Summer Camp Cloth Series Preview

Hi Knitters,

I've just returned from my Northwoods excursion. We snuck away for a long weekend in northern Wisconsin which is always a treat. We stayed at this funny little "resort" that from the minute we arrived I felt as though I had stepped back in time. This spot was stuck, in a good way, somewhere in the 1950's or '60's or maybe even the '70's. It was a throw back to when all was good and simple and when a yearly visit to summer camp was a given. I really felt like I was returning to my childhood days at my grandparents' cabin in the quaint little location of Nisswa, Minnesota. It was all a little dated and rustic but always good old-fashioned fun.
Before we left I threw a bunch of hand-wound balls of Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton in my knitting bag with no real intentions. At one point the rest of the family took off from the boat house in a little fishing boat for the afternoon. Peachy and I took the joined wooden seats with the table in between. Peachy read her novel and I pulled out my Skinny Cotton and started to knit a square. That's right, a little square. Love on the lake over-took me.

Now, you know I like a good, solid knit washcloth or dishcloth. The Skinny Cotton is a treat and a half, to say the least. It is perfection for any kind of cloth and if you want stitch definition, Skinny is your girl. Well, I couldn't stop with the cloths and I couldn't stop thinking about being at summer camp.

Thus my new cloth series begins, entitled...

Summer Camp Cloth Series!
I have the first 4 cloths in the series finished! By the way, I call them cloths because they could be washcloths for you or a sweet baby or child, or dishcloths to use in your kitchen sink, or dusting cloths to gently dust your home furnishings. I use them for all of these things.

The acorn soap was freshly sliced off the block for me last week at The Soap Opera on State Street in downtown Madison. Peachy goes crazy in this shop smelling everything she can get her hands on. It is really funny. She dabbed different lotions in spots going all the way from her wrist to her shoulder. Then she would ask me to smell a certain little spot on her arm. Love her. You can order soap from them online or over the phone. It is a cool local shop.
As we hiked, boated, ran and biked I took note of all of the names of the places around our resort. Boy, are the names ever interesting in the Northwoods. All of the cloths in this series are named after some of my favorites spots at and near our family summer camp.

Here's to introducing:
Lake Minocqua...
Bearskin Trail...
Kawaga Trestle...
and lastly, Northwood Pines.

All of the cloths look fantastic from the front and back and could also be knit in different gauges and yarns. They all would make fantastic scarves by extending the length. That would be super easy and fun.

All 4 of these cloth designs are going to be bundled up and put into one handy pdf pattern for you to purchase in my online pattern shop, if interested, in the very near future. I'll let you know as soon as the pattern is available. I am hoping in a day or two.

Click here to see my online pattern shop! Please note that I am previewing the Summer Camp Cloth Series today and will have the pattern available very soon. I will have a second set available coming quickly after the first goes up for purchase.
Ahhhhh.....

best, susie

Hey, Neighbor

Hi Knitters,

We're back from a quick three day weekend getaway up north. I have some knitted surprises I whipped up while riding in the car and sitting by the lake. I'll share as soon as I get them written up.

Peachy's friend, and our neighbor, is quite the crafty artist. She is always making something or other. She crochets and knits and has many other crafty skills. I always enjoy seeing what she is up to. The other day she was over and she started asking me about what she would need to knit some socks. I hesitated for a minute and asked if she wanted some of my sock yarn and needles. Her face lit up and I knew the answer.

We went in my studio where I have more sock yarn than I'll ever knit. I picked up this wonderful self-striping Opal called, Feeling, Farbe #1701, Partie #2. I don't know what those numbers mean exactly but those are the numbers on the label if you are interested. One is the colorway number and the other is the dye lot.

I bought this skein when I was working on Itty-Bitty Toys for the sock yarn toy chapter. I love the colorway and now that I see it being worked up I love it even more. I might have to find another skein for myself. She worked and worked the night away. In fact, the girls were all sitting in a darkened room watching The Princess and the Frog. When I peeked in to make sure everyone was okay there she sat knitting in the dark on her sock. Pretty impressive. I was tickled.

