Yarn and Ewe Blog

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The Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast Episode 13: 100 Subscribers!!!

 

Good morning! Welcome to another episode of The Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast, I am Janine also known as Yarn and Ewe Girl. This is my podcast where I talk mostly about knitting and sewing, and occasionally other crafts I am currently obsessed with.

 

Places you can find me…

 

Ravelry: yarnandewegirl

Ravelry Podcast group: The Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast Group

Instagram and Twitter: @yarnandewe

Facebook: Yarn and Ewe

www.yarnandewe.com

 

Today is Monday September 19th and this is Episode 13. To all my returning viewers thank you so much for spending this time with me I so enjoy sharing with you, and if you are new to the podcast thank you for checking me out. I hope you enjoy!

 

House keeping:

 

KAL update: I will be wrapping up the Lacy days of summer KAL on Sept 30th and will be closing the thread in the ravelry group the evening of the 30th. So be sure to get your finished objects up in the group before then and post them in the finished objects thread. I will be deleting any chatter in that thread. I have been commenting on peoples stuff in there so I will be sure to get rid of that and will be drawing for a winner using a random number generator and announcing the winner on the next podcast which should be on October 3. The prize will be a medium size project bag of your choice from my current selection and a set of 3 stitch markers.

 

100 Youtube subscribers!! I am so excited, I hit 100 youtube subscribers recently and decided to have another give away to thank you all for your wonderful support. So here’s what you need to do in order to be involved in this giveaway. Go onto Ravlery and join in the podcast group! Answer the prompt in the 100 subscriber giveaway thread. Here is the question…

 

What was your first introduction to knitting or crocheting?

 

Pretty simple, answer the question and your entered in. I will be drawing for a winner at the next podcast as well. So you have until the 30th to do that.

What will your prize be, you ask???

I will be giving away one skein of Madelinetosh Tosh merino dk in norway spruce and this awesome fur pompom and a variety pack of soak wash.

 

Ok now onto the projects!

 

Finished objects:

 

Ella Cardigan!! Done in Anzula Breeze Dusty rose. I used US Size 3 needles for the main body and US size 2 for the ribbing. If you remember, last episode I talked about how I put the arm on incorrectly and was going to have to rip it all out. Well I put it aside for a few days in time out and then finally got up the courage to tear it back and restart. Then it took me three more tries to get the arm on at the right count. I kept miscounting for some reason. I would put the arm on then count my stitches and be off by one or two on one side or the other. Argghh!! But finally got things straightened out and ran with it. Now it’s done and I love it!! This yarn is amazing!! It is so light weight and airy! I can barely tell I have it on. I bought 2 skeins but was done with the body and still had quite a bit of the yarn left. So I knit everything I had left into the ribbing around the edges. However, I slightly misjudged the amount of yarn I would need for the bind off and got all the way through the majority and then didn’t have enough. I really didn’t want to break out the 2 skein just for a small amount of binding off. Instead I unwound one of my gauge swatches to finish it up. It was a close call.

 

Auction Cowl! Done in Tandem by Tahki yarns. Color 10. The pattern is an adaptation from a back issue of Vogue knitting. I used 2 skeins each 50gm with 107yds per ball. It is 28% polyamide 28% cotton, 28% rayon/viscose, 16% acrylic and I used US Size 10 knitting needles

Super fast knit, just an eyelet lace pattern, knit flat and then seamed together.

 

WIPs:

 

Rodin Cardigan: Pattern is from Michelle Wang and is in the Interweave Knits Fall 2016 magazine. I am using Imperial Yarn Columbia 2ply in Pearl Grey. Each skein is 113gm and has 170 yards. Ravelry calls it an Aran weight, but I have also seen it labeled worsted. Making this with US Size 11 needles.

This is going so quickly!! I started this right before the last episode and have finished the back, the right side and am now working on the left front panel. I can’t wait to finish. I just bought this pair of vegan leather leggings and I think this is going to look awesome with those!!

 

Camp Wilkerson Shawl by Caitlin Hunter. It is a dk weight shawl, more like a wrap, done in 4 colors. I am using Sweetgeorgia dk, which is a superwash merino, 100gm and 256 yards per skein. I am using colorway mink, pumpkin, silver and glacier and US Size 6 needles.  I am actually going to use my row counter bracelet from Knit Life designs. My friend Katelyn makes these great row counter bracelets and when I do use something to keep track of my knitting it this.

