February 28, 2013
As I left my room to go downstairs this morning, there was all kinds of ruckus in the hallway. The cats are very interested in Maggie, the cockatiel, and usually she stays on her perches and safely ignores them. This morning she decided to play chicken with them. I think she had some misguided notion she was protecting the lovebirds, who are laying eggs again. Here, see for yourself. Moral: if you come across crazy–do not engage.
November 11, 2012
Spent the usual hours at the studio today. While son was hanging out at the football game DH and went out for a grown-up lunch. At the studio, did some tech editing and chart production for a new pattern. Then dug into the Woolly Wormhead Hat KAL. I have finished 2.5 pattern repeats and it is going to be a favorite. I’m using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino and the stitch definition is awesome. Good thing since the hat is covered with little cable polka dots.
Only the edging remains on my psychobarbie Color Affection Shawl. Saving that for movie knitting as it is all garter stitch.
Was cold in the house when we got home today so pumped up the heat for a bit. The animals all went comatose. Such calm is nice. Now that the heats turned down again it sounds like the cats are holding a WWE wrestling event upstairs! Photos to follow.
Saw an ad today…photo below. I will allow you to form your own conclusions about the personal history of the designer.
Donna has one Christmas sock complete. One to go! VaVa Donna!
November 5, 2011
Thank you to Susan Johns Padilla for keeping such a great photoalbum of inspiration and truths and laughter on her facebook page. Friend her, you won’t be sorry. XOX Mary Ellen
there is a better version of this on Susan's album page...lolz
CATS RULE!!!
I just want to hug this dog! Look how tight he is closing his eyes!
God Bless Andy Rooney...Thank you for all the wisdom, thought and laughter over most of the years of my life! I hope you continue to inspire us from Above.
October 24, 2011
Here is the last week’s worth of photos of my babies and nieces and nephews (the furry kind…but still…):
Sinfonia: If Mom isn't home I just sleep on her clean laundry.
Sputters and Nikkers posing for a Doublemint commercial.
Jamie's Gene Simmons...see I can go where your knitting goes...
Suzy and EllieEllieEllie !!!
Smidgen
Sinfonia
My Whitney
Daisy Doodles
Ewwww!!! A bug...beetle...but I thought the colors were really supercool!
Mimi, the soooooooo very tired goat!
Some catnip having its way with Gene Simmons, Jamie's cat.
Martha's Phoenix...also soooo very tired.
Jamie's Sister's cat and dog...too flippin' cute!
Sputters and Nikkers waiting for me to get to bed already.
Catnip from Chris makes strange friends, indeed.
"What?!!! Can't a fella just sit here and be cute?"
"No, no, no, Mom! I'm the one you photograph, not him!!! Sheesh!" Nikkers pulls camera towards his face.
And, for now we are all caught up on these photos. I still have a backlog of other bloggable posts…so more tomorrow (more than the usual amount of more…got that?) Time to go over homework with son. Take care and Stay Light!
with loads of love, light and laughter always, Mary Ellen and the Furry Friends of Summit Yarn
September 21, 2011
As I looked through the photos on my phone, I realized it has been awhile since we saw many of the animal friends and family of Summit Yarn. Most people know I love four legged and two winged friends…must be the latent farmer in me…but I would never be a real farmer because all the animals would be pets, with names and a piece of my heart belonging to each one of them. Knowing that, some of the best emails and phone messages I receive are unexpected photos of these blessed friends who keep us smiling and content. Here is a catch up on my backlog of these photos:
Nikkers and Sinfonia watching over me the morning after returning from vacation. Notice the less than happy glares from both of them.
a seagull braving the wind along the beach on Hilton Head
Crows shared my lunch on the beach one day.
Shh! Mimi thinks she fits in that bucket.
Mimi the goat likes to rub her horns on the ropes that hold the horse in place.
Sputters and his magnificent whiskers.
Smidgen aka la femme pouf, likes to sleep NEXT to me. She just lets me think it is my bed. Sheesh.
