Customer Projects 01/30/12 — WOW!!!

Everyone has been very busy while I was preparing for TNNA.  Thanks to Alicia wearing one of the loop scarves I sold during the holiday sample sale this past December, this scarf pattern is off and running again.  My version spirals for someunknown reason and is loads of fun…will type at some future date so you can play with it.  For now, enjoy and hopefully be inspired by all the awesome fiber arts going on at Summit Yarn.  Here in no particular order:

Kate Wassel's entrlac socks...she is currently crocheting the cutest owl ever! This past weekend was her birthday -- so be sure to send her great Birthday Wishes!!!

 

I came up with a way to crochet this infinity scarf so it has a sawtooth edge on both edges and Chris is loving the pattern and tested it through every possible variation!

 

Chris finished her Prysm Socks from one of last year's kits.

 

one of the Ewetopia swatches I did to see what stitch definition I could get...!

 

Skullcap worn by my teenage son...two balls would make a nice sized adult stocking hat.

 

Izzy wearing a cowl version of the crochet Infinity Scarf made from Big Trend yarn in Rainbow Colors

 

One of Donna's socks made from the wonderful Opal Sock Yarn.

 

a knit bag ready for felting...do they have to be this big? Yes, they lose at least half their vertical height and some of the width (about one third).

 

Carol with her Bedouin Bag by Noni prior to felting. Well done!

 

Chris is still plugging away at her four at a time socks....these are just going to take a good amount of time!

 

Robin's Juniper Moon hat (pattern from Interweave Knits I believe)...love the stitch texture...I think this stitch pattern would be great for socks!

 

Frog Tree Yarns Picoboo Hat knit by Jamie using fibonacci Stripe technique.

 

Jamie's Arroway Shawl...now completed and absolutely gorgeous. This pattern however was the base pattern for his first shawl in this five month series. I hope we get something really original and NEW in February!

 

Beautiful Baby Hat by Beth for first grandchild!

 

Flounce-like yarn by Katia that has defined holes to knit through at the top of this "yarn". If you are interested in this in the future just let me know!

 

Suzy models the Origami Cardigan knit in Meriboo Machine Washable...still unfinished, it is back at the bottom of the list again.

 

Shawl by Suzy knit in Noro...pattern from Ravelry...Suzy: title of pattern?

 

close-up view -- fair isle knitting the fun and easy way!Suzy models the Zora Infinity Scarf.

 

 

Tales of TNNA Phoenix 2012

When Frog Tree Yarns called and asked if I would be able to come help out at the Phoenix TNNA, I didn’t even blink before I said: “Yes!”.  This is such a wonderful company!  They are completely non-profit, they give back to the world in many and diverse ways and they are just completely on my list of favorite people in the world.  They also support COMMUNITY LINKS, a 501c(3) not for profit organization that reaches out to South America.  Please Google this awesome Organization…nothing but impressive.  Anyway, back to TNNA.  My husband and son were completely supportive, and perhaps just as ready for a little break as I was.  The trip out to Arizona was easy peasy and I arrived without incident.  If you go to the taxi stand at the Phoenix airport, ask for a price comparison between the Limos and the Taxis…it is kind of like Let’s Make a Deal.  This way you get a flat rate and no surprises.

I stayed at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown (now a Marriot Hotel, used to be something else) and it was just a block walk to the convention center.  The weather was breezy and 70 degrees the whole time — just perfection.  On my way to my room I picked up the Ski Warm-Up (now renamed:  WARM ME UP!) because the snaps were hard to open and needed reworking and handed over completed sample work for the show (check out the wonderful NEAP TIDE SHAWL on Ravelry by Mary Lou Egan;  I also made a hat, mitts and swatches in their newest yarn:  EWETOPIA — having knit 13 balls/1420 yards of this yarn I can honestly say IT IS AWESOME!!! IT DOES NOT SPLIT AND HAS A WONDERFUL HAND — which I missed the minute I started knitting with anything else.  Ewetopia is two different plies of extrafine merino wool with a loft unmatched by any other yarn I have handled to date.  More about this — with photos of the 18 color ways later.)

My roommate, Joan Fish, was there waiting in the room (we met last June at the Columbus TNNA) and we had a great visit.  Shower and off to bed so I could get up early and play “wrangle” with the snaps on the vest.  I brought several alternative snap solutions with me and started at 7:30 in the morning.  I even brought magnetic snaps which I thought were the right solution.  They were too heavy and I could not get them open any easier than the other snaps.  I was so frustrated I cut those tabs off.   None of the snap alternatives worked.  I admit to some sailor-like cussing at this point…none of which can really be proved by anyone other than the cleaning ladies.  I got up, paced the room and then started looking through the clothes in my suitcase.  Yup, there is what will work on that brand new shirt…nice little dark buttons…more than I need.  I cut them all off and went to work.  I used the top of the snaps as decoration only and knit a facing to cover the bottom of them and sew the buttons onto (this way the buttons would remain hidden).  I did not even need to make buttonholes as the buttons fit neat and snug between the stitches on the opposite tabs.  Yay!!!

