In the studio - red shawl

Red shawl, linen, mohair, cotton, nylon, rayon, silk, stockinette stitch, size 10 cable needle, 24 in.

I didn't get enough red in the previous shawl - see March 11, 2009 - so I decided to try a slightly different mix of yarns and I love the result again! The colors range from a light orange red to a rich ruby red, and the mix makes the surface dynamic. There's also difference in the reflective qualities of the yarns, so the light "plays" across the surface.

I took this of the needles a few hours after this photo, so now it's in the "finished" bin.

In the studio - shiny

This scarf is also shown in the April 11, 2009 entry. I forgot the yarn has cotton, linen, viscose and silk.

In the studio - delicate shawl

This shaw was also featured in August 30, 2008 and June 9 2008 posts.

In the studio - shiny

Scarf, linen,silk cotton blend yarn, lace stitch pattern, size 1 bamboo needles

Another in the "thin" series, this shiny yarn will be a wonderful summer accessory.

In the studio - gunmetal

Scarf, metallic yarns. Lace stitch (not named). size 4 cable needle, 24 in.

One more in the series of "thin".

In the studio - creamy and fuzzy

Shawl, mohair, lama and nylon, stockinette stitch, size 13 cable neede, 24 inches

I love the softness and fuzziness of this shawl. I am planning a green leaf border with pink buds.

In the studio - thin

Scarf, linen, cotton, viscose, rib stitch, size 5 cable needle, 24 inches.

I'm starting a series of scarves that will be thin and drapey for summer. These are more embellishment for an outfit rather than warmth. I'm going to get out my lacey stitch patterns and try starting with thin basic strips and then adding edgings.

Book by Sasha Kagan

I couldn't resist this book even though I have plenty of crochet reference books. There's a lot to be said for the art and design in the way it is book together. It's a beautiful book!

And I'm genuinely inspired. I've used several of the patterns already. There are all the typical crochet stitch patterns and motifs and some new ones developed for the book. It's a true visual delight.

In the studio - black shiny

Shawl, basic lace stitch, viscose and polyester, size 7 aluminum cable needle, 24 inches.

After being seduced by the gun metal gray version of this yarn I procured this delicious black. It's the least scratchy I have ever felt of this type yarn. I decided to make this shawl and I am looking through my Nicky Epstein books on edgings to find a nice one. I'll do an edging in a lovely black/silver color.

In the studio - black and jewel tones

Shawl, rayon, nylon, lurex, mohair, silk, garder stitch, size 5 aluminum cable needle, 24 inches

This is another piece that simmered in the general studio pile for a bit. I'm back to liking it very much again and am looking forward to seeing the beautiful drape and rich color.

The photography end of things has been off the cuff, but it seems the only way I can get things photographed is to just do it. I've tried to plan photo sessions and they're just not getting done. So "some day" I'll get all the things and a camera in the same room with good lighting.

In the studio - lightweight linen stitch

Shawl, mixed fibers - wool, mohair, nylon, silk; woven stitch, size 4 wood cable needle, 24 inches.

I'm too lazy to try to get the colors right, but the previous post September 13 is much more accurate. Now I have about a foot of fabric approximately 30 inches across for each row. The final dimensions will be a shawl that is about 70 inches wide about about 30 inches long (or maybe "deep"). This is going to be a very extravagant shawl, and I'm having a wonderful time putting all the yarns together. There are lots of sequins that refuse to show themselves in the photo. Since I am changing yarns each row it is quite a challenge. I have tried not to get repetitive, and also have been adding yarns and I'm up to almost 40. I do include some sort of black at least every 3 row to keep a consistent look about the fabric. I let the work "rest" for quite awhile, but now I think it will be near at hand until it is done.

Shibori Knits

Shibori Knits: The Art of Exquisite Felted Knits, by Gina Wilde, August 2008, Crown, ISBN:0-307-39354-2, 128pp, $27.50 Random House(Distributor)

This book caught my fancy when I was recently in Colorful Stitches to browse their amazing yarns. It shows a type of process that produces a wonderful variety of effects, and the designs seem fresh to me. I've been inspired to start what seems like a zillion projects based on what I'm seeing here, so I recommend that you give it a look.

In the studio - linen

Scarf, linen, seed stitch with stockinette stitch ruffle. size 1 needles (2.25mm)

I began with the basic aqua scarf several months ago. I rest a lot during the knitting because the linen is quite abrasive on my hands. The ruffle is huge - I've taken to using a 60 - inch cable needle and I'm doing half the ruffle at a time.

In the studio - RED

Shawl, mohair, linen, nylon, rayon

This shawl is using rather lightweight yarns and big needles, and it should be lacey and wonderful for spring and summer.

It's not that I haven't been knitting - I'm knitting every day. My photography has fallen behind!

In the studio - boa

Boa, mixed fibers: polyamide lurex, nylon, cotton, silk; stockinette stitch


This is the beginning of a series of boas. I'm planning on making them sufficiently frou frou to satisfy my urge for excess.

In progress - acqua crochet

Scarf, wool, crochet mesh,size 3.5mm aluminum hook.

This is going to be my first intentional fulled scarf. The other one was accidental. So I'm going to work in some little tidbits of fluffy, intensely colored yarns randomly across the mesh and then full it and see what happens!!!

In the studio - stripes

This is the newest embroidery, and it's going to be my favorite so far, I can tell. It may end up being somewhat calligraphic.

In the studio - silky fluffy shawl

Shawl, silk, rayon, nylon, polyester, stockinette and reverse stockinette stitches, size 8 aluminum cable needle.

