My Sister's Knitter

Knitterly chit chat...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Natural Fibre Arts Merino Superwash Sock Tweed in the color Natural.

I am almost back on track for blog posts, today's is just a little later on Sunday.:) I'll get there soon. Thank you all for your kind comments about my move. Yes, moving is stressful and just plain exhausting, right? I never would have thought that I would be too stressed to knit, but that was the case. But thankfully, I am getting back on the Zen train of knitting. 

 

 

Now, I have to say I may have been more productive with my knitting if my new "roommate" would let me get a stitch in more often.  This little guy's name is Maxx and he belongs to my mom and stepfather. Since I am staying with them for a bit, it would seem that Maxx has taken me on as one of his people. I am never without him by my side...never. :) In the picture above, it would seem that it is the perfectly opportunity to knit, right? What you can't see is that he is laying on my sock WIP and is in full snore mode.

So other than some simple vanilla socks, nothing too exciting happening on the needles. I am hoping to rectify that very soon. I am thinking I want to cast on a fun hat or something along those lines. How is your knitting going?

I have been really enjoying watching what I call "Maker" videos. Sometimes they have nothing to do with knitting or yarn, but creating in other mediums. I posted this video many years ago, but recently watched it again and was immediately inspired.   Enjoy and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

Andi

Method to the knitting madness...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

Hello, there!  How was your week? Mine was nice and calm, but that doesn't mean I wasn't looking forward to the weekend. Knitting has been all over the place. I think sometimes it helps me to feel a bit scattered, as it makes my feel unsettled. Primarily because I am not a fan of feeling settled and it forces me to stop and take note and focus.

 

 

Two socks were finished, but not from the same pair. So I immediately cast on cuff for the second one to avoid second sock syndrome.

 

 

Despite not being a monogamous knitter, even I have to have some organization to my knits. Maybe that is where the term, "Method to my madness", came from? Do you ever feel that way? Where if someone else were to look at your stash or projects and see chaos, while you know where everything is and what stage the projects are at?

 

 

A good mail day happened when this sweet package arrived this week. These little nuggets of joy come from my lovely friend Diane. Making is more special, she even noted how she watched a YouTube video on how to make mini-skeins.  Thank you, Diane!

While I get back to my knitting chaos, I will leave you with a lovely video on how knitting is good for our brain. Enjoy and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

Andi

Knitting project preferences...

 

Hello there loves!

 

 

Yay- it is Sunday! Time to sit, relax and chat with my peeps. Being able to sit and catch up with you all it a huge highlight of my week. How was your week?  Hope you are all safe from these crazy Summer storms the U.S. has been having. Other than dealing with unrelenting heat, I have no room to complain in comparison.

 

 

What does one do when they need a travel project, they cast on some vanilla socks of course. Traveling means for me work. :)  So I scooped up this yarn that my sister bought me for Christmas last year. A conversation between my mom, my sister and I got me thinking about how some of us gravitate towards particular projects and how others do not.

 

 

 

It is no secret that I like knitting socks, for a number of reasons. They are something I can wear for at least 4-5 months of the year in Arizona. The portability factor of sock knitting is always a factor for me. Socks are the first thing I learned to knit and the love affair has continued.  While I have knit blankets, stuffies, cardigans, shawls, scarves and hats, I admit 85% of my completed projects are socks.

 

 

The conversation that I mentioned went a bit like this. Mom and me~ During a phone call she asks me what am I knitting on. I say socks. She says, you should knit something else, you are always knitting socks. Sister and me~ Tell sister Mom tells me that I should knit something other than socks. Sister tells me, " Well, it is kind of weird that you just knit socks.".

I think my first reaction was to be defensive, but then I realized I do knit a lot of socks. Of course I know I knit socks predominately, I just had not ever thought they it may come across as odd to some people. Do you feel you have unintentionally typecast yourself into a certain type of knitting project and what is it about that particular type of project that keeps you coming back for more, (by project I mean shawls, socks, sweaters, etc.,).  Inquiring minds wants to know. :)

On to the giveaway that we had a couple weeks back. I have drawn a winner for this beautiful skein of Dyed In the Wool Yarn Co's skein of DK weight yarn...

