Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie

The Newest Knit Dress Dishcloth

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:16:00 +0000

I've been busy this week finalizing the pattern for this dress dishcloth called "Princess for a Day". I'll be releasing this pattern on my website within the next week. The one on the left is made with Peaches and Cream cotton in yellow and the one on the right is with Sugar and Creme in Robin's Egg Blue. I have the pattern written up and just need to put the final touches on it before I publish it. Along with this pattern will be the pattern for the Dress Dishcloth that I've named "Garden Party". I posted a photo in my post of August 2, 2009. I'm currently knitting up one to be photoed and also as a way of checking the pattern.

These two dress dishcloths are number 3 & 4 in the series. The original "Going Dancing" is on my website and the second is in the 2010 dishcloth calendar.

Other knitting this week has included the second sock of my Mint Chocolate Chip socks. The second sock always goes faster than the first for me so I hope to finish it this week.

Change of Season Knitting

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:13:00 +0000

Today brought an extra hour. I do enjoy this day and this time of year. Last week these pine cones were all over the ground near my home so I took this mini planter and filled it up with the pine cones. I'm so happy with the way it looks.

With the days shorter and cooler, my knitting projects change and to help make the transitions, I knit several dishcloths. The simple patterns and quick completion help clear my knitting mind for the longer projects of winter.

I have a blanket that is waiting to be worked on. The yarn is from my trip to England several years ago. I'll be working on that blanket all through the winter and hopefully will finish it by the end of March. There's also the yarn for a sweater that has been in storage for four years, I think I'll use it this winter.

Meantime, I'm using this sign that hangs in my staircase to remind me that I don't need any new yarn for awhile. Life is simpler when I use what I have first. I've purchased enough yarn in the last six months to get me through the winter. I'm really trying to stop accumulating yarn and fabric to use later. I really want to use what I purchase when I purchase it (at least in the same year!)

Holiday Gift Set

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:11:00 +0000

As the end of October gets closer, it's time for me to think about holidays. This year, I have very little stockpiled as I've given away a lot throughout the year. So today, I decided to begin to make up some gift sets.
Here's the first one. It's the original "Going Dancing" Dress Dishcloth in a variegated and a solid peaches & creme yarn, a matching tribble, and 2 hand woven potholders. I'll place these in a baking pan that I can purchase inexpensively and maybe add two dish towels and it will be ready for gift giving. I especially like to use these as hostess gifts when I go visiting around the holidays.

I have plenty of yarn and these go quickly so I'll be making several more sets. Then it will be time to move on to decorations. Each year, I make a few ornaments. I usually knit up a few small Christmas Stockings, some mini mittens, and last year I made several beaded ornaments. One of the beaded ornaments is highlighted in my posting of October 25, 2008.

I'm continuing to work on my socks. I currently have four pairs started and this yarn is for the next pair. The colors in this Shalimar Yarn are so perfect at this time of year. I tend to work on socks in sets. I finish one sock to a pair, start the other, and then switch to a different pair for a week or so before I go back and finish sock two of the pair. This keeps me from getting bored with any one yarn. Since almost all my socks are done in the same knit 3, purl 1 rib, I depend on the quality and colorway of the yarn to be the highlight of the sock.

Finally A Finished Piece

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:17:00 +0000

I finally finished my shrug and I'm really pleased with it. This was the simplest of projects. Plain ribbing through out and two seams yet it fits beautifully. I just bought a white top with three quarter length sleeves to wear with it. This is made with 4 skeins of Caron Simply Soft Shadows. The yarn has been in my stash for awhile. I bought it because I really liked the colors especially at this time of year. Because it's an acrylic, it's mashine washable and dryable but the yarn has a nice feel to it.

I also finished the first sock of my mint chocolate chip socks. I've started on the second one. I am really trying to get some of the socks done. I have 3 other pairs started and yarn for two more pairs. As soon as I finish the Wanida socks from Sock Innovations, I'm starting the Diamond socks from Issue 17 of Yarn Forward Magazine. This is the first issue I've seen and I think it's a great magazine. Totally recommend that you look for it.
And finally, here's another photo from my day at the National Zoo. I just love his pose!

Busy, Busy Weekends!