The next day she came over and had about 4 or 5 inches completed on the cuff. She likes a long cuff so I don't know how long she'll go with it. The funny thing was that she showed me a Bunny hat she had knitted from Itty-Bitty Hats. It is adorable but I noticed that she was twisting her stitches somehow when I looked at her knitted fabric.

Do you see that? Since she learned how to crochet first she automatically held the yarn in her left hand. This is good because she taught herself how to knit continental style with no problem. Instead of having the yarn go under the needle and through the loop she was wrapping the yarn over the needle and then under the needle and then through the loop. This is like you would do with a crochet hook. I just helped her for a few seconds to correct her knit stitch and she took off! Her knitting is perfection now with a great and even gauge. It was fun to see.

I'm sure she'll be back soon with the finished cuff and wanting to learn how to do the heel. Her family was in Chicago this past weekend so I know she was in the car riding along. I'll keep you posted on her progress. She's a cute one.

She was also wearing this Starburst wrapper headband. She made a gum wrapper chain with Starburst wrappers and then glued them on a plastic headband with craft glue. I love it!!

I'll be back soon with some trip photos. In the meantime I just saw this gorgeous cardigan on Ravelry by Cecily Glowik MacDonald, it is called Candelia. Here is the link! I love this one so much. A cardigan made from sock yarn is the best.

best, susie

A Winner and More!

Hi Knitters,

Blogger won't let me upload photos this morning so I am just going to post words today. I have some really cute photos to share, too. Bummer. I will carry on and share those another time. I have a few fun links to start with and then I will share the winning comment.

Betz has a couple brand new bag patterns that are fantastic! I'd like to sew both Olive and Isabella.

I love this French Itty-Bitty Blog! She knits and sews so beautifully.

Alicia's been knitting up a storm right along with her always wonderful embroidery and sewing.

Both of these links I was directed to by Amanda Soule. She always has good and interesting finds on her blog.

Amy made a really sweet baby headband topped with a flower and it's a free pattern. Click here!

I love this shawl so much. I will be making this for sure!

Check out this free pattern for Falling Leaves Chunky Hat. Love it.

I have been thinking about fall a lot lately so those falling leaves look pretty good. I am definitely not wishing the summer away but I always look forward to the fall season.

Okay for the winner here is the randomly selected comment:

Leanne (Lunatic84) said...

I have a rule when it comes to buying pattern books. There must be at least 5 patterns in it that I WILL make (not want to, WILL!!. The only other book that I have caught my attention as much as the IBK books is this one!

Thanks for the great review!!
Leanne (Lunatic84 on Rav)

August 03, 2010

Congratulations to Leanne! You will love this book. I've already contacted Leanne and she has already sent me her address! She responded at the speed of light. I love that.

I'm going to be taking a little quiet time. Have a good weekend, Knitters.

best, susie

New England Knits Review and Giveaway

Hi Knitters,

Okay! I am so excited to offer a giveaway for this fantastic new and hot off the presses book! I have been waiting for months for the release of New England Knits, Timeless Knitwear with a Modern Twist. The authors are Melissa LaBarre and Cecily Glowik MacDonald. It is a beautiful book packed full of wearable and practical sweaters and accessories and they really do have a modern twist. The twist comes in modern construction, strategically placed stitch pattern work, cables and lace and fresh and functional design. I would love to wear and make pretty much everything in the book! That is a rare happening.

What I've done is recorded an audio review of the book. Click play on the audio (if you are receiving this post as an email you may have to actually go to my blog to listen) and listen along as I talk about the patterns in the book. I've included photos of all of the patterns right here so you can easily follow and scroll along while I chat. You can also see all of the patterns and detailed information right here on Ravelry. After looking at the patterns at the bottom of the post I have the information to enter the giveaway for a copy of New England Knits! You are going to want this book for your library! I absolutely love, love, love this book! Can't say enough good things about it.