 

#37-

Beautiful colors! I see fingerless gloves done with it.

Posted by: Joanne 

 

 

Congratulations, Joanne.  Thank you for all who entered. I will leave you with a wonderful maker video from Etsy and wish you the best day today!

 

 

 

 

 

XO,

andi

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

June Loves...

 

Hello loves!

 

Yarn~ Neighborhood Fiber Company color Victorian Village   My favorite knitting notebook~ is from Lisa The Knitting Artist.

Welcome to Sunday (or whenever you read this)!!  It has been a crazy week filled with all sorts of things and all I can say it I was very grateful when this wonderful weekend arrived on my doorstep. One huge highlight of my week was reading through all the great comments about your stash. It was brilliant to read how each and everyone of you feels about your stash- so thank you!

 

 

As it was a crazy week, I pulled out the arsenal...tea and knitting. It worked! Speaking of tea, I have received questions about my favorite teas. While at times it can be overwhelming to choose because it is similar to picking a favorite yarn, I have displayed a small (very small) sample of my go-to- teas. One exception listed here is the NU TE, it was in a swap package that I received from a lovely friend in Switzerland and have been on the hunt for it ever since.  Let me tell you, that tea is amazing!!!

 

 

I don't have a lot of knitting progress to share as my projects this week have been focused on some sample knitting.  This huge bundle of yarny goodness is for a colorwork cardigan that I am  knitting for the talented designer, Anne Podlesak and is for The Yarn Guys shop.

 

 

This is all I have to show for it right now. I may be able to share a tad bit more in the coming weeks.

 

 

Then we have the second sample knit I am working on. This pattern has not been released so this is a sneak peek of it.  The test knit is for Knotions Magazine and the yarn is Wooly Wonka Fibers Rhiannon sock yarn in the color Forget Me Nots.

It may appear that I have no knitting happening for me this week and I don't, but I will be working on some side projects (probably socks), just to be able to have some knitting to share with you all. For now I will share my loves for June!

 

• I am really into Michelle's Zara Tee. It looks like the perfect knit for the warmer months. Also, in case you didn't know Michelle has a great podcast on Youtube. Win-win.
• One of my favorite things to read on blog is vacations. TinCanKnits is sharing Vol.1 of her trip to Iceland and it is pure joy to read.
• Amongst my mass chatter and ramblings about knitting, there are times even I forget that I used to crochet. Still enjoy it (although it has been a while), and it is nice to see posts about it on Kelbourne Woolens blog. Especially as my sister now crochets.
• I adore Steph and reading about her lost mojo and now found mojo woes, makes me chuckle. She is one of those bloggers that makes me laugh, relate and get inspired.
• After socks, shawls would have to be my second favorite thing to knit. Woolenberry's Passeggiata shawl is giving me all the feels.
• Knitting progress photos and stories are my jam. Love them. Katherine shares the progress and woes of her Incunabula Cardigan and I want more.
• I have a long time love for Tiff ( Dottie Angel) and reading about her on Fringe Association's True Confessions and Our Tools, Ourselves was fantastic.  
• If you are looking for a fun and challenging KAL, you may want to join up with my friend Tina for the Olive Knits Bee Keeper Cardigan 4 day Sweater KAL. If I didn't have so many deadline projects on my plate, I would be very tempted to join in.
• Oh fantastic yellow tweedy socks from aquatique's blog, Eternal Spring Socks.
• Looking for a fun sock along, how about Little Skein's 3rd annual Sock School?  It looks like serious fun.
• Brioche has really become something big in the last year (sort of like speckled sock yarn), and many who are interested may be afraid or confused on where to start. Knitosophy Designs has posted a great video tutorial on how to knit 2 color Brioche.
• Knotions Magazine has recently released a series of videos previewing the launch of their  June 2018 issue. Love it!

 

My last love is a Ted Talks video featuring the inspiring and creative designer, Kate Davies.

 

 

XO,

andi

Chatting about scrappy socks, projects and mini skeins...

 

Hello there!