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Both last weekend and this one have been busy with activities so I haven't finished any projects but I am making progress on three of them. My shrug is on the final 4 inches, my Wanida socks are done through the middle of the foot, and my mint chocolate chip socks are ready for the toes. Hopefully, next post will have a finished project. I'm expecting the shrug to be finished first. It's the closest and easiest to finish.

Last weekend I went to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Here's a photo of the baby Panda. He is as cute as can be and can you believe, he was sound asleep on those rocks. I took a lot of photos and will share more later. It was a great day!

While I was in D.C., I visited a Michaels' store and was able to purchase this Yarn Shop. I've positioned it next to one of my framed pictures of the sea. This is where I'd like to be, in a shop, close to the ocean and the beach. Can you imagine, stopping by, sitting and knitting in such a place?

Antique Fair Finds & Not much Knitting Time

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:54:00 +0000

September brings many Antique Fairs to this area. I visited one on Labor Day and another one last weekend. The Gonder Vase pictured above was my find last weekend. This is the fifth in my collection. I started collecting Gonder Ceramic pieces a few years ago. While helping my aunt clean out my grandmother's house, I spotted a vase in the livingroom that had been in the same spot on the end table for as long as I could remember. I asked my aunt if I could have it and of course, she said yes. When I got it home, I researched the marking on the bottom and came upon the world of Gonder ceramics. This company was in Ohio and the pieces I have are between the 1940's and 1950's. This yellow vase is a real find for me. I had admired the photo of it in the collector's book that I have and I was able to spot it from a distance on the vendors table. The nice thing about Gonder is that it is relatively inexpensive. I have only found one piece at each Antique Fair.

This drawstring bag is from another find at an antique fair. It is a linen tea towel. I cut it in half and added the fabric for the facing and made it into a drawstring bag. This bag is another great bag for my knitting and sewing projects. I don't ever have enough tote bags. When I was younger, it was shoes, now it handbags, tote bags, and project bags.

Meanwhile, my knitting time has been severely restricted in September. With the start of school, I'm working longer hours and I'm really tired in the evening. I did finish an apron, knit from my own design. I don't want to share a photo yet because I'll be writing up the pattern and offering it for sale on my website and ravelry. It will be a month or so before it's ready. All I can say, is that I'm really looking forward to sharing this pattern. The apron came out beyond my expectations.

I've also been working on a Ladies Shrug with some yarn that was in my stash. The pattern is by Plymouth yarn. With any luck, I'll have it finished in a week or two. It's all ribbing and simple enough to work on, even if I am half asleep.
And finally, here's a photo of a sleeveless top that has been sitting in the closet, in one of my knitting bags for three years. This is totally ridiculous. It is completely sewn together. All that needs to be done is to weave in the few yarn ends and wash it. I am determined to wear it this fall. The only thing is, the yarn is a little heavy for a sleeveless top and I'm not sure what to wear under it. Maybe a three quarter sleeve t-shirt but I'm not sure about the neckline with a t-shirt under this top. Any suggestions?

Accessories for My Knitting

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:17:00 +0000

I went to a local Antique Fair last weekend and found these great vintage glove dryers complete with instructions. They are so cool and will come in handy for my glove knitting. Then I stopped at a booth that had thousands of vintage buttons. The woman that owned them was so nice and I could tell that she really enjoyed her button collection. I pulled out many, many cards of buttons and could have bought a lot more but settled on these.The photo doesn't really show the clear one's that well but believe me, they're awesome. I'll need to make a sweater with one button for the large glass one and I'm thinking of buying a fine gauge sweater and replacing the buttons with the other smaller glass ones. The colored buttons are perfect for so many projects that I'm not sure where they'll end up but for now I'm just enjoying having them and pondering the possibilities of their uses.

Another accessory that I totally enjoy is my many, many Knitting bags and Tote bags for all those projects that are in progress. I use tote bags for everything from carrying my netbook, my lunch, carrying work back and forth from the office, and even carrying my mail to the post office. I keep a tote bag by the front door at all times and fill it with the things that need to go with me when I leave the house.