The above process took from 7:30 a.m. to Noon.  I was supposed to be there at 10 a.m. but without the vest would have been no good and sitting there cussing while working on the vest also = no good.  I have a total THING about being punctual so that added to the feelings of frustration.  However, I was there in just a few minutes and they totally understood.  Shortly thereafter a customer came up and was so enthused with said garment that she insisted she wanted the pattern ASAP so she could knit it on the way home.  Not having my computer, I spent the rest of the day taking yarn orders and writing the pattern out longhand.  Feels pretty darn good when someone likes one of my designs that much!

It was more than humbling to see my work displayed in the booth…all the things that have been created with their inspiration in the last year.  Flock Wooligan is still very popular and some people went on so that I blushed (not an easy feat).  Meanwhile, this company is from Massachusetts and of course has sports team preferences not in accord with mine. While the Patriots were playing, I was gracious…kind of.  While the Giants were playing (my team…GO GIANTS!!!)…all bets were off and the gloves were down.  Then we made the mistakes of discussing Ice Hockey and Baseball…I have to admit it was hysterical to play stupid like I did not know what the baseball team was in Massachusetts (my apologies Donna — the end.).  All I can say is:  we had fun and now that both our football teams are at the SuperBowl — it is on like Donkey Kong!

There is a new hand dyer out there — the company is called:  Baaa! and besides placing a large order with Frog Tree, I also placed an order with this company.  The colors are all beautiful and some (my favorites) are even non-pooling (I happen to like pooling of colors…but not everyone does).  The non-pooling colors had a magic to them.  The secondary underlying colors kind of shimmered into existence in the sample pieces.  My particular favorite color with this ability is called:  Brazilian Emerald.  Make Multnomah in this and you will rapidly see what I mean.  I have a color card and a sample skein at the studio in case you would like to have a peek!

I came home with more orders for sample knitting:  a baby blanket for the well-known and well-loved Steven Be from Minneapolis, two cable vests (by Lisa Ellis and just spectacular) in Meriboo, and another Hearten Wrap.  I also have a new sweater pattern on needles that I am working the details out for…I am working it up in Pediboo (Suzy is working up the worsted version in Noro Silk Garden).  Send me good vibes…it is going well so far.  I still have to complete an Origami Cardigan (by Linda Daniels — this is on Ravelry) in Meriboo…only 30″ to go on the front and one Heirloom baby blanket in Pediboo (quick easy knit by yours truly).  Nice to have work that pays and keeps me busy…and helps with the rent!

We of course all were busy in off moments sharing our latest favorite videos on YouTube.  I was having trouble with my phone so I started by sharing my funny photos and narrating the stories behind them.  I had trouble finding the one Siri spoof video…we randomly played a few…but one was really embarassing…so much so that Sharon giggled till she cried and just hid her head in her arms.  My favorite links are:

My Blackberry is Broken (BBC — The two Ronnies),

The Last Knit,

Patrick Rothfuss:  Guinea Pigs are Fish

and the Siri commercial under collegehumor:  Siri Argument (there are numerous F-bombs at the end which get tiresome), and finally,

Goats Sheep Surfing by bubblescubed.

The second night Sharon, Susan and myself went out together to dinner.  We used the GPS on Sue’s phone…since she could not see the map I navigated and they kept me from walking into poles.  I got us to where the little green “pin” was…however, nothing else was there, including the restaurant.  However, there was a woman and her Pedicab (think bicycle and trawler).  Her name was Zora.  She drove the three of us stalwartly over to the restaurant…which was closed.  I got out.  I guess I thought if I stared at it long enough it would magically open.  I was wrong.  Zora graciously drove us all the way back to where we began with her and them some to an open restaurant of her liking.  It was great.  We laughed all the way.  Admittedly, we had some concerns given the tally of our collective weight…momentum being what it is and the laws of physics and all.  The looks from younger thinner women of less character were just charming…especially given that we had already walked a distance…you could just see it in their eyes:  if those three just walked they would be thinner!  Dearies, we did and failed.  We even watched as an Orthodox Family — husband and wife — burst into raucous laughter at the sight of us.  We laughed back and loved every moment!  We could have easily been our own little sitcom.  We had dinner at a place called:  Sam’s Cafe and I do agree with Zora…it was the bees knees.

