A podcast and blog from two knitting friends in search of the perfect yarn!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Meet Boo!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
A Book Review: November Knits
In Episode 22, we review the lovely book November Knits, by Kate Gagnon Osborn and Courtney Kelley, published by Interweave Press. I am posting my written review here for you.
- Sharlene
The authors, Kate Gagnon Osborn and Courtney Kelley are the distributors of The Fibre Company yarns, Kelbourne Woolens. I do not know what other yarns or yarn lines Kelbourne Woolens distributes, though from their website, they appear to only distribute The Fibre Company yarns. The authors only have a handful of their own accessories in the book, calling themselves “curators” to the collection.
First impressions
This collection of garments and accessories is full of casual, easy-to-wear pieces you will reach for day after day. I love the way the pieces are styled, casually, but put-together. The cover sweater, the Burdock Cardigan–which I quite like–is styled with jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt. The model looks contemporary yet classic. I think it is a piece that can appeal to many age groups, and fit into the wardrobes of students, moms, and career women.
Yarns
I believe all the patterns use different yarns, including:
- Manos del Uruguay Wool Classica
- Imperial Stock Ranch Tracie
- Rowan Felted Tweed and LIma
- Berroco Peruvia Quick
- Mountain Colors Mountain Goat
- Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted
- Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock
- Green Mountain Spinnery Local Color
- O-Wool Classic
- The Fibre Company Organik, Canopy Worsted & Fingering, Savannah, and Road to China Worsted
- Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift
- Classic Elite Yarns Fresco
- Quince and Company Lark
- Schaefter Yarn Audrey
- Madelinetosh sock
Patterns
The patterns are divided into three sections.
In Farm Hands, the focus is on texture. Ivy League features “layering pieces utilizing multiple color techniques, Fair Isle, stranded knitting, and stripes.” The Southern Comfort section uses decorative embellishments such as lace and beads. There are 20 patterns in total, including two that are 2-piece sets, most by designers that are known or recognized.
What would I knit?
From the Farm Hands section, I quite like the Burdock Cardigan, written by Maura Kirk. It is the green cover sweater, knit in a textured “Star pattern” stitch, and as I previously mentioned, styled casually, for my lifestyle.
I also like the Market Jacket, by Tanis Gray. Tanis also previously designed a cowl that I liked in the Knit Red book that Gayle and I have previously talked about on the show. Like the Burdock Cardigan, the Market Jacket is an easy layering cardigan, this one knit top-down, also 3/4-sleeve but with lace panels to add interest. The fold-over collar gives it a more traditional than modern feel, as do the wooden buttons used on the sample.
From the Ivy League section, I have previously mentioned in episode 19, the Cobblestone Trenchcoat by Veera Valimaki. The Cobblestone Trenchcoat is knit in one of my favorite yarns, Rowan Lima. The Trenchcoat has a little swing built into the skirt, a wide, almost ballet collar, and a big oversize hood. It looks very warm and very cozy. It sports 4 top-closure buttons, easily modified if you want closures all the way down the front.
The Trefoil Cardigan by Gundrun Johnston is a sweet, flower-yoked sweater, knit in colorwork, with side pockets that have a little peek-a-boo contrast lining. I personally love the little peek of lining, as I always feel if you are going to line a garment, try to make it fun. I think the pockets give it a more contemporary feel than the usual colorwork yoked sweater, and you could knit this one in a classic or a modern palette depending on your wardrobe or mood.
Favorite Accessories
The Hilton Field Cowl by Kate Gagnon Osborn is a reversible cowl, with Herringbone colorwork on one side, and stripes on the other. The Thistle Leg Warmers by Melissa LaBarre are knit with a simple cable and seed and rib stitches, in Imperial Yarns Tracie, one of the many yarns I want to try.
Pattern Writing
I love that the yarn weights needed for the patterns are all specified using the Craft Yarn Council yarn standards.
Sizes range from low 30’s to 40”, 48”, 50”, 52”, 57”, and 61”. If you are on either end of the size range, you will want to check the specific patterns you are interested in for your size. Not every garment has the same size range.
Lace and colorwork patterns are written as charts only.