Here's three of my favorite bags. The one on the left, I sewed from a tapestry fabric, the center one, I knit and sewed on the handles, and the one on the right is my Namaiste bag. I keep the Row Keeper Bracelet for knitting hanging from the handle so I'm ready to knit any time.
These two handbags are my newest and they're terrific. These are custom made bags by Maddy Moo Creations. I am now an independent design consultant for Maddy Moo Creations. The quality of these bags is excellent. The best part about Maddy Moo Creations is that you get to pick the style of the bag and then choose the fabric. In 6 weeks, your bag arrives at your door. They also have great party opportunities where you can get a hostess exclusive bag for free and other bags at half price. I'm really excited about bringing these handbags and totes to my fellow knitters. I know you'll enjoy them as much as I do!

My knitting this week has been all over the place. I seem to be picking up a different project every day. I've worked on a baby blanket, a sweater, a sock, a scarf, and a dishcloth this week and haven't made much visible progress on any of them. That's what happens when I'm tired at the end of the day but want to knit. Now that the weekend's here I'm hoping to focus on one project and get it near completion. I'll let you know how that works out!

Knitting for Babies

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:16:00 +0000

Pictured here is my latest knitting projects for a baby. The blanket is my Swirls Baby Blanket. The pattern is my own design and is on my website. This is the first time I'm making it using this yarn and it's coming out beautifully. The variegated yarn is Laines Du Nord Baby Cover, 100% Merino . I got this last winter at my LYS when it was on sale. I also bought the pink colorway, so when this blanket is finished, I'm going to make the same one in pink. The great blue project is a baby bunting that I've wanted to make for awhile. When I was a my LYS last week, this Snuggle by Alpaca Yarn Company was 30% off. It is ideal yarn for the bunting. I've always enjoyed the patterns by Sakonnet Purls and this bunting is as simple as could be.

Here's a photo of another bunting pattern that I have. This is from the Golden Hands series circa 1971. I pull this pattern out every couple of years but haven't made it yet. Maybe soon. I have to swatch some different yarns to find out which one is the correct gauge. The materials in the pattern are Fleisher's Shamrock and the gauge is 13 st and 17 rows to 2 inches in stockinette. The size is 18-20 chest. So I'm thinking that's newborn to 3 months. I do love this photo though.

Also

while going through my yarn again, I discovered this wonderful match of sock yarns. There's plenty here. It's enough for a complete baby outfit, sweater, hats, socks, or maybe I should make a shawl for myself. Heaven only knows, how long it would take me to make a shawl using this yarn. I have shawls that are a larger gauge that have been waiting to be worked on for several years.

I haven't touched my sock knitting all week. I think I needed a break from circular knitting. That going around and around gets to me after awhile. The sleeves for my sweater are also at a stand still. Just can't find the motivation to work on them. It's a shame, I really like this sweater and it's got great buttons for when it's finished. Oh well, I'm sure I'll be inspired to finish it one day soon.

On a non-knitting note, I saw a true rainbow on Friday. We've had so much rain. I walked past my dining room window and noticed that the colors outside looked a little pinkish, it was just before dusk. When I looked out the window, an amazing rainbow was going across the sky. It was truly a sight to behold. I tried to take photos but I think somethings are met to be experienced and not preserved in photos.

Getting Ready for Fall Season Knitting

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:46:00 +0000

Well it's mid August, I've finished several projects and now I'm turning my attention to those projects that I'd like to complete and use this fall. The first photo is a beautiful triangular shawl that I call October Shawl. It's the simplest of patterns. Basically Cast on three stitches, knit 2, YO, and Knit accross. I've added a row of YO's about 30 stitches in to add some interest to the knitting. This yarn is really wonderful. It's called Paca de Seda by The Alpaca Yarn company in Autumn Orchard. The colors are the truly wonderful colors of fall foliage. Shades of Green and Rust. This yarn is 80% Alpaca and 20% silk so it feels so soft. I know it's going to be a favoriate shawl for October weather.
Next is a scarf in a wonderful shade of buttery, golden yellow. It's also a color of true fall foliage. The pattern is from the December 2008 issue of Simply Knitting. This is a British magazine that I find at Barnes & Noble. I really enjoy their patterns.

The last photo is a scarf using the mistake rib pattern. It's made with a bulky weight wool by Cascade yarn. The photo does not show the color well. It really is a rust not an orange. It matches the gloves from last week's post perfectly.

