Portland Yarn Crawl 2012

Yesterday I had the privilege of having a trunk show at Wynona Studios . I first met JJ at Sock Summit last year, she approached me to talk about consigning some of my yarn at her shop. I instantly liked her, she was so kind and friendly and disarming. I was really stressed at my first show and it made me feel so amazing to have a store owner think that my yarn is awesome!
I think her shop is one of my favorites, mainly because I already have all the yarn in the world, but I can still find all kinds of goodies that I wouldn't be able to find in a conventional yarn store. The space itself is very open and bright, the overhead skylight really lights up the place even on a dreary day. There are lots of sofas to sit on and relax, and with a coffee shop right next door I know I could spend the whole day there (as I saw many patrons do yesterday!).

She also has an impressive button collection, lately I've been on a big button kick and I find it so relaxing to dig through jars filled with color coordinated buttons.

The crawl itself went without a hitch. I saw lots and lots and lots of people. I even met someone who lives two blocks down the road from me!

Rustic Rambouillet

I wanted to spruce up (and brand) Mountain Meadow Rambouillet. After knitting with this yarn base for over five years I am still convinced that it is one of the best worsted weight yarns out there. I wouldn't try to do fine lace with it. But it's definitely the front runner for anything warn, cozy, and sturdy. I have a sweater I made for Elliot that now has been passed down to Reid, and I swear the sweater gets better with age. I have never had issues machine washing my Rambouillet (still wash at your own risk!!!) over time the knitting becomes more dense, but not enough to call it felting. And certainly not enough to alter the size and fit.
I seem to have misplaced the photos of Elliot in the sweater. I'll have to update the post once I find them.

Something new

I decided to take a little mental break from coops and wholesale orders to focus on what I enjoy best - trying new techniques and color combinations.

Lately I've been experimenting with layered dyeing, submerging the yarn in one color and then another and another. The resulting depth of shade is amazing.

Summer Mojito

Ripple

Troy

I feel like my brain is running in a million directions, there are just so many color combinations I can try. 

Green Thumb (or violet pinky)

A small dyeing accident gave me a good scare. A little hole in my glove caused my pinky to be dyed purplish yellow. I scared myself when I first looked upon it. My brain kept telling me that there is something wrong with my hand. I think I even let out a little scream the first time I saw it. 

I've had a rough time with the kids so I decided to get a good laugh (at my poor husband's expense). I emailed him the photo with the subject "I may need surgery" then I made up a little bit about Reid biting me. The poor guy fell for it and I could not stop laughing. It felt good to have a deep belly laugh. :)

So Portland

This pattern started out as a cowl that I wanted to use as a headband as well. Well it turned out I loved using it much more as a headband than a cowl as it kept my head and ears perfectly warm. When my husband first saw me wear it he exclaimed (with just a bit of  tease in his voice) "that's SO Portland"... I made a few changes to the pattern, but the name stuck! The final pattern is a quick and easy headband/ear warmer that can be worn as a cowl too. Features a short row construction to allow for a narrow band in the back and a wide band across the ears and head. Perfect accessory for a chilly hike. Please make sure you understand short row methodology prior to starting the pattern (a link to a tutorial is provided). You may choose to use your own method if desired.

Approximately 80 yards of DK or light worsted yarn.
Gauge: One pattern repeat (10sts) in 2" (just a hair under 2" actually)
Special Instructions 
  m1 - make one stitch by knitting into the bar before the next stitch.
  sk2po - Left leaning double decrease
  "Close gap" -
 On the knit side:

1. Knit until you reach the gap.
2. From the knit side, pull the loop from behind the stitch on the right needle.  The loop should be correctly mounted with its right leg in front.
3. Knit the loop together with the next stitch.

On the purl side:

1. Purl until you reach the gap, locate the loop under the right needle.
2. Slip the first stitch on the left needle purlwise onto the right needle
3. Pull the loop up onto the left needle.  The loop should be correctly mounted with its right leg in front.
4. Slip the first stitch on the right needle back to the left needle
5. Purl the next stitch together with the loop.

For complete tutorial on Japanese (and other) short rows please refer to http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2009/10/short-rows-method.html

Begin Pattern Using size 5 16" circular needles CO 84 sts, PM, join to knit in the round.
 Purl around once.
Knit around once.


Begin Pattern 1 - Note that the front of the headband is done in short rows

    Row 1 (RS): K19,  ssk, work [k3, m1, k1, m1, k3, sk2p]x5 times, k3, m1, k1, m1, k3, k2tog, k1,    turn work.

