Photos From TNNA Phoenix 2012

Some of Flock Wooligan and a Pediboo Log Cabin Blanket

Artwork in an alley in Phoenix...reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower!

Sharon and Susie after dinner on Sunday Night and our adventures with Zora!

To my right the sign says to: Go This Way>>

To my left another sign says: <<This was to gates C70-C139. Aargh!! Newark Airport

Yesssss....The Giants make it to the Superbowl!!!

Oh! I forgot to tell you this story. Sitting next to me in the window seat was a man named Eric, 6feet 6inches tall. The guy in front of him kept putting his chair back, squishing this guy even more. I whispered: I bet you want to push that guy into tomorrow! and he started snickereing. I shared that my dad was the same height and some of Dad's funny stories. The above is an Italian toilet that Eric told me about. See those places where feet should be placed? Well, he found out the hard way how important that is. I also found on the internet that for #2 there is significant backsplash!

This is a Scorpion lollipop I got for Brian...he is still carrying it around! Yes, that is a real scorpion...ewww!

Not the most flattering image, but what a warm greeting from the cats...all four of mine!

Zora, God Bless her soul, who hauled us around Phoenix looking for dinner Sunday Night.

This is HEARTEN, the design Frog Tree Yarns chose to support the Jimmy Bean's Wool Stitch Red Project. It is perhaps my most personal design to date. Hearten is a hooded stole with vertical cables and heart-shaped lace. It is sold as a kit through your local LYS and if you are feeling nervous about the lace sections then just turn them into Stockinette Stitch panels for ease and enjoyment of knitting. The edge around the hood is something I made up after knitting a fair amount of Estonian stitches. The hood is daintily bobbled and very loose and has lots of drape -- think Charlotte Bronte. I wanted a grown-up woman's hooded accessory with style and beauty. The response at TNNA was humbling and overwhelming. I am still smiling like a goof!

 

1/6: Customer Projects and Crochet Crack

Once again there is a stack of photos on my phone, so it is time to share.  The knitters and crocheters of Summit Yarn have been busy indeed.  I have a new pattern to type this weekend (two actually, one for Frog Tree Yarns and one for those of you who like to crochet)…here is a preview of that as well.  I am informed by a most excellent source that Monday is the Full Moon…so, for what it is worth…three days before and three days after tend to be a little more intense…give people the benefit of the doubt and attribute it all to the Moon.  Above all, enjoy the weekend and get your fiber ON!

These balls of yarn ends represent eight years of customers projects and me tying their ends together. The one that is red and fuzzy is TWO years...my first two years...where I made my most mistakes and also learned the most.

Chris test-crochet my idea and this is the first version made from a multitonal sock yarn.

Donna is knitting the MiniMochi...this is the Volcano...LOVE THESE! I would love to make them all and decorate my Christmas Tree with them next year! The cats would love it!

This is the mermaid...great clamshells...I wish I could find support like that.

Donna's friend, and our friend by proxy, Carol working on her Bedouin Bag (pattern by Noni). Carol used a different color for the horizontal ridges that run around the bag. Another way to find where to connect back to when knitting the ridge into place is to put a lifeline into the first row of the ridge.

Jamie is working on a hat pattern Lourdes found on Ravelry. It is by Debbie Stoller(S&B) and is a free download AND a wonderful knit for cable lovers.

 

Suzy models version 1.3 of Outback Crochet Crack in Frog Tree Yarns Pediboo, made using two skeins.

Chris works on Outback Crochet Crack version 1.4 in Big Trend, a self-striping yarn in an acrylic/wool blend which retails for $10 a ball and has about 350 yards and is here waiting for you at Summit Yarn. Love the color changes!!!

Chris is nearly done with her Pinwheel Potholder (Crochet Traditions magazine) and it is a beautiful flower!

Here is one of my designs worked up...a baby sweater using Peas Orenberg Lace stitch and an elastic cotton yarn...note the matching booties!