Sinfonia occupies the pillow on the OTHER side of my head every night.
Have I ever mentioned I love Mimi the goat? She has such great personality!
This is one of the new lambs from Juniper Moon Farm....put our OPEN HOUSE MONDAY THE 26TH ON YOUR CALENDAR...5pm to 9pm (or later!).
Sputters watches over us all.
Gene, Jamie's new kitten discovers the world of boxes.
a horse at the racetrack drinks from a hose
Sputters likes to say: Hi SINFONIA!
Gene is a prince who got dressed up like a frog...I hope he got lots of kisses!
Gene dealing with dress-up...God Bless.
Gene snockered on some catnip sent home to him from yours truly.
Gene is a supremely patient cat…with all of us. Sputters has found a new place to disappear to at night. I am almost to the halfway point of the red thing…oh, and I think you are all going to like it very much.
with love and light always,
Mary Ellen
March 25, 2011
It was a busy day here at the studio and once again I find myself wondering where all the hours went. Our Knitters are knitting for Spring…snow be damned. We have one who is working on a neutral silk shrug pattern by Debbie Bliss…great pattern that has sold lots of yarn for me over the years…Thank You DB! Donna is beginning an afghan out of mitered squares (it is on Ravelry). The profits from the sale of this pattern are being donated to Japan for relief…I bought the pattern…it is awesome. They have already raised and sent over $2000 to Japan. Chris came by for a visit today…fairy godmother that she is she came bearing tea, pumpkin loaf/squares and the projects she has been working on. She did find us all a new scarf pattern on Interweave called: ”Gilding the Lily” by Leslie Ann Hauer. The pattern was from Spin-Off at the site: spinningdaily.com. It is a version of the Helix scarf (or what we call the “Lasagna Noodle Scarf” around here) but using lace stitches and JUST BEAUTIFUL. I’m thinking the Friday night group is going to love this!
I did go back to yesterday’s post and put up photos of the Scrunchy Cowl. Jan knit hers in just one evening but did not push it to 300 yarns worth of yarn. It is lovely and can be put together a few different ways. It can remain unsewn and pinned using a shawl pin. It can be seamed and worn as a cowl; or it can be given a single twist and worn as a mobius. Here are photos for you to decide:
flat knit cowl just seamed up the back
scarf given one twist and seamed up the back for a mobius look
Just a reminder: the next Summit Sock Club Kit will be ready for your knitting pleasure this Friday, April 1st when the studio opens. There are only three remaining spots for the April club and this sock features a new cuff, created just for avid sock knitters. There are ways to tweak the pattern, which will be discussed in the directions and two scarf patterns also included in this kit. Let me know if you are interested. The yarns for these kits are special ordered and are not just pulled from my shelves. Everything about the kits is special and it is my complete pleasure to make them this way. You can participate one month, all twelve or somewhere in-between.
These are scissors Barb Stauffer showed me today. She received them from her mother and believes they were originally her grandmother's. I love the detail.
Tonight is Friday Night Knitting Group. We are currently working on the Terra Shawl by Jared Flood. I also expect we will be discussing how to properly darn a sock…thanks to Yarnissima I have a new great handout. I am hard at work on the Light Blue Thing and on the sample sock for this month’s Summit Sock Club. There are of course at least 50 other things I would also like to work on…so much to knit and so little time. I think I shall give up sleep altogether. If you are around please join us for knitting tonight. I do pour libations (although I pour only tea for me currently, I will pour better libations for you!). Take care and have a lovely evening. Blessings to Japan, Linda Daniels (she knows why) and anyone else in need of prayers…I send them to you and heavenward. Here is this morning’s photo of Sputter’s…he is such a love:
with love, light and laughter always,
Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn Studio
summityarnstudio@aol.com
February 10, 2011
Ewenice in the afternoon sun today.
