Archive for the 'yarn reviews' Category
We are just THRILLED that it is VESTVEMBER!
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
So…after talking several times with both Yahaira and Karen in recent days, I decided to cast on for a Vestvember project! (There are both Ravelry and Flickr groups for Vestvember…be sure to check them out!)
I was at Unravel the other day, because I heard a rumor that they had ordered some Lorna’s Laces yarn and wanted to see that for myself. They didn’t have any Lorna’s, but they did have this interesting yarn from Berroco. I used to shy away from yarns with high acrylic content, but after successfully using Berroco’s Comfort for a big project for myself a few years ago:
(it has held up GREAT!) I decided to give the Vintage a try.
It feels so nice in the hand, it’s soft, lofty, but still has that Cascade 220 (another fave of mine) feel of like, “ok, this is just plain, simple, old-fashioned YARN.” I *like* fluffy fancy high-end wools, but sometimes my knitting history calls from deep down inside and I just want YARN. BUT…this is more than “just yarn” … it’s MACHINE WASHABLE. And it feels GOOD! And the colors are FABULOUS! And…And…I knit my Vestvember project in TWO DAYS.
I decided to make a little vest for my Mazie.
Yahaira is doing a turtle / cowl, so I totally copied that. Well, let it sink into my brain until my brain said, “Hey! How about a turtle / cowl?” And I said, “Well, that would be GREAT! I wonder if Yahaira would think that would be cute?” (wink) Here is the start of my turtleneck on top of the cabinets that Nathan is refacing. (little peek into life at the New House.)
THEN…I thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could make this sweater for Mazie one year and have it still fit the NEXT year?” SO…I lengthened the armholes (in a decorative way) with the plan of adding little tabs at the side that I can move down as she gets bigger.
I also did a little deco thing at the hem, so that I could fold the hem at any of the purl ridges and hem it…then LET IT DOWN as she needs more length!! I didn’t hem this one, but I *could.*
Mazie likes it…I think.
Posted in yarn reviews, Patterns, baby, gift knitting | 2 Comments »
Sprout
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
The last few days have been great! I’ve gotten so much checked off my To Do list, I can’t believe it!
One of the yarns I’ve been working with this week is Classic Elite Sprout.
This 100% organic yarn is so soft and lofty. It’s going to make a lovely sweater for Mazie!
Maybe you can tell from the “winder” picture, we’re getting more and more moved in. As we finish painting one room, we can fill it up and shuffle things around and eventually, everything will be unpacked. At least that’s what I’ve been telling myself.
Here’s a sneak peek of a shawl that I just finished, to be released as a pattern in a new Stitch CoOp Shawls / Scarves booklet that we’re working on. Knit in Cascade 220 Superwash Paints.
I’m in a blue phase. Blue is so calming.
Posted in yarn reviews, Patterns, baby | 2 Comments »
…Speaking of Knitting in the Sun
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
I’ve got a warm-weather FO to share!
This sweater has been spotted in the background of several photos, it’s been living on the mannequin in my living room for MONTHS.
It’s knit back and forth on circs, with the lapels picked up last. The yarn is Dali from Textiles a Mano. I blogged about the yarn here. That was a LONG time ago! Almost a year!
One thing that slowed me down is that the yarn is one of those that you really have to want to knit. It’s stiff, so you can’t really ZOOM with it…but it’s SO WORTH IT. The fabric is definitely holding its shape…it’s been on the mannequin for almost a year and hasn’t stretched out. The texture of the fibers is so perfect (see the post I linked to earlier for closeups) and the sheen is amazingly luminous! It shines like pearls.
Stay Tuned this week for another book review, a SOAK promo, and more Summer Knits!
Posted in yarn reviews, Patterns | No Comments »
LB collection swatches.
Monday, February 23rd, 2009
Around the time of my podcast chat with Zontee of Lion Brand Yarns, I received a sampler of some of the new LB Collection yarns.
I had a chance to play with a few over the weekend. Lion doesn’t have a special page just for this collection, so I’m adding links to the individual info pages.
Here’s my swatch of the Superwash Merino:
I knit the swatch in stockinette, then in seed stitch, then a ribbed cable. I used a 5 instead of the recommended 6. Superwash yarns can sometimes feel sort of over-treated or almost like an acrylic. The LB superwash, though, is soft and lofty. As I was knitting it, it felt thin as it ran through my fingers, but it really sproinged up when knit. I think this would be great as a DK sock yarn, and also for baby stuff! The stitch definition is really nice, as you can see, so would do well with any textured pattern.
This is the Cotton Bamboo.
You know how some cotton (or bamboo or hemp) yarns can feel like string and hurt your hands as you use it? At first, this one LOOKED to me like it would, but once I cast on and started working with it, I really liked it. It has a really nice loft, so it creates a drapey, soft fabric. (I started a reclamation scarf with it, of course!) It has a subtle sheen and a really nice texture.
The next one that I’m going to try out is the LB collection wool stainless steel. My friend Cindy gave me a partial cone of habu wool that I’m going to carry along with this. See how well the colors coordinate? I can’t wait to try it! (have to meet a couple deadlines, then I can play!) 
