My Sister's Knitter

To Knit-along or not...

 

Hello loves!

 

Yarn~ Spinning Fates Twisted Sisters in the color Lady Meux   Tea~ Taylors of Harrogate Sweet Rhubarb.

Happy Sunday!  whoo-hoo, we made it to the weekend. :)  The week flew and now thankfully the weekend feels like it is moving nice and slow. I am totally savoring it.  Some knitting has happened on my fraternal twins socks, as well as my sample knits.

 

 

A new KAL (knit-along) is starting in the My Sister's Knitter group today.  I really enjoy knitting along with people as for me it provides me with a feeling like I am knitting with a local knitting group. I am constantly in awe for how kind, supportive and inspiring the group members are.  While preparing for this next KAL it got me thinking, why do you knit along or why don't you?

 

Yarns~ Dream in Color Baby.

For me, KALs provide me with a knitting community that I don't have here in Arizona. The original reason I started the group in 2013 was because I wanted a way to expand my blog in a way that allowed me to connect on another level through knitting. Now, I say knitting but our KALs also include crochet, weaving and sometimes spinning.

 

Pattern~ Let it Shine   Yarn~ Neighborhood Fiber Co. in the color Victorian Village.

When creating the KAL is the group, I try to make them as open to all as possible so that everyone feels the project they create will fit into the theme. Of course this is not always possible, but I like to think that for the most part the themes are something everyone can join in on.

Your turn...do you join KALs?  If so, what do you like about them and what don't you? If you don't KAL, why?

Enjoy a lovely video that has me green with envy ( knitting and camping=my heaven), and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

andi

Knit going ons and chats...

 

Hello loves!

 

 

Can I just say that there is nothing like coming home after a long week (very long), to the most delicious cup of tea and knitting? See this tea above, well it was a souvenir from the sister from London.  Why oh why does all my favorite teas come from overseas? Anyhoo...it is now the weekend and there is no whining allowed on my weekends. Except when the topic is weather related. ;)

 

Yarn~ Fondant Fibre Superwash Polwarth in the color Harmony.

Guess who finished her May socks? Can I just mention what a treat this pattern was to knit? Woodland Walk Socks is a pattern from Olivia of This Handmade Life. It is one of those patterns that where you are excited to finish each leaf and before you know it, you have a finished sock. I love those kinds of patterns. 

 

 

Now, I am not sure about you but one of the best things about finishing up a pair of socks is that it provides me with mini skeins. One of these will be saved for my "taking forever" blanket and the others I will swap with others.  If you are interested in a mini skein swap, there is a thread in the My Sister's Knitter Raverly group  where you can get your swap on. It tends to be quite during the warmer months, but if you post that you are wanting to swap, you will no doubt get a taker.

 

 

Okay so I mentioned the souvenirs that my sister brought me back from London. Tea and an adorable tea strainer. Seriously does it get better than that? Of course yarn would have been brilliant, but if you can believe it the sister did not visit any yarn stores. I did advise her that she may have to turn in her crocheter badge. ;)  Then again I am that person that dreams of going on an across the U.S. yarn crawl, one where I visit each state for the sole purpose of visiting the yarn stores there. Heh.

I am going to leave you with a sweet song and wish you the very best day today!

 

 

XO,

Andi

Reviewing my knitting goals...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Yarn~ Fondant Fibre Superwash Polwarth in the color Harmony. Drink~ Green Monster Smoothie.

While I am not one for New Year's resolutions, I do think it is a good time to set some knitting goals.  One thing I really wanted to focus on in 2018 was to participate in my own KALs. Knitting has started on my Woodland Walk socks for the My Sister's Knitter Mother Nature KAL.  If you are looking for a pattern that flies off the needles, this is the one for you. The desire to get to next leaf is strong. Side note: Do you ever have that yarn that has been frogged more times than you can count because the pattern wasn't working? Bonus I found the pattern that this yarn was destined for.

 

Yarn~ NanoStitch Laboratory Scientific Sock in the color Alkaloid.  