 

Kandahar Socks by Alice Yu from her book Socktopus. Done on US Size 1 needles, using magic loop method. Yarn is Art Yarns in the color Frost Flower.

 

Inspired and upcoming projects:

 

Halloween hoodie for my son Dylan. He wants to be Sack boy from the video game Little big planet. Sack boy is a knitted doll with big eyes and a zipper up his middle. I thought of making him an entire knitted costume, but that would take me forever to finish. So instead with my mother in laws inspiration and generous gift of a brown sweater I plan on making a balaclava style hoodie of the head of sack boy for Dylan to wear. I am still working out the details and may have to come up with something on my own instead of following a pattern.

 

Cardigan sweater inspired from an episode of Miss Fishers murder mystery. I love this show, based in the late 20’s in Australia with a fiery unconventional for the time female main character. The episode called Murder and Marinara is about an Italian family feud that results in the murder of an Italian grandmother. The context is beside the point, there is a young lady in it that wears a lovely gansey style cardigan that I want. So I am going to try to figure out a stitch pattern and yarn choice for it and then plan on using Amy Herzog’s Custom knit to create a cardigan pattern for me.

 

Tata for now!!

Y&E Episode 12: 40’s style blouse and knitting catastrophe!

 

Welcome!

 

Places you can find me on the internet

Raverly: yarnandewegirl

Instagram: @yarnandewe

Facebook: Yarn and Ewe

Twitter: @yarnandewe

Ravelry podcast group: The Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast Group

www.yarnandewe.com

 

KAL news:

 

Lacy days of Summer KAL running through Sept 30th. To enter go to the Ravelry group and join and post finished objects in the thread. All that is required to participate is finished project with lace weight yarn or pattern with predominant lace detail.

 

Prizes for the kal are a medium drawstring bag and stitch markers.

 

Finished objects:

 

40’s style blouse, from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. Made in a red polka dot. This is the first time I did a blouse with buttons and collar.

Turned out great!!

 

HO:

 

Kandahar socks from Soctopus. Yarn Art Yarns in Frost Flower color. Using US Size 1 chiagoo

 

Wips:

 

Ella Cardigan. Anzula Breeze Dusty Rose. Worked all the way to the end of the raglan decreases and realized that I made a mistake in the placement of the sleeves and will now have to rip back and redo…ARGHHHH! Oh such is life.

 

Rodin Cardigan: Yarn: Imperial Columbia 2ply color Pearl Grey on US Size 11, making size for 24 ¾ inch back width, should give me a 23 inch back width. My gauge is about one stitch more than the pattern suggests.

 

Acquisitions:

 

Imperial Columbia 2 ply Pearl Grey (7 skeins)

 

Dobbie Mystery kit from Oh loops! 2 skeins of yarn one is Fashion knot: Dobbie is Free

One skein of Perfection Knot in Loyal Companion colorway. Kit came with tea and a pattern, a bunch of coupon codes for me to use.
Tahki Tandem, 2 50gm skeins color 10. I am going to be using this yarn to make a cowl for an auction project.

 

 

Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast Episode 11: Caught me a Pikachu

 

Welcome!! Thanks for checking out my podcast where I talk about knitting, sewing and whatever craft catches my fancy.

 

Places you can find me:

Ravelry: yarnandewegirl

Ravelry podcast group: Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast

Instagram: @yarnandewe

Twitter: @yarnandewe

Facebook: Yarn and Ewe

www.yarnandewe.com

 

Show notes for this and all my episodes can be found on the yarn and ewe website and on the ravelry group page. Please be sure to subscribe to my channel here and join the group in ravelry if you are interested in participating in knit a longs and other giveaways and other general fun.

 

Knit a long news:

 

We are about 3 weeks into our #lacydaysofsummer kal, a knit along I am hosting. Kal runs through Sept 30, 2016 so you still have time to get involved. All you have to do is knit or crochet something in a lace weight yarn or with a predominant lace feature. Post the finished object in the FO thread in the ravelry group and you are in! Prize for this kal is one of my drawstring project bags (your choice of fabric), and a set of 3 stitch markers. If you are posting on social media be sure to use the #lacydaysofsummer!

 

FO’s:

 

Today it’s all about what’s off my needles!!!

 

Enantiomers, sock design by me. Yarn Bumblebirch wellspring in rosemary color. 100% sw merino, 3 ply fingering. Knit from the cuff down and combines twisted stitches and lace.