Travel Day #2 was…well, just special.  The air traffic was backed up big time at the Phoenix Airport.  When my flight was going to land in Chicago just three minutes before my connection departed I got on line to reorganize my day.  We waited and waited.  We learned to do this in Kindergarden, right?  Everybody was in the same boat, may as well suck it up and deal.  Either I would be able to be rerouted to an airport within driving distance of home or I would be spending the night in Chicago.  While we were all waiting, a very large muscular man gets up, totally bypasses the line and starts screaming at the ticketing agent.  She was just tiny.  I couldn’t help myself.  I cut in and said:  If you have anything to say, go to the back of the line and wait to say your piece like the rest of us.  Then he started screaming at me.  I told him to choose the back of the line of go sit down already.  Most of the people looked pretty shocked, but the two ladies behind me, though red in the face began to snigger.  (He chose to sit down).  Then I made some comments about Kindergarden to shake it all off and get myself calm.  The ladies behind me sniggered more and I turned and we all had a good laugh.  The ticketing agent later thanked me for pulling him off.  I have to admit it was not entirely altruistic…he was slowing her down.

The waiting area at the Newark airport took some finding.  I guess God decided to mess with my head for the fun of it.  There was a sign I followed pointing one way towards the beginning of the terminal.  It said:  gates C70 to C139 this way.  Well, I ran out of effing gates.   I walked back and as I did so became positioned between the first sign (to my left) and a second pointing me in the opposite direction to gates C100-C115.  I took pictures.  I have proof.  Really, I do.  Anyway, long story shorter, the flight home was hilarious.  I had the poor flight attendant in stitches.  Something in me kind of cracked when I went to board with my assigned seat on my boarding pass and the machine said: DENIED.  They did get me on the plane, even with my wide-eyed look of craze.  After that I decided to help the flight attendant point out the exits and floor lighting.  I asked questions.  When there were two empty rows and he wanted me further back in the plane I asked: Why? Because I am Fat?  I thought he was going to die on the spot.  I started laughing and so did the plane.  We had a great time and I made some new friends, Wendy and Cindy.  Wendy has Keen Flowers in Scranton and Cindy (HI ABBY!!!!) has the Ty-Dye Cafe in Honesdale.  They were great fun and always laughed on cue.

Lesson:  Laughter really is the best remedy.

I Have a bunch of photos that will not upload.  will try tonight.  love and laughter, Mary Ellen

 

Nikkers LOVES Pediboo

Finished a sample of the Neap Tide Shawl by Mary Lou Egan ( for Frog Tree Yarns ) last night. It is an elongated crescent shawl/scarf with a Print O’ The Wave shetland edging, knit side-to-side. It is an easy knit and I was even able to memorize the edging pattern. The pattern says to do 6 repeats in the center work even area. I have knit this shawl twice now, from two skeins of Pediboo (510 yards) and can promise you can get 11-12 repeats in the center section and still have enough to finish with a little left over. Huz was nice enough to help me block it last night. Here are some photos:

 

New Markdowns and more Customer Projects

Yesterday, Lourdes, Debbie and Lisa came by for a knit.  Lisa, God Bless Her Very Much, worked on sheep parts so that I could finish a shop sample ordered by a store in Connecticut.  Lourdes is back to crack mittens and they are gorgeous!  (Photos below…)  Debbie did great with the shawl by Tanis Gray (latest issue of Knitscene…the bulky weight shawl knit on US 13′s in three parts–body, lower lace edge, upper i-cord edge).  I felt the piece could be done start to finish as one piece in a side-to-side shawl.  I wrote it out for Debbie, explaining how she would have to match up the rows to make things work and she did an amazing and beautiful job.  She also has completed through size small of the Stephen West KAL Mystery Shawl.

Pattern cover from Lourdes' mittens...this can be found on Ravelry!

 

I love the colors Lourdes chose...the lighter color is a pale green, the yarn is DB Rialto Four Ply.

 

The palm side of Lourdes' mitten before she put the thumb in. For anyone who gets to take Cat Bordhi's class "Personal Footprints"...you learn a special trick from her in this class for making thumbs, afterthought heels and afterthought anything look especially good. Take the class!

 

Debbie's Stephen West Mystery KAL in Elsbeth Lavold's Silky Wool and Silky Tweed.

 

Debbie's Shawl from Knitscene....lace edge/body/I-cord upper edge knit all as one piece. Life should be made easier whenever possible!

 

I am just past the halfway point of the “My Kind of Saturday” cowl knit in Riveting and designed by IrishGirlieKnits.  I like the embossed look of the lace pattern, I love the stitch definition from the yarn and can’t wait to wear it when the weather is cooler because of how very soft and drapey this cowl is!  Come see it at the studio!