 

 

Good morning, loves! Did your week treat you kindly?  Mine was a good week filled with work and knitting.  Making it even better is that I have figured out how to sneak knitting into my work day. It makes a difference!

 

 

Today I thought we would chat a bit about scrappy projects and answer some questions that I have received.  Being a sock knitting addict has caused me to be completely drawn projects that involve using sock yarn scraps, so that is where my journey began in 2014. Warning this is a long post with lots of links.

 

 

I started with this blanket, which is still providing love some 4 years later.  There was a question about how and where I got so many minis.  There are so many more options now than there was four years ago. Indie dyers are now creating mini skeins that are for sale amongst their full yarn skeins. Here are just some ideas on how to get your collection started:

Ravelry groups ~

• Mini Mania.
• Mini Mall ( this group is soon to be closing).
• Sock Yarn Swappers.
• Crazy Sock Yarn Lady Podcast Group (swapless swap).
• My Sister's Knitter Mini Swap Talk thread.
• Etsy (search mini skeins).

Personally, I started by asking my Ravelry group if anyone would be interested in donating their sock yarn scraps to me and it all started uphill from there. Now with many more socks under my belt I enjoy swapping with friends the best.

 

 

I was asked how I make my mini skeins. First off, I never know how many yards or how much they weight, I just eyeball it based on making so many minis. Once a project if finished the remainder is immediately wound into a mini skein.  I use my swift at a marked spot and wind 26 times.

Here are some video resources on how to make your own mini skeins:

• Knit Style Maker.
• Whirledpeas Knits.
• Anne Jensen ( this is how I do it, minus all the math).

 

 

 

There are those of you who dread weaving in ends, I am not amongst those. I love weaving in ends and actually find it therapeutic. Not to say I don't understand how you end-weaver-haters feel, as you sometimes want to the project to end with the last stitch. If you are looking for an easier way to knit a scrappy project without creating all the ends, there are tutorials for that, (There is a tutorial for everything nowadays, right?).

You can create a double knot (magic knot), to avoid ends entirely. Now, I did this on my first sock and could still notice the tiny knots and wasn't a fan. But on my projects like shawls or cardigans this was not a problem.

Weaving in ends as you go.

• Very Pink Knits.
• Dye Another Day.
• So I Make Stuff.

 

 

On to all the projects that can be created with minis of all shapes and sizes.

• Mini Skein Sampler Scarf.
• Mini Scarf Mania.
• Head in the Clouds Hat.
• Granny Stripes Blanket (crochet).
• Every Flavor Stripy Socks.
• Knitted Patchwork Recipe.
• Marled Mania Sweater.

 

I know there are a lot of links. Hopefully it helps those of you who have asked about minis skeins. Of  course there are many more techniques, patterns and resources than I have listed. I will leave you with a Craftsy video on project ideas for mini skeins.

 

 

Have the best day today!

XO,

andi

 

 

Sock knitting and stash talk...

 

Hello there!

 

 

Happy Sunday!  Did the week treat you all kindly? My week was lovely, I was treated to nice cool temperatures and beautiful weather.  I took it all in as much as possible as today we are supposed to hit 109. :(  All I can say is thank goodness for air conditioning.

 

 

Cast on parties have been happening. For some reason I cannot seem to cast on enough socks. I tend to go through these periods and you know I do not feel guilty about it. Long ago I came to terms with the fact that I will never be a monogamous knitter.

 

Yarn~ Julianna's Lucid Dream socks in the color Carousel.  Gift from my dear friend Lynn!

Currently reading a great book that I saw my Goodreads/Raverly friend Jesse read. Warning it is a bit sexual and has language that some may find offensive. But if you look past that- this book is soooo good. Thank goodness I am able to read and knit or there would be no knitting this week.

 

Yarn~ Baerenwolle BAERfoot Sock in the color Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

Then again, I do have lunch time knitting time available. :)

So I am thinking part of the reason for the cast-on-it is, is because I have been organizing my stash. You know how it is when you find those deep hidden gems.  Anyhoo- as  I was trying to figure out how my stash should be organized it made me wonder how you organize your stash.  My stash is in bins, but up until now there was no rhyme of reason to what was in each container.