 

Caledonia Cowl: Knit for a kal hosted by Blue Sky Fibers. Knit in the 100% cotton worsted, color shell, toffee, lotus and aquamarine. This kal runs through Aug 31st. Done on US Size 13 needle, knit flat and then sewn to join. So fast. Started this on Aug 8th and I think I finished it on the 10th. It was just what I needed. The prize for this kal is the Endless wrap Pattern and all the yarn to make it in winners choice!!!

 

Crochet FO’s:

 

2 pokeballs knit with leftovers of Imperial columbia 2 ply, 100% wool, worsted weight. Sweetgeorgia sw worsted in charcoal and white cotton yarn I had, unsure of the brand.

Pikachu for my son Dylan. I didn’t follow a pattern on this one I just improvised. The yarn is Sweetgeorgia superwash DK in the saffron color leftovers from the Greenbay packer scarf I made my brother for christmas and the U of O hat I made for my new nephew. I used every scrap.

 

WIPs:

 

Ella cardigan: by Hannah Fettig

Yarn Anzula Breeze in Dusty rose color, using US size 3 needles for main body of cardigan and US size 2 for cuff. I have the cardigan done up to to underarms and now am working on the arms and will then attach and continue to work up the rest of the shoulders and arms.

 

Nothing else new that I am working on but I just got the latest edition of interweave knits and am dying to cast on the Rodin Cardigan. Another big and chunky and go so fast project!! That’s what I am feeling these days.

 

No new additions to the stash, and just deciding what to do next. So much yarn and so many amazing choices for projects!
Until next time, let’s make something beautiful!!

 

The Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast Episode 10:

 

Places you can find me:
Ravelry: yarnandewegirl

Ravelry Group: The Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast

Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: yarnandewe

www.yarnandewe.com

Youtube: Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast

 

Welcome to the 10th episode of the Yarn and Ewe girl podcast!

Feels like I haven’t shared with you all in a while. But really it’s just been the regular 2 week time period. I think that must be my vacation…screws up my schedule. In a good way of course.

 

How are all of you. I’ve missed you. Welcome to any new viewers, I hope you enjoy and hello to all my friends who are coming back to hang out with me again for another round of silliness. I am so grateful for you all and I hope you enjoy todays episode.

 

As I said I just got back from a little road trip north into Victoria BC. Where we stayed for 4 days and then a small jaunt into Seattle for 2 days. Such a great time. Lots to see and lots to talk about. But before we get into that lets talk about finished objects.

 

Finished objects:

 

My Flax Sweater is done! I literally completed it last night and attempted to block it and have it ready to show off this morning. Done in Madelinetosh DK Color Cove. I used US size 7 needles for the body and US size 5 needles for the cuffs. I used almost all of my 5 skeins of yarn. I am so glad to have this finished. The best part was using the yarn, because it was yarn I have had in my stash for about 3 years now I think. It was very easy and enjoyable to knit.

 

Works In Progress:

 

Design Socks or my Enantiomers socks. Yarn is Bumblebirch Wellspring. 3ply fingering 100% superwash merino wool. Color Rosemary. I am just about ready for test knitters so I will be contacting any of you who said you would be interested in test knitting these for me shortly. If you are new and are still interested in testing these let me know. I have a chat thread in the ravelry group called “Calling all test knitters” Just post a comment in there or message me directly on ravelry.

 

Lacy days of Summer kal project: This is a kal I am hosting that started August 1st and is running through Sept 30th. You just have to complete a project using lace weight yarn or a project with a predominant lace feature to enter. As far a prizes go, I know I will be offering up one of my drawstring project bags and some stitch markers as part of the prizes. I am hoping to have a few more things to go with it as well but I’m still working on that.

Anyway my contribution will be done using Anzula Breeze, which is a 65 % silk 35% linen lace weight yarn and I am making the Ella cardigan designed by Hannah Fettig for quince and co.

It’s a lightweight shrug or bolero style cardigan that I just thought was adorable. Color I’m using is Dusty Rose. It’s a very subtle light pink almost cream, which is a bit more on the neutral side than my color tastes normally run to but I think it will make a great staple summer cardigan for over a multitude of dresses.