I pulled this out of the "in progress" bin and am about to take it off the needles. After doing quite a bit a work in fine guage I'm having fun ripping through several large guage projects like this.

In the studio - new embroidered purse

This was begun months ago, but being encouraged by the previous purse, I have lunged forward.

Embroidered purse

Purse, cotton, linen and silk fabric, cotton thread, beads

This has been pure joy to work. I've given vent to all my desires for gaudy, thick texture and overdone pattern. Woo hoo!

The front pocket needs embellishment and my most recent idea is couching a leaf with bright spring greens. The fastener bead is handmade by a friend who has an Etsy shop: ginkodesigns - well worth a visit!

In the studio - gray alpaca

Scarf, alpaca, broken rib stitch, size US 5 bamboo needles.

I love this alpaca!

In the studio - pink and blue scarf

Scarf, mixed fibers, double seed stitch, size 9 plastic needles.

I'd love to have time to play with this yarn forever.

In the studio - thick and thin scarf

Scarf, wool, double seed stitch, US size 19 aluminum cable needle.

I finally succombed to the desire to knit with Colinette Point Five yarn, an exaggerated thick and thin yarn that is soft and fascinating. The large needles are very difficult to handle now that I've become accustomed to more like US size 5 needles. Oy! There are more downsides - I don't know how to put my "signature" style on it.

In the studio - red thang

Scarf, nylon and rayon, woven or linen stitch, size 10 plastic needles.

I've picked up this piece once again. I'm on a finishing spree trying to get ready for a show and sale at Elissa Halloran's shop.

To see the same yarn worked up in rib stitch check out this entry.

IN the studio - green rib

Scarf, wool with flax, rib stitch, size 7 wood needles.

I'm having a good time with this, taking it everywhere with me.

Finished scarf - purple and gold ruffle

Scarf, wool and nylon, knitting with double and single crochet. Size 9 metal cable needle, 24 in. and unsized crochet hook.

This is a wonderful soft ruffle of the school colors series. After casting on and knitting a couple rows I changed colors then knitted two stiches into each stitch to start the dramatic increases that a ruffle requires. Then I took up each knitted stitch onto the crochet hook and put a double crochet stitch into it, then put two double crochets into each double crochet into the next row.

In the studio - green heather

Scarf, wool, seed stitch, size 7 wood needles.

More simple fabric with fantasies of good embellishment.

In the studio - red heather

Scarf, wool, rib stitch, size 9 wood needles

This is part of series of rather simple fabrics. I'm streaking through the projects and thinking about interesting finishing touches. Like for this one I'm thinking about white pom poms for the ends. Or maybe some other kind of finish that isn't fringe.

But on the "knitting trips" score: I went to the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival again this year. Sunday I got up early in Bennington, Vermont after a wonderful day of knitting with Allison and Julia and headed out towards Rhinebeck. I wandered down the western edge of Massachusettes, then switched over the to Taconic Parkway around Great Barrington. Ooooohhh, Aaaaahhhh! what divine scenery!

The traffic started getting heavy right in the middle of Rhinebeck, with cars lined up all the way to the Duchess County Fairgrounds. It was great to see so many knitters, weavers, sheep farmers, vendors and fellow travelers.

In past years I've swerved around the Great Adirondack Yarn Company's booth, sometimes because it has been too packed, but other times because I think of my budget and shrink back. But this year I made a straight path right to it, thinking I'd buy a skein and devil take the hindmost. Well...I found that they had "bundles" of 500-800 yards for $25 - $30. Aiigh! So I did the reasonable thing and got three bundles of what I. Just. Couldn't. Resist. Extremely yummy.

With that swiftly stashed in my tote bag I commenced strolling around and looking at what great things people were wearing, the fiddling contest, the sheepies and goaties. I found a little bit more mohair that I couldn't seem to be able to leave there, and then it was time to get back home.

In the studio - black with copper

Rectangle shawl, mixed fibers: silk, metallic, simple lace stitch, size 10 wood needles.

Putting this up against the black staircase shows the depth of the black, which is intriguing. The copper makes it a little glitzy but not too much. This whizzes along because of the larger needle size.

Finished shaw - parti

Triangle Shawl, mixed fibers: nylon, cotton, silk, polyester; size 11 cable needle, 24 in.

I was just about to take this off the needles in this photo.

So this is what it looks like in all its glory.




The eariler entry was a modest beginning, but all in all I think it went along quickly.

In the studio - gray fluff shawl

Triangle shawl, mixed fibers: mohair, nylon, rayon, acrylic; size 10 wood cable needle, 24 in.

After working with strong colors for quite awhile, I've acquired a taste for more neutral colors and I'm starting many experiments with them. This is the most fuzzy or furry looking.

I'm trying to work out my philosophy of textile design, since that is what I keep claiming is my "art". So far I think that my simple working methods are fascinating because they give me considerable control over the density and texture of the fabric. So I work with various needle sizes and yarn gauges to produce an array of fabrics that are very loose and light to fabrics that are very dense and heavy. This work is very loosely loomed and would be very light, however the nylon and mohair are quite heavy yarns, so it has a nice heft to it. the drape has a considerable amount of stretch, so it holds to the curves of the shoulders nicely. The fibers that form the knap of this fabric are extremely long - almost one inch for most of the fluffy yarns.
This could make the fabric very fur-like, however, I'm not in favor of trying to imitate animal fur with synthetic yarns, so I have broken the surface with a "railroad" yarn which has shiny rayon squares. So while there's a hint of furishness, it's interrupted with dots of subtle colors.

Well, that's some noodling that may eventually get me to a philosophy, anyway.