Hampton Cardigan by Cecily
Chelsea Skirt by Cecily
Ashfield Cardigan by Melissa
Auburn Top by Cecily
Groveland Satchel by Cecily
Northampton Neckerchief by Cirilia Rose
Greylock Tunic by Melissa
Fairfield Sweater by Cecily
Whale Watch Hat by Kate Gagnon Osborn
Brattleboro Hat by Melissa
Greenfield Cardigan by Melissa
Portland Mittens by Carrie Bostick Hoge
Melrose Peacoat by Cecily
Augusta Cardigan by Cecily
Mystic Pullover by Melissa
Montpelier Jacket by Cecily
Providence Hoodie by Melissa
Salem Hooded Jacket by Melissa
Derry Raglan and Cowl by Cecily
Old Port Pullover by Kristen Tendyke
Lewiston Striped Vest by Melissa
Middlefield Pullover by Melissa
Cranston Coat by Cecily
Montague Bulky Lace Vest by Melissa

Windsor Warmer by Cecily

Phew! That was a lot of work but so worth it! My book is already getting worn out because I can't keep my hands off it. By the way, here is the link for the Tea Leaves Cardigan I mentioned in the audio. Here is the link to Cecily's Goodale Cardi that I am making soon.

Okay, to enter to win a copy of New England Knits please leave a comment on this blog post. Leave only one comment per person please. Also include in your comment your email or ravelry id so I can quickly get in touch with you to get your mailing address. I will pass your address on to the kind people at Interweave who will then send you a copy. I will randomly select a winner in a few days or so.

Go for it!! You won't regret taking the time to enter to win this gorgeous, one of a kind book! If you don't win you will want to purchase New England Knits anyway.

That's my two cents on that.

best, susie

p.s. Something funny happened right after I recorded my thoughts on the patterns. I went out for my daily run/walk and was all excited to listen to a new episode of the Double Knit podcast. Well, they reviewed New England Knits, too, and they said some of the exact same things I did about the various projects. I thought that was perfect. You should listen to this podcast if you don't because these are two smart and fun knitters. I love them. Double Knit has become my new favorite podcast and I even re-listen to old episodes all of the time.

A Winner and Links!

Hi Knitters,

I have fired up the random number generator and the winner of the Debbie Bliss book is:

Ingrid said...

I would love to knit up a few things for my little guy! You and Debbie Bliss are my favorites! What a fabulous give-away. Thanks.
www.ingridbarlow.com

August 01, 2010

Congratulations to Ingrid!!! Check out Ingrid's website here. She is a quilter amongst other talents and I see she has some fun instructional videos as well.

I have been working on my Slinky Ribs sweater (you can see it on the arm of the chair in the first photo). Now I feel like it is just starting to taking shape. It has been slooooow going but I am making progress. I love the yarn, Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool. I don't know why but this has seemed like it is taking me forever. I think I am going to absolutely love this sweater when it is done. The stockinette stitch body is moving a little faster.

Next I have decided to work on a large needle sweater so I can have an instant gratification project going. I am making this with this yarn in Bark. It will be a big needle quickie project. Can't wait to start. The yarn is wound and at the ready!
This weekend was the Madison area All-City Swim Meet where thousands of swimmers converge on one of the local pools and take over for several days. It was fun and crowded and hot! Next year our neighborhood pool is the host for this enormous event. My husband and I are already signed up for work duties. It is a huge undertaking.

Instead of packing my rooster bag with my knitting I reloaded this bag I made a year or two ago. This was one of the first bags I ever sewed. The pattern is from this fantastic little book by Lexie Barnes. I added a bunch of my own embellishments and used up lots of fabric bits and pieces. I got so many compliments on this funny little tote bag at the swim meet.

While I was at the swim meet I saw this bike with a crochet seat cover. I took a couple of photos with my phone to share but I am having trouble getting the photos to load on my computer. I'll keep trying so you can see it. I think I might have to do something like this on my bike. I loved it.