"My Kind of Saturday" cowl at the halfway point. Yarn= Riveting from Kollage Yarns (made from recycled blue jeans!)

 

I am still churning out sheep for customers and for Frog Tree Yarns.  If you have one on order it will be ready soon.  Here is the latest one I finished:

done in pink to promote the "Pink Project" a fundraiser for Cancer research...for more info ask me at the studio!

 

Yarn for Juniper Moon Farms arrives in just a few weeks!  I am trying to clear out older yarns we seem to be done with and have many markdowns throughout the studio and especially in the front room.  The next yarn I have marked down severely is the end of the Mission Falls 1824 Cotton…now $2.75 a skein.  It must go to good homes.  I have pattern support specifically for this yarn.  There is a little DB Chunky Donegal Tweed remaining, and other DB yarns as well, all 50% off.  The Elsbeth Lavold Collection is $4 per skein and great for SO MANY PROJECTS including the Dahlia Sweater so popular on Ravelry these days.  All books in the front room are marked down to cost as well.  I look forward to help you take advantage of this limited time end of summer sale in ways that are meaningful to what you want to create.

The great news:  The “Lady Jane Shawl” has been selected by Frog Tree Yarns as one of two pieces to be featured in the fashion show at the upcoming Northwest Needle Market in Seattle City this September.  This is a huge and humbling honor!  And, a reminder, if you purchase the pink kit of the Lady Jane shawl this will help raise funds for cancer research for the Frog Tree Yarns Pink Project.

now, for your daily dose of cute (thank you Jamie and Suzy for your contributions):

"Your knitting is interfering with my napping!"

 

Kristin Nichols warms up a lamb in her own colorful way!

 

Gene, the kitten gets his nap IN SPITE of his mom's knitting. Thank you very much.

 

Take care and I look forward to seeing you soon at Summit Yarn Studio.  There are only two remaining kits for this month’s sock club and more limited space next month.  Please let me know if you are interested.  I am always happy to ship.  with love, laughter and light always, Mary Ellen

 

New Patterns From Frog Tree Yarns

This morning I received the go-ahead to post the first four patterns to join the Frog Tree Family of my design.  There is also hope that in about two weeks there will be a new scarf/shawlette pattern ready to post on Ravelry…fingers crossed.  I also have a new shawl in the works…not lace…but knit side to side with a new edging.  It will be knit out of Frog Tree Yarns Chunky Alpaca.  I have test knitters on the pattern right now.  For the time being, it can be referred to as the Sea Green Thing.  Here are photos of the newest patterns you can find at your LYS or order from me and I will ship them to you (just drop a note in my email!):

The FiddleHead sock...so named because it resembles the ornate carvings on the head of a violin. Ribbing is combined with rope cables and a floral lace stitch in an easy to remember stitch pattern, both written out and charted. The test knitters at Summit Yarn were very enthusiastic about this pattern and I do hope you enjoy it too! When ordering ask for pattern number FT-245. And...Thank You!

 

The Lady Jane Wrap came into being in answer to the requests of knitters frustrated with trying to guess how much yarn to budget for the final edging of shawls. In answer, this shawl is knit side to side and both top and bottom lace edgings are knit at the same time. Though it resemble Whipped, it is a completely different construction and not an update. Please remember the body of the shawl can be knit with any stitch you choose: Stockinette Stitch, Garter Stitch, file:///Users/maryellenlangieri/Downloads/photo-17.JPGSeed Stitch...etc. This becomes a lovely knitting experience, and leaves you with an elegant piece to wear when the knitting is complete. When asking for this pattern at your LYS, as for pattern number FT-244.

 

FLOCK WOOLIGAN PART ONE

 

FLOCK WOOLIGAN PART TWO...A FLOCK OF 24 SHEEP FOR EWE TO COLLECT!

 

Meet Winnifred Wensleydale Wooligan...the minx who began all of this. She is the matriarch of the Wooligan Clan. The pattern is now available with the names of all 24 sheep just for Ewe to knit. When asking for this pattern at your LYS, please request FT-261...and Summit Yarn Thanks You!

 

The Heirloom Baby Blanket is a reversible and easy-to-remember stitch pattern using only knits and purls. The texture appears lightly embossed for a classic look. The Heirloom Baby Blanket is a quick and pleasurable knit you are going to want to do again and again for those much loved little people in your life. When requesting this pattern, please ask for pattern number FT-257...and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

 

and finally, today’s cuteness:  I was getting my son ready for football the other day and I kept hearing “Mouw…Mouw Mouw!”, louder and louder.  I finally looked up to see Nikkers flirting with me shamelessly on top of the stair bannister over the foyer.  Here is the same photo from this morning from a higher vantage point, in case I needed to resue the little rascal:

Nikkers, the netless trapeze artist, and his brother, Sputters in the foreground. I apparently am "MaaouwMaouw".