    Row 2 (WS): Sl1 purlwise, p62, turn work.

    Row 3: Sl1 purlwise, ssk, work [k2, m1, k3, m1, k2, sk2p]x5 times, k2, m1, k3, m1, k2, k2tog, k1, close gap, turn work.

    Row 4: Sl1 purlwise, p63, close gap, turn work.

    Row 5: Sl1 purlwise, k1, ssk, work [k1, m1, k5, m1, k1, sk2p]x5 times, k1, m1, k5, m1, k1, k2tog, k2, close gap, turn work.

    Row 6: Sl1 purlwise, p65, close gap, turn work.

    Row 7: Sl1 purlwise, k2, ssk, work [m1, k7, m1, sk2p]x5 times, m1, k7, m1, k2tog, k3, close gap. - At this point  you should be back to your start of round marker with RS facing

Next round: P to 1 st before next gap, close gap using the next stitch, k to end of round.

Begin Pattern 2 - Note that the front of the headband is done in short rows

    Row 1 (RS): K19, work [k1, m1, k3, sk2p, k3, m1]x6 times, k2, turn work.

    Row 2 (WS): Sl1 purlwise, p62, turn work.

    Row 3: Sl1 purlwise, k1, work [k1, m1, k2, sk2p, k2, m1, k2]x6 times, k1, close gap, turn work.

    Row 4: Sl1 purlwise, p63, close gap, turn work.

    R0w 5: Sl1 purlwise, k1, work [k3, m1, k1, sk2p, k1, m1, k2]x6 times, k3, close gap, turn work.

    Row 6: Sl1 purlwise, p65, close gap, turn work.

    Row 7: Sl1 purlwise, k2, work [k4, m1, sk2p, m1, k3]x6 times, k4, close gap. - At this point  you should be back to your start of round marker with RS facing

Next round: P to 1 st before next gap, close gap using the next stitch, k to end of round.

Repeat instructions for Pattern 1, followed by Pattern 2, once more. You may wish to repeat Pattern 1 once more for an extra wide band (as pictured).
Knit one round Purl one round
Bind off.  

Back to Basics

Lately I spend an overwhelming amount of time dyeing sock yarn. Ever since Sock Summit it has become an obsession of mine, plus it seems like everyone around me wants socks socks socks and more socks!

Well this weekend I said socks no more! Okay that's not really true, I did dye 50 skeins for a wholesale client, but I decided to have some good old fashioned fun with lovely untreated worsted bases. That should make lots of mama knitters happy!
Here's a teeny speak peek at one of the colorways I will be listing on Hyenacart once everything is dry and ready to go.

Still unsure about what to call it. But I was very careful with the hot water and managed to do these two matching skeins using low immersion. <3

I finally bound off a large Secret Garden shawl I'd been working on. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a sample skein of 50/50 cashmere/silk. Its one of those luxury skeins that I've seen retailed for over $50. So I was certainly more than happy to get the undyed sample from a mill and dye it myself. The result is the softest and fluffiest shawl I'd ever made. It feels like air when I wear it, yet it keeps my neck amazingly warm.

I finally found a name for the shawl - Laurelwood. Now I just need to write up the pattern and have it tested.

Oh Fire!

Quite literally!

Singed the hairs on my right arm today while dyeing. I had the flame turned up too high... woopsie!

I rotated my yarn display at Goodness.

Took a mini impromptu vacation to the mountain over the weekend to give the kids a chance to enjoy the snow. It was very relaxing to sit in a hot tub while snow was falling on us.

Really excited about some of the semi-solids I have coming. I've also been doing some tonal dyes, where two colors blend into each other.

Semi-solid Indigo

Tonal Plum (Plum and Lilac)

Spring Fling

Getting ready to release the first part of my newest spring colorway collection! 

The last few weeks I noticed tiny bulb tips poking out of the ground, and that became the inspiration to my newest collection. I wanted to go with bright and bold colors, that can stand on their own, or in high-contrast designs.

    

and a closeup of the low immersion colorway

Winter Happenings

The frenzy of the last few weeks is finally settling down and I once again have some time to sit down and write.
 I've been desperately trying to get a pair of socks finished up for my sister and a vest for my husband (which won't be done).

 The most recent project on the needles is this quick version of the Eoghan's Knot Sweater. This project is for a preschool mom that won an auction last year for a hand knit sweater by me. I am trying to be as quick as possible so I've omitted the cabled front, but the sweater still features the moss stitch on the front and back. The yarn is also a custom work for her. I wanted something bold and bright, and so far I've gotten approving comments from every girl that has seen me knitting it! 