 

Last but not least I started the Caledonia Cowl by Blue Sky Fibers. If you all remember I had bought some blue sky alpacas worsted cotton when I was in florida in 3 colors, Shell, Lotus and Toffee. I saw this cowl and thought that would be perfect for that yarn. I totally thought I had enough colors and yarn to make the cowl, but when I bought the pattern I looked at it a bit more closely and realized that you needed at least 3 skeins of the main color and 1 skein of 3 additional colors. So I bought 2 more skeins of the shell color and 1 skein of aquamarine. I have only just cast on. It calls for a US size 13, 32 inch circular needle. I am using my hiya hiya sharp interchangeable set but I just realized that this particular cable seems about to break on me. So I think I’m going to have to switch it out for another one.

 

When I go on a trip the first thing I think about when I think about packing is what projects to bring. For the most part I over pack my knitting because you never know what you’re going to be in the mood for and you never want to run out before you have a chance to restock at the local shops along the way. My family will sometimes play a game and try to guess how many skeins of yarn I’ve brought with me. They think it’s hilarious. This time I tried to be a bit more practical and only packed two projects, my design socks and the yarn I am using for my #lacydaysofsummer kal. I thought that was pretty good. I tried to be realistic about what I would have time for.

I also knew that I would be wanting to purchase yarn while in Canada. Since this was a family trip I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it all about visiting local yarn stores but I did get to one in downtown Victoria called Beehive wool shop. Very cute shop, lots of great yarn. They even had some opossum blended yarn which was so incredibly soft and I really did want to buy some but they only came in 50gm balls and they were quite pricey and I couldn’t really figure out what I would do with it. So instead I bought sock yarn. I always buy sock yarn when I can’t figure out what to buy. Plus the whole idea when you are someplace new is to get something new to you. I couldn’t buy Madelinetosh or malabrigo or any of the other brands I can get easily at home so I found some sock yarn from a canadian dyer and bought 2 skeins. Both are by Ancient Arts Yarns, one in the frost flower color and one in the Inuit Art color. The frost flower is for my sister. She was with me while I was shopping and I felt like I should make her something. The other is for me. It’s 3 ply fingering 80% superwash 20% nylon.

 

Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast: Episode 9: Lacy days of summer

 

Welcome!

 

Places you can find me:

Ravelry: yarnandewegirl

Ravelry podcast group: Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast

Instagram: @yarnandewe

Facebook: Yarn and Ewe

Twitter: @yarnandewe

YouTube: Yarn and Ewe Girl

www.yarnandewe.com

 

Finished objects:

 

Hermione’s Everyday sock by Erica Lueder. Knit using magic loop method on addi turbo lace 40 inch circular needle US Size 1. Yarn is from Gales Art Sock blank Dancing bunnies.

 

WIPS:

 

Design sock: Enantiomer socks (mirror image) socks. Knit with magic loop using Chiaogoo US Size 1 red lace 40 inch needles. Yarn is from Bumblebirch, Wellspring 3-ply fingering weight. Color is Rosemary.

 

Flax Sweater from Tin Can knits: Knit with Madelinetosh Dk Cove. On Hiya Hiya Sharp US Size 7 needles.

 

KAL News!!!

 

So excited to be starting my very first knit a long. I am calling it the lacy days of summer kal. #lacydaysofsummer

Starts August 1 and runs through September 31st. Requirements for this kal are either knit/crochet something with lace weight yarn OR knit/crochet something with a predominate lace pattern.

You may dip into other kals.

For my lacy days of summer knit I am going to be making the Ella shrug/bolero from Quince & Co. using Anzula Breeze which is a 65% silk 35% linen lace weight yarn. Color is Dusty rose. I do have some of this yarn available in the store if you are interested in trying it out.

 

So far I don’t have any prizes to announce but will come put something together that will be fabulous!

Make sure to use the hashtag #lacydaysofsummer so I can see all your progress and also join the ravelry group to post in the finished object thread. I will also open a chatter thread where people can discuss what they are planning and comment on projects. I will close the fo thread on September 31st.

 

Sewing:

 

Finally working on a different top. 40’s style Blouse from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. Making some really good progress. Just need to attach the collar and front facings, do the buttons and hem the bottom.
That’s all folks! Thanks for watching!

 

Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast Episode 8:

 

Places you can find me:

Ravelry: yarnandewegirl

Ravelry podcast group: Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast

Instagram: @yarnandewe

Facebook: Yarn and Ewe

Twitter: @yarnandewe

YouTube: Yarn and Ewe Girl

www.yarnandewe.com

 

Welcome and thanks for watching:

 

FO’s:

 

No knitting FO’s this week.