So those are my top three projects to finish by the end of September. I also pulled out two baby blankets that I have started and I'm still working on several pairs of socks including the Wanida Socks from the Cookie A Sock Innovation book. Still need to finish my pleated neckline top for September. So, I have plenty of projects in progress. Hope to show you a finished one soon!

Knitting Gloves in Memory of Jake

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:27:00 +0000

I finished these beautiful gloves this morning, even weaving in the ends and filling the small gaps between the fingers. The pattern for these gloves is the Three Quarter Length Ribbed Gloves in the Vogue Knitting Mittens & Gloves On the Go Series. The yarn has a story. In late August 2006, I had to take my dog, Jake to be put to sleep. It was a very sad day. As I often do, I visited my yarn store later that day to find a special yarn to knit with to console me. I knew these gloves would remind me of Jake. The yarn is a silk blend in the same wonderful rust color that was in Jake's coat. I started the gloves and worked my way through both my grief and the gloves up to the start of the fingers. Then as with so many of my projects, they got put aside to work on something else. I picked them up about a month ago and now they are ready to be worn this fall.

Jake was a very special Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. My son and I brought him home on President's Day of his Senior year in High School. Jake immediately became part of the family. He was with us all the time. When my son went off to college, Jake was there. He greeted me first thing every morning and was there waiting when I got home at the end of the day. His company was priceless. As with so many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Jake developed heart desease at a young age. The last two years of his life were full of doctor visits and medication, but Jake didn't mind. He thought going to the animal hospital was an adventure. Both he and I made many, many friends at the animal hospital. The staff adored him.

I, like so many knitters, knit projects for different reasons. Sometimes, it's to celebrate, sometimes its to console ourselves, sometimes it just to create something beautiful and useful. Many of my finished knitting projects have a special memory. The yarn brought on vacation at a yarn shop that was a stop along the way. The blanket made to preserve memories of a special time in someone's life. The sweater that makes you feel special, safe, and warm, every time you wear it. I even have socks that give my confidence when I wear them. I save those for the times I have to make a presentation in front of a large group.

One time, I had a wonderful experience at the airport security counter. I always wear my hand knit socks when I fly. I was going through security and when I went through the detector, the guard said to me "Those are great socks! Did you make them?" I smiled and said "YES".

So what special stories are held in your knitting. Is it in the yarn, in the project that you chose, or in the uses of your finished knitting project?

Preview Newest Knit Dress Dishcloth

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:42:00 +0000

The 2010 Knitting Calendar is progressing and will be ready for orders by the end of the month. Be sure to visit 2010knittingcalendar.blogspot.com to see my design Prom Date Dress along with all the other great knitting patterns that are part of this calendar. I'm really looking forward to the calendars release.

Mean time, I've been working on several new Dress Dishcloth designs for the collection. Pictured above is Garden Party II. This will be one of a series that I'll be publishing later this year. The collection will be available for download from my website. This dress has a v neck and points on the edge of the skirt. It's fun and still practical because the skirt is plenty big enough for wiping the counter or a few dishes. This design makes a great gift for a young girl to use as a washcloth.

I'm making great progress on my other projects. I've finished the first of Jake's Gloves and 2 fingers of the second glove. I'm turning the heel on sock two of the blue pair and yesterday, I started the Wanida socks from Cookie A's Sock Innovation. These socks are much easier than it first appeared. I'm taking the chart one row at a time and they are progressing nicely.

I've discovered a great way for keeping the chart easy to see while knitting. I'm using a 4 x 6 clear photo frame. I have the chart in the frame and the frame sitting next to me while knitting. It really makes it easy to read while knitting.

I did finish one project this week. Well almost, I still have to wave the ends in and decide if I'm going to crochet a border around the outer edge. It's a baby blanket using Tessin by Muench. This yarn has been in my stash for many years. I had started a different blanket about two years ago but it really wasn't progressing so I took it apart and made a different blanket. And so that's one more yarn out of my stash and one more unfinished project Done.

Re-Organizing my Knitting Projects

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:47:00 +0000

I've just ended two weeks of vacation and I'm happy to say that I spent a great deal of time in my studio, knitting, sewing, and reorganizing my projects and supplies. I made a lot of progress on some of my knitting projects and did a lot of sewing. I found myself getting into a routine. An hour of knitting first thing in the morning, then sewing until lunch time, then making a few row keeper bracelets after lunch, knitting again until dinner. The evenings were spent knitting some more and reading a bit. I can truly say that I enjoyed this routine. But now it's back to my busy days at work. I have a few more days off before the end of the summer and then again at the holidays.