I also purchased some new needles that I am very excited about. I thought nothing could be better than my Hiya Hiya interchangeable set, but I recently purchased stainless steel needles made by ChiaGoo and wow I am in love! 

Store Chatter

Wondering what I've been up to lately?

• Knit two shawls (pattern coming)
• Knit a skirted soaker
• Knit a newborn set
• Finished a 191 skein order!
• Managed to live through Black Friday and have nearly all of those orders shipped out by now
• In my “free” time I have been working on a new website. But it is very slow going.

New Shawl Design

Growth

Watching my dyeing expand and grow can be a bit overwhelming. This coming month I have several large orders that will be going out the door. I am dyeing yarn for a special holiday kit as well as fulfilling a co-op order. Should be busy but also fun!

I have a few new colorways in the works, and fun holiday "scrappy" kits. Except that my scraps aren't actually scraps. They are all hand wound lofty 33g skeins grouped together in packs of 4. The yarns come in a white box with a clear lid which makes gifting very convenient.

Toddler Feet

I think only a mom could say this, but there is nothing sweeter than toddler feet. I had some yarn bits that I didn't know what to do with so socks it was!


I think this picture shows the colors better


I also finished a pair of longies, a hat, and a shawl (boy am I behind on photos!)

And just so that Elliot doesn't feel left out, here's a picture of him wearing the Everyday Pullover (which he in fact does wear every day!)


In business news, I have pretty much every one of my usual bases in stock at this moment. I have a huge coop coming up so I am going to be busy with that soon. But before I start on the coop I hope I have some time to work with my most favorite base, the Ambrosia MCN. I have waited for two months for this yarn to come to me and its as lovely as I remember it from last time!

New Toys & Yarn Samples

There is nothing I dislike more than having to drive down to the post office, wait in line, and pick up a package I've been waiting for for the last two weeks. This visit almost ended in a fist fight, I wasn't involved, but it was kind of scary. I guess the holidays are almost here...

But back to the pleasant news. I finally got my hands on some amazing luxury yarns I've been waiting on.

Yep, that's right, the package did come here all the way from China. Sometimes I have a hard time wrapping my head around this global market we live in. I regularly order from the US, Australia, Canada, and now China.

The four samples I ordered are (from left to right)

Silky Cashmere (55% silk, 45% Mongolian Cashmere)

Silky Merino (50%/50% silk merino)

Pure Cashmere (100% Cashmere)

Cashmerino (80% Merino, 20% Cashmere)

Now the trick is deciding what to get. Because what I didn't expect to come in the package is swatches for every single yarn the company carries! This is when I felt like I had just made it into paradise!!!

So yeah..... OH MY GOD! (I'm still not over the excitement)

For now I am probably going to focus on some of the silk bases as I have a large order of Ambrosia Sock MCN on the way here.

Now, I also picked up a new toy. I have been using my hand-crank swift for about a year now and it was definitely the time to make an upgrade. I happened upon a local dyer who was selling her two swifts and when I realized that the swifts were motorized I jumped on the deal. Were, more like I stalked the dyer until her other offer fell through and then I snabbed the swifts for myself!

I can now reskein two sock yarn skeins in 3 minutes! *happy dance*

Monster Mash

A custom colorway on its way to Norway! I love love love how the colors pop.

New fun colorway. I've been on a black kick lately. I especially love how the colors blend with black.

A photo of the staging area. These are the skeins on their way to new loving homes. I'm getting to the point where I've almost outgrown this space. And to think that this is where I used to dye!

This week I'm working on a major project of setting up a new studio in the garage. I've been dyeing in that space for about a year now. But just now I've decided to make some serious renovations and make my space more functional.

Had an electrician over today to give me a quote regarding getting a power hook up at the shed in our back yard. I would love to have my own dedicated studio space, the garage is very spacious and set up nicely for me, but it is also our storage space and I just don't want to share a room with our camping gear and tools. The garage studio gets the job done very well, but I want to feel inspired. I want to have beautiful art and painted walls. I want to make it mine.

I've been dyeing up a storm the last few days. Life is back into a routine and I now have a lot of time in the day for dyeing. I got all of my customs out of the way and even managed to dye lots of new colorways for the store. I'm working on a new sock yarn line, should be awesome once I'm finished. I'm using an over-dyeing technique to get some really cool color effects.

The last few customs had all asked for red (must be time that of year!) I have to admit red is my least favorite dye to work with. Its so finicky and I feel like I have to baby it every step of the way.