 

with love, light and laughter always, Mary Ellen and all things Summit Yarn  xoxox

 

 

 

Review: Live Oak Shawlette

This pattern is the WHOLE reason I purchased the current issue of Knitscene Fall 2011.  However, now that I have had time to peruse the entire issue there are enough projects in this one issue to keep me busy for at least a couple of months (haha…if I stay awake 24 hours a day and do nothing but knit).  Really, there are at least three sweaters and two other scarves I fully intend to knit just in this one issue; making it worth much more than the purchase price.

Last night, around 11pm, I completed my version of Live Oak Shawlette.  From Cast On to Bind Off bottom edge I did actually knit it precisely as per the pattern (Donna, I am serious!).  Because I had 800 yards of yarn I did THREE (3) repeats of Chart A to lengthen the shawl, instead of just one repeat.  Doing that many repeats plus the final chart b, took a little over 600 yards of yarn (so one skein of Jaeger Spun Zephyr Silk/Wool will be enough for this shawlette).  Since I had yardage left over I knit my standard sawtooth lace edge across the top.  For the more courageous of you out there, if you do this with enough yardage, IT WOULD BE LOVELY to pick up stitches across the top edge, do one row of stockinette to make the stitch count right and THEN DO CHART B across the top edge as well.  This is a beautiful leaf edge border designed by Rosemary Hill and I cannot compliment her creativity highly enough.  I will use that beautiful leaf edge in other places in the future, like maybe the edge of a sweater, or the cuff edge of a toe-up sock.

Here are the numbers as I knit the scarf:

The beginning of the scarf and two repeats of chart a took about 400 yards of yarn.

Through three repeats took about 520 yards of yarn,

and through the end of chart b took about 630 yards of yarn.

After edging the top, as I shared earlier, I still had enough remaining yarn to keep in my stash for an emergency bind off of some future scarf.  I used FINDLEY, a new merino/silk laceweight yarn from Juniper Moon Farms, which will be arriving here in late August.  We will be having an open house to highlight this new yarn, with samples already made in each of the different types of this yarn.  The Open House will be in the afternoon-into-evening of Monday, September 26th.  You are all welcome to attend, so please put this important date on your calendars.

close-up of the expanded lace section of Live Oak, by Romi Hill

 

close-up of the top edge of my version of this shawl -- I used the same edge as in WHIPPED

 

shawl before blocking...note cats circling in the background...!

 

I am casting on the COLFAX SHAWL By Angela Tong next, in Zephyr, in a deep claret color.  More on this in future posts!  The UPS man (Andy) just came with the yarn for a new sweater design I have in mind and copies of Cat Bordhi’s Zebra Sock Pattern.  The pattern is beautifully done with great detail…no too much…just right.  If you are interested in learning her new heel with a minimal financial investment, then this is the pattern for you!  I also have the yarn for the Zebra Socks in stock waiting, if that is the version you would like to knit.  Just let me know!

and your daily dose of cuteness…this is how I woke up:

Nikkers and Sinfonia to my right....

 

Sputters to my left (Smidgen was sunbathing in the window)...

 

with love, light and laughter always,  Mary Ellen (stay HYDRATED in this heat folks…and pass the word along!)

XOXOX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday You Finished Me!

I spent the whole day putting up the Flock Wooligan Kits tjat were ordered by lovely customers of Frog Tree Yarns at TNNA in Columbus. They will be shipped up to Frog Tree Yarns on Monday as I have a few more colorpa ks to put together. It really feels good when I can cross some items off my to do list!

We just delivered Uncle Dude’s hat to his house and are having our weekly dinner out. Hoping for TCBY afterwards. Then home and back to Alcyone. What a lovely knit she is! I finished the second chart sequnce last night!

Will write more tomorrow. This asthma has kicked my butt.
with love, light and laughter,
Mary Ellen

 

Cat Bordhi’s Pediboo Zebra Sock Pattern Available From Frog Tree Yarns…ask at your LYS!

Oh Zebra Sock…how do I love thee…let me count the ways?  You have a new heel architecture which is easy to do and fits even people with high arches and tricky insteps…your pattern is written in multiple sizes/from tot to total grown-up.  The sock has already inspired many of us to want mohawk hats, zebra mitts and fringed scarves using this novel stitch idea!  AND the sock can be knit without the zebra’s mane and fit beautifully because of the rib used in the cuff and leg.  It is a many faceted sock.  Best of all, your LYS will be carrying the sock as an individual pattern.  Once you fall in love with this Sweet Tomato Heel you will want the eBook…but small baby steps are a great way to start.  Start with this pattern as soon as you can lay hands on it!  I have held and examined these socks (the actual ones Cat knit) in my own two hands and I already have the Pediboo here to make them!!!