We had a busy day at the studio today. There is some concern the stated yardage in the pattern “Damson” may not be enough. Suzy’s research on Ravelry shows about 50% of projects required more than the stated yardage in the pattern. Frustrating. So tonight I am going to power knit to the end. I have about 20 rows to go but they are long. Fortunately, the pattern is easy to remember and the wrong side rows can be buzzed through. Will let you know more tomorrow.
We also worked on another Ravelry pattern called: ”Purlieu” this week. Lisa purchased the yarn and pattern. It is a lovely knit but needs some editorial tweaking. Lisa and I have reduced it down to a two row pattern, which, with the use of well-placed safety pins, works with much less stress and angst. Look for a post on this on Ravelry later this week.
Jamie finished her first Cookie A. sock and it is beautiful. She used Abstract Fibers Marigold sock yarn. Here is a photo:
Jamie's Sock
Rose is doing well with her Aran Afghan. She has doubled the length in the last week and I am quite proud of her efforts. Now that we have rewritten the pattern so she does not have to refer back and forth to different rows during the course of each row, things are much smoother. I fixed it so every row was completely written out and contained within itself.
one of two cabled panels for the Aran Afghan
Here are two of the three items I was wearing on the mountain while skiing last Monday (the contest is over with this close-up view folks) — the Koolhaas Hat by Jared Flood (my adaptation done without the use of cable needle) and the XRX pattern for the Snowbound Aran, which so many of us made last winter.
Snowbound Aran Cowl and Koolhaas Hat
The third item of handknitting Monday were my beloved pair of stranded knit Selbuvoter Mittens in the snowflake pattern. Lourdes and Lisa have also worked on this particular pattern, each in different and beautiful color combinations.
Twizzle -- Summit Sock February Sock Pattern
This is a close up view of one of my socks for this month’s Summit Sock Club. The pattern is my own design and currently only available in the kit. I love the stretchy nature of this textured rib which is sure to fit snug and be warm. The colors for the March Summit Sock Club Kit have been selected and I am dreaming up a great knit for you now! hmmmmm…
Brian and one of Lisa's cookies...! These make getting him to do his homework SO MUCH EASIER! Thank you Lisa! You are the best!
Last night I went home from work and straight to bed, something I rarely do. Maybe it is the winter blahs or the moon or who knows? The cats all piled on top of me and we had a lovely snuggle to shake the chill of the day off:
Sinfonia (foreground), Nikkers (right), Smidgen (far left--black cat) all staring at me like: "What gives Mom?"
Back to work on Damson. I am knitting it in Saratoga — an amazing blend of cotton and Alpaca by Great Adirondack Yarns. It is soft, not slick, and has a nice hand. The shawl has a nice weight to it and I am looking forward to wrapping it around my shoulders. You have a lovely night and happy knitting! Corina: I have not heard if those clarifications were helpful or not…that worries me.
Yours always with love, light and laughter,
Mary Ellen aka TheHumanLoom and Summit Yarn Studio
This is my friend Grace, who had to go to the vet for her boo-boo eye.
January 9, 2011
Ewenice wearing the newly completed FLOUNCE scarf!
Last week we received a shipment of Flounce in three colors: Brown/Neutral, Black/Grey, and Red/Black (perfect for Valentine’s Day). While working on other projects, yesterday during my son’s basketball game, I completed my first Flounce scarf. It was much more fun to knit than I anticipated and on US 13 needles, it really didn’t take much time at all. The scarf’s dimensions are 4 inches wide and 83 inches long as a result of using JUST ONE SKEIN and ONLY 5 STITCHES. That means, 9 or 10 stitches on a US 11-13 will STILL yield a nice size scarf and look awesome. (FYI: The label said the scarf would be 4 inches wide by 60 inches long.) Here it is on the manekin in the studio:
New Flounce Scarf at Summit Yarn
The other pattern that has been very popular this winter is the oversized cowl pattern I wrote for our Byzanz Yarn by Gedifra. Using a US 19 circular needle, cast on 70 stitches and K3P2 for 15 rounds. Bind off in pattern. Bury ends. Gift or wear and enjoy. Rose, who is back and hard at work on an Aran afghan, did both…she knit a bunch of these as gifts and kept one for herself (which she rarely does). The 70 stitch version takes two balls of this yarn, but if you cast on only 40 stitches a nice-fitting cowl can be made from just one skein. Here is Rose wearing hers yesterday:
Rose wearing her Byzanz Cowl
Yesterday, I released a knit tutorial for a mobius cowl and it is getting a nice bit of attention. Patti and I have both had a lot of fun with this pattern, and I hope you do, too! Here is Patti visiting with Ewenice this week after our private lesson:
PattiMac kisses Ewenice on the nose!