Most of the garments could potentially appeal to a broad age range, and can be styled up or down. The accessories, though not as appealing to someone who doesn’t live in a mitten climate, are certainly beautiful, and similarly, can span age groups. The photography highlights the garments, and doesn't focus on moody models or stunning background scenery to sell the garments. As a knitter, I appreciate a book publisher that knows the difference. Overall, I think this book is a great value with patterns that are interesting, contemporary yet classic, and succeeds with "inspired designs for changing seasons."
- Sharlene
The authors, Kate Gagnon Osborn and Courtney Kelley are the distributors of The Fibre Company yarns, Kelbourne Woolens. I do not know what other yarns or yarn lines Kelbourne Woolens distributes, though from their website, they appear to only distribute The Fibre Company yarns. The authors only have a handful of their own accessories in the book, calling themselves “curators” to the collection.
First impressions
This collection of garments and accessories is full of casual, easy-to-wear pieces you will reach for day after day. I love the way the pieces are styled, casually, but put-together. The cover sweater, the Burdock Cardigan–which I quite like–is styled with jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt. The model looks contemporary yet classic. I think it is a piece that can appeal to many age groups, and fit into the wardrobes of students, moms, and career women.
Yarns
I believe all the patterns use different yarns, including:
- Manos del Uruguay Wool Classica
- Imperial Stock Ranch Tracie
- Rowan Felted Tweed and LIma
- Berroco Peruvia Quick
- Mountain Colors Mountain Goat
- Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted
- Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock
- Green Mountain Spinnery Local Color
- O-Wool Classic
- The Fibre Company Organik, Canopy Worsted & Fingering, Savannah, and Road to China Worsted
- Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift
- Classic Elite Yarns Fresco
- Quince and Company Lark
- Schaefter Yarn Audrey
- Madelinetosh sock
Patterns
The patterns are divided into three sections.
In Farm Hands, the focus is on texture. Ivy League features “layering pieces utilizing multiple color techniques, Fair Isle, stranded knitting, and stripes.” The Southern Comfort section uses decorative embellishments such as lace and beads. There are 20 patterns in total, including two that are 2-piece sets, most by designers that are known or recognized.
What would I knit?
From the Farm Hands section, I quite like the Burdock Cardigan, written by Maura Kirk. It is the green cover sweater, knit in a textured “Star pattern” stitch, and as I previously mentioned, styled casually, for my lifestyle.
I also like the Market Jacket, by Tanis Gray. Tanis also previously designed a cowl that I liked in the Knit Red book that Gayle and I have previously talked about on the show. Like the Burdock Cardigan, the Market Jacket is an easy layering cardigan, this one knit top-down, also 3/4-sleeve but with lace panels to add interest. The fold-over collar gives it a more traditional than modern feel, as do the wooden buttons used on the sample.
From the Ivy League section, I have previously mentioned in episode 19, the Cobblestone Trenchcoat by Veera Valimaki. The Cobblestone Trenchcoat is knit in one of my favorite yarns, Rowan Lima. The Trenchcoat has a little swing built into the skirt, a wide, almost ballet collar, and a big oversize hood. It looks very warm and very cozy. It sports 4 top-closure buttons, easily modified if you want closures all the way down the front.
The Trefoil Cardigan by Gundrun Johnston is a sweet, flower-yoked sweater, knit in colorwork, with side pockets that have a little peek-a-boo contrast lining. I personally love the little peek of lining, as I always feel if you are going to line a garment, try to make it fun. I think the pockets give it a more contemporary feel than the usual colorwork yoked sweater, and you could knit this one in a classic or a modern palette depending on your wardrobe or mood.
Favorite Accessories
The Hilton Field Cowl by Kate Gagnon Osborn is a reversible cowl, with Herringbone colorwork on one side, and stripes on the other. The Thistle Leg Warmers by Melissa LaBarre are knit with a simple cable and seed and rib stitches, in Imperial Yarns Tracie, one of the many yarns I want to try.
Pattern Writing
I love that the yarn weights needed for the patterns are all specified using the Craft Yarn Council yarn standards.
Sizes range from low 30’s to 40”, 48”, 50”, 52”, 57”, and 61”. If you are on either end of the size range, you will want to check the specific patterns you are interested in for your size. Not every garment has the same size range.
Lace and colorwork patterns are written as charts only.
