My Sister's Knitter

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

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

Regarding our yarn stash...

 

Hello there!

 

Pattern~ My Own Vanilla   Yarn~ The Loopy Ewe Legends in the color Michelle's Pretty Pink Cactus  Tea~ Stash Earl Grey.

Whoo hoo-it's Sunday.  How was your week?  Hopefully it went by fast and now you are enjoying a peaceful week.  My Sunday is off to a great start, a cup of tea and some knitting. Basically, every Sunday should kick off with knitting. ;) A little later I am going to visit my yarn stash and do a bit of organizing. I want to chat a bit with you about your yarn stash, but first I will talk about this week's happenings.

 

Pattern~ My own vanilla pattern  Yarn~ Knitpicks Bare dyed with Kool-Aid.

I finished my June socks.  These socks despite being plain vanilla socks make me so happy. Actually it is the yarn that makes me happy. The yarn is Knitpicks Bare sock yarn and was dyed with koolaid more than 8 years ago, during a knit night at my home with a few work friends. Basically this yarn is full of memories and brings me joy.

 

Pattern~ Emily's favourite socks  Yarn~ Circus Tonic Handmade Reverly sock in the color Galah.

Now here is where we have a chat about our stash. I know that for some talking about one's stash can be like talking or discussing one's weight. It can be a sensitive issue and even raise some mild debates.  Regardless I am going to ask you your feelings on the topic of your yarn stash.

 

 Dyed in the Wool Yarn Co.

My friend Jody and I have  ongoing conversations about whether or not she should buy more yarn. She will let me know that she got the latest KnitPicks ad and spied "this yarn" or "that yarn", that she really loves.  My reply will always be, "Buy it!". Yep, I am an enabler with no shame. My view is that we work hard and maybe rather than shoes, purses, books, or whatever some people buy a lot of, we buy yarn. Of course there is no judgment from me if you are like Imelda Marcos and have a yarn stash that matches it.

 

Great Lakes Tweed sock in the color Girl Power.

Part of the sensitivity of talking about our yarn stash may come from the fact that our yarn is not cheap (deservedly so), and the fear that others will think that we must have a lot of money to be able to be able to have all this yarn. I can tell you that I am by no means well off and there have been occasions where I forgo something, like professional hair cuts or dinner out in lieu of a yarn purchase. Not that we should feel the need to justify our yarn purchases, but we do and that's okay.

My stash is rather large and in all likelihood, will take me years and years to knit through it all, I am okay with that. There is no embarrassment when I tell others, " I am going into the stash". There are many articles and posts about minimalism and how we have too many things, I understand where they are coming from , but the desire to minimize my stash is non-existent. Would I like to knit more from my stash-absolutely? At the same time, I enjoy new yarny treats being added to the stash family if I see yarn that I makes my heart go pitter-patter.

 

I would love to hear your feelings on your stash size? Also, please enjoy a song and 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

Knit chat about blogging...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

Hello there. How was your week? It has been a tough week/month/year on our hearts with hurricanes, floods and senseless killings. I may blog and chat about yarn and not mention how my spirit breaks with all the tragedies going on in our world-not because I don't care or because I am oblivious, but because knitting is my solace. My way of dealing with all the tragedies.

 

 

 

Each stitch represents reflection and healing for me. Others may look at it at a hobby, but we know different.  In addition to the knitting, I search out blogs to read so that I can take in the words and find inspiration in the images. Some may think blogging went away with Instagram, but when I post my weekly loves I find myself having to choose between hundreds. So my advice to you if you blog- keep blogging.

 

 

Without my blog I would not have made the friends I have or share with you all the lovely yarn treasure to be had.  This year I have been featuring indie dyers where I can spread the love for small business and artists who fuel my knitting therapy. I am able to do that because you all visit me and allow me to do so by reading my blog. In turn I have been introduce to some dyers and yarns by reading other's blogs.

 

 

Blogging has also given me the opportunity to create a Raverly group filled with the most wonderful people.  Sometimes it can feel like I am selfishly taking about me, me and me...this group allows me to see what you are working on and knit along with you. 

The point to all this rambling...if you blog keep blogging. You may hear that blogging has gone away and that no one reads blogs anymore. I can tell you that is not true. Please keep blogging, we are reading it and it provides endless hours of entertainment for us. While I am guilty of reading posts and not commenting sometimes- I read your words and love them.