I thought I should make myself an updated list of my projects. I'm am trying desperately to reduce the number of projects that are unfinished and the amount of yarn that I keep collecting. I've made significant progress by not buying yarn without a project in mind. For quite a few years, I was buying yarn just because it appealed to me but I often found that I either didn't buy enough for a project or had absolutely no idea what I wanted to make with the yarn I had bought. Over the last year, I've been going through my projects before I shop. This has avoided a lot of waste of both time and money and much better knitting results. I've done the same with my fabric, button, and trim collection. More about the fabric stash another time.

I separated my list into six categories:

Projects to be Completed
New Projects to be Started
Other WIP's
Yarn for Undesignated Projects
Barely Started Projects
Old Projects & Yarns

The Projects to be Completed list has five items on it. (Five is my target number of projects at any one time. )

Pictured above is Project One. These are my three quarter length ribbed gloves called "Jake's Gloves". These gloves have a story but I'll save that for a posting when I finish the gloves. As you can see I'm working on the little finger of glove one. I'm hoping to finish these this week.

The next two photos are the two pairs of socks that I'm currently working on. The mint chocolate chip socks are using the needles that I need to start my Wanida socks from Cookie A's Sock Innovation, so I'm anxious to finish those. The Blue Socks have been around way too long. I just want them FINISHED!

Project four is a cardigan that got stuck when it was time to start the increases on the sleeves. Because I had time to knit during the day, I was able to concentrate on the pattern and I'm now ready to work on the sleeve cap. I hope to finish this cardigan within a month.

And Project Five is a simple baby blanket. I'm using yarn that has been in my stash for many years. I had to improvise to have enough yarn to make it. I'll post about that as soon as it's done. This blanket is my late night knitting because it requires absolutely no concentration. I only have about seven inches left to knit so it should be done shortly.

My new project list also has five items. I'm trying to finish at least one WIP before starting one
new project.

There's also five items on my Other WIP's list, four yarns on my Yarn list, four projects on my Barely Started list, and oh yeah, about 12-15 projects on my old projects and yarn list.

So, I have plenty of good knitting ahead of me, Just in time for the fall knitting magazine's to come out on the newstand. The lists go on and on.

And finally, here's one of my sewing projects. This is a drawstring project bag and a matching 10 inch square envelope bag with a clip to hang on my purse or belt when carrying small knitting projects such as my socks or gloves.

Hope you like it. I'll be putting a collection of these types of bags in my Handmade Shop on the website. I'll let everyone know when the collections ready.

Knitting Placemats Completed!

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:58:00 +0000

Here's my two completed placemats. I'm am so happy with the way these turned out. The pattern is from the July 2009 issue of Creative Knitting Magazine. The yarn is Sugar and and Cream Cornflower Blue, Sunshine Yellow, Hot Green, and White. The colors are vivid but match up really well. I put these in the washing machine and dryer and as always, the Sugar and Cream Yarn gets soft and wonderful. I'm planning on making two more placemats and will keep this pattern in my permanent file. This pattern would also work well in a single color. The only change I made to the pattern was to eliminate the fringe.

So having completed one project, I, of course, started two more. One is my Bluejay shawl from Alison Hyde's book, Wrapped in Comfort and the other is another pair of ribbed gloves. I'm finishing up the original pair of ribbed gloves and found this beautiful silk and cashmere yarn in my stash and so I grabbed another set of needles and cast on for a second pair of gloves.

No wonder it takes so long for me to finish a project!! To celebrate finishing, I also did some yarn shopping. I'll write about my new projects next time.

I also started Gil McNeils, Needles & Pearls. This is her follow up to the Divas Don't Knit or as it was published here in the U.S., the Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club. I did have to order it from the U.K. but I enjoyed the first book so much, I couldn't wait for the second book to be released here. The shipping was more expensive than the book but I think it was worth it! I'm about a third of the way through and trying not to rush because I don't want the story to end too soon.

So now I off to work on one of my many WIP. Maybe the gloves, or the socks, or maybe back to the sleeves on my sweater.

