My Sister's Knitter

A Knitting Mind...

 

Hello there!

 

 

Happy Sunday evening.  How was your weekend? Not long enough, I'm sure. :) My weekend was nice with weather being a combination of sunny times, rainy and wind, and then sunny again. I know this is not typical for most of you and if you are amongst the peeps suffering through a hard winter right now, I'm sorry.

Now that I have finished my latest sample knit, I was able to delve into some selfish sock knitting. Previously I had mentioned starting the Forever and Always socks by Danielle Jorge in a different yarn, but I changed my mind. I started these socks last night and haven't been able to put them down.

 

 

That chunky little cable has my heart. It is allowing me to knit in a bit of a meditative state of bliss. On the subject of meditating, I have a question for you all. I was watching a podcast where the host was talking about some really stressful times she has been going through and how knitting was hard for her because it made her think or dwell more on these worries. For me when I am stressed or worried knitting helps me clear my mind and sort of meditate.  But the podcast made me wonder, when you are stressed or worried is knitting more of a hindrance or a solace for you?

Inquiring minds would like to know. :)

 

 

On a different note, I have gone through my sock WIPs and these are a few of the survivors of the "To Frog or not" mission I was on. That means I really need to put aside the pink cabled socks and get to finishing these right?

Enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

andi

 

Random knit chat..

 

 

Hello there! Happy very late Sunday. Although considering that I had to miss last Sunday's post, I am sure you will forgive me. :)  I was feeling quite guilty about missing the post but I was having some computer issues and it couldn't be helped. While I don't have any new knit off the needles, as I am still plugging away on the sample knit above. It is inside out as to not ruin the designer's pattern launch. I am sure that you can see it is a colorwork-palooza.

 

 

I am still reading, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. I have read it many times before and find it amazing that I never tire of the beautiful words in the pages. I have a couple of books that are magical like that, how about you?

Oh and I have some fun news! Tuesday I was able to meet up with a long time knitting friend. After around nine years of an online friendship, we met for the first time. How amazing is it when you meet some after only knowing them through the knitting community and via the internet? Making it even lovelier...Robin was just as fantastic and beautiful in person as "internet Robin".

Sorry that the knitting content has been lacking, but I have a feeling I will have more to share next week. ;)

I will leave you with a vlog from a brilliant knitter and designer, Lina. She has a few video titled, Knit with Me. They make me so happy because I love being able watch someone knit and chat, it makes me feel like I am there with them.

 

 

Have the best day today!

XO,

andi

Knitting...a dying art?

 

Hello, loves!

 

 

Before I get into the title of this post, can I just say how wonderful you all are? Thank you for the warm welcome back, admittedly there were quite a few happy tears when I read over your comments. I do feel rested and like my words are back...thank you.

Enough sap, right? :)

So a couple weeks back I was asked to introduce myself and state a fun fact about me. Well, you know what that fun fact was, I am a knitter. I got the usual glazed over expressions, comments about how their grandmother's used to make blankets, but then one person said in an admiring tone, " How great, that is a dying art."

 

 

Did you all know, we were creating in an art that is dying? How I wish I could have told him about Ravelry and the fact that as of 2017 there were 7 million members? Or school him on he fact there are talented artists who's sole income comes from knitting, whether it is dyeing, designing or sample knitting.

So, have you ever heard that knitting is a dying art? When this was said, I couldn't help but think how I couldn't wait to share this will you all.

 

 

In other knitting news I don't have much progress on knitting to show you as I am working on another sample stranded colorwork knit vest. This does not mean that I don't have all the cast-ons planned for after this knit is completed. :)

It has to be mentioned that I have found the key to solving the constant requests for walks from the little man above...crocheted blankets. Crocheted blankets are his kryptonite. Once he starts begging for yet another walk after just going out an hour ago, I grab a crocheted blanket, place it next to me and before long snoring starts. Maybe this will be useful in your home?

Wishing each and everyone of you the best day today. Enjoy a tune and we will chat again next Sunday!

 

 

XO,

andi

Well hello there...

 

Hello loves!

 

 

I am back, a day later than promise...but some days are just like that. :) I have missed you loads. Thank you for being so understanding about my time away. I know that it did me a world of good and it feels like my words have come back. How have you been?

 

© Anne Podlesak

Knitting has been happening while I was away. Mostly sample knits for the talented designer Anne Podlesak. I was so excited to be able to show you the above sample knit! This gorgeous pullover is named Spring Frost and what a joy it was to knit.