Look! Here are the socks that I finished for my mom for Mother's day. They were originally planned for my sister, but then something told me they belong to my mom. These socks met another goal I have which is to not hoard gifted yarn.

 

Yarn~ Knitpicks Imagination sock yarn in the color Damsel

Then if you will see here...another pair has been finished. Finishing these has been wonderful in so many ways.  I really wanted  to knit from deep stash in addition to all the new pretties. This yarn is KnitPicks Imagination sock yarn (now discontinued), a merino/alpaca/nylon blend was purchased more than 9 years ago. I know you call can relate how good that feels.

 

 

I mentioned last week that I would talk about this new publication from Knotions, ShawlStar.The reason I kept it to this week because it does relate to my 2018 goals. Many of us have a large library of knitting resources that for some collect dust, because it feels easier to buy a pattern and knit it. But something I have been wanting to do this year is use my resources for modifications.  By learning more about the construction of something, I can figure out how to alter the pattern to fit my needs.

I don't have a desire to design, but I don't think you need to in order to find this Ebook useful. For example, I love shawls I can wrap around me, but only want to use one skein of yarn. I can take my favorite pattern from a designer and work addition increased to make it wider thanks to understanding how shawl shaping works. I could really go on and on about how helpful ShawlStar is. Now if you do have the desire to design- this ebook is gold.

Feels like I have chatted your ear off while I sort of checked where I am at in my goals. So thank you if you weathered through it. Please enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

andi

 

 

Making me happy in my knitting world...

 

Hello, loves!

 

 

What a lovely week filled with hours of knitting time, a bit of cooking and reading. One of those weeks where you think to yourself there is so much to love in this little virtual knitting community in which I reside.  So much to be grateful for, to appreciate and enjoy.

 

Pattern~ Hermione's Everyday socks  Yarn~ Knitpicks chroma twisted in the color Dear Diary.

First up, I finished these socks. What an absolute treat to work with this yarn, it was soft in the way Knitpicks yarn often is and then you had the twist which made it almost feel like handspun. Bonus two of my very favorite colors in one skein of yarn...dreamy! A finished object always brings happy into one's day.

 

NanoStitch Laboratory sock yarn in the color Alkaloid.

These socks which I cast on about the same time as the above are finished. They are blocking  no photo yet. So that is two FOs in a week! 

 

Yarn~ Fondant Fibre BFL sock yarn in the color Harmony

A new project is going to be cast on today for the My Sister's Knitter's Ravelry group. Our current KAL is Nature themed. If you would like to join in on the fun come see us here. This group is something beyond my wildest dreams, if you are looking for positivity, encouragement, friendship this is the group for you. I may be biased, my it is 100% true.

 

 

One of my dear friends Jody, founder and editor of knotions has launched a wonderful new publication called ShawlStar. I will talk more about this publication next week, but it is being mentioned because it is Jody's birthday today and I wanted to send a shout out to her. You see despite Jody being one of my closest friends, we have never met in person. This is what I am talking about when I say how brilliant this community we create in is. Happy Birthday to you my beautiful, talented and strong friend!

Two podcasts that I have been enjoying this week and wanted to share-

Cocktail Hour at the Coop- hosted by  Leanne and Liz.  I know it has been said before, but I really feel like I am sitting in a knitting group chatting with dear friends. Don't even get me started on how much I love their accents.

Earthtones Girl podcast hosted by Denise. Talk about someone who exudes their wonderfulness via a camera. Denise is like butter talking about yarn, soothing and with great topics/projects.

 

I believe one could never be bored in this community. We have gorgeous yarns to play with while being able to support small businesses, podcasts to listen to for entertainment, a Raverly community that allows us to join group that cater to our likes (books, movies, cooking, sports, etc..,...).  I could go on and on about all the great resources we have within our reach, all dedicated to our craft. All this is what makes my knitting life so happy.

Please enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

Andi

Making our knitting life easier...

 

Hello there! Guess who is back after missing a week chatting with you. I can tell you I am feeling much better, it was just a little Summer cold. I think it is gone in large part because of all your well wishes- thank you!