 

WiPs:

 

Flax Sweater: Tin Can Knits. Yarn: Madelinetosh Dk Cove. Needles: US Size 7 Hiya Hiya Sharps

 

Hermione’s Everyday Sock, by Erica Lueder. Yarn Gales Art Sock Blank Dancing Bunnies, needles Addi Turbo lace 40 inch US size 1 magic loop

 

Design Sock…haven’t worked on this in the last two weeks

 

Acquisitions:

 

Lemonade Shop: Sparkle Sock goldfish, 75% SW merino, 20% nylon 5% stellina 428 yds in 100gms

 

Mystery mini from wee chickadee woolery, name is Just before Dawn

 

Sewing Patterns:

 

Deer and Doe:

 

Cardamome dress and Onde Sweater

 

Gertie Books, Gerties Ultimate Dress Book, Gertie’s New Book for better sewing, Gertie Sews Vintage Casual

 

New Sewing machine: Janome DC 1050

 

Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast Episode 7: The one where I wing it

 

Welcome, thanks for checking me out!!

 

Where to find me…

Ravelry: yarnandewegirl

Instagram and Twitter: @yarnandewe

Facebook: Yarn and Ewe

www.yarnandewe.com

Ravelry group: The Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast

 

Finished Objects:

 

Budding Bluebells Shawl by Mina (The Knitting Ex-pat)

Knit in Mrs. Crosby’s Satchel, Rueppell’s Griffon and Smoky Granite

1 skein of each color. 100% superwash merino single ply 370gm/100yds. Done for the Budding Bluebells shawl kal that is going on through June 30th.

 

WIPS:

 

Flax sweater by Tin Can knits. Madelinetosh DK Cove color. Making the large size because I am working with a dk weight when the pattern calls for worsted weight yarn. My gauge is 20 stitches per inch and the pattern calls for gauge 18 stitches per inch. Using Hiya Hiya sharp US Size 7

 

Herminone’s everyday sock by Erica Leuder. Using my Ewe Sew an Sew bag. Knitting off my sock blank from Gale’s Yarn Dancing bunnies colorway. Fingering weight, knitting 2 at a time from the cuff down using Mina’s 2 at a time sock method. Using Addi turbo lace US Size 1 40 inch circular, magic loop.

 

Design Sock by me. Hanging out in my pistacheknitwear triangle bag. Yarn is Bumblebirch Wellspring Color Rosemary. 490yd/100gm fingering weight 100% superwash merino. Knitting on US size 1 Chiaogoo red lace 40inch circular. Messing with the pattern a little because I don’t like how my first pair wear. More details to come.

 

Stash Enhancements:

 

WeeChickadee Woolery 100% superwash merino. 400yd/100gm fingering weight. Color is Pinecone Ridge

www.weechickadeewoolery.com

 

Sewing:

 

More Agnes Top crazy!!

 

One dress in a green jersey knit that I added pockets to which I don’t like so much. Next one I make will not have pockets.

 

Also made a short sleeve version in a top with just ruching on the neck, and plain cap sleeve.

 

Thanks for watching!

Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast Episode 6: All sewing, hardly knitting

 

Welcome!

 

Places you can find me…

 

Instagram and Twitter @yarnandewe

Facebook Yarn and Ewe

Ravelry: yarnandewegirl

Ravelry podcast group: Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast

www.yarnandewe.com

 

Thank you so much for watching. If you are new to the podcast I hope you enjoy, if you are a returning viewer thanks for spending time with me. Please remember to like the video and subscribe to be kept up to date on my video posts.

 

I hope you all enjoyed my little post script video I added shortly after my last podcast. Episode 5.1 for anyone who didn’t get a chance to see.

 

FO’s:

 

A big fat goose egg. 🙁 That hat I did for my nephew and showed in the add on episode was the only finished knitting project that I got done. I have to say that my crafty mojo has been focused elsewhere lately. More on that later.

 

WIP’s:

 

Budding Bluebells shawl:

I am making significant progress on my budding bluebells shawl. This is hanging out in my Yarn and Ewe drawstring project bag. This is for the budding bluebells kal that Mina of the knitting expat and Nicole from Hueloco are putting on. The kal goes through the end of June and I am pretty close to finishing. I have completed the main color section and have moved on to the border. Which is taking forever. My husband last night asked me how close I was to finishing and I really only have about 12 more rows of the repeat and then the border section. Only trouble is the rows are now really long. The yarn I’m using is Mrs. Crosby satchel in the Ruepell’s Griffon color for the main body and Smoky Granite for the border. Satchel is 100% Single ply Superwash Merino wool, 100 gm and 370 yd per skein. I am doing this on my Hiya Hiya sharp US size 7

 

Hermione’s Everyday sock:

I’m storing this pair of socks in my Ewe Sew an Sew project bag. I really only have a little bit done since I last spoke with you all. The yarn was sock blank I got from Gales Art. Dancing Bunnies colorway. Doing two at a time and using Addi Lace US 1 40 inch cable for magic loop.