Note: Edited later to add the photos thanks to my son!!!

Isn't that cool?

I really love the idea of a knit bike seat cover now. Must add it to the list.
Back to the bag. It is completely reversible but I always keep it to this side for some reason. You should make one of these! I would make the straps a smidgen longer than in the pattern and maybe add another pocket on one of the sides. I have used the basic concept of this bag over and over again to make all kinds of tote bags of differing sizes. I love how the appliques are wearing and fraying on the edges.
I have a few fun links to share today.

Here is a hexagon scarf that I really want to try. Perfect for leftovers.

Look at this adorable version of the cover model from Itty-Bitty Toys. Well done.

I started following this adorable and creative blog called Mila's Daydreams. TC loves it, too.

I am thinking about making these granola bars this afternoon! Yum!

I just plain and simple like her and her art and fabric and patterns.

I feel like I could really do this kind of thing for a scarf. Do you think you could? My bet is that most wouldn't like all of the I-cord.

I LOVE Mel's blog and she has loads of top-notch free patterns AND tutorials! Do you read this already? If not you should add it to your list. Mel Clark is a fun read!

Check out this free hat pattern. It is adorable and would be perfect for Spud & Chloë Outer!

I bookmarked this site and can't stop looking at the gorgeous colorways. It is tempting.

This designer on Ravelry has really cool stuff!!

Okay, that's enough for now. I have received a couple more terrific books from Interweave to review and to host a giveaway! Very exciting stuff. I will be offering these giveaways fairly soon. Thanks to all who entered the Debbie Bliss book giveaway.

I also was invited to contribute a design to an incredibly fun and cool book last week. I am pretty excited about this one. I will tell you more when I can, you will all want this book for sure. I need to get my design sketches in to the authors this week (like today).

Have a great start to your week!

best, susie

Debbie Bliss Strikes Again

Hi Knitters,

Reading this brief "about the author" blurb about Debbie Bliss sort of sums it up:

"Debbie Bliss has been designing knitwear for more than two decades. She is the best-selling author of more than 30 books on knitting design and has her own line of luxurious yarns which are sold worldwide. She designed a line for Baby Gap and a line of little boys' wear for Marks & Spencer. She lives with her husband and daughter in London."

Debbie is a constant source of inspiration for anyone who enjoys baby knitting (and adult knitting and home decor knitting and toy knitting, etc). She has a signature style that is easily recognizable. Her newest book, Design It, Knit It, Babies, takes you on a journey through the design process. She shares tips and tricks, sizing, shaping, embellishments and she includes 18 incredibly sweet designs to put your skills to the test.
The book is a hardcover with a concealed spiral inside which is everyone's favorite. Debbie sprinkles swatches and sketches and texture on the pages. She offers patterns for different basic garment shapes and hats and mittens, too.
Different styles of pockets and zippers and edgings are included throughout. I love the pocket with the stripey inside. Sweet surprises are always good.
I love all of these edgings. Yummy. Debbie is the queen of simple but adorable details. She has a whimsical style at times but it is always subdued and tasteful.
The photography is always exquisite and inviting in all of Debbie's books and this one is no exception.
There is knitter's graph paper and blank templates that you can photocopy and use. The blank templates come in several different sweater styles. The book really gently pushes you to come up with your own designs while using Debbie's tried and true patterns as the base for your work.
The ballerina wrap sweater is a a Debbie Bliss classic. Love. Love. Love. Knit one of these from Debbie for The Collector when she was a toddler. It had tiny flowers all over it that I duplicate stitched on.
And who doesn't love a garter stitch cardigan?

If you would like a copy of this fantastic baby knitting treasure please leave a comment on this post! I will take entries over the next several days. Please leave one comment only and also leave some sort of identifying email address, ravelry id or something so I can easily get in touch if you win. I will need your mailing address to send on to the lovely Tara at Sixth & Spring Publishing so she can send you your book! I will randomly select a winner very soon!

Let the entries begin!

best, susie