Most of the garments could potentially appeal to a broad age range, and can be styled up or down. The accessories, though not as appealing to someone who doesn’t live in a mitten climate, are certainly beautiful, and similarly, can span age groups. The photography highlights the garments, and doesn't focus on moody models or stunning background scenery to sell the garments. As a knitter, I appreciate a book publisher that knows the difference. Overall, I think this book is a great value with patterns that are interesting, contemporary yet classic, and succeeds with "inspired designs for changing seasons."
Mea culpa
In Episode 21, I mistakenly said that the lace pattern in Corazon only has charted
directions. My mistake!! The written directions for the lace motif are
on page 1 of the pattern.
So, the awesome Corazon includes both charted and written instructions for the lace motif.
Second - xanthey, Erika, is the winner of the Corazon pattern from the lovely & generous mindofwinter, Julia! Erika, we can’t wait to see your version knit up in the future. Congratulations!
- Gayle
So, the awesome Corazon includes both charted and written instructions for the lace motif.
Second - xanthey, Erika, is the winner of the Corazon pattern from the lovely & generous mindofwinter, Julia! Erika, we can’t wait to see your version knit up in the future. Congratulations!
- Gayle
Friday, October 19, 2012
Episode 21
Episode 21! We had a lot of fun recording this episode and actually recorded this one straight through. Usually we need to take a drink or throat-clearing break, or one of us "umms" too many times and calls a halt to the proceedings. But this time, straight through. After 21 episodes maybe we are getting the hang of it. :) Again, we attempt to cram far too much information into one short hour, so this episode goes a bit over. Stick with us!
A big thanks to all who have been participating in the pattern purchase discussion over in our group on Ravelry. It is very enlightening and we love hearing all of your opinions. And if we've forgotten to say it lately, another big THANK-YOU to all our listeners. You brighten our days, and ignite our knitting passion. We love our craft and we love sharing it with you.
What are we wearing?
Drifting by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Sharlene's Drifting
What are we stalking?
Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer
Sideway Shawls by Kyoko Nakayoshi
Merging Ripple Shawl by Kyoko Nakayoshi
Knitscene, Winter 2012
Amande Vest by Hilary Smith Callis
What are we knitting?
A-Line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
127-29 Shawl with Flounce by DROPS Design
Ideas for variegated yarn thread on Ravelry
Taygete by Rosemary Hill
What have we finished?
Sharlene's Preemie hat, no pattern
Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Sharlene's Breezy Cardigan
Gayle's Preemie hats
Gayle's Mont Royal hat by tshep
Corazon by Julia Trice
Gayle's Corazon
Discussion about pattern purchases in our Ravelry group
Thanks to Julia Trice for donating a copy of the Corazon pattern!
Some new-to-us yarns we've recently seen and would like to see more of include:
Imperial Yarn
Quince and Company Tern
Swans Island Yarn
Plucky Knitter Yarn
Blue Heron Bamboo Lace
A big thanks to all who have been participating in the pattern purchase discussion over in our group on Ravelry. It is very enlightening and we love hearing all of your opinions. And if we've forgotten to say it lately, another big THANK-YOU to all our listeners. You brighten our days, and ignite our knitting passion. We love our craft and we love sharing it with you.
What are we wearing?
Drifting by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Sharlene's Drifting
What are we stalking?
Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer
Sideway Shawls by Kyoko Nakayoshi
Merging Ripple Shawl by Kyoko Nakayoshi
Knitscene, Winter 2012
Amande Vest by Hilary Smith Callis
What are we knitting?
A-Line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
127-29 Shawl with Flounce by DROPS Design
Ideas for variegated yarn thread on Ravelry
Taygete by Rosemary Hill
What have we finished?
Sharlene's Preemie hat, no pattern
Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Sharlene's Breezy Cardigan
Gayle's Preemie hats
Gayle's Mont Royal hat by tshep
Corazon by Julia Trice
Gayle's Corazon
Discussion about pattern purchases in our Ravelry group
Thanks to Julia Trice for donating a copy of the Corazon pattern!
Some new-to-us yarns we've recently seen and would like to see more of include:
Imperial Yarn
Quince and Company Tern
Swans Island Yarn
Plucky Knitter Yarn
Blue Heron Bamboo Lace
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Episode 20
What are you wearing?
Ishbel by Ysolda Teague
Handmaiden Fine Yarn Sea Silk
Sharlene's Sea Silk Ishbel
5200K by Suvi Simola
Gayle's 5200K
Western Sky Knits Kim
Western Sky Knits yarns
What are you stalking?