Now all my yarns are housed according to weight. Probably the reason why I cast on all the socks this week because really who could ignore a bin full of colorful beautiful sock yarn? Not me.

How do you organize your stash? Color, weight, age...? Or maybe you don't. I would love to know!

Leaving you with a bit of Stephen West fun. Enjoy and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

andi

April loves...

 

Hello loves!

 

Yarn~ BAERENWOLLE BAERfoot in the color Lucy in the sky with diamonds   Book~ You by Caroline Kepnes   Tea~ Yogi Kombucha Green Tea.

Here we are- we made it to another weekend! Well done us.:)  It is going to be an amazing day, do you know how I know? Because my coffee tastes exceptionally good this morning- I view that as a sign.  Today the plan is to get in a bit of reading and of course some knitting.

 

 

I will apologize now as my projects lately have been all about the socks. May have something to do with our temps being near 100. Light projects that don't sit on my lap...priceless. The socks above are my Woodland Walk socks and there has been progress.  Not too much as I have had a serious case of cast-on-it is.

 

Pattern~ Socks on a Plane   Yarn~ Great Lakes Tweed Yarn in the color Surrealistic Pillow

I started this pair last weekend and they are done. I blame it entirely on the yarn. Great Lakes Tweed yarn was one I featured last year when I celebrated some of my favorite Indie dyers. I have been hoarding the above yarn and happy to report it has served it's purpose. To knit into some truly gorgeous socks that I cannot wait to wear this Fall/Winter.

 

 

A sign that I need some more of this yarn is in the fact that I cannot stop staring it at. :)  Then of course more socks cast on. Many more than pictured below...many more.

 

 

This yarn has been in my stash for almost 10 years. It is Knitpicks Bare and was dyed up during a knit night party at my casa. Experimenting in Kool-aide dying. Think it is about time to knit it up, right?

Alright, let's get to loves before I bombard you with all the socks.

 

• Woolen Wilderness has long been an inspiration to me. Her gorgeous projects have caused many of cast-on parties.
• Michelle has a wonderful podcast called My So Called Handmade Life. She is already on episode 9- which means, I am late to the game, but no less smitten. It is like her blog coming at you live.
• Not being one to swatch, ( because I knit mostly socks), if anything could get me to swatch it would be Michelle's gorgeous post.
• I haven't knit a stuffy in what seems like forever, but the sight of all these tiny knit dresses Little Cotton Rabbits designed for her stuffed friends has me rethinking that.
• Following along the process of Patricia's Birkin sweater in this post equals pure bliss.
• I am in constant awe of all you talented peeps who are multi-craftual. That is why this post by Melissa is one of my loves.
• I have seen some gorgeous knit models, but I have to say Simcha takes the cake. The cowl he is modeling is beautiful which is a good thing because were it not, it may just look like a handsome model wearing yarn. :)
• Despite being in the throws of sock knitting paradise, that doesn't mean my mind and eyes haven't been wandering.  Faith's Half Moon Oracle is one of those projects that makes me think that maybe a fun shawl would be something I could add to the menu.
• Leave it to Julie to come up with a wonderful feature, Knit Stories. Brilliant idea.
• Choosing a word for the new year is such a lovely idea. Julie has chosen the word adventure, packaged up mystery bags filled with yarn and patterns for shawls. Seriously, I want to peek into all her bags!
• Change...not one of my favorite words. I like things to stay the same, but wisely understand that change is inevitable. Loved this post from Karen.

 

Thank you as always for visiting with me. Enjoy this sweet video and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

andi

Knit stitch here, knit stitch there...

 

Happy Sunday loves!

 

 

How was your week?  Mine was filled with lots of knitting. While nothing was finished,  I felt like all of the thousands of WIPs (exaggeration), got some knitting love. A stitch was put here and there.

 

Pattern~ Vanilla   Yarn~ NanoStitch Lab in the color Alkaloid

New projects were added to the WIP pile. Two more socks, one which is above. While these socks were cast on with the intention of going to my sister, there is a strong debate going on in my head as to whether they would be happier living with me. In all likelihood this argument will continue to the last stitch.