Sewing a Tote Bag from a Placemat

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:10:00 +0000

Blog Giveaway for those who Knit this Doll Dress

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:58:00 +0000

I've written out the pattern for the Dress on the Cindy Doll by Fibre Craft. As I mentioned in my last post, I have placed the pattern of my website with the other free knitting patterns.

I'm giving away five Row Keeper Bracelets for Knitting, as seen here, to the first five people who make the dress and email me a photo of it.

I would really like to use these dressed dolls as a charity project. I'm not sure how I would distribute them If anyone knows of an organization that would like them and can distribute them to young girls between the ages of 3-7 years old, please let me know. These dresses take less than 2 hours to complete and are quite inexpensive. I think it's a great project for charity knitting.

Hope to see photos soon and look forward to hearing from you.

Meantime, I'm making a few more as I have five of these dolls in my supplies.

Knitting a Dress for 6 3/4 inch Cindy Doll

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:28:00 +0000

This photo is the Cindy Doll by Fibre Craft. They are available at craft stores and online at Annie's Attic and Create for Less. They are inexpensive and make a nice gift for a little girl. About eight years ago, I designed this little dress for the doll. I finally sat down and wrote out the pattern and will be putting it on my website as a free pattern.

This dress uses a very small amount of yarn and is great for leftover yarn. The one on the left is from Sugar n Cream cotton in a solid. I show the back so you can see that it's a wrap dress. Basically no finishing. Just a ribbon tie with a bow at the waist. The center dress is also Sugar n Cream but I used a print for the skirt and a solid for the bodice. The one on the right is from leftover yarn from a blanket. This is a wool/acrylic blend. I can't remember what brand that is. It was just a small amount in my stash.

I'll post as soon as I've added the pattern to my website. At that time, I'm also going to give away 5 Row Keeper Bracelets for Knitting in a clear and blue bead combination. The bracelets will go to the first five knitter's who send me a photo of the Dress completed. If you use a different doll that's okay. I have no connection to these dolls other than that I think they're cute and just the right size for small hands to carry and play with.

Have a great day!

Knitting Socks & Dishcloths

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:18:00 +0000

This has been a terrific knitting week. I've been going to a local park on my lunch hour, enjoying the weather, and spending some time knitting on my socks. I finally finished this blue shaded sock. I went to my LYS and bought the great grape colored yarn for the toes and finished the first sock in no time. I'm well on my way with the matching sock. I did these socks in a 3 by 1 rib and this is the first time I carried the rib down the top of the foot. It makes for a terrific fit. I bought enough of the grape yarn to knit another pair of socks.

Then I found the Sock Innovation book. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend that you see these socks. They are truly amazing. This is not late night knitting but the kind of knitting that will need your full attention. the patterns are all charted but worth the effort. I will be making a pair from this book using the grape colored yarn and another pair using a nice brown that has been in my stash for quite a while.

While I was in the yarn shop, trying to match yarn for the toes of the blue socks, this incredible teal and brown yarn jumped out at me. It looks just like Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. I cast on this pair of socks as soon as I got home. I absolutely love the color of this yarn. It's making a color change every other round. Really fun to work with. The yarn is by J. Knits, Superwash wool and nylon.

And finally, I couldn't resist this Sugar n Cream strip yarn in greens and aquas. So now I'm off to relax with my beautiful Signature Arts Size 7 Needles and make a plain diagonal dishcloth so I can enjoy these great colors. Happy Fourth of July!

Coming Soon-New Knit Dress dishcloth

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:00 +0000

I'm really pleased to let you know that I've designed another dress dishcloth call Prom Date Dress and it will be included in a 2010 Knitting Calendar titled "Gifts from the Heart-Back to Basics". If you'd like to get a glimpse of this new knitted dress dishcloth, along with some of the other great knitting projects, visit 2010 knitting calendar.blogspot.com. There's two different versions of this knit dress, one using seed stitch and one using garter stitch. I'm in the process of designing several more in what is becoming a series.

The photo to the right is the original knitted dress dishcloth. The pattern is on my website. The one on the right is made using a solid color only. The one on the left is made with Sugar n Cream Twists and a coordinating solid. This dishcloth is titled "Going Dancing".