 

 

A new KAL/CAL has started in the My Sister's Knitter Group. If you know me, you know I am thinking about knitting up some socks. With so many wonderful and talented designers it is rather hard to focus on just one, but I think I have narrowed it down. When I decide I will let you know.

I currently have another stranded color-work knit on the needles for Anne Podlesak which is requiring much of my attention at the moment, but once it is off the needles I will get to my KAL knitting. 

Oh and I almost forgot, I completed a color-work sample hat...but only got the progress pic.

 

 

As you also may have noticed there has been a lot of reading taking place.  We will have to chat about that soon. :)

For now I will leave you with a song and wish you the very best day. Thank you again for being so kind about my time away.

 

 

XO

andi

 

 

 

Happy Holidays and a short break...

 

Hello there loves!

 

 

I wanted to pop in and wish you all the happiest of holidays, whatever you celebrate. Each year I look back and think...it would not have been the same without you all. Thank you for hanging in there with me all these years. Your comments and lurking have brought me unlimited joy.

I will be taking a short break from the blog. Not sure if it is the holidays or being in a temporary home, but I find my words and photos lacking. Does that make sense?

I will be back February 3rd. Till then, I will continue to visit all of your blogs and social media feeds.

All the love to you and your families!

Have the best day today!

XO,

andi

Sunday knitting...

 

Happy Sunday evening!

 

 

Hello there loves! It is a bit later on Sunday...but I made it. ;)  How was your weekend? Are you in the throws of decorating for the holidays? Decorating has been done in my family home, due in large part to my insistence. I like to make the holidays last as long as possible. 

It would seem that in addiction to knitting, the cooler temps also bring out the reader in me. I feel like I have been devouring books. How about you, is reading a seasonal thing for you? I have heard of summer reads and such, but since most of the year it is summer in my parts, it doesn't happen for me.

 

 

These socks seemed to be knitting themselves. That or the knitting faeries are visiting while I sleep. All I know is they are a joy to knit. The pattern is called Feathering the Nest by Danielle Jorge (you may know her as Little Bobbins knits). The yarn is from a new to me dyer, Playful Day Yarns. Let me tell you, this will not be the last time I use this yarn...I am addicted.

 

 

Also on my needles is the sample knit for Anne Podlesak that I mentioned in my last post. I am moving along on it as I should be. I love that sample and test knitting allows me to try out new techniques and patterns. 

So obviously my knitting mojo is coming along nicely. Have you been able to squeeze in knitting amongst all your holiday activities?

I hope your week and weekend haven't been too crazy.  Have the best day today!

 

 

 

XO,

andi

Sunday knitting...

 

Happy Sunday evening!

 

 

Hello there loves! It is a bit later on Sunday...but I made it. ;)  How was your weekend? Are you in the throws of decorating for the holidays? Decorating has been done in my family home, due in large part to my insistence. I like to make the holidays last as long as possible. 

It would seem that in addiction to knitting, the cooler temps also bring out the reader in me. I feel like I have been devouring books. How about you, is reading a seasonal thing for you? I have heard of summer reads and such, but since most of the year it is summer in my parts, it doesn't happen for me.

 

 

These socks seemed to be knitting themselves. That or the knitting faeries are visiting while I sleep. All I know is they are a joy to knit. The pattern is called Feathering the Nest by Danielle Jorge (you may know her as Little Bobbins knits). The yarn is from a new to me dyer, Playful Day Yarns. Let me tell you, this will not be the last time I use this yarn...I am addicted.

 

 

Also on my needles is the sample knit for Anne Podlesak that I mentioned in my last post. I am moving along on it as I should be. I love that sample and test knitting allows me to try out new techniques and patterns. 

So obviously my knitting mojo is coming along nicely. Have you been able to squeeze in knitting amongst all your holiday activities?

I hope your week and weekend haven't been too crazy.  Have the best day today!

 

 

 

XO,

andi

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

It is so lovely to be back to chat with you all. Thank you for all the get well wishes. :)

How was your week? It feels rather unbelievable that we already in December. But here we are and it feels rather magical. The weather in my parts is wonderful and chilly. I see some of you all are getting snow and as usual, I am jealous. 

 

 

During the downtime that comes with having the ickes, the knitting usually follows. When I was feeling "up to it", I feel like I got quite a bit done. I started a new sample knit sweater for knitwear designer, Anne Podlesak. Since it is beige and is not at a point where it photographs well, I had my little friend model the progress. 