 

 

Looking forward to catching up with you all. How was your week? Did you get a lot of knitting time in?  I can say despite being out of commission with a cold, I did not get as much done as I would have liked. Blame it on this old body needing to sleep away the ickes. :)

Hey- sorry to randomly insert a comment right here, but right now the most beautiful rain in drizzly down outside. While it doesn't rain often here in the desert it chose to right now because guess who washed her car today? This girl! But hey that's okay...if it brings the rain, I will wash my car everyday.

Alright back to the blog post. :)

As I was knitting away this week on all  the many WIPs, I got to thinking about all the amazing options we have as knitters today, all the things to make our knitting life easier.  The project that prompted this thought was a yummy cardigan I am knitting on.

 

 

This gorgeous kit, which includes the patter, yarn, knitting needles, darning needle and tag, was sent to me from We Are Knitters. They asked me to try out their divine Pima Cotton yarn. Having worked with We Are Knitters before I knew I was in for great fun. How much easier can this be- you have everything (except the scissors) to create your own garment or accessory. Brilliant, right? I am not one to have the confidence to pick the perfect yarn and pattern combination when it comes to garments (socks that is a different story), thankfully I don't have to worry.

Then we have all the tools to chose from...

 

 

Yarn shops at our fingertips, here are just a few of my favorites.

• WEBS
• The Loopy Ewe
• Little Knits
• Etsy
• We are knitters
• Love Knitting

 

And where would we be without Ravelry? I mean seriously, I would be lost. I would not have meet half of this amazing community without Ravelry.

 

 

Speaking of Ravelry, My Sister's Knitter group is clearing off the needles. Trying to minimize our WIPs and get some finished objects. Come join us if you need to free up some of your needles for that next big project.

Blogs! By far my favorite (not that I am biased ;) ). The thrill and ease to which I am able to catch up with virtual friends, be enabled by their projects or even get some tips and advice is irreplaceable. Don't you think?

Amazing hand-dyed yarns- I don't even know where to begin or end with that list. It could go on and on.

Now tell me what are some of your favorite things that make your knitting life easier or more pleasurable?

Please enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

 

XO,

Andi  

Knitting those scraps into a blanket...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

I mentioned a couple weeks ago that  would try and have a little chat with you about the socks yarn blanket that I have been working on since August 2014. Yep, you read that right we are nearing the blanket's three year mark. The blanket is the Knitted Patchwork Recipe by Martine Ellis.

 

 

Here is where the story starts. Bottom right yarn is Knitter's Nightmare Yarn & Fiber Skeleton sock in the color Fuji'sApples. This yarn came from a pair of socks that I knit. While I knit a lot of socks, I didn't have nearly the amount of sock yarn scraps that would be needed for a large blanket without repeating the yarn many times over.

 

 

I put a call out in the My Sister's Knitter Ravelry group asking if anyone would like to donate to this project, as the thought of it containing yarns from dear friends sounded dreamy. What began as a request for donations turned into swaps.  To be able to share your own sock yarn project scraps with another is something I recommend highly.

 

 

While there are those of you out there who may think that the monotony of a project this big would kill you...I can tend you it won't. Sometimes having a long term project such as this can be just the ticket for those times when you need a break from your current knitting endeavor.  Or maybe you don't see the appeal. The appeal can vary from person to person. For me knitting these little squares is much like knitting self-striping socks, it is exciting to get to the next color and maybe try some new to you yarns. Plus there is a bit of a meditative property about this knit.

 

 

While most would agree, the actual knitting pattern itself is not difficult...choosing the next yarn can be a big of a problem. Unless your like me and just close your eyes and dip your hand into the basket and pull out the next yarn. It is more fun that way. :)

 

 

I am not trying to gloss over the one thing that prevents many from wanting to dip their knitting needles into these scrappy projects- weaving in the ends. While it is not the best part of knitting, it is all about what works for you. I choose to wait until I have about 40 ends to weave in then put a pot of tea on, turn up the volume on my favorite indie music channel and enjoy the process. It is all about tricking the mind into turning a "chore" into something relaxing.

