Monday, April 25, 2011

Claire's Sweater

Some of the most important ideas that we can pass onto our children are tradition, and from my lineage of women- knitting.  I simply adore the notion that Claire also wants to be a knitter.  She is always very intrigued with what I am working on.  She has also started her very own mini-stash.  And I am NOT to touch any of her yarn.  She is very patiently saving it for the day that she learns how to knit so she can make something with HER yarn.  That day will be coming soon.  I understand many kids start around 4.  So, along with her asking what I am working on she will occasionally ask if what I am making is for her.  Usually the answer is no.  Unless I involve her in the ENTIRE process she is generally not interested in the cute stuff I try and make for her.  So this time she had a special request.  "Mommy, can you make me a sweater?"  But, of course.  So I found one that met her approval and showed her the yarn I had been saving for a project just like this.  And here I present- Claire's Sweater.

The yarn is from the Lavender Sheep Co. in Hood River.  I thought it would be a nice and playful colorway.  She approved, despite it not having her favorite color- yellow.  The yarn was wonderful to work with.  It was a Merino/Silk mix.  Some might say that is a little fancy for a toddler, but not mine.  This garment she has worn more than any other that I have made her.  It is perfect for the mildly cold days of spring. You might notice in the picture that it self-banded the color towards the top and then towards the waist I forced the color to band which made for a few more ends to weave in. 

The pattern is Audrey's First Day.  We have already scouted the yarn and the pattern for her next sweater.  But, she is a little down on the queue at the moment.  The pattern, like most toddler sized garments knit up pretty quickly.  The only problem that I had was with myself and not the pattern.  I didn't examine the pattern enough prior to starting.  The pattern requires that you knit the body and then pick up the stitches around the color and down the front for a nice ribbed edge.  Picking up that many stitches is a weak spot for me.  But, in the end, it made a lovely garment that Claire adores and wears!

Next up: Quince & Co. yarn review.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Love & Beauty

“I believe in love. And beauty. I believe that every single person has something they find beautiful and that they truly love. The smell of their child’s hair, the silence of a forest, their lover’s crooked grin. Their country, their religion, their family. And I believe that if you follow this love all the way to its end, if you start with the thing you find most beautiful and trace its perfume back to its essence, you will perceive an intangible presence, a swath of stillness that allows the thing you love to be visible like the openness of the sky reveals the presence of the moon.”


Excerpt from Women, Food, & God by Geneen Roth

It was SO beautiful I had to share.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Something to aspire to

Join in with Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2011 
I aspire to make the sweater pattern for Lyric Tree by Stricken on Ravelry. I love the tree of life look of this design.  I also love the detail on the hood. So, detailed, aran-type cable work is what I aspire to master. I am still fairly new at cables.  But, when searching for some projects on Ravelry I came across this pattern and new it was an instant fave.  I wish I had more patience to do sweaters and larger projects.  But, I like semi-instant gratification.  I much prefer projects that I can finish in a few days.  I think I may stash this project away for the next retreat I attend in November where I could give it the concentrated time it deserves.
Be well. Create. Inspire

Friday, April 1, 2011

And now for something completely different...

Join in with Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2011 

Believe in what you do, what you say and what you create.
Above all...believe in yourself!
If you can tell me where this picture was taken you will be rewarded. 
(people present excluded :)

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Upcoming Classes @ MakeOne

Beginning Lace – Tuesdays (4/19 and 4/26) from 6:30 – 8:00 pm –$24
Lace work is not only beautiful but it’s also a great way to master reading your knitting, delving into chart reading, as well as increases and decreases. Be sure to register for this helpful class by calling the shop or in person.   

Summer Flies – Tuesdays (5/17, 5/24, and 5/31) from 6:30 – 8:00 pm –$36
The Summer Flies Shawl by Donna Griffin is a great accessory for spring and summer. Knitting lace work is a fabulous way to take your knitting to the next level and this is a wonderful way to master those skills. Register for this three session class by calling the shop or stopping in.

To register contact MakeOne @ www.m1yarns.com or 503.974.9614