Bee Balm in the foreground.

As a knit blogger and LYS owner, every night I take a run through the new patterns posted on Ravelry.  Up until now I have done it purely for my own interest and to see what’s new.  Sometimes, when something really strikes me I speak of it here.  Last night, it occurred to me (okay, I know I can be a little thick) maybe I should make daily reviews.  In that vein, here are two sweet patterns I came across last night.

Courtesy of Bonnie Groening, a Toddler Earflap Cap…I know my friend Lisa is going to be looking for hat patterns for her grandson soon and this seems like a great one, especially with the earflaps.  Currently, it is free as a Ravelry Download and can also be saved to your Ravelry library (I always do this).

Free Lace Shawl Pattern (really!!!OMG!!!) courtesy of Gabrielle Mardsden.  I clicked on this expecting a hefty price tag, only to discover this to be currently a free download.  It is beautiful and now on my to do list.  The shawl is called:  MONONGAHELA  and refers to a region between Pennsylvania and another state.  The name of the shawl loosely translates as:   slippery slope.  There is also a group for this pattern called:  Monongahela Test Knits.

Uncle Dude’s Chemo Cap is done, washed, blocked, dry and wrapped up in a little package just for him.  Hopefully, we will get a chance to run it over to him later tonight ( I was hoping to combine this little outing into a TCBY run! ).  He has a sizeable cranium and I do hope it fits…nervous…will feel better when I see it on him.  Here are a couple of Photos:

top increase area of the hat

 

It is too big on the glass head, but should be perfect on Dude...I used an I-cord bind off for a perfectly stretchy edge, and grafted the ends of the icord together.

 

Two nights ago, I knit the first 110 rows of Alcyone.  I love this small shawl.  I tried it with the stockinette option.  And if I had prestrung the yarn with beads I would have kept to this option.  But as I looked at the ones completed on Ravelry I came to the realization that a big part of what I loved about this pattern is its all-over texture.  Yup, this morning I went into work and frogged.  Now the first 110 rows are complete again and my inner greedy little knit Self is grinning ear-to-ear.  When this one is done, I am going to count all those little eyelets and get enough beads to do the stockinette version with a little glinty starry bead in each of those eyelets.  I may have a friend or ten who might like this as a holiday gift!

terrible photo....the colors are AWESOME...but you can see the lace cable...this is 110 rows.

 

My friend, Chris, should have this month’s kit in her hands today.  She was sending ocean photos, but must have something else keeping her busy.  Here is my favorite one of the three she has sent thus far:

Chris's ears must have been burning because she just texted me while I was uploading this photo! CHRIS: WHAT DOES TAM mean? and...Chris: knit every row on the flounce!

 

Here is how I have come to love my iPad:  it is perfect for my eBooks and knitted charts.  Why, you ask?  Because I am an old lady who can see nothing anymore.  The iPad, with a simple flick of the finger, enlarges the graph to just about as big as you could even imagine.  Here, have a look:

chart before enlarging without a trip to Staples...

 

chart enlarged a little without a trip to Staples...the chart can be enlarged to fill the whole screen if you like!

 

So, Naysayers of eBooks, I Nayslay you.  I do not have 101 pages to carry around (this eBook is 101 pages long).  No trees have been demolished.  I have not have to make countless copies of charts and send toxic fumes into the air whilst I laminate said paper charts.  Just me and my iPad…thank you very much.  (And this is where I also confess, that while my son does have a Kindle, he seems to prefer and complete REAL paper book more than he reads on the Kindle.  Go figure…there is one technology he is not into.)

and your daily dose of cute:

Nikkers to Clara Parkes: Dear Aunt Clara -- Kitties ALWAYS come first before everything! See how I own my Mama?!

 

Take care and take a moment to send some good vibes into this world.  There is just so much need.

with love, light and laughter always, Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn

 

 

 

Smell The Flowers

my son's grouping of annuals in his experimental garden at the studio

 

When we pull into the lot at the studio every morning it makes me smile to pull up in front of the fullness of these beautiful flowers.  My son fusses over them first thing and then again when we get back from lunch.  Now that the weather is hotter, we are going to have to stop by on our off days as well to make sure things don’t get wilty.  We had a gentle rainstorm this morning; I could hear it on the roof before I got up.  There were still little drops caught in some of the flowers and on the leaves.  Here is my favorite picture from today of this:

flowers cupping drops of this morning's rain

 