 

 

Am I nearing the finish line of this blanket? Only time will tell. When I started the blanket I wanted a cozy little throw blanket. Then I began knitting and widening the project to the point where it was no longer going to be a throw. The numbers as of today is 444 squares and today my thoughts are I will finish when I reach 600 (which makes it 5 ft wide x 5 ft tall) But if history is any indication on if I will stop at 600, the chances are slim.

What do you do with your scraps? Knit scrappy socks or many cushions? Have you knit a scrappy project and if not what holds you back?

Enjoy your Sunday! I will be back next week with our April Indie Dyer feature~ Dyed In the Wool Yarn Co. and a giveaway. :)

 

 

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi

Talking socks...a review and knitalongs.

 

Hello! Happy Sunday!

Today we are talking about socks. I have a review for you as well as some great KALs that are going on that will allow you to get your sock knitting on.

 

If you are like me and one of your New Year's knitting goals is to knit more socks then Sock Star may be for you.

Sock Star is an E-book that was created by Jody Richards of Knotions. In case you are not  familiar with Knotions it is a brilliant resource for knitting and crochet that is chalked full of patterns, tutorials, resources...and the list goes on.  Back to Sock Star, whether you are a seasoned sock knitter or a newbie this E-Book is for you.

Everything you need or ever wanted to know about sock knitting is included in Sock Star (here are just a few ).

 

• Anatomy of a sock
• Toe up construction
• Cuff Down construction
• Heels
• Toes

 

Like I mentioned these are just a few. One of my favorite things about this book is how it goes into informative topic such as how certain yarn content can effect the strength, stretch, stitch  definition, super wash and absorption of your sock. Information like that is priceless for all sock knitters. I admit on more than one occasion I have knit socks that didn't fit or stay up due to the wrong yarn choice on my part.

As if all the written information wasn't enough, Sock Star also has amazingly detailed photos to assist in the translation.  Everything you can want and more is included. Seriously think of something that you would like to know about sock knitting- it is in Sock Star.

Thank you Jody I for offering up this smart resource for me to be able to review. Jody is also offering up a discount code for Sock Star using the code msk when checking out here.  This will get you $1.00 off the $5.95 price. If you ask me, $5.00 for a E-Book with this amount of information is a steal. This coupon code will be good through Sunday January 15th.

If you would like to know about Sock Star you can also visit Knotions.

 

 

Now how about knit-alongs? One of the best things about Ravelry is the community it has created for us. We can get support, make friends, share pattern ideas and knit along with other's like us who have similar tastes and interests.

Here are a few groups that are hosting sock knitting themed knit-alongs.

 

• Yarngasm group- Box O' Sox
• My Sister's Knitter- Personal sock yarn club2017
• Sock knitters
• Sock Knitter's Anonymous
• Grocery Girls- Socktawk

 

I am positive there are many more. Please feel free to share in the comments if you know of any others.

I will leave you with a video from Arne and Carlos.

 

 

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi 

Now connected to my knitting world...

 

Hello there!

 

 

Did you miss me? I am sure some of you are thinking, "Why, were you gone?". I was! My love, my connection to my knitting community was broken. My laptop broke but is now back in my life and better then ever. Can I just say even though it was only a week and a half, I miss you all to bits?

 

 

One would think that with all the non-computer time that I would have loads to show you, but that is not the case. Then again it was only a week and a half. ;) Some new sock got started because...well because they are sock and I am a sock knitting addict.

 

 

Some lovely things came in the mail from a dear friend Sara in the U.K. All if these loves came in handy when I was seriously throwing an adult fit about not being able to visit with all of you.

 

I mean really could she have been more generous? She even included a skein of her own hand-dyed yarn (pink, blue and white) which she named Andi's Arizona Afternoon Tea. So many wonderful things, right? Sara if you are reading this- thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Now on to the rest of you. Again, I realize it has only been a week but I have not been able to catch up with all of you. How are you? Are you excited over Fall being here? Is your knitting hoping on the needles? Do tell.