 

Pattern~ Banana Leaf    Yarn~ Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine in the color Steel Oats

A new cast on is one that I visited once before in a different yarn almost three years ago, has caught my attention and heart recently.  I do believe that not only is there the right yarn for the project conflict, but also sometimes a project may not be the right time for you mentally. Luckily this pattern and yarn combo are fitting in to mental state right now wonderfully.

 

Pattern~ Hermione's Everyday socks   Yarn~ Knit Picks Chroma Twist in the color Dear Diary

Socks that I was working on in my last post, have also gotten the love from the needles. Side note- I have knit Hermione's Everyday sock pattern five times, and I honestly think there are going to be many more in my future. Do you have a pattern like that, one that you can knit over and over and never tire?

Hope you weekend has been kind to you. Enjoy a video and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

Andi

March loves...

Good morning and happy Easter!

Yarn~ Knitpicks Chroma Twist Fingering in the color Dear Diary  Pattern~ Hermione's Everyday socks

Hope this week treated you well.  My week was a little all over the place, but I always say it is always a good day when I get the privilege of another day.  There has been quite a bit of knitting going on as well as quality time with reading. I finished up In the Woods by Tana French and have started another, Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire.  I like Maguire's writing, I read Wicked what seems like a very long time ago and it was amazing.

 

Pattern~ Vanilla    Yarn~ Cauldron of Colours in the color Andi's Arizona Sunset

I mentioned knitting happened this week and will you take a look here...finished socks! Okay, tell me it isn't just me but the pattern/colors of this yarn make them look blurry, right? It is like an eye test. Then again it could just be me. :)

Yarn~ Knit Picks Felici in the color Gelato 

I also finished up my square for the Sister Survivor Blanket project that is hosted by The Thistle Hollow podcast.  5 inch squares were requested. I cast on 62 stitches on size 2 needles and followed this pattern.

Yarn~ Ilash designs in the color Spring Bouquet. A gift from my sister.

With projects off the needles, that gives me permission to cast on my April socks. I have a plan of knitting 2 pairs for the month of April. One using yarn that has been in my stash for a little while and then the other using gift yarn.  I did this for March and already well on my way for April.

Ok, enough about me. Let's go visiting blogland and enjoy some loves!

• I have been craving scarf knitting lately. Something about a large love scarf to wrap around myself this coming Winter sounds heavenly. Bethany seems to be on the same track.
• The Spring fever seems to have taken over my brain. Proved this to myself when I noticed that many of the colors I am attracted to right now are Spring-like, case and point this Rombik.
• The knits that come off Katherine's needles never disappoint. In March Katherine had 2 stunning sweaters that I would steal if I were as tiny as her and lived in the UK.
• Neon sock knitting bug is a thing, as explained by Woollen Wild. After seeing those gorgeous socks it may be contagious virtually as now I want to stash dive for all the neons!
• Adore Julie and this post. There are so many colors I love but don't knit projects for myself because I fear I can't wear the color. Reading Julie's post was eye opening.
• I am fully aware that I am sock obsessed and they are heavily featured in my monthly loves. I just can't help myself especially when Cortney posts her latest finished socks.
• Loves this video tutorial on how to fix your knitting mistakes. Even though I never make mistakes in my knitting  (heh), I can truly appreciate this. ;)
• I could read this post over and over again- The Solace of Finishing Things.
• Those who have read by blog for a bit know that I love pinks and greys above all. But lately Purples have been catching my eye, especially this Purple Starfall.
• Looking for those lighter projects now that it is Spring? Thanks to Susanne's post you may just find the right one for you.
• I like Spring, but not nearly as much as Winter. Not the type I have here in my part of Arizona, but more like Tien's. Throw in some gorgeous knitting on the needles and I may just faint from happiness.
• Sara's on a sock kick...enough said, I'm there.

 

High on my list of loves are videos from Little Lionhead Knits.  They are wordless, bit sized but full of inspiration.  Enjoy and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

Andi