We were able to meet Uncle Dude for breakfast this morning and he looks awesome!  Thank you all so much for your prayers…please keep them going as he is still recovering and is working hard.  Also on the prayer list:  Kelcey, Rory, and a sincere prayer for peace and contentment in the hearts of all who inhabit this world.

finally…your daily dose of cute:

Nikkers Naps on Mom's Lap

A word to you crocheters out there…go check out the site “CrochetMe”…awesome.  I purchased the Dahlia Shawl and that is coming up on my to do list soon.  Let me know what you think!

loads of love, light, and laughter always,  Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn

CHOOSE PEACE

 

2012 Summit Yarn KAL Page Posted

The first motif in Grandma's Garden Afghan has its own knit as you go I-cord edge.

 

It took a bit of typing but here it is: ButterflyDiamonds:One  just click on those words to the left and the pdf will open for you to save.  There is also a page, just like there was last year at the top of the blog page which will contain all the patterns as they are posted.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Feel free to email me at:  summityarnstudio@aol.com or leave a comment.  Now back to work on the Crochet-A-Long!

Choose Peace!  Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn Studio

close-up of the first stitch pattern: Butterfly Diamonds

 

New KAL and CAL begins this Wednesday

After fiddling with different yarns and perusing all my stitch dictionaries my knitting needles and crochet hook have completed the first installment of our TWO new “alongs”…a knit-a-long and a crochet-a-long.  The KAL will take about 2000 yards and is intended to help you destash…so it is written in a generic way to help you use whatever weight of yarn you choose and needles of an appropriate size.  The Crochet-A-Long…I am just going to take this one week at a time.  It will have both lace and solid elements and be worked from the center out, so there is continuity and it doesn’t look like somebody threw-up crochet patterns randomly.

The KAL will be comprised of interconnecting octagons which are quick to knit and the FOCUS will be on REVERSIBLE STITCH PATTERNS this year.  I invite you to join in the fray and PLEASE PLEASE write in and share photos so we can all enjoy each other’s inspiration.  For me, the inspiration was the quilt my mother kept on the downstairs fourposter bed, which she called:  Grandma’s Garden.  The pieces were tiny and there must have been a zillion little quilt flowers all separated by white muslin.  It must have take forever to make.  The memory of it will always be in my heart.

The CAL begins with a Warm Welcome, which means a pineapple motif of my own creation as the center.  I am working in Marion Foale‘s yarn (which is close to sock-weight).  However, you can work in any weight you choose with a corresponding hook.  Again, the intention was to destash and give you something that could be completed before each week’s new pattern release, which will build on the week before.  NO STRESS…just fun, creativity, color and the ability to laugh at ourselves as necessary.  Ultimately, my goal is to use up my closely guarded stash of Koigu KPPPM.

So, tonight go Stash-Diving and let me know what you turned up.  Find things that make you smile!  Send photos and know that this journey begins on Wednesday.

with loads of love, light and laughter always,  Mary Ellen and the Goddesses of Inspiration/Perspiration/Desperation

 

Customer Projects and Ideas: 12/28

In no particular order are the most recent projects to make their way through Summit Yarn.  One that walked out the door today was a bagful of the Elsbeth Lavold Angora (on sale for $4 a skein) to go home to create the biggest log cabin blanky ever.  I can hardly wait to see it…I love when people treat their knitting as their art.  Here are the photos:

Something to watch for: a new pattern from Merike Saarniit for socks based on a miter square as the heel and part of the sole!

An amazing and beautiful sweater by my beloved Esther.

detail of headband made by Alicia--buttons from JoAnn fabrics two for $1

 

Pomona Shawl by Martha Wells, a great pattern choice for this busy colorway...the pattern is by Stephen West and available on Ravelry for sale.

 

a traditional Santa knit with Angora ( I always have a stash of this special Angora for just this purpose...if you need it just ask).

 

The stocking continues an obvious family tradition for the newest member of the family. Beautiful!

 

A new friend joins in the fray on a recent Friday night and makes a request for a new sweater pattern design.

 

The first of two caps by Jamie using Fibonacci stripes and two awesome colors.

 

The inverse hat...I love how the colors play on each so differently in each of the two hats.

 

Lace Lasagna Scarf by Chris...it is finally done and gorgeous!

 

Three cowls, each requiring about 400 yards of yarn, from More Last Minute Gifts...I am making the pale pink one with yarn from my trip to Purl.

 

Chris is also still busy spinning...if you look at the opening page on Ravelry you will see two of the Sidekick spinning Wheels now featured at Summit Yarn.

 

Last minute knit gifts by Alicia...beautiful cable headbands.

 

My friend Gracie knitting on her Holiday Break.

 

A once and future sweater knit by Donna years ago and kudos to Jim for keeping his girlish figure all these years!

 

Even the backside of this sweater has intarsia....just a ton of work!!!

 

Reversible cabled shawl by Suzy in Artyarn's Rhapsody Light...I want to knit a sweater in this yarn and this stitch. Love it!

 

Kate Wassel and I have plans for future projects based on this book. I have to go order mine.

 

"Sushi" evening bag by Alicia! She just turned out one great gift after another this year. Please remember to keep this family in your prayers and heart as they have some health challenges to face.

 

Snowflake earrings made for my by Jordan Spatt and her mom. I LOVE THEM!!!

 

Donna sent me this photo from a store today...the definition of IRONY...it is not knit but crocheted....it is titled "The American Collection" but crocheted in China....what can I say--Does the right hand know what the left is doing?

 

your daily dose of cute....Sputters is such a handsome boy! Pet post to follow tomorrow and there will be a definite emphasis on all my canine friends....I promise.

 

I hope you found some inspiration here in this post.  If you are working on something please come in and share, no matter where you purchase the yarn — I am always interested in your Art.  Wishing you all the best with this coming New Year!

with loads of love, light and laughter always,  Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn Studio

 

 

 

Shark Tooth Shawl Completed

Shawl before soaking and blocking.

 

Today I finished the bind off on this intriguing shawl.  It is currently soaking and waiting to be blocked until it screams (as Franklin has been heard to say).  I enjoyed the knitting of this very much but it did require concentration and counting…all the way to the end.  I went and looked at Mr. West’s other designs and this is a motif he has utilized before and continues to do well with it (see his HERBIVORE scarf and his TRANSATLANTIC–where instead of a K1P1 “tooth” he grows a K1Garter3 “tooth”–still the same).  After TNNA I am looking forward to playing with this motif as well but with some different uses…stay tuned.

close-up view

 

Here is a close up view.  I added a fourth tooth to the central spine and then ran the K1P1 rib right into the final border.  Jamie and I debated heavily about this, but having learned a great deal from the Blue Moon Fiber Arts RSC about pattern continuity, this was the right choice aesthetically…at least for me.  I have six teeth on each side of the top edge and still a little yarn left over (Jamie it is yours if you need it!).

top edge detail

 

I love the picot edge because it so keeps to the idea of sharks teeth, constantly filling in one row behind the next forever.  The color is perfect for this shawl and there are eight skeins remaining at the studio for anyone who is interested–I am happy to ship.  Just email me or call.

Jamie is busy binding off and incommunicado currently.  We are ready to roll with the next shawl in this Westknits Shawl club…bring it on Mr. West!

loads of love and light always,  Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn Studio

 

SALE AT SUMMIT YARN

As many of you know there are storewide markdowns here at Summit Yarn.  Debbie Bliss is $4.50-$7 a ball depending on which of her yarns you are wanting.  Elsbeth Lavold is marked down to $4 a skein.  Cotton is a rock bottom prices.  There is a current special on Flounce.  This yarn retails for $12 for plain and $14 for metallic…however, for my customers paying with cash it is $10 a ball.

We had a fabulous week here.  Wednesday was my birthday and Pat, Chris, Suzy and Alicia all came in to celebrate, among others.  The good wishes on facebook and twitter were overwhelming and sweet.  I especially loved the two ecards and the two photos of really buff young studs (it’s artwork right?).  Chris’s glow in the dark sheep are on my collection of stuff in my room…I tried to photograph them in the dark but it didn’t work so well.  Here is a photo in the light:

the cats are completely confused by these but can not get to them...

 

The L’Occitane lavendar soap and scrubby (thank you VERY MUCH Suzy) are in my shower for frequently needed aromatherapy.  And the flowers Pat brought are proudly displayed in my favorite Mickey Mouse vase (yes, I am a Disneyphile).

 

my favorite color combos...

 

Did I mention Debbie Bliss Yarns are on sale?  I even cleaned up the shelves so it doesn’t look like yarn vomit:

The left side of the cashmerino aran...

 

the right side of the cashmerino aran...there is also Alpaca Silk (bulky wieght) and Cashmerino DK and Baby Casherino...mmmmmmmmm Yum!

 

and your daily dose of cute:

Shh! Nikkers loves Sinfonia...she's not so agreeable though...

 

XOX  Mary Ellen aka Knitzilla

 

 

 

 

12/16: New and Notable on Ravelry

This post apparently does not want to be written…I will try again.  I got up this morning and went through the first ten pages of new uploads to Ravelry to see what caught my eye.  Here are the photos.  I have tried to post this three times today and the internet is just not cooperating.  I hope you find inspiration and notice the free patterns…which are FABULOUS!

GREAT HAT...I especially love the detail on the top

 

I know Donna is always on the prowl for great cowls

 

love the stitch detail

 

like the Purl Soho Cowl...maybe better?

 

great headband

 

like the pattern, I just think $20 is a bit pricey for a sweater pattern

 

LOVELOVELOVE THIS FREE PATTERN!!!! GET THIS!!!

 

Chris: you know this is what I found for you... ;-p

 

what a great idea for scraps!!! and short term commitment...

 

who doesn't need a stocking? I, however, think they should only be big enough to hold jewelry...

 

my favorite cowl find today...love the texture.

 

Be sure to check out the page with the top favorited patterns.  Not a lot new there but always worth a peek to see if something speaks to you.  For those of you trying to download Alicia’s Winter Headband…it works.   Please read the directions…do not click on the photograph — that won’t get you anything.  Click on the words at the beginning of the paragraph and the pdf will open for you.  I promise.

loads of love, light and laughter always,
Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn

AND GET THIS:  We made to 101 countries!  Welcome to all our readers and the newest readers in Iraq.  Also a shoutout to my Akron, Ohio readers…I see you there at night!  ;-D  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.  Do not let the HumBug drag you down.  Focus on your inner light and it will only spread.  <3

 

A word about FLOUNCE

DEAR People who love to knit with Flounce:

I post this due to a customer phone call today.  Last year’s colors of Flounce no longer exist.  You may get lucky and find a random cache.  Mine from last year is all sold out.  I do have every new color of both Flounce  and Flounce Metallic.  Flounce is $12 a ball and Flounce Metallic is $14 a ball.  I am always happy to ship.  You can check out the new colors on Knitting Fever or KFI.com.

Also arriving today were five bags of Ella Rae Lace Merino (OMG awesome with tons of yardage…maintains nice drape even when crocheted) and six new colors of Noro Silk Garden.

Ready with giftcards and gotchis to meet your holiday knitting and crochet needs!

loads of love, Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn

 

Growing Flowers Today and a Free Pattern

Lately there have been some questions about my knit flower pattern included in the free pattern download called:  Rosette Scarflette.  Fortuitously, Bev came in wanting to add flowers to a hat and mitten set for her granddaughter.  Now we can go through the pattern with pictures.

FLOWER:  CAST ON 36 STITCHES.  At this point you already have some options.  You can knit a row with another color, you can knit two more rows with the same color, or any variation of the above that seems good to you.  Then the work begins.

*K3, starting with the second(middle) knit stitch bind off four stitches; rep from * to the end of the row.

This is what it looks like after you have completed this intermittent bind-off:

There is one live st at each end of the needle and five pairs of live sts between the two end stitches. The bound off sections form the petals of the flowers.

 

Now, break yarn leaving an 8 inch end and run this through the remaining live stitches twice.  Using the end that was left from casting on, tack the two end petals together.  You can use these ends to tie the flower directly onto whatever you are decorating.

I asked Chris to test knit the flower pattern last night and her comments were, that this is something you just have to do but that the directions were accurate. You just need to dive in and do what they say without over thinking them. It took her only 10 minutes to knit this flower, never having seen the pattern before.

 

Here are Bev's Hat and Mitten before flowers.

 

Bev and I happily spent the morning turning out one flower after another using all the aforementioned variations, and here are photos of the garden we grew today:

 

Later today one of our Rug Hookers came in with an amazing garden of her own.  Besides how incredibly beautiful this is, what amazes me most is this is created from recycled clothing.  I love it…there is no way I would ever have guessed that!!!  Here, look for yourself:

rosette-scarflette  just click on those underlined words and the pdf will open for you to print and or save on your own computer.  This is a FREE pattern to thank the knitters who frequent my posts.  If you are a store owner or LYS please honor this gift and do not charge your customers for it.

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