 

 

As for me the desire to knit is increasing. I would like to cast on all the things, just not sure where to start. In the coming weeks I have a wonderful giveaway happening- think tea my friends. There is also a yarn review as well as general chit-chat. Oh and a new KAL is starting in the My Sister's Knitter group and it is all about Fall!

Enjoy a song and have the most wonderful of days!

 

 

XO,

Andi

Bright side of Summer knitting and other things...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Yarn~ LYNAI yarns in the color Ginny   Tea~ Tazo Passionfruit

How are you? Normally I sipping some hot tea despite the warm temps, but for some reason this Summer feels warmer than usual and has forced my hand into making my tea iced. What are you gonna do...at least it is still tea. Speaking of which- thank you to all of you who reached out to me regarding my request for the Rose Lemonade infusion, I will be swapping tea with quite a few people and I will be fully stocked! Whoo hooo!

 

 

Each year I complain about the heat here in Arizona. This year I am trying to give myself an attitude adjustment and look for the fun things that Summer has brought. Normally around this time our neighborhood ducks fly to cooler weather, but these 3 have stayed and I get to enjoy their awesomeness year round. The multi-colored guy in the back ( I named him Mohawk), seems to guard the two white ones.

 

Pattern~Pebbles by Mina Phillips  Yarn~ AndreSueKnits in the color Puddle Jumper

In the search for the positive, I finished a nice yummy pair of socks that will be fresh and ready for me in the Winter months.  That helps to alter the perspective, right?

 

Yarn~ Happy Hands Toe Jamz in the color Pictures of Lily

New July sock yarn has been picked from my mystery bags. This baby is more than 4 years old, making for some very deep stash diving. Bonus, it contains all the fun colors of Summer. I know it will pool like mad but I am going with it and embrace the pooling of brightness.

 

 

"S" is for Summer and whatever else you want it to be...this is the theme of the My Sister's Knitter's Ravelry group starting soon. If you are looking for a nice easy going knit-along, this is the place to be.

As you can read, these are my small attempts to prevent myself from whining about the heat and  to make joy wherever possible.  What do you do to change your attitude about seasons that you don't like? I would love to know and maybe steal a few ideas from you. ;)

I will leave you with a song and wish you the very best day today!

 

 

 

XO,

Andi

A Knitting Space...

 

Happy Sunday, and for those of you who are football fans...Happy Superbowl Sunday!

 

Pattern~ My Cup of Tea socks  Yarn~ Malabrigo sock yarn in the color Primavera

On this beautiful Sunday knitting is going on. Due to not being happy with how my previous sock yarn was knitting up, a change was in order.

 

Yarn~ Malabrigo sock yarn in the color Primavera

Since these socks are being made for a friend it was important that the yarn "worked" out. Plus, as my friend Jody says, " it's just not worth spending time on yarn you don't love.". So true.

 

 

Since a good chunk of my Sunday will be watching the big game. I have balls at the ready for some stress free knitting on my sock yarn blanket. On a side note, if you are knitting on a scrappy sock yarn blanket and interested in looking for someone to swap minis with the My Sister's Knitter group has a thread dedicated to swapping or just blanket chat.

 

 

Alright now to get to the title of the post. It may come as no surprise that I constantly have knitting on the brain. There is rarely a day that goes by that a topic doesn't come to mind, at which point I think I need to ask my peeps their take on this topic.

I have been thinking about all the places I knit in my home. I don't have a designated space per se. Maybe because I live alone and there is no real "need". This fact doesn't detour me from wanting to create one nonetheless.  So now to you, have you created a knitting or craft space for yourself? A place where you can focus on your craft and serves as your personal crafting getaway.  More importantly, how important is a dedicated space to you? Would love to hear your thoughts.

I am going to get back to my Sunday.  For those of you sick of hearing about football after this post, that sort of chatter won't bombard you for much longer.

It is not said often enough how much I enjoy your visits, thank you!

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi