A very cool, related side point is that I have obtained permission from the publisher of one of my favorite knitting books to base my new designs on the sweaters within.

I also expect a bunch of awesome yarn from Artfibers today, which I will handpaint and make into wraps and shawls. Woo hoo!!

Selected Finished Objects

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Cobblestone Pullover Jared Flood
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Ribwarmer Bolero Elizabeth Zimmermann, modified
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Ingenue Blouse Phoenix Bess
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Baby Surprise Jacket Elizabeth Zimmermann
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Ene's Scarf Nancy Bush

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Bog Jacket Elizabeth Zimmermann
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Knitted Ruana Cherle Oberle
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Highland Triangle Shawl Cherle Oberle
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Ene's Scarf Nancy Bush
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Free Pattern: Hooksett Hat

Pattern Link

Included in the pattern are two simple variations: a ribbed watchcap and a cabled headband.

Many, many thanks to the four wonderful pattern testers who offered invaluable feedback. Hopefully, through their careful editing, you will find this pattern clear and easy to follow.

I hope you enjoy knitting this!