Design sock:

Currently using my Elinor and marianne pyramid bag. However when I checked on etsy it appears that this shop doesn’t exist anymore. Sorry… Anyway this is what is housing my sock design and I really don’t have a lot of this done. I took the yarn with me to the beach this last weekend and basically just got the cuffs done. I didn’t have the charts with me but I wanted to at least get them started. It’s a bit of a pathetic start but oh well. They will happen. The yarn is Bumblebirch Wellspring 100% superwash merino 3 ply sock yarn. Color is rosemary. Using US size 1 Chiaogoo 40 inch cables magic loop and doing 2 at a time

 

Flax Sweater:

Really just a collar right now. I just started on this last night partly because I talked about this collection from TinCan knits and I really want to have this sweater, for those cold nights. I want it to be big and roomy and something I can throw over other things.

The pattern is written for worsted weight. I’m using Madelinetosh DK in Cove. Also I’m using a smaller needle size. So I’m going to have to make a bigger size than normal for me to get the fit I’m hoping for. I think this will work out if I’ve done the math right. I’m going to make the large size. My gauge is 20 stitches in 4 inches and the pattern is 18 stitches. So if I make a large size should give me a 35 inch chest instead of a 39 inch chest.

 

Sewing

 

All about the Agnes top!! I am in love with this pattern, that is all I’ve been doing lately. I’ve made 2 tops and 1 dress and I’m almost finished with a second dress.

First top is bird pattern 95% cotton 5% spandex

Dress is a polyester lycra mix

Second top was 50/50 cotton/polyester total disaster to work with.

Second dress same 95/5 cotton spandex

 

Mail/acquisitions

 

No new stash enhancements. I dug through my stash and decide to use up the madelinetosh dk cove to make the flax sweater. It’s not always about what is new, I have to remember that I have amazing yarn right here, in my very own stash and I’m sure you do too. So although lots of yarn calls to me, I need to appreciate the stuff I have and make something new with that.

 

I did receive a package in the mail from one of my test knitters who so graciously knit up my family game night hat which is up on ravelry and free!! She used Lions Brand Merino Cashmere in the wine color. It turned out so cute. Thank you again Rhonda

Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast Episode 5:

 

Where to find me:

Ravelry: yarnandewegirl

Instagram: @yarnandewe

Facebook: Yarn and Ewe

www.yarnandewe.com

 

My name is Janine and I just wanted to make sure I said that this week because I think I totally spaced out on my introduction last week. Thanks for joining me to all my returning viewers and if you are a new viewer thank you so much for taking the time to check me out. I hope you enjoy.

 

Finished objects:

 

I only have one finished object today and that is my Sólfar Socks, by Cookie A. These socks are for the #cookiejarkal that Candice from the Pinfeathers and Purls podcast is doing. This kal started May 1 and is running through June 30th and all you have to do is knit a pair of Cookie A. socks to be a part of it. I’ve done a number of Cookie A socks in the past and have always found them to be very rewarding knits. As I’ve said before I really have a hard time with vanilla socks and plain stockinette over and over and her socks are always interesting. Not always intuitive … but definitely interesting. These ones were somewhat intuitive. The pattern is a bit complex, it has a 32 row repeat. I found I did have to check with the pattern frequently to make sure that I wasn’t screwing it up. This pattern came in 3 sizes small, medium and large. I made the medium size. They were done from the cuff down, knit two at a time on 2 24 inch circular needles US size 1.5 (2.5mm). I did have a significant amount of frustration with the 2 circulars and doing 2 at a time. In the past I have mostly done my socks one at a time and used 2 circular needles and have been very pleased with that arrangement. However I recently started doing 2 at a time and really like having both socks done together. The first pair I did was using the magic loop method US size 1 40inch cable, those went great. This pair was to quote a friend “like wrestling with an octopus!” I had so much trouble with these. I kept grabbing the wrong end of the needles and ending up all mixed up and turned around. The more I worked on them the more that I became frustrated with the needle situation. I didn’t have a 40 inch US 1.5 needle though so I struggled on. I tried using a 32 inch cable but had difficulty with that as well. So for future I will be sure to do my 2 at a time socks on magic loop.