Here's one of the colorways, called 'Pacific Holiday'.

Hello Etsy PDX Recap

Almost by chance I came across an advertising for a local conference targeting artists and small business owners. I thought what the heck, and went for it.
I can only rate this as an A+ experience!

Hello Etsy is a hands-on gathering for small business owners who want to connect with their peers, learn the skills to find success and independence, and be part of the movement to build human-scale economies.

Some of the highlights included listening to the owner of Queen Bee Creations and Stumptown Coffee Roasters. I found both to be inspiring and approachable. Duane from Stumptown is downright hilarious, totally made me want to work for him!


I attended three workshop sessions; branding, money management, and business management.

At the moment my brain is exploding with information and ideas.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in putting together this awesome conference!

A secret

I'm so giddy with excitement because I have a secret I can't share yet (no, I'm not pregnant). It is actually 100% business related. I will say it involves a box. Preplexed yet?

Everyday Pullover

Finally I got around to writing up the pattern for this incredibly easy and cozy pullover. It is my shortest pattern to date! Oh and the best part? Its free!

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/everyday-pullover-sweater

Eoghan's Knot Vest

New pattern has been released this week!

It is a femenine vest for babies and girls, instructions go up to size 8, although the pattern is easy to modify for any size. I have an adult version in the works and a sweater version targeting to release next week.

You can purchase the pattern through Ravelry.

Vacation Knits & More

August is usually my slowest month, I put the business on simmer and enjoy the sunshine. I spent the last two weeks in Sunriver, OR, climbed a mountain, hiked, canoed, camped, and ate lots of ice cream!

But now it is back to business. I have 2 patterns just about ready to come out the door, as well as two more patterns waiting for final details.

I am really excited about this design. It is a combination of very stretchy and open eyelets with sections of solid stockinette. It does a great job at showcasing immersion dyed yarns. I didn't know what to name it at first. But after a visit to the Painted Hills I knew I had found my match!

One Last Post

Okay I swear this is the last time I mention Sock Summit!

But here are the photos of my booth... I just had to share these....

Sock Summit 2011 Recap

Sorry for such an abrupt post last time. I just ran out of time and had to prioritize other things over blogging.

Sock Summit 2011 was I N S A N E !

- Met repeat customers
- Met lots of new customers
- Sold out of 95% of my sock yarn
- Lots of networking
- Never saw so much yarn in my life!
- Approached by several local stores regarding wholesale/consignment

All in all it was a huge success and I can't wait to do another show!

I think my low point was dragging grid-wall across the convention center 15 minutes before the doors opened for the first buyers. Nothing like doing things in the last minute.... Of course that wasn't by choice, I had to drop the kids off with a friend, switch cars with the husband, and then pickup more show equipment.

Its HERE!

Wow how did it happen so quickly? Time just flew by and tonight I unloaded my boxes of yarn at the convention center.

At home before driving over

Apologies for the photo quality, I forgot to grab my real camera....

Stehekin

Vacation was incredible. We stayed at http://stehekinvalleyranch.com/

An all inclusive rustic ranch resort. As a work at home mom it was nice to take a week off of cooking, doing the dishes, and cleaning.

I've never been good about writing. Here's an excerpt from an article about Stehekin

You can do it all, sample one or two of the activities, or simply do nothing but curl up with a book and doze off in one of the conveniently situated hammocks or Adirondacks at the Ranch. As you breathe in the fresh air and feast your eyes on the glorious scenery, you‘ll realize just how much you needed to disconnect and disengage from that rat race you call life. Your senses will come alive in this natural, unspoiled piece of paradise and you’ll understand why so many folks make Stehekin their annual pilgrimage.

http://www.nwnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4655%3Astehekin-the-jewel-of-the-north-cascades&catid=90%3Atravel&Itemid=125

And the pie was to die for! mmmmmmmmmm pie

Here's my "captain's chair". The Adirondack chair I called home every evening.



And if you're curious about the knitting project. It is the "Dark and Stormy" cardigan, knit with my own yarn.



I hope we can return again next year....

Summer Happenings

Wow has it really been a month since my last blog post??? Summer is here in full force and I am finding myself juggling children, activities and the business.

This past month I finished another coop, and went through several bags of sock yarn for sock summit, finished two more designs (patterns not out yet), and have done several store stockings. I've also spent way too much time watching the first 6 seasons of "The Office" and putting together a last minute vegetable garden.

Here's Eoghan's Knot in the vest style, pattern includes a sweater version as well.