If you are thinking of creating a blog- do it.

 

Have the best day today and enjoy a song!

 

 

XO,

Andi

Let talk about knitting and sports...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Yarn~ The Woolen Homestead Sturdy sock in the color Nymphadora Tonks.  Tea~ David's Tea Forever Nuts.

Well hello there. For those of you who hate pink, I am sorry for the bombardment but since it is still my birthday month...I continue to celebrate with the color that makes me happiest. :)  Never fear the birthday chat will be coming to an end soon.

 

Neighborhood Fiber Co sock in the color Victorian Village.

Will you check out this skein of the most perfect pink? This was a lovely gift from my dear friend Jody. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those skeins that needs to sit amongst it's yarn siblings for a bit and wait for the perfect project.

 

 

On the same day another sweet surprise package arrived. One of my most beloved books is The Little Prince and for a long time I wanted all the Opal's The Little Prince  line. Thanks to thoughtful Heather I am well on my way. 

 

Pattern~ Gravel Socks   Yarn~ Lynai yarns in the color Free Elf.

Alright- enough bday chat, let's talk about knitting.  I am nearing the finish line on these socks which felt like they knit themselves. The reason for this is that football season has started and this lady loves football. If you have read my blog for a while you may be aware of my passion for the Denver Broncos. If you are in my life in person, there is a strong possibility that I would annoy you with all the football conversations that happen this time of year.

Yet another reason why it is brilliant to be a yarny. Most projects are portable enough where you can take them to the live games or to a tailgate party.  Even better for those who are not football fans, but love Tour De France, hockey, baseball...there are groups and KAL/CALs on Raverly for  those. Then who can forget the Ravellenic Games situation that caused much chaos.

Here is where things get really fun-sports themed hand dyed yarns! These are just a few if you know of more dyers let us know in the comments.

 

• Halcyon yarn carries NFL, NHL, MBL and on and on and on. It is heaven for sports fans.
• Lilliput Yarns has some brilliant self-striping yarns.
• The Yarn Jar features self-striping yarns for those who are into Quidditch (fictitious game I know).
• The Loopy Ewe has a line of Team Spirit yarns.

 

Do you like to watch or attend sporting events with your knitting? I would love to know.I will leave you with this fun interview with The Pens Knitting Lady.

 

 

XO,

Andi

Knitterly chat and Birthday happenings...

 

Hello loves!

 

Yarn~ Miss Click Clack Merri Creek Sock in the color Pretty When I Cry.

What a wonderful week. September is my favorite month because I have claimed it as my Birthday month.  I have much to be grateful for with each passing year, mainly all the wonderful people that are in my life. Sometimes that is the greatest gift, right?  As you can see my lovely family gets that pink is life for me. :)

 

Ilashdesigns SW merino sock in the color Spring Bouquet.

Ever since the sister has become a crochet-addict, she finally understands that despite having lots of yarn gifted yarn is always welcome. Bonus the sister has excellent taste in colors.

 

 

Then this surprise package landed on my doorstep on the day of my birthday. I think Steph and the mail service did a secret collaboration.  How gorgeous are these mitts?  In addition to being gorgeous, they are going to come in handy because they are made with fingering weight yarn which will be perfect for our "not as cold as other places" Arizona winters. Yet we still need a little warmth during the morning commute.

 

Pattern~ My own vanilla pattern   Yarn~ NaturalFibreArts in the color Wood Nymph.

Aside from all the birthday celebrations I was able to get these loves finished. Yay! My box of socks is coming along. I have a couple more on the needles ( as one does) that are nearing the finish line which will put me ahead of schedule.

Knitting plans/ideas for the rest of the month...I want to continue to finish up some of the WIPs in my basket. The feeling of finishing things can sometimes become addictive. But here is the thing...I also want to cast on all the things. I received some wonderful pattern gifts via Raverly and now I want to cast them all on as well. What a wonderful conundrum to have. :)

Now I am going to get a little mushy here so put on your raincoats.  Thank you for making my birthday and life in general so blessed. Just by being in my life, reading my blog, sharing yourself with my on Ravelry, commenting here, entering giveaways and lurking...I wake up feeling as though everyday is my birthday. You will never know how much you all mean to me-think of a high level and multiply that by 1 million.