Oh, and here’s the Organic Wool. 
I think that the circle shrug from Glam Knits: 25 Designs For Luxe Yarns
Posted in yarn reviews, Book Talk | No Comments »
New Bamboo! The color of Hope.
Thursday, January 29th, 2009
Scarf Kits will be available as soon as I can get them listed.
Here’s a preview:
And there are more drying! There are about 40 in all. Most are DK weight bamboo, same as last time, but the rest are a really pretty worsted chain-type bamboo and a tape yarn made of corn.
My theme this time is “The color of hope.” I was dyeing these while Nathan and I were watching the inauguration. He asked me, “What color do you think represents hope?” We decided at the time that it was a golden yellow, like the color of Michelle’s dress. The more I thought about it, the more colors started to come to mind. The rusty auburn of my daughter’s hair, the flush of healthy pink cheeks, the blue of a clear sky, a rich royal purple, and, of course, green for money, spring grasses, my grandmother’s eyes.
So, this batch of yarn incorporates a little bit of each of these colors. Some came out mostly blue with a little green, while others are vibrant purple and chartreuse with a little peach. I’ll post them individually so that you can see how they differ.
Dyeing yarn is always an interesting experiment. I love to layer the colors, which is why they are each so unique.
As usual, the kits come with stitch markers, 3 scarf patterns, and 50g hand dyed bamboo or corn yarn. (Plus whatever Glampyre swag I can find to stick in with them!)
Posted in yarn reviews, Patterns, etsy | 2 Comments »
Knitting on the road…Lorna’s Laces Pearl
Saturday, January 24th, 2009
Today I left home for the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Trade Show in Anaheim, CA. I woke up at 6, didn’t shower, didn’t do anything really but get in car. I have to drive over an hour to the airport from my house, so I tend to get up ultra early and feel really paranoid about getting there late all the way up until I’m through security.
THIS trip, I even drove past a raging hay fire. Yeah. A hay fire. Hay on fire. There’s a big feed lot on the way to the airport and two big barns of hay were smouldering and pumping black smoke into the air. I even think I saw a smoke rainbow, if that’s possible.
It was cloudy at home and it’s cloudy here. I had planned to get in, shower, and go walk around. Instead, I’m ordering food, taking a hot hot shower, getting into sweats and knitting.
Not just knitting, but knitting the brand new Lorna’s Laces Pearl, in Annie’s colorway “Roadside Gerry.” Lorna’s Laces has been doing a neat thing and asking several knitter-bloggers to design colorways, and this is the one Annie designed. If you’ve read her blog or her newest book, you get the reference…and I’m not going to spoil it by trying to tell you about it…so read her book! Read her blog!
I should have known it was hers when I chose this one (perfect “redhead colors!”) but I didn’t realize it until I got home and read the label. Annie is part of the Stitch Co-op, and I’ve been getting to spend a little bit of time with her at each TNNA. I always enjoy Annie.
I’m certainly enjoying her colorway!
Pearl is a silk bamboo blend, with 220 yards per hank! 220 yards! I’m making another triangle scarf / mini shawl thing…you’ll see. Sometimes I’m allergic to silk yarns, something about those teeny fibers flying around. I’m not allergic to this one! Yay!
I started knitting this little triangle on the plane. I’ve never talked so much about knitting while on a plane ride! And to two non-knitting rancher types. It was very surreal. I taught a stewardess how to make yo k2tog lace! I’m excited to show you what I’m making, so I’ll eat my lunch now and get back to work!
ETA:
PS: I finished it!!
I really love this scarf! For now, I’m going to leave it unblocked (I’m on the road, and I want to WEAR it) but it’ll be pretty good-sized when it’s blocked. 220 yards is a LOT of yarn! YAY! Thank you Lorna’s Laces!
Posted in yarn reviews, events | 2 Comments »
Hello HGTV Knitty Gritty viewers! You’re just in time for some product reviews!
Friday, January 23rd, 2009
I can tell that my episode just aired, because I have all sorts of nice emails and a bunch of new newsletter subscribers. (Yes, I have a newsletter!)
Please be sure to check the errata for Fitted Knits if you’re new…it’s that link in the upper left sidebar. Also, I’m “Stefanie” on Ravelry, and “Glampyre” on Twitter. Whew!
You are joining us just in time for my first Product Review from spring ‘09 TNNA!
I have two things to talk about today (and many, many more to come!)
The first thing I want to talk about is my new Zuma Bag from the Cali Collection of Namaste knitting bags. I love the whole Cali collection, but this one is my favorite of all. It actually looks like a purse. And not just a purse, but a purse that I would CARRY.
When I was talking to “Namaste Kelly” at the booth, we were discussing how I think that these bags are the “status” bags of the knitting world. It’s really true! I find that when I teach away from home, the ’serious’ knitters usually have some form of Namaste bag on one arm (and a Lexie tote on the other!)
I love the Zuma style in particular, because it’s something I can carry every day. I don’t have to move my knitting stuff in and out of my purse OR try to remember where the heck my wallet and keys have gone to…because I have no need to switch bags!
