My Sister's Knitter

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

Sunday chat and knit happenings...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

In my cup~ David's Tea Cream of Earl Grey.

How was your week? Mine was relatively peaceful, just how I like it. My attempts at slow knitting is continuing and I am really enjoying it. I have been making sure to take breaks and stretch as we talked about last week. Thank you for sharing all of your thoughts and suggestions on the importance of not causing unnecessary injuries from repetitive knitting. I enjoyed watching videos and trying techniques that you all recommended.

 

Pattern~ Simple Skyp Socks Yarn~ Blue Moon STR in the color Pink Granite

The result of focusing on one knit at a time has paid off in the form a finished socks! The squish is strong with these ones. These are actually going to a friend.

 

Pattern~ Traveling Cable Hat by Purl Soho Yarn~ Jenny Watson Pure Merino DK

As my reward for finishing the January socks, I cast on a hat. This hat is destined for the sister, because after all the blog is named My Sister's Knitter. ;)

Also I am planning my next project that is to be cast on only after completing the above hat (see I really am learning). My Sister's Knitter group on Raverly has begun a new KAL- Gift KAL/CAL. The theme is to knit, crochet, weave or spin from yarn, fiber or patterns that have been gifted to you. I know I have accumulated some truly wonderful gifts from friends and what better reason than a KAL to work on them?

 

I have changed my mind at least five times as to what I am going to knit, but think I have an idea pinned down now. I will post more about it next weekend. 

Have the best day today and enjoy a song!

 

 

 

XO,

Andi

Last Loves of 2015...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

 Pattern ~ My own vanilla pattern  Yarn ~ Opal Van Gogh line color Café Terrace

 My first love that has to be mentioned, is you all. Thank you for making this year even more wonderful than the last. I approach 2016 full of the gift of friendship and I owe it to each and every one you. Thank you for visiting me, commenting and sharing with me.

 

 

A new year-long KAL/CAL is on the horizon for the My Sister's Knitter group on Ravelry. Knitting down the sock yarn stash is something I look forward to.

 

 

I am ready with my own mystery bags at the ready. :)  New fresh things are something to look forward to and sort of the message of a new year, right? No knitting resolutions for me this time around, other than to enjoy every stitch. Do you have any plans for knitting resolutions in 2016?

 

Let's now go visit the last loves of 2015.

 

•  Because I can relate and because it made me laugh out loud, how about Andrea's Ten Knitting Lesson's post.
• Dances with Wool's little tree just makes me smile (mental note make this next year).
• My friend Anne of the wonderful shop, Wooly Wonka Fibers has come up with a brilliant idea. The colors of New Mexico self-striping yarn. Check it out, looks like a whole lotta fun!
• Knotions has posted their first issue since their relaunch. Chalked full of beautiful patterns and a great interview.
• Tea and sock knitting...I mean really, it is me after all. Of course I am going to love it!
• Out of the Thistle's Mice and snowmen and bears post. I want it all.
• New to me podcast, The Charm of Knit. Eva is fantastic and inspiring and bonus seriously cute pets are cohosts.
• The kindness of knitter's to share their talent and the love is brilliant. Helena knit some out of this world socks for Stephen West. Gotta love that.
• Alina's Reindeer Cable cardigan pattern...wow!
• A parade of knits is always a cause for glee, thanks you LunaKnit.
• I love to try new recipes and Becky is sharing a recipe for Bacon Gingersnaps...I am so there.
• One of the most special love's...the arrival of beautiful baby James. Congratulations, Julie!

 

Last song I will share with you this year~

 

 

 

 

 Lastly I will leave you with one of my favorite New Year's message:

“May Light always surround you;
Hope kindle and rebound you.
May your Hurts turn to Healing;
Your Heart embrace Feeling.
May Wounds become Wisdom;
Every Kindness a Prism.
May Laughter infect you;
Your Passion resurrect you.
May Goodness inspire
your Deepest Desires.
Through all that you Reach For,
May your arms Never Tire.”
― D. Simone

 

 Happy New Year to you my friends. Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi 

The allure of seasonal knits...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Pattern~ Monkeys by Cookie A.  Yarn~ Koigu Painter's Palette.

While it may not seem evident at first, upon further inspection of my WIPs it would seem that the allure of the season is part of my yarn and project choices.

 

Pattern~ Vivi  by Anita Jaensch  Yarn~ Neighborhood Fiber Co in Charles Centre.

When skies turn to overcast and the possibilities of rainfall happen, I reach for yarns to reflect it. Case and point, the shawl above was once pink. While pink is still a favorite color and a usual go to, the more I knit with it, the more it felt wrong. Too bright and much too summery. In stepped gray as the replacement. Funny how that happens sometimes, right? Have you found yourself reaching for the colors that represent Fall as well?

 

 

In honor of Fall, My Sister's Knitter Raverly group has a new KAL beginning. Hopefully it will relate to you as it is a sort of, "What do you knit in the Fall months" type of KAL. Maybe you use these months to get your Christmas or gift knitting done? Then there is a chance you begin the mission of tackling the WIPs so that you can start the new year with nothing on the needles? So join us for a bit of fun and support whatever Fall knitting means to you. :)

Enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

 

XO,

Andi

 

Revisting the WIPs...

 

Hello and Happy Sunday to you all!

 

Change of Heart

How was your week. From my visits to blogland it would seems that this past week has been busy for most. I have to say, the holds true for me as well.

 

 

My Sister's Knitter's Ravelry group began a new KAL on 5/15. This new KAL has allowed me to revisit some older knits. While normally I don't mind casting on all the projects, a need to finish some of my older WIPs has crept into my mindset.

 

Banana Leaf Shawl

Maybe this go round this beautiful wispy scarf will finally get finished. Of course I am a long way from even the half way point, so I will be relying on group members to keep my mojo going. :)

I think sometimes it can be fun to go back and knit some of the projects that have been put on pause. There can be a fresh new feeling to them and that feeling can lead to a desire to complete it. At least that is what I am hoping for. Do you ever find that renewed love for a project once you step away from it a bit? Please say yes. ;)

Before leaving you it is time to announce the winner of the Spinning Fates Giveaway. Random number generator has spoken and the winner is...

 

#9- Leigh

I am just finishing my first pair of socks and loved knitting them!  This skein is gorgeous!!  If I had to pick a striping sock combo?....hmmmm.... black, lime green, charcoal grey, and maybe a bit of aubergine ....  Thanks for a fantastic give-away!  Happy knitting

 

Congratulations Leigh, I will be sending you an email a little later today. Thank you for all who entered and shared your lovely self-striping color way combinations. I know that you have given Laurel (Spinning Fates) some great ideas.

 

Have the best day today!

XO,

Andi