The next square for the Arsenic & Old Lace KAL is typed, re-test-knit, and ready to upload this Wednesday. I was on my old computer looking at photos of some of these the knitters here at Summit Yarn have completed since I wrote this pattern, and I still love it as much as when I first wrote the pattern. On Ravelry, there are a few people working on this. One person plans to make a smaller version and I applaud this. As always, this is YOUR ARTWORK and the squares in this afghan can be combined any number of ways. A couple of suggestions: Use only the lace squares together OR Use only the knit/purl squares together. Another option would be to leave out the insertions, for your afghan to have a smaller size. The knitters who made this afghan all agreed on two things:
(1) They loved the construction because just when they were getting tired of one stitch, it was time for a new square and new stitch pattern.
(2) Every person who knit this felt the edging, which is knit on at the end, was necessary to make the afghan look complete. They said the edging was the final touch that really tied the whole design together.
Arsenic & Old Lace Afghan
Now I need to go do my work for Frog Tree yarns (test-knitting a new pattern!)…I just love saying that…I NEED to go get my knitting done! Have a great Sunday and here are two pet pictures from yesterday at home (and to think my husband did not like cats when we got married…):
Daisy, the Schnoodle, does not like her picture taken!
Smidgen flirts with Gary from the cat tree!
Take care and hope to hear from you about what you are knitting in this BRRR! weather…xox TheHumanLoom and Summit Yarn Studio
January 7, 2011
Ewenice this morning with her new fleece!
This morning when we arrived a the studio there was just a dusting of snow on the ground, at most an inch. Ewenice looked great, though, like the season had given her a new woolly coat! We had several visitors today, Debbie, Denise and Donna…I guess the only people who go out in the snow also have their names begin with D. Denise finished a scarf, originally designed by Alicia in a different yarn (DB Alpaca Silk and Aromatherapy yarn). Denise chose two different Noro yarns and the first scarf is chock full of color blocks and looks great! Here are two photos:
done in K1P1 rib starting with three sts and increasing to 15 sts...knit to length desired, decrease and put a tassel at each end. Spectacular!
Note the color blocks the Noro yarn lends its projects.
This project is easy, stress free and done on US15 needles. Denise is also busy on a blue baby blanket made out of Big Softee…a washable chunky weight yarn available at Summit Yarn in four colors: blue, pink, yellow and white for just $5 a ball. Denise uses six balls to make a basket weave stitch blanket…quick and ready in a snap!
Donna came by for some Flounce yarn, the newest trendy fancy yarn on the market. We had a lovely visit and she shared a photo album she received this Christmas from her family…from her birthday this summer. It was beautiful and I can’t wait to try this myself. Donna went out to get a formal introduction and autograph from Ewenice and even shared her scarf with our dear sheepy friend:
Donna and Ewenice having a Chat!
Brian went out and shot some photos of Ewenice and the Snow and anything that caught his eye…
It's nice he remembered to wear a hat...maybe next time we'll shoot for a coat as well...
I spent the day working up a new pattern and technique to amuse you all. Brian helped with the photography…hard to knit and shoot photos at the same time. The pattern is one I have been working on with Patti Mac, who now likes to have one on needles at all times. It is a moebius cowl done all in one piece on 40 inch circular US9 needles. Like finding an adequate explanation for how to do short rows 10 years ago for sock heels and toes, this is another technique that does not receive enough attention because the few explanations available are difficult to master. Next week you will have a step by step photo tutorial and directions to knit this cowl in either garter or welt pattern stitches! I just need to spend some personal time with the Mac putting the pdf together. You will need 2 stitch markers of different colors, US9 needles 40″ circulars, and about 250 yards of drapey yarn.