We had the weekly gathering of The Omigami Heart Tribe.  I think with this full moon our hearts are feeling a little tender with memories of people we have had to part with sooner than we planned.  We still had a great time.  Both Ardis (aka Carol) and Lisa were knitting on the Simple Triangle Goddess Stitch shawl I published sometime in one of June’s blogs about Noro yarn.  When I find it again I will turn in into a pdf so we can all enjoy it…it turns out to be fairly popular here at Summit Yarn.  Lisa is using the last of the Lace Weight Noro and Ardis is using Noro Silk Garden Sock.  They like the pattern because it is versatile and also easy to work on in a social setting…meaning you can talk, knit and not mess up…always a plus.  Lourdes is busy at work on GIOVANNINA  and we are all setting our sights on Franklin Habit’s newest, Anna for August.  Debbie was woefully absent, but making good money…so we missed her but we understand.  YOU GO GIRL!  Be sure to be here next week though…that’s when we start our magic loop sock club kits together.

Skacel's Multitonal Filigran...the yarn GIOVANNINA calls for ( I have the same green Franklin knit it in if you are interested).

 

Lourde's shawl so far...I love the smooth transitions of color in this yarn. This way the lace stitch is not lost in the varying color tones.

 

I spent the morning and lunch alternating between the final rows of the baby blanket for Frog Tree Yarns in the ever beautiful Pediboo and Uncle Dude’s Chemo Cap, also in Pediboo…bright orange to help keep him feeling cheery.  Lisa and Lourdes both brought goodies.  Lourdes brought Brian, my son, plants for his garden…yellow seedum and lungwort.  We are taking these home to our secret robin paradise garden today.  We have a spot just for them and some garden art to mark them.  Lisa brought a basket full of goodies for dinner tonight…eggs, lettuce, basil, swiss chard, blueberries ( I feel a crumble coming on…) and a beautiful vase of fresh cut flowers.  The flowers are right here next to me.  LISA:  did you notice the one coneflower is the exact color of Dream in Color Smooshy you got last week?  Love that color.  Here are photos:

Garden Dinner Basket...YUM!

 

One of many photos I took of this flower arrangement. I am going over to Lisa's this week and hope to spend some time in her garden with my camera. Her garden is a living art exhibition and I love being there.

 

After lunch today, Brian and I went out and dead-headed the flowers and strawberries where it was needed.  The sunflowers are amazing and prolific.  The bees are loving them at noontime each day.  We have more blooms on the way.  The Swiss Chard is recovering from The Chard Bandit (I hope you choke on that…you know who you are).  We are already planning next year’s garden and electric fence.

Sunflowers at Summit Yarn thanks to Brian Langieri and his green thumb.

 

If you are on Ravelry and would like a FREE PATTERN TODAY:  Go to the BABY BOWS CAP (search on the Pattern Page).  It is adorable and unisex.  The stitch pattern makes it interesting to knit and I plan to make a couple to take to Sock Summit for the baby shower.

Other items of interest on Ravelry:

>Stephen West is starting a KAL on August 1st.  You can purchase the pattern for $4 (or later for $6).  I plan on playing along and will be posting here about the KAL.  Join in the fray!  I am sure there will also be a KAL page on Ravelry for this and you should absolutely follow that as well.

>Franklin Habit’s newest (and I think best ever) shawl will be released for sale sometime in August.  It is dedicated sweetly to his mother, Anna.  Go to his blog:  The Panopticon Blog to check out photos of this creation.

>Rosemary Hill:  IS A LACE GENIUS.  Period.  The End.  She is to lace what Hanne Falkenberg is to sweaters.  I read over all the posted projects for ALCYONE last night and nobody mentioned the incredible architectural feat she did in this shawl.  Martha just knit it and I posted a photo yesterday and she did not mention THIS THING.  ROMI used short rows in a way I have not encountered before; sure there are no “wrap and turns” or “unwraps”  but the real genius goes way beyond this in how she concealed the short rows.  No.  That is all I am going to say.  You simply must go check this out for yourself if you care at all about your lace education.  I am enthralled.  Thank You Romi Hill!

>Cat Bordhi has also released her first eBook and it is splendiferous (a Tigger reference here is more than apropriate).  This book has both her newest heel architecture AND some new ideas about short rows she invented this past winter.  Again, she is one of just a few knitting architecture GURUS and if this is an area of knitting that interests you…then read everything she has written.  You will be glad.  Her gift is knowing how to get into that quiet place of stillness in her heart and actually listen to it.  Hard to do in the middle of a fast paced life.  Her blog is wonderful and a beckoning hand to help us all feel that same inner peace.  Just Google Cat Bordhi and her home page will appear.  Go there and read her blog.  My favorite blog is the one where she describes a meeting between a large river otter and an unsuspecting deer.