Okay mush over. This week's post was supposed to be a feature for our September Indie dyer feature but unfortunately the dyer was not able to participate at the last minute.  No hard feelings as I know life gets in the way sometimes.  So instead you had to listen to my birthday ramblings.

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

 

 

XO,

Andi

P.S. My heart and prayers are with Texas and now Florida. May you all stay safe.

August Indie Dyer Feature~ Dragon Hoard Yarn Co.

 

Hello there! Here we are in August and  that means I have the privilege of featuring another brilliant dyer, Dragon Hoard Yarn.  I can tell you the first thing that attracted me to this beautiful Esty shop was the fact that Trysten had a huge selection of Harry Potter themed yarns. One the yarn was received and knit up, I couldn't have cared less what the name was...this yarn is a dream. Bonus it is also gorgeous.

Dragon Hoard Yarn Co.

 

 

Without further ado...let's chat with Trysten of Dragon Hoard Yarn Co.!

My name is Trysten, and I started Dragon Hoard Yarn about a year ago. Before Dragon Hoard Yarn, I had the shop, Fingers of Fury. I crochet and knit items to sell online. It was a lot of work, and my heart wasn't exactly in it as much. I have then since decided that I don't like knitting/crocheting custom items for others. The pressure is too much, and I then don't enjoy the process. I was super inspired by my mom, who is the dyer behind Yarn Café Creations, to start dyeing yarn. She started to show me how the dyeing process works, and I was instantly hooked. I love the magic and surprise that comes with dyeing yarn and playing with color. I am always so excited to see how a new colorway comes out. 

 

 

I am inspired by movies, fandoms, and my daily life. I am a total geek, and love Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and anime, as well as all things Disney. These movies and shows inspire a lot of my colorways, especially Harry Potter and Disney. Both of these fandoms have had such a hand in my life, that I wanted to be able to create something beautiful with them. Since I started dyeing the colors that matched my soul, my business started to take off. It was such great validation that other people could love and appreciate the things that made me happy and who I am. A rule of thumb since then, I will not dye it unless I love it! I typically only dye on fingering weight at the moment, because that is all I usually use myself. 

 

 

A little bit about me, I am 27 years old, and married with three dogs. My husband Eric and I have just celebrated our 7th anniversary, and we just celebrated our oldest dog's 7th birthday with us. As I have said, is that I am a total geek. I go to Comic Con in Utah (where I live) every year with my husband as our yearly "trip". We cosplay (dress up) as different characters each time, and want to compete soon. You can usually tell when Comic Con is close, because my color choices for new colorways are greatly affected. This year we are going as Alice in Wonderland characters, and I already have a few colorways representing that.

 

 

I am also in school right now, majoring in psychology. I want to be a marriage and family therapist for the deaf, and will be starting my master's program in the spring of 2018. 
I started knitting only about 2 1/2 years ago, and have been crocheting since I was 7. I much prefer knitting, and have just started publishing some shawl patterns on Ravelry. My mom taught me how to do both, and since I super look up to my mom, both times I caught on really quickly. I now co-host the Youtube podcast of, "The Girls in the Yarn Café" with my mom, and work at my day job with her as well. 

 

 

 

My favorite projects that I have been knitting recently have been everything faded! I am working on both my "So Faded" sweater, and my "Free Your Fade" shawl pattern, both by Andrea Mowrey. I also am obsessed with knitting sweaters. I prefer fingering weight sweaters at the moment, even though they take longer. I am about to cast on a new sweater with my "Cackle" colorway here pretty soon. 

 

 

Random thing about me is that I am the most non-picky/picky eater you will ever meet. If it is fancy and cool, I usually don't want it. I love me some pizza, and tacos. You give me that, I will be the happiest person you will ever meet!!

How absolutely lovely to meet Trysten, right? Thank you Trysten for agreeing to chat with me and share your talents.You can find Trysten here:

Ravelry

Etsy

Girls in the Yarn Café podcast

 

Not only did this wonderful dyer agree to be a feature for My Sister's Knitter, but she has generously donated a skein of her brilliant yarn.

 

Color~ Peek-a-boo with contrasting yarn for heels/toes   Fluffy sock base

 

You know the routine...get on over the Dragon Hoard Yarn Co and come back to tell me your favorite colorway (in stock and sold). Giveaway is open to world-wide entries. This giveaway will close September 2nd and winner will be announced via blog post on the 3rd.

Good luck and have the best day today!

XO,

Andi