 

The yarn I used for this project was Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering Colorway 1962, which is 75% merino, 20% cashmere and 5% nylon. 385 yards per 100 grams. Such a pleasure to knit with.

 

Works in progress:

 

Biscottes sheep socks. I really haven’t done anything on these socks since last we spoke. 🙁 To be honest I just got caught up in other things. I do still plan on working on these but it has fallen by the wayside, for now.

 

Hermione’s Everyday sock, by Erica Leuder. This pattern was my first patterned socks I ever made. Here’s another thing about me, once I make a pattern I rarely make it again. With a few exceptions of course. I just like to make different projects and try different things all the time. If I do make a pattern again, it’s usually a long time in between. That way the pattern feels new. So my last pair of Hermione’s Everyday socks wore a hole in the ball of the foot. I still have them, and am toying with the idea of repairing them but I got a good 4 yrs wear out of them. And that is wearing them a lot. I probably have a pair of knit socks on my feet 4-5 days of the weeks even in summer. And being that that particular pair was at the beginning of my sock making days I didn’t have many pairs to rotate in between. I think they held up well. I thought it was time for another pair. So I cast on with my new sock blank from Gale’s Art. It is a single knit Sock Blank in the Dancing Bunnies Colorway. 100gm 463yd. 75% superwash merino 25% nylon. I unwound the blank and caked it up into 2 balls so I could do 2 at a time. I’m using Addi lace US 1 or 2.25mm 40 inch needle, magic loop style.

 

Budding Bluebells Shawl

 

This one is for the Budding Bluebells Kal that is going on through June 30th. Mina from the knitting Expat and Nicole from Hue Loco are putting on this Kal and I decided I wanted in on this. I just got some new yarn in the shop from Mrs. Crosby Loves to play. I’m so excited about this, it’s called Satchel and it is the first single ply yarn that I carry. It’s fingering weight 100% superwash merino 100gms with approximately 370 yards. I have some beautiful colorways in the shop. I wanted to test it out on something and this is it. I’m using the Rueppell’s Griffon colorway and the smoky granite. So soft and lovely.

 

So far I’m enjoying the pattern but I am having a difficult time with one part. There is a knit 3 together tbl in the directions that I’m having an issue with. On the row before you are supposed to kyok all into the same stitch and then when you come back on the next row those 3 stitches are the 3 you k3tog tbl. She says to use sharp needles which I am. And she says to try to do the kyok loosely to make it easier but I’m still struggling. It’s the yo, I can’t seem to get my needle to pick it up and it’s a bit frustrating. So I changed the pattern a bit. Instead of doing the kyok throughout the pattern I’m using a kfbf, (knit into the front, knit into the back and knit into the front of the same stitch). It still takes one stitch and makes it into 3 stitches and when I k3tog tbl on the next round I can pick them up much easier and I don’t think you can tell that I changed it at all.

 

Still haven’t started the heliopath vest. It’s just too hot right now I think and I’m not really in the mood to do a sweater vest.

 

Stash enhancement:

 

Two things:

 

The first is from Bumblebirch Wellspring which is a 3 ply fingering 100gms 490 yards 100% superwash merino, colorway is Rosemary. Bumblebirch is a Portland based company. I picked this yarn up while I was in Bend Oregon last weekend at a shop in town called Gossamer. Very cute shop lots of wonderful yarn and I just wish I had more money at the time to spend. But I’m saving up and I’ll tell you about that in a bit. This yarn is going to be for my design socks so I’ll be able to show off the pattern better. Which by the way I’ve got all the charts worked out so far and will be putting the pattern in order here so and will need test knitters for that if anyone is interested.

 

Quick shout out to all the lovely people who test knit my hat pattern recently for me as well. YOU GUYS ROCK!! You all knit that up so fast and provided great feedback for me. I can’t thank you enough. I should have the hat pattern up on ravelry by the next podcast. Stay tuned for that.