Meantime, It's that wonderful time of year for me when I have plenty of time to work on projects. Vacation days are plenty at this time of year and I spend a lot of time in my studio. I'll be posting some photos of several new projects that I'm sewing along with progress on my knitting. this week I started the placemats from Creative Knitting. They're really coming along nicely. The first one is almost done. Hope to make four but I need at least two to put on the kitchen table Also picked up a pair of socks that's been on the needles way too long. I went and bought a new color for the toes and now I have the motivation to finish them.

Cotton Shawl for Summer

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:43:00 +0000

Here is my latest finished project, just off the needles and with the ends weaved in! This is one of my favorite shawls ever made. The pattern was in one that my LYS made out of a mohair yarn but I decided to make it using cotton for the summer. I used Rowan Purelife Organic DK cotton. This yarn is wonderful. It is so soft and I chose the palest of greens Shade 992. The pattern called for the ties to be finished square but I decided to round them by decreasing at the beginning of the row for the last 2 inches. I also added a buttonhole so I can slip one of the tie through the other tie. I find this is really comfortable especially when I'm working.

I am sure this shawl is going to be used often. It just proves that project can be finished in a timely manner. I purchased the yarn on April 24, 2009 and finished today. Of course, I spent time working on other projects during the same time period. I find it impossible to work on one project at a time.

Now back to my Pleated neck top. Maybe I can finish it in time to wear this season. I'm also working on a pair of socks that I started quite awhile ago. And the Beaded scarf, i posted several weeks ago.

So many projects, not enough knitting time.

Off to watch Army Wives, one of the only shows I really enjoy. Gives me the idea to do some volunteer knitting for those mom's raising their children while their husbands are in the service.

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Knitting Experiments

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:44:00 +0000

This has been a week of experimental knitting in addition to the projects that I'm working on. I discovered the stitch pattern that's pictured above and had to try it out. So I grabbed some sugar n creme cotton and my size 7 needles and cast on 34 stitches. doing one pattern repeat. I absolutely adore this stitch pattern! I'm not sure if I'm going to use it for a tote bag, an afghan , or a table runner but I'm definitely going to use it. It's only an 8 row repeat so it's fun without being to complicated.
Then I finally decided to make time to join the Monthly Dishcloth Group Knit a Long. It is really fun. I truly enjoy coming home from work and finding 11 rows of knitting waiting for me. It's just enough knitting to keep me occupied while dinner is cooking. I had fun not knowing what I was knitting. This photo is the end of Day 3. Can you Figure out what it is?
And yesterday, I made a visit to one of my favorite stores. I just found out there's an Anthropologie Store in the area. When I went there, this great frame was in the 50% off area. The picture barely does it justice. It's my favorite Turqouise, green, yellow and white color combination. All I need is to pick out an inspirational photo for the frame. I like to frame photos of my favorite yarns or something knitting related. I may try framing the photo of the sewing machines that I saw at Ellis Island. Those sewing machines really impressed me.

I worked on my green shawl this week and it's almost done. Hopefully my next post will have finished photos.

Knitting Projects & Some Great Travels

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sun, 31 May 2009 22:59:00 +0000

I have been enjoying this absolutely beautiful day. I spent most of the afternoon in my yard, shaded by my dogwood tree, knitting this great summer top. The yarn is Somerset by Bristol Yarn Gallery. It's a pima cotton with silk. It has a wonderful texture to it. This is the same yarn that I used last summer for my shrug. It has a great drape and it's very comfortable to wear. The pattern is from the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Knit Simple. It's very easy knitting. A one piece top with no seams. I'm anxious to get to the pleated neckline. The bag on the left side of the photo is one of my 3 tool bags. This one is made from recycled paper. I purchased it last winter at the Bryant Park tents while on a trip to NYC to go to Radio City. I really like it!

Yesterday, I visited an antique fair in the area. It wasn't that great but I did see this beautiful display of Hat Pins. The woman that owned them had them displayed by color. I hope this photo gives you an idea of the colors. I did purchase a turquoise enamel one that I hope to use on one of my shawls.

And finally, earlier this week I had a chance to visit Ellis Island. I took a lot of photos but this one is my favorite. In one of the rooms, they have display cases full of the items that were there when they started to refurbish it in the 1950's. These two sewing machines were just thrown in a heap among alot of other things. I wonder what their story is?