Speaking of Patti Mac, here is a photo of the cat she rescued and her dog. This is how they sleep every night (cutest photo of the day!):
Black Cat Encompasses Schnauzer
Take care. Stay home and safe and warm. Come by tomorrow to see Ewenice…she’s looking for you!xox TheHumanLoom and Summit Yarn
January 3, 2011
The ICE FLOE Scarf -- January Summit Sock Club
The large lace texture in the middle of this scarf is made by the use of a double yarnover — or, more simply, by wrapping your RH needle twice instead of once. On the wrong side row those two wraps are worked separately as two stitches; one is knit and the other is purled. If this is a new technique to you, then here is a handout in the form of a pdf that will help you with this in a pictorial and step-by-step manner: How to make a double Yarnover
Here is a swatch to help you play with this technique:
Cast on 30 stitches and knit 10 rows. Then repeat the following rows:
1) K5, (K2, K2TOG, YO X 2, K2TOG) X 3, K2, THEN KNIT 5 EDGE STS
2) KNIT to the first double YO, purl into the first loop of the yo, then knit into the second loop of the yarn over; continue knitting across the row and working the double yarn overs as above.
3) KNIT
4) KNIT
REPEAT Rows 1-4 to desired length, then complete rows (1) and (2) once more. End this scarf or swatch with 10 rows of Garter Stitch (knit every row) and bind off loosely (use a needle two sizes larger than the needle you used to knit this piece).
Another note: if you are a busy knitter, or just busy living your life (as I’m sure you are) here is a tip to keep your knitting organized — Save All Your Labels AND Attach a piece of the yarn that matches the label to said label. If you ever decide in the future you would like more of a certain yarn, or the same yarn in a different color, this makes it so easy…for you and for your LYS of choice. Just keep a ziploc bag and toss the labels in there. Toss it up on the top shelf of your closet…it becomes a palpable journal of your own personal textile journey.
So far today, two people came in and picked up their Summit Sock Club Kits for January and they both agreed, the colorway is the color of January. Chris and Kathy were both going through their kits at the same time and I have to admit it was fun to watch them “take it all in”. I can see that I’m really going to enjoy this new endeavor and enjoy sharing it with the people who play “with”. Chris came in wearing the Encompass Cowl and it looks great on her:
Chris Spatt in her Encompass
Chris, like the rest of us, is trying to cut through her project pile. Today she shared with me a crochet afghan she is making for her mother and it is gorgeous. It is very warm to have on her lap as she works on it and she is just a very few rows away from done:
Chris's crochet afghan
I mentioned in an earlier blog that both my compuguru’s were out of town over the Holidays. Suzy was up at the lake and Donna went north to ski. Here are photos of shared knitting time with her friend Carol:
So this is what you were doing as I was compucrashing! This looks much more relaxing!
Donna's friend Carol...making a hat or mitts...
And for the pet photo of the day, let me introduce Daisy…whenever I go visit her it is absolutely old home week…kisses and romp galore!
Daisy D'Arnold
Kathy asked me about the KAL. Here is a little info: we will be doing a square at a time of Victorian stitches…some lace and some knit/purl. It takes about 75-100 yards for each square and 3300 yards for the whole afghan. This Wednesday will be the first square and I hope you join me in this stashbusting exercise. You can knit in any gauge you choose, in any yarn you choose…while the first square is challenging, it teaches you the techniques you need for the rest of the afghan. There are 30 different stitches. You can knit each strip all in one piece or each square separately, as you choose. Go get needles and stash yarn and get ready!!!
Take care and lets get our knit on this year!!!xox theHumanLoom and Summit Yarn Studio
;-D