 

My very first handspun. This is just BFL. I took a class right after my last podcast on beginning spinning using a wheel. It was a bit tricky at first and clearly as you can see I’m not an expert but I really want a wheel now. So I’m saving all my money to get one. I got to try an Ashford traditional and a Schatch Sidekick. The Ashford was ok, but the sidekick was the bomb!!! That’s the one I’m leaning toward now, but it’s kind of expensive, so I’m going to ask you all a question. For those who spin… What wheel do you use and what do you like most about it? Comment below.
So in the class she took me through the entire process from spinning to plying and then winding it into a skein. She told me to take the skein home and wash it to set the twist. Once washed I was supposed to lay it on a towel and gently squeeze out the excess moisture and then to take it outside and whack it against the wall a few times before hanging it to dry. I let my boys do the whacking and they got such a kick out of that.

 

Yarn and Ewe Girl Episode 4

 

Welcome!

 

Places you can find me:

 

Instagram: yarnandewe

Ravelry: yarnandewegirl

Facebook: Yarn and Ewe

Ravelry Podcast group: Yarn and Ewe girl Podcast

 

Thank you to all my returning viewers and if you are checking me out for the first time welcome and I hope you enjoy my podcast

 

Finished Objects:

 

Both of my finished objects are designs I’m working on.

 

The first is a hat. I used Kira Worsted from Urban Wolves in the colorway moonscape. I knit these on US Size 8 needles 5mm, hiya hiya sharps 16 inch cable.

 

I am currently in the process of working up the pattern and am in need of test knitters. If anyone is interested please pm me on ravelry, instagram or leave a comment in the field below

 

The pompom on top is from Lanasfur on Etsy.

 

Socks:

 

Another design pattern I’m working on. I plan on knitting these up again on a plain colored yarn to be able to see the pattern a little better. I did these on chiaogoo US size 1, 2.25mm needles using magic loop and knitting them 2 at a time. Yarn is Feza Sock 100% sw merino colorway is 2001

 

Works in progress:

 

Biscotte’s Sheep sock

 

Not much progress made on these… I have a plan and decided I am going to just do the colorwork on the leg and switch to the natural color on the foot. That way I won’t run into the problem of the socks not fitting once I get to the gusset and I still get the colorwork I want so badly.

 

I also decided to join in the Cookie Jar Kal that Pinfeathers and Purls Podcast is doing. I love Cookie A Socks and found the Solfar pattern. These are being knit on a special edition Plucky knitter Primo Fingering Colorway 1962. 75% merino, 20% Cashmere 5% nylon. I got this skein as a part of a sock club that I belonged to a couple of years back. The pattern that went with it wasn’t really my style and to be honest the green isn’t normally something I go for. However this particular sock pattern uses the same yarn and I really like the look of the lace with this. I am enjoying this yarn so much. In the skein it doesn’t have the same feel as when you are knitting with it, if that makes sense. I think the twist makes the yarn appear firmer, but when you start working it the stitches show up beautifully and the feel of the socks is amazing. I curious to see how it wears. A lot of my socks that are done with cashmere in them fuzz out a bit after wear and start to look a little shlumpy. Less neat, this yarn has a sturdier appearance, like it will wear better that some. So I will keep you posted. So if you are interested in participating in this kal check out Pinfeathers and Purls Podcast. The kal runs from May 1st to June 30th so be sure to check it out.

 

Acquisitions:

 

Dyed in the Wool Yarn Co. Superwash merino Single, Work it, colorway Moogle, 400yds 100gm

Vanessa the dyer emailed me right after I ordered to let me know she would be shipping it out the next day. I was quite impressed with the quick response and the yarn is beautiful. She sent out a lavender sachet with the skein and a cute little stitch marker. I had plans for this yarn, I was thinking of using it for a budding bluebells shawl along with my madelinetosh, tosh merino light limited edition colorway “Shamily”. But I’m thinking no, I really love the color I just don’t think it goes with the Madelinetosh. I think I need to take my colorway into a shop and try to match up with something else. So my Moogle will have to become something else. Oh well. I’ll try not to be too sad about it.

 

Gale’s Art Single knit Sock Blank in the Dancing Bunnies Colorway. 100gm 463yd. 75% superwash merino 25% nylon

 

I got my International sock swap package.

Haribo shopping bag

Haribo smurfs, tropical fruit and cola

Buttermilk soap

Lindt chocolate easter candy

2 progress keepers

Flower stitch markers

Cute knit hanging hearts

Lovely test knit sock pattern merino silk bamboo blend 420 meters 100gm

Wollfuhl-oase sommersocken

Beautiful skein Diakonie, wool, bamboo and nylon 398 meters 113gm Sockenwolle Bamboo Lady slipper

 

That’s all folks!