>If you write a blog, treat yourself.  Go to the stats page and click on some of the people who have read your blog…even if the address seems unlikely.  I clicked on “typestatting.blogspot.com” yesterday and discovered a wonderful knitting blog quite by accident; great photos and great vibes to revel in.

>Finally, Debbie has just texted me:  the Free Triangle Shawl pattern was posted within the text of my blog on JUNE 8TH of this year.  THANK YOU DEBBIE!

Take care and look for a new page to appear soon at the top of this blog just for the pets of Summit Yarn.  Nikkers has discovered the cat in the iPad and the phone and it is hilarious.  Will upload those photos for you soon!

with love, laughter and radiant healing light,  Mary Ellen

 

Have I ever mentioned how much I love to knit? and Tina’s Sweater

My mother taught me how to knit when I was four years old.  She wanted to go to bowling league and I wanted something to do.  Having just adopted my first ever cat, Oliver (named after the movie, Oliver Twist)…I set out to knit him a blanket all his own.  Whenever Mom needed a baby present, I pitched in and helped by knitting the booties and bonnet while she powered through the sweater and blanket…back then a whole layette was given.  I was surrounded by an incredible tribe of women back then and I learned everything from them I could…especially when to keep my mouth shut and be invisible so I learn things they would rather I didn’t.

Then, as life went along, I wound up working mostly in a man’s world:  Asbestos Safety Inspector for NJ, secretary to my Dad, then medical school and residency.  During that period of my life it was harder to fit in with any tribe of women; women being fairly scarce as physicians, many nurses having a bit of disdain for docs (unless the doc was an eligible male), and the basic fact that women are just harder on women in the workplace.  It was a necessary education.

Now, I feel I have come back home to roost, thanks to the women who make Summit Yarn what it is, thanks to Tricia and Chet from Frog Tree Yarns, thanks to the women I count among my closest friends and thanks to the knitting/fiber community at large.  When I read Tina Newton’s most recent post, “Bobblicious”, I wept and smiled and loved every word.  Her blog, as I mentioned yesterday is at Blue Moon Fiber Arts and the latest blog refers to a sweater designed for Tina by my knitting Hero, Anna Zilboorg.  It wouldn’t have mattered really what the sweater looked like…it is the vibe of the whole thing that I wanted to wrap around my heart and body.  That kind of friendship, that kind of positivity and that kind of “impish” willingness to fully LIVE are all qualities I actively invite to be what comprises my life and the world around me.

This morning the pdf arrived and I did my spastic happy dance in the office at the studio!  The sweater is already on needles.  I would wax poetic about the bobbles, but Tina has already done that in spades.  However, she did not go on about the cuffs and edging which are sheer genius.  Here are photos of both sides of the fabric (I love both sides…and even tried to see if my husband would like the WS as much as I do but damn if he didn’t go for the right side!)

this is the right side of the edge and cuffs of the sweater, Tina's Sweater

 

this is the wrong side, which I like even more....for its simplicity I think

 

The pattern can be purchased as a pdf at the Blue Moon Fiber Arts website.  Go have a look around.  Tina Newton is a color genius and a poet.  When she writes from her heart…sheer poetry.  Her dyers notes are the main reason I subscribe to her sock club.  Those words inspire me and often help me pull myself up when all else fails.

Tina is in her fav color: green and Anna Zilboorg is in blue.

Last night we had our annual fireworks-in-the-driveway…Gary, Brian, Kathy, and me…and wine coolers.  It was just lovely.  I was a little worried about the trees and shrubs at the end of our driveway, but they do seem to have survived yet another year.  Here are the relevant photos:

Kathy...I bet she would be thrilled if I stopped snapping photos randomly!

 

Number One Son!

 

Today at the studio Brian and I spent some time in his beautiful garden and found three eggplants, multiple tomatoes and had to stake up the sunflowers.  It is amazing what can be done with just a tiny plot of ground!

Brian's Produce

 

I spent some time on the Heirloom Baby Blanket for Frog Tree Yarns, then Lisa dropped off some parts for the next sheep and now I am at work on the TinaSweater.  Later I have to put some more time in on the baby blanket…knitknitknit…here is what it looks like so far:

Heirloom Baby Blanket Pattern sample from Pediboo for Frog Tree Yarns

 

We had a mini-celebration:  Brian was admitted to Virtual Italian next year…very tough to get into this class.  Kudos to his instructional supervisor for pulling strings…she is nothing short of valiant!  And here is your daily dose of cuteness…Nikkers and I were having a million kisses and Gary snagged us:

with love, laughter and light always,

Mary Ellen and crew and Summit Yarn  ;-D