Time to Do What I Truly Enjoy!

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:54:00 +0000

Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all that have served our country.

I've been lucky enough to be at home for the past 4 days so I've had plenty of time to do the things that I truly enjoy. It amazes me how fast a day goes. I always think I'm going to get so many things done and then at the end of the day, I've only got one or two of them accomplished.

First on my list was rearranging my studio. It finally functions really well. I purchased this great stool at Bed, Bath & Beyond and it's ideal for sitting at my work table. Both my table and this stool fold up so if I need to make room I can always put them aside. I spent lots of time in my studio this weekend.

I made this great apron with a blue eyelet fabric. Don't ask me where I'm going to wear this, I have no idea but I really wanted to make this. I love the style and now I need to get some fabric that's more appropriate for an apron.

I even had time to read this weekend. I really enjoy the Blossom Street Series by Debbie Macomber. I'm reading the newest edition, Summer on Blossom Street. I'm about halfway through it in just a few days. I'd really like to live in an area that had a Blossom Street type of street. Friendly, small shops where people all know each other. It sounds so comfortable to me.

Here's a few photos from my yard. I spent a lot of time out there this weekend. There was a beautiful breeze. It's great to sit out there and work on my knitting. A great way to spend the mornings.

This dogwood tree is in bloom and I really love this color combination. I need to find yarn in these colors for a project.

I'm really excited about the beginning of summer. Plenty of time to sew and knit. Sometimes with cotton while in the yard and sometimes with wool while in the air conditioning.

Swatch Knitting & Beaded Scarf

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:02:00 +0000

Here's the swatch for my Blue Jay Shawl. I ended up taking the Green Superior shawl off the Addi Turbo Lace Needles so I could make the swatch. I did put the green shawl on a piece of cotton yarn so I can return the needles to that project and finish it. When I got the shawl onto the thread, I realized how very nice the shawl is and now I'm looking forward to finishing it. Who knows, maybe I'll finish it before I actually start the Blue Jay Shawl.

The Blue Jay Shawl is my first circular shawl. I'm really looking forward to wearing it and I love the stitch pattern. The lacy diamonds look great. The pattern is only 22 rows and repeats about every 10 stitches so it's pretty easy to remember. The yarn is from the MSWF, it's a bit scratchy and I'll need to soak it in something to soften it up a bit. Overall though, I enjoyed knitting with it.

On the left is another current project. This is the Koigu yarn that has been in my stash for several years. A few weeks ago, I was at the checkout at AC Moore and the person in front of me had the same Koigu and said she was making a beaded scarf. I'd been wanting to try that so when I went to the LYS, I asked for the beads and the pattern. It really is pretty. Kind of fancy though, so I'm not sure when I'll wear it. I do have a nice white blazer that I cound wear it with but it does seem a little too fancy for work.

Also this week, I've been working on several more dress dishcloth designs. I have eight so far. I want to have 12 before I submit it to the publishers.

I Need These Knitting Needles!!

debbie.knitter@gmail.com (Knit n Sew Studio by Debbie) — Sat, 16 May 2009 00:31:00 +0000

Here's my current Knitting Dilemma. I am anxious to start the Blue Jay Shawl with the yarn that I purchased at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival but these Size 9 circular needles are stuck on this partially done shawl. The shawl is really pretty. It's Filatura DiCrosa Superior Yarn. 70% Cashmere, 30% Silk. A Really beautiful yarn. The thing is, I really don't have any enthusiasm for this project.

Now I have at least 3 other pairs of Size 9 circular needles, but I want to use these because they are the addi Turbo Lace needles. The points are a little sharper and I know they're the right needles for the blue jay shawl.

So, here's my choices

1-I just pull the needles out of this project-take the knitted shawl apart and save the yarn for another project

2- Take a different piece of yarn and string the live stitches on that until I finish the blue jay shawl and then return the needles to this project

3-(The choice I probably won't pick!) I actually finish this superior shawl before I start the blue jay shawl.

Now, if this was an employment situation, I'd have take choice #3 and finish the started project, but thank gooodness, this is my knitting and I can do whatever I want. So now I have to choose. What do you think?

Also, this week, I've been working on another shawl. Look's like if I start several, I'll have at least one new one done for the summer season.