There is room in here for a sweater or a sweater’s worth of yarn…and you HAVE to see this genius front pocket:
FOR YOUR CIRCULAR NEEDLES! Genius engineering!
This bag gets my highest review points…functional…looks great…love it!!
My next review is of the new Malabrigo Silky Merino yarn. I was lucky enough to come home with a skein of this in a fabulous hot pink / gray / purple color called Vigo.
Can you see how this yarn just sparkles?? It’s so soft and easy on the hands. I’m making a little triangle scarf. I just have the one skein, but want something useful from this yarn NOW.
Tune in next time for a review of the new PolarKnit yarn. I have a special project in mind for this.
I leave tomorrow for CHA…so I might just have time to work out my idea before I get home to post again on Tuesday!
Posted in yarn reviews, press | 2 Comments »
Working with the 100purewool
Sunday, August 17th, 2008
I started working on a couple of little things using that 100Purewool from yesterday.
First is a little cardigan:
And I’m working on a soaker to go with it. I think it’ll be a ruffle-bottom (or “Rhumba Pant”) soaker like this one:
I posted a little video about how I’m doing my increases to make the body / main part of the soaker.
It’s my first YouTube video, so be forgiving! I tried to edit the length, but I cut myself off…you’ll see.
I’ve got three hanks of the Purewool, and I’ve used one whole one already. I decided to dye one of these so that it’s more solid and I can use it as a trim yarn on both the soaker and the sweater.
Here it is soaking in vinegar and water before I added the Koolaid:
I’m really happy with this yarn, it’s just as soft as the singles, but I think it’ll pill less thanks to the plies.
Posted in yarn reviews, just chit chat, Patterns | 1 Comment »
Mazie has her first tooth! (and I have some new yarn…)
Friday, August 15th, 2008
Here’s my baby with her FIRST TOOTH!
I was trying to get her to smile, but of course she was suddenly shy. This little tooth is so welcome in our house! Now, if only his partner would hurry up and come in, we’d all have such happy goodnights!
She’s been so good, actually, through the process. We have such a happy baby!
Here she is in a little dress that my mom just finished for her:
The yarn is some weird off-brand cotton/nylon blend that I got on eBay years and years ago. It’s got a great texture, though, and that nylon adds a nice stretch. I love the color, too. I made a sweater for my MIL on year out of it.
Here’s MY new yarn!:
It’s three skeins of 100PureWool that I bought from Cindy (who is in my knitting group here in LC.) She ordered it online and the color didn’t match the description at ALL, so, to help her get over the trauma of ordering, waiting, arguing, feedback, etc., I took it off her hands. I’m sweet like that. Any time there is mint green / icy blue yarn in danger, I’ll come to the rescue. I love this color, and it goes so well with Mazie’s skin.
I’m dreaming up a soaker / sweater set for fall. This yarn is so soft, it’s great for next-to-the-skin baby stuff. Despite poor Cindy’s experience, I jumped at the chance to buy this from her! I’ve only used the singles before (to make this…scroll down.) The plied version is really soft, too. I did a swatch and I like it best on 7s.
Posted in yarn reviews, baby | 1 Comment »
Chagrin
Saturday, August 9th, 2008
This is a pile of Lorna’s Laces Green Line DK in the color Chagrin.
It’s for a magazine pattern, and I actually got to choose my own yarn! Usually, you submit sketches and they tell you what yarn it will be, in what weight, and which color…so this is the first time that I’ve gotten to make this choice for a print publication. Kinda cool.
I’ll tell you more about it as the time comes near.
Here are my swatches:
I absolutely love the texture of that honeycomb cable pattern. I decided to use the honeycomb cable and the two-strand rope-looking one. Though I really like the look of the three-strand braided cable, the ones I chose to use both cable on the same row / round, so it’s easier to keep track of.
This yarn is so pretty! It’s a true red, and is a hand dye, so it has some variation in the color. (This is called a “semi-solid.”)
One thing I’m noticing in my work is that I’m starting to add in more texture. My first few published designs were pretty texture-free, just playing with color and shape. And now I’m starting to fill in the outline. To add all-over texture stitches, and to play with cables and how they grow out of nothing:
Or how they grow from the shoulder increases:
So, even though I still love the raglan construction, I’m evolving. I will probably always love the raglan.
Sometime I’ll post some photos of the sweaters my grandma knit. She was a big raglan-er, too. Two of the ones I inherited are in storage, but I’ll see if my mom has some in her closet that we can see.
Things around here are busy-busy. I’m in my third official month as freelancer (with no “real” job on the side) and it’s a little weird. It’s hard not to just sign up for every job that comes up, and to really think about my time. Since I stopped working so that I could spend time with Mazie…I need to be really conscious of what I can actually handle and what I should pass up.
I’ve felt sort of out of the loop for the last few months, with a brand new baby and was not really paying attention to what’s going on in the larger knitting universe, so it’s especially tempting to overbook. It’s just going to take some getting used to and some experimentation to figure out what my schedule should be like. It’s really nice, though, to be able to “think knitting” all the time.