Elfe by Astrid Schramm
Winding Vest by Vanessa Ewing
Meridian by Joji Locatelli
Amonde Vest by Hilary Smith Callis
Ruth's Tee by Rachel Ivy Clarke
Who has a birthday today? Click on the "people" tab in Ravelry, and underneath the search field, click on the "Happy Birthdays!" link. Go wish someone a Happy Birthday. Go ahead, we'll wait. :) Spread a little knitterly love.
What are you knitting?
Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
A-Line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
Mont Royal Hat by tshep
Corazon by Julia Trice
What Have you finished?
Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli
Cowl-Neck Vest by Cecily Glowick MacDonald
So many projects, so little time! We both have growing queues and yarn to knit them. Gayle is speeding through projects, Sharlene is limping along, but hoping for a power up. :) It is the first week of October, and super warm here. But never fear, sweater weather is right around the corner. Santa Cruz is only allowed three hot days in a row at this time of the year before the fog rolls in. We hope you enjoy this episode. We had lots of fun recording.
Ishbel by Ysolda Teague
Handmaiden Fine Yarn Sea Silk
Sharlene's Sea Silk Ishbel
5200K by Suvi Simola
Gayle's 5200K
Western Sky Knits Kim
Western Sky Knits yarns
What are you stalking?
Elfe by Astrid Schramm
Winding Vest by Vanessa Ewing
Meridian by Joji Locatelli
Amonde Vest by Hilary Smith Callis
Ruth's Tee by Rachel Ivy Clarke
Who has a birthday today? Click on the "people" tab in Ravelry, and underneath the search field, click on the "Happy Birthdays!" link. Go wish someone a Happy Birthday. Go ahead, we'll wait. :) Spread a little knitterly love.
What are you knitting?
Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
A-Line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
Mont Royal Hat by tshep
Corazon by Julia Trice
What Have you finished?
Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli
Cowl-Neck Vest by Cecily Glowick MacDonald
So many projects, so little time! We both have growing queues and yarn to knit them. Gayle is speeding through projects, Sharlene is limping along, but hoping for a power up. :) It is the first week of October, and super warm here. But never fear, sweater weather is right around the corner. Santa Cruz is only allowed three hot days in a row at this time of the year before the fog rolls in. We hope you enjoy this episode. We had lots of fun recording.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Episode 19
As usual, lots of new patterns discussed this week. Especially when we talk about holiday knitting. No, don't run screaming, you know it is coming! We realize not everyone knits gifts for the holidays, but if you do, we hope you will find our resources helpful. If you have any other patterns and projects that you like for holiday knitting, don't hesitate to share it in the comments or over in our Ravelry group. Happy knitting!
What are we wearing?
Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Spud and Chloe Fine
Pendulum shawl by Amy Miller
Colinette Jitterbug
Tosh Merino Light by Madelinetosh
Fuse by Veronik Avery
What are we stalking?
Fall Away Cardign by Heidi Kirrmaier
Shift of Focus by Veera Valimaki
Cobblestone Trenchcoat by Veera Valimaki
Rowan Lima
Corazon by Julia Trice
Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang
mont-royal hat by Tshep
Cabled Baby Hats
Thinking of Waves shawl by yellowcosmo
What are we knitting?
Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Tosh Lace Silver Fox
Edler007 phototutorials on alternating 2 skeins of yarn
Edler007 phototurorials on alternating 3 skeins of yarn
A-Line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
Knit Red book
Cowl-Neck Vest by Cecily Glowick MacDonald
Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli
Rowan Calmer (this yarn is discontinued)
What have we finished?
Still Light Tunic by Veera Valimaki
Jenica Hoodie by Joji Locatelli
Holiday Knitting
These are some of our favorite projects and/or categories to make for holiday gift giving:
Hermione Hearts Ron by Christy Aylesworth
Garfunkel Hat by Jocelyn Tunney
Honey Cowl by Ann Maria for Madelinetosh
Malabrigo Waffles Scarf by Sarah Florent
Sharlene's Sea Anemone Bath or Kitchen Scrubbie
Cat Knitting Pattern by Linda Dawkins
198 Yards of Heaven by Christy Verity
Cabled iPad Sleeve by haramis designs
Lacy Cabled Cell Phone Cozy by Terra LaKlare
Evangeline mitts by Michelle Szeghalmi-Shirley
What are we wearing?
Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Spud and Chloe Fine
Pendulum shawl by Amy Miller
Colinette Jitterbug
Tosh Merino Light by Madelinetosh
Fuse by Veronik Avery
What are we stalking?
Fall Away Cardign by Heidi Kirrmaier
Shift of Focus by Veera Valimaki
Cobblestone Trenchcoat by Veera Valimaki
Rowan Lima
Corazon by Julia Trice
Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang
mont-royal hat by Tshep
Cabled Baby Hats
Thinking of Waves shawl by yellowcosmo
What are we knitting?
Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Tosh Lace Silver Fox
Edler007 phototutorials on alternating 2 skeins of yarn
Edler007 phototurorials on alternating 3 skeins of yarn
A-Line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
Knit Red book
Cowl-Neck Vest by Cecily Glowick MacDonald
Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli
Rowan Calmer (this yarn is discontinued)
What have we finished?
Still Light Tunic by Veera Valimaki
Jenica Hoodie by Joji Locatelli
Holiday Knitting
These are some of our favorite projects and/or categories to make for holiday gift giving:
Hermione Hearts Ron by Christy Aylesworth
Garfunkel Hat by Jocelyn Tunney
Honey Cowl by Ann Maria for Madelinetosh
Malabrigo Waffles Scarf by Sarah Florent
Sharlene's Sea Anemone Bath or Kitchen Scrubbie
Cat Knitting Pattern by Linda Dawkins
198 Yards of Heaven by Christy Verity
Cabled iPad Sleeve by haramis designs
Lacy Cabled Cell Phone Cozy by Terra LaKlare
Evangeline mitts by Michelle Szeghalmi-Shirley
Friday, September 7, 2012
Episode 18 - Hello September
September is here, the kids are back in school, and we are roving podcasters no more. Don't get me wrong, we love summer, but there is something comforting about returning to our usual recording spot (my dining room table), with its usual comforts (available internet connection, drinks, bathroom). In this part of California, September is usually one of our warmest months. Though we aren't feeling the fall knits yet, we both have an eye on some new and new-to-us patterns and fantasy knitting projects. Our stalking segment is full of possibilities. Our knitting presents us with challenges. Our finished objects hold both happiness and heartbreak. Just another week with The Yarniacs! Enjoy.
What are we wearing?
Drifting by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Abstract Fiber Supersock, valentine colorway
Sharlene's Drifting
Sharlene also knit a second Drifting, that was a gift for her sister
Freya by Andrea Black
Gayle's Freya
What are we stalking?
Lull by Hiroko Fukatsu aka Roko on Ravelry
Boxy by Joji Locatelli
Dragonflies by Joji Locatelli
The Way from Brighton by Joji Locatelli
Alcazar by Joji Locatelli
Antiquo by Gudrun Johnston
What are we knitting?
Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Jenica Hoodie by Joji Locatelli
What have we finished?
198 yards of Heaven by Christy Verity
Sharlene's Heaven shawlette
Turn a Square hat by Jared Flood
Cowl Neck Vest by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Pom Pom Peds by Purl Soho
Gayle's Peds
Aynia shrug by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Gayle's Aynia
Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier
KAL news
Winners are announced!
Sharlene's new Instagram account: @yarniac
I am having fun following everyone's photos!
What are we wearing?
Drifting by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Abstract Fiber Supersock, valentine colorway
Sharlene's Drifting
Sharlene also knit a second Drifting, that was a gift for her sister
Freya by Andrea Black
Gayle's Freya
What are we stalking?
Lull by Hiroko Fukatsu aka Roko on Ravelry
Boxy by Joji Locatelli
Dragonflies by Joji Locatelli
The Way from Brighton by Joji Locatelli
Alcazar by Joji Locatelli
Antiquo by Gudrun Johnston
What are we knitting?
Breezy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Jenica Hoodie by Joji Locatelli
What have we finished?
198 yards of Heaven by Christy Verity
Sharlene's Heaven shawlette
Turn a Square hat by Jared Flood
Cowl Neck Vest by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Pom Pom Peds by Purl Soho
Gayle's Peds
Aynia shrug by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Gayle's Aynia
Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier
KAL news
Winners are announced!
Sharlene's new Instagram account: @yarniac
I am having fun following everyone's photos!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)