Now, he did so well until I took it off then he was biting at it and the needles.  Sort of like, " don't you come back here.".

 

 

Speaking of Anne Podlesak, not only is she a brilliant designer, but also dyes up the most gorgeous yarns.  Wooly Wonka Fibers has long been one of my favorite indie dyed yarn and continues. Helping the love affair were these sweet skeins Anne gifted me. 

I am showing some serious restraint not casting on that bottom one as it is self-striping and nothing makes me happier.

Alright, how about if we get to our month of loves?

I am kicking it off with something non-blog related, because it is something that makes me absolutely giddy come December 1st...that would be Vlogmas! Here are a few that I am watching on YouTube:

 

• Tiny Human Knits
• Once Upon A Corgi
• Sweet Sparrow Knits
• Crazy Sock Lady
• Woolberry
• Brooklyn Knitfolk
• Little Drops of Wonderful
• Dunderknit

Now, on to blogland!

•  How could I not be smitten with the Frosted Sugar Plum shawl from Cherry Heart? It's pink and looks so cozy.
• It is surprising to me that I have never knit up rainbow socks, especially as they keep popping up every where I look. Anna is knitting up these beauties and Cortney has some amongst all the knits.
• You all know, I love tea. Plum Deluxe posted on tips how to make a stronger cup of tea and I really enjoyed it.
• Maybe it is because I have been knitting sample garments lately, but I seem to have sweaters on the brain. The sweater that Woolenberry is working on melts my heart, bonus it is being knit up in Malabrigo.
• There is something about texture in any pattern that draws me in. Check out the Amber Sweater from The Gift of Knitting...if you are addicted to texture, this one's for you.
• I really enjoyed this post from Ann about why she prefers the Norwegian purl for certain projects.
• Yellowish never fails to disappoint me with her stunning pics of FO's. Love her Wings of the Dove.
• Last minute gift ideas? Never a bad thing, am I right? Here is a lovely post from Carol Feller that may be just the ticket.

 

I hope you enjoyed the links. Happy December everyone.

Have the best day today!

XO,

andi

Delayed knitting post...

 

Hello loves!

 

 

Sorry for the missed Sunday post. It would seem that the cold/flu bug has bitten and I am just taking some time to feel 100% again.

I hope you all had a good week and we will chat as normal this Sunday!

 

XO,

andi

Knitting thoughts...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

Another weekend arrived and I was so ready for it. How about you?  Maybe it is because my knitting has increased, but this weekend was welcomed with open arms. I guess that is what happens when you make a conscience decision to include it in your everyday. Since I made my temporary move in with my family of non-yarnies, it has been a bit of trial and error fitting knitting into this life. 

In addition I am in introvert and adapting that to living with others has caused my spirit to jolt around.  Today I am letting those around me know that it will be a recharging day for me and I am going to knit till the cows come home.  The key for me it to remember to let people know when it gets too "peopley".

 

 

Helping me on the "all I want to do is knit" journey are two beautiful skeins of sock yarn that have made their way into my life. Above is Lamby Toes Moon Pie Merino in the colorway Experiment 098.

 

 

This luscious yarn is from Playful Day Yarns Simply Sock in the colorway Himalayan Salt,  and most likely with be my next cast on. I am trying really hard to finish at least 1 pair (out of 6) of socks before starting. I may have to repeat...a be strong chant in order to help me. :)

Since I am on the topic of sock knitting, (then again when am I not talking about socks), Knotions just launched an issue that is all about socks. You guys, I know I mention Knotions a lot, but it is such an invaluable resource for patterns and tutorials. The sock issue has 13 patterns and each one of them is free. Seriously that is a whole lot of talent for free. Bonus, I got the privilege of sample knitting 2 of the 13 pairs.

 

 

Friday I had one of those mail days that knocks your socks off (heh- see always talking about socks)!  My dearest friend Jeannine had offered to send me a few samples of yarn that she started dyeing.  In addition to the gorgeous yarn she dyed, all the wonderful things arrived. I cannot get over every lovely thing.

 

 

Here is a closer look at the amazing project she sewed for me. It is the most perfect bag and stole my heart instantly. What you can't see is the lovely zipper pull progress keeper teapot.  Jeannine...if you read this, your kindness has no limit.  Thank you!

I hope your week was a good one and you were able to fit some knitting into your